Car Hire
West Palm Beach

Palm Beach International Airport is known for its user-friendly layout, which makes late-night arrivals less stressful. The rental car centre is conveniently located on-site and connected directly to the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage from baggage claim, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." You will typically take a short, covered walkway to reach the service counters, eliminating any need to go outside or take a shuttle between terminals.

For a simple and direct drive to downtown West Palm Beach, exit the airport and head east on Belvedere Road. In about a mile you will merge onto I-95 North for a very brief journey of just one or two exits. Take the exit for Okeechobee Boulevard and head east, which will lead you directly into the heart of the downtown area. This route is well marked and helps you avoid more complex highway interchanges further from the city centre.

The Royal Park Bridge, which is a direct extension of Okeechobee Boulevard, is generally the most straightforward choice for first-time visitors. It leads you to the central part of Palm Beach, conveniently close to the famous Worth Avenue and several popular resorts. The approach is well signed from downtown West Palm Beach and I-95. While other bridges exist, this one provides the most intuitive entry point to the island's main attractions.

During weekday morning rush hour, typically from 7:00am to 9:30am, you should plan for significant traffic delays. It's wise to add at least 30 to 45 minutes to your usual travel time just for the drive to the airport. Factoring in time to refuel the vehicle, complete the return process, and get through airport security, leaving your hotel 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight's departure is a safe strategy. This buffer helps prevent stress caused by unexpected congestion on roads like Okeechobee Boulevard or I-95.

Immediately after leaving the airport rental facility, you'll find several large shopping plazas along Belvedere Road and Southern Boulevard. These centres have spacious, easy-to-access car parks that are perfect for a brief stop. Pulling into one of these spots allows you to safely programme your navigation system, adjust your mirrors and seating, and organise your luggage without the pressure of being on a busy road. It’s a great way to get settled before merging onto major highways like I-95.

Flagler Drive is the scenic heart of West Palm Beach's waterfront, but it is frequently impacted by major events like SunFest or the Palm Beach International Boat Show. During these times, expect significant road closures, diversions, and extremely heavy pedestrian traffic. Before heading to the waterfront, it's essential to check the city's website for traffic alerts and event schedules. Be prepared to use parallel routes like Olive Avenue or Quadrille Boulevard and allow for considerable extra travel time.

The most efficient strategy when driving around The Square is to utilise the dedicated public parking garages attached to the complex. Instead of searching for limited and often time-restricted on-street parking, head directly into one of the multi-level garages. This approach saves time and frustration, allowing you to park your vehicle once and explore the entire district on foot. The garages are well lit, clearly signed, and offer convenient access to all the shops and restaurants.

To reach the Peanut Island water taxi, take Blue Heron Boulevard east from either I-95 or U.S. Highway 1. The drive itself is straightforward, but the primary challenge is parking at the Riviera Beach Marina. The designated lots for the water taxi and the surrounding park fill up very quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early in the morning is the best strategy to secure a spot without a long wait or a lengthy walk from a distant overflow lot.

On sunny days, especially at weekends and during the peak tourist season from December through April, public beach car parks can reach capacity quite early. It's common for the most popular lots, such as those at Palm Beach Municipal Beach or Ocean Reef Park, to be full by 10:30am. To ensure you get a convenient spot and avoid the frustration of circling packed lots, planning to arrive before 10:00am is highly recommended.

Driving directly on Worth Avenue can be slow and congested, as it's designed more for leisurely cruising and pedestrian enjoyment. The most practical approach for visitors is to park nearby and explore the street on foot. There are several public parking lots conveniently located on the streets just off Worth Avenue, such as on Peruvian Avenue. Using these lots or one of the available valet services is far easier than trying to find parking on the main thoroughfare itself.

For the most efficient and stress-free drive to Jupiter, taking I-95 North is your best option. It is the most direct route and, outside of peak rush hour, generally has smooth-flowing traffic. Once in Jupiter, the exits for Indiantown Road or Donald Ross Road provide easy access to the lighthouse, beaches, and local parks. While the coastal road A1A is more scenic, it involves many more traffic lights and significantly slower travel times.

For a day trip focused on reaching your destination efficiently, I-95 South is the clear choice. It is a major highway designed for direct, higher-speed travel and will get you to Delray Beach or Boca Raton much faster than any other route. The coastal road, A1A, offers beautiful scenery but is a slower, local road with frequent stops and much lower speed limits. A1A is best reserved for a leisurely sightseeing drive, not for practical point-to-point travel.

On weekend nights, downtown West Palm Beach becomes a vibrant and busy hub, which translates to challenging driving conditions. Expect a significant increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, with many people crossing streets unexpectedly. Parking becomes highly competitive, so it's best to head directly for a public garage. You should also anticipate frequent stops from ride-share vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers, so driving slowly and with heightened awareness is essential.

When a major event concludes at the convention centre, the primary access road, Okeechobee Boulevard, can become heavily congested. To avoid getting stuck in the outflow of traffic, check the event's schedule online beforehand. Plan your arrival or departure for times that don't coincide with the main start or end times. Using a navigation app with real-time traffic data can also help you find alternate routes, such as using side streets to connect to Parker Avenue or I-95.

Yes, the downtown grid has a number of one-way streets that can be tricky for first-time visitors. Key north–south arteries like Olive Avenue and Dixie Highway switch between one-way and two-way traffic, and streets like Quadrille Boulevard are also one-way. It's important to pay close attention to road signs and trust your GPS navigation. Making a wrong turn can sometimes require you to drive several blocks to get back on track.

The most direct and generally easiest route from PBI to Singer Island is taking I-95 North to the Blue Heron Boulevard exit and then heading east. The primary bottleneck on this route is the Blue Heron Bridge, which is a drawbridge that opens for boat traffic, potentially causing significant delays. While local roads are an alternative, they involve more traffic lights and intersections, making the I-95 route preferable for most drivers despite the potential bridge waits.

To make the process smoother, the best strategy is to use the terminal's curbside check-in or departures level first. Drive to the upper departures level and drop off all passengers and luggage with one adult from your group. This allows them to head inside comfortably while the driver proceeds alone to the rental car return centre. This approach avoids the hassle of managing bags and family members on the shuttle or walk from the rental facility.

The three bridges connecting West Palm Beach to the island of Palm Beach experience significant congestion during typical commute hours. In the morning, roughly 7:30am to 9:30am, traffic is heaviest heading west off the island. In the evening, from 4:00pm to 6:30pm, traffic is heaviest heading east onto the island. Planning your drives to avoid crossing the Intracoastal Waterway during these peak times can save you a considerable amount of time.

Conveniently, there are several major shopping centres located just a few minutes' drive from the airport's rental car facility. Along both Southern Boulevard and Belvedere Road, you will find large, well-known supermarkets like Publix, as well as Target and other big-box stores. These locations are perfect for a quick and easy stop to stock up on snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and any other supplies you need before checking into your accommodation.

For those unfamiliar with it, driving on I-95 in South Florida can be an intense experience. Traffic moves at high speeds, and drivers can be assertive with lane changes. It is a wide, multi-lane highway that is often very busy, especially during rush hour. The best advice for first-time visitors is to stay in the centre or right-hand lanes, maintain a safe following distance, know your exit well in advance, and focus on driving defensively.

For a classic scenic drive, take State Road A1A north or south along the barrier island, especially through the town of Palm Beach. This route offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and magnificent estates on the other. Another excellent choice is Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, which runs parallel to the Intracoastal Waterway and provides beautiful vistas of the water, yachts, and the Palm Beach skyline. While these routes have traffic lights, they are far more picturesque than the highway.

A same-day round trip to the Florida Keys from West Palm Beach is extremely challenging and not recommended for a relaxing experience. The drive to Key Largo, the northernmost key, is about three hours one-way without any traffic. Reaching Key West would take over five hours each way, leaving almost no time for sightseeing. This ambitious trip would involve at least 6–10 hours of driving, so planning for an overnight stay is a much more practical and enjoyable approach.

The most direct routes are I-95 South or Florida's Turnpike. While both are major highways, the Turnpike is a toll road and often has less traffic and fewer interchanges than I-95, which can make for a less stressful drive. To minimise lane changes on either route, try to travel outside of peak morning and evening commute times. Staying in the centre lanes until you are close to your exit can also help you avoid the constant merging of traffic.

Both the Palm Beach Zoo and Mounts Botanical Garden have their own dedicated car parks, which are typically sufficient on weekdays. However, on weekends, school holidays, and during special events, these lots can fill to capacity. To ensure you find a convenient parking space without any hassle, it is best to plan your arrival for earlier in the day. Arriving before 11:00am usually allows you to park easily and enjoy the attractions before the largest crowds arrive.

The influx of seasonal residents, or "snowbirds," from late autumn through early spring has a major impact on local traffic. During these peak months, you should expect significantly more cars on all roads, leading to longer travel times and increased congestion, especially on major arteries like I-95 and Okeechobee Boulevard. Competition for parking at beaches, restaurants, and popular attractions becomes much more intense, so allowing extra time for every outing is essential.

When driving in West Palm Beach, it's crucial to be aware of the frequent, high-speed Brightline trains. Always obey the signals, lights, and gates at railway crossings, and never attempt to beat a train or stop your vehicle on the tracks. Near the downtown Brightline station, be prepared for increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, especially around train arrival and departure times. Pay extra attention to people who may be rushing to catch their train.

The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is conveniently located with easy access from I-95. The most practical plan is to arrive at least an hour before the game starts, as traffic on the approach roads builds up considerably closer to the first pitch. Follow the official event signage that directs you to the designated grass parking lots. While there may be a short walk to the stadium entrance, arriving early ensures a smoother entry and less stress.

A frequent mistake is relying on GPS to find shortcuts through the narrow, winding residential streets of Palm Beach island. These roads are not designed for through traffic and can be confusing. It's best to stick to the main north–south roads like South County Road or A1A. Additionally, visitors should be aware that public access and parking near private clubs and estates like Mar-a-Lago are extremely restricted, so it's better to view them from the main road.

To make the day efficient, plan your itinerary geographically to avoid backtracking. A logical approach is to start your day in Palm Beach Gardens, perhaps visiting the mall or nearby attractions in the morning. Afterward, you can take a 15–20 minute drive south on I-95 or the Turnpike to spend the afternoon and evening exploring downtown West Palm Beach and its waterfront. This north-to-south progression creates a smooth and logical travel plan.

A great scenic loop starts by taking Southern Boulevard east from the airport area, crossing the Intracoastal Waterway to Palm Beach island. Drive north on the scenic A1A along the ocean, then take the Royal Park Bridge (Okeechobee Boulevard) west back into downtown West Palm Beach. From there, you can turn north on Flagler Drive to enjoy the waterfront views before heading west on a major road like Banyan Boulevard or Okeechobee to return toward your starting point.

The most direct route is to take PGA Boulevard east from I-95 or the Turnpike, then follow the signs to Singer Island and the park entrance on A1A. The park has a large car park, but it frequently reaches full capacity on sunny weekends and holidays. When the lot is full, staff will temporarily close the entrance to new vehicles, so it's wise to arrive early in the morning or have an alternate beach destination in mind as a backup plan.

South Florida's intense rainstorms can dramatically affect driving conditions in a short amount of time. Visibility can be severely reduced, and roads can become slick, so slowing down significantly is crucial. Be particularly cautious in low-lying areas and on older streets, which are prone to localised flooding. Never attempt to drive through standing water, as it is often much deeper than it appears and can easily stall your vehicle.

During hurricane season, which runs from June through November, always check the weather forecast before embarking on a day trip. Ask yourself if there are any developing tropical systems in the Atlantic or Gulf that could impact your route. It's important to know if your planned destination is on a barrier island that might have early evacuation orders. Always keep the car's fuel tank at least half full and be aware of major evacuation routes like I-95 and Florida's Turnpike.

Many of the area's premier golf courses are located west of the main coastal communities. To make an early tee time, it's important to account for the heavy eastbound commuter traffic on major roads like Okeechobee Boulevard, Southern Boulevard, and PGA Boulevard. Plan your route in advance and leave earlier than your navigation app suggests. This provides a comfortable buffer against any unexpected congestion near the I-95 or Turnpike interchanges.

The most direct route to Wellington's equestrian venues is to take Southern Boulevard (State Road 80) west from the West Palm Beach area. During major events, expect traffic to slow considerably as you get closer to the venues. Upon arrival, follow the specific event signage for parking, which is often located in large, managed grass fields. Be prepared for a short walk or a shuttle ride from your parking spot to the main event grounds.

Palm Beach International Airport offers a free cell phone waiting lot specifically for this purpose. It is located just a minute or two from the main terminal, and signs will direct you there as you approach the airport. You can park there and wait comfortably in your car until your arriving party has collected their luggage and called you to let you know they are ready at the arrivals curb for pickup.

The primary toll road in the region is Florida's Turnpike, which runs parallel to I-95 and is often a faster option for longer trips to Orlando or Miami. Most rental cars come equipped with a transponder that automatically handles toll payments. Further south of West Palm Beach, I-95 features express lanes with variable toll pricing to manage congestion. Access to these lanes also requires a transponder, which your rental vehicle should have.

Downtown West Palm Beach is an excellent choice for a 'park once' strategy. You can leave your car in a central garage near Rosemary Square (The Square) or Clematis Street and easily walk to countless shops, restaurants, and the waterfront. Another great option is the area around Worth Avenue on Palm Beach island, where you can park in a public lot and spend hours exploring the high-end boutiques and dining establishments on foot.

To catch the sunrise, plan to arrive at your chosen beach 20 to 30 minutes before the official sunrise time. Popular spots like Lake Worth Beach Park or Palm Beach Municipal Beach are good options. Before you go, confirm the opening hours for the public car parks, as some may not open until just before dawn. Be prepared to pay for parking as soon as the meters become active, as enforcement often begins early in the morning.

A common mistake is underestimating the total time required for the return process during peak periods. The line of cars to enter the rental return garage can get backed up, adding unexpected delays. It's also easy to forget personal items, so do a thorough sweep of the glove box, centre console, and boot before you leave the vehicle. Finally, be sure you are following the signs for your specific rental company to avoid ending up in the wrong lane.