Avis Car Rental
West Palm Beach

Palm Beach International Airport is designed for a very efficient traveler flow. After you retrieve your luggage from the carousels on Level One, the rental car counters, including Avis, are located directly within the baggage claim area. This convenient placement means you won't need to go back upstairs or search for a separate building. Once you've completed the rental process at the counter, you'll be directed to a covered walkway that leads straight to the parking garage where your vehicle will be waiting, ensuring a smooth and direct path from the terminal to the driver's seat.

A great central meeting point at PBI is the main atrium on Level Two, located just past the security checkpoints and before the concourse entrances. This area has seating, shops, and a large, open feel, making it easy to spot fellow travelers. Alternatively, you can all agree to meet at the Avis counter in the baggage claim area on Level One. This allows the primary driver to begin the rental process while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive with their luggage, streamlining your departure from the airport.

For a relaxed first drive, consider setting your navigation to the Tanger Outlets Palm Beach, just a few minutes west of the airport. The route is simple with clear signage, allowing you to acclimate to local roads without the intensity of downtown traffic. The large, easy-to-navigate parking lots provide a perfect opportunity to adjust your mirrors, connect your phone to the car's system, and review your next route. This short trip helps you get comfortable with the vehicle and the area's driving rhythm in a low-pressure setting.

For first-time visitors, the most straightforward route from PBI to downtown West Palm Beach is to take Belvedere Road east. This road offers a direct path with clear lane markings and eventually leads you right to the downtown core. If your destination is Palm Beach island, you can continue on Belvedere Road and then take a simple turn onto one of the main bridges, like the Royal Park Bridge. This approach avoids complex highway interchanges immediately after picking up your car, providing a more relaxed introduction to the area.

Driving to The Square, formerly known as CityPlace, is quite direct from the airport, but be prepared for a vibrant urban environment. The area is pedestrian-friendly, which means you should watch for people crossing at intersections and mid-block. For parking, The Square has several large, well-marked parking garages that are easy to enter and are your best option for short-term or overnight parking. Using one of these garages is much simpler than searching for limited street parking, allowing you to park once and explore the shops and restaurants on foot.

Driving over the bridges to Palm Beach island is a scenic and generally simple experience, but the drawbridges are a key feature to be aware of. These bridges open periodically to allow boat traffic to pass through the Intracoastal Waterway, which can cause temporary traffic stops. When a bridge is about to open, you'll see flashing lights and barrier arms will lower, much like a railroad crossing. Simply stop and enjoy the view; it's a unique part of the local charm and the delays are usually brief.

During peak dining hours, typically from 6 PM to 8 PM, both Flagler Drive and South Dixie Highway (US-1) can experience significant congestion. Flagler Drive, with its beautiful waterfront views, often slows down as drivers look for parking or enjoy the scenery. South Dixie Highway is a major commercial artery with many traffic lights and entrances to popular restaurants, which can cause stop-and-go traffic. Visitors often get stuck near the main intersections leading to downtown West Palm Beach or the bridges to Palm Beach island, so it's wise to allow extra travel time.

When driving to a hotel on Palm Beach island, it's best to have your navigation set to the specific address before you cross the bridge. The island has several one-way streets and areas with limited turn options, particularly around the main commercial district of Worth Avenue. A good strategy is to use one of the main east-west roads, like Royal Palm Way, to get your bearings once you're on the island. Approaching your hotel from a major road rather than trying to cut through smaller residential streets will help you avoid most navigational challenges.

A common point of confusion for visitors leaving PBI is navigating the interchange for I-95. The signs appear quickly, and drivers sometimes find themselves in the wrong lane for heading north or south. To avoid this, set your GPS before you leave the rental car garage and listen closely to the lane guidance instructions. Another tip is to be aware that the Florida Turnpike is a separate toll road from I-95; ensure your navigation is set for the correct highway to prevent an unexpected detour onto a route you didn't intend to take.

For a first drive at night, the major thoroughfares around PBI are your best option as they are well-lit and clearly marked. Belvedere Road, which runs directly east-west from the airport, is a wide, multi-lane road with good lighting that provides a straightforward route to either I-95 or downtown West Palm Beach. Similarly, Okeechobee Boulevard is another major, well-lit artery that is easy to navigate. Sticking to these main roads for your initial journey will provide a more comfortable and secure driving experience after dark.

Traffic around the I-95 interchanges, especially at Okeechobee Boulevard and Belvedere Road, can be heavy during standard rush hours, from about 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays. During these times, you can expect significant slowing and congestion on the ramps and surrounding surface streets. For the easiest experience, plan your travel during off-peak hours, such as mid-day between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Weekends are generally less congested, though Saturday afternoons can see increased traffic around shopping areas.

On a weekend evening, the downtown area encompassing Rosemary Square, Clematis Street, and the waterfront becomes a lively and busy hub. Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, especially on Clematis Street, which is known for its nightlife and restaurants. Finding street parking can be challenging, so your best bet is to head directly for one of the public parking garages. Be patient, drive slowly, and be highly aware of people crossing the streets, as the atmosphere is festive and bustling.

The downtown West Palm Beach area is perfect for a 'park once' day. You can secure a spot in a garage near Clematis Street or Rosemary Square and easily explore both destinations on foot, as they are connected by a pleasant walk or a free trolley service. From the Clematis Street waterfront, you can enjoy views of the Intracoastal Waterway, and then walk west to experience the vibrant shops and restaurants. This compact and pedestrian-friendly layout makes it ideal for leaving the car behind and enjoying the city's atmosphere.

Using your rental car for a beach day is incredibly convenient for transporting gear like chairs and coolers. The most practical approach is to aim for public beach parks, such as Lake Worth Beach Park or Phipps Ocean Park, which have dedicated parking lots close to the sand. Arrive early to secure a good spot, which will minimize the distance you have to carry your equipment. Many visitors find it helpful to use a small collapsible wagon to easily move their belongings from the car to their chosen spot on the beach.

To reliably find parking at popular beach access points, especially on weekends or holidays, it's best to arrive before 10:00 AM. Lots at sought-after locations like Palm Beach Municipal Beach or Lake Worth Beach can fill up quickly as the day progresses. During the week, you have a bit more flexibility, but an early start is still the best strategy for securing a convenient spot. Arriving early not only guarantees parking but also allows you to enjoy the beach during the cooler morning hours before the midday sun.

For a trip to Peanut Island, the most common departure point is the Peanut Island Shuttle Boat, which leaves from the Riviera Beach Marina. To get there without confusion, set your navigation directly to the marina's address. The easiest driving route from the West Palm Beach area is to take US-1 (Broadway) north into Riviera Beach and follow the signs for the marina and Peanut Island. The marina has ample parking, and by heading there directly, you avoid searching for smaller, less obvious water taxi locations.

Driving to the Port of Palm Beach is generally straightforward, but traffic can become congested, particularly on cruise departure days. The main access roads, such as US-1 (Broadway) and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Riviera Beach, are where you'll experience the most slowing. Traffic tends to bunch up right at the entrance to the port as vehicles are directed to cruise terminals or parking areas. It's crucial to allow plenty of extra time on cruise days and follow the port authority's signage carefully to navigate to the correct location.

When driving to The Breakers, visitors can sometimes miss the main entrance, which is a grand, clearly marked gateway off South County Road; using GPS is highly recommended to guide you directly there. For Worth Avenue, the primary challenge is understanding the parking situation and the one-way vias, or small alleys, that run perpendicular to the main street. It's best to find a spot in a designated lot or use valet services rather than attempting to navigate the tight vias, which can be confusing for first-time visitors.

During a major event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, expect significantly increased traffic on Okeechobee Boulevard, the main road fronting the venue. Traffic can back up on the I-95 exit ramps and surrounding streets as attendees make their way to the center's parking garage. If you are not attending the event, it's wise to use an alternate east-west route like Belvedere Road to bypass the congestion. If you are attending, allow at least 30 extra minutes for your drive and to find parking.

During major waterfront events like the Palm Beach International Boat Show or SunFest, traffic patterns and access change dramatically. Main roads along the waterfront, such as Flagler Drive, are often closed to vehicle traffic for several blocks. This pushes all cars onto parallel routes like Olive Avenue and Dixie Highway, causing significant congestion. Parking becomes extremely limited, and using designated event parking lots with shuttle services is highly recommended. Always check the official event website for road closure maps and transportation advice before you go.

Rapids Water Park is located just off the Florida Turnpike and Military Trail. The easiest approach is typically via Military Trail, which is a major north-south road. To avoid the biggest traffic jam when leaving, consider departing about 30-45 minutes before the park's official closing time. The main exit onto Military Trail can get very backed up as everyone leaves at once. Alternatively, waiting until about 30 minutes after closing can also allow the initial rush to dissipate, providing a much smoother exit.

For a smooth day trip to Jupiter, taking I-95 North is generally the fastest and most direct route. Congestion can sometimes occur around the PGA Boulevard exit in Palm Beach Gardens, especially on weekends, as it's a major hub for shopping and dining. An alternative, more scenic route is to take US-1 North. While this route has traffic lights and a lower speed limit, it offers pleasant views and direct access to many coastal parks and attractions along the way, avoiding highway-specific backups.

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the adjacent public beaches in Juno Beach are extremely popular destinations. To ensure you find parking, especially on a weekend or during sea turtle nesting season (March-October), it is essential to arrive early in the day. Aim to get there before 10:00 AM, as the dedicated parking lots fill up quickly. If you arrive later, you may need to search for street parking in the surrounding residential areas, which can be a considerable walk from the center and the beach.

Driving from PBI to Wellington is quite straightforward, primarily using Southern Boulevard heading west. The drive takes about 25-35 minutes without heavy traffic. However, during major seasonal equestrian events, especially on weekend afternoons, you should anticipate significant traffic delays on Southern Boulevard and the smaller roads within Wellington, like Pierson Road and South Shore Boulevard. It's advisable to add at least 30 minutes to your expected travel time to account for event-related congestion near the polo grounds.

The most comfortable and direct route from PBI to Delray Beach or Boca Raton is to take I-95 South. The entrance to I-95 from the airport area is well-marked and avoids the more complex interchanges found on other highways. This route provides a straight shot down the coast with clearly numbered exits for both cities. While it can have heavy traffic during peak hours, its directness and simplicity make it a less stressful option for visitors unfamiliar with the area compared to navigating local roads.

Driving on US-1 (also known as Dixie Highway or Federal Highway) offers a completely different experience than I-95. US-1 is a surface-level highway that runs through the heart of coastal towns, featuring frequent traffic lights, lower speed limits, and numerous business entrances. While I-95 is built for speed and long-distance travel, US-1 is for local access and provides a more scenic, albeit slower, journey. Expect a stop-and-go pace, but enjoy the benefit of easily pulling over to explore shops, restaurants, and parks along the way.

A day trip to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach is very easy with a rental car. From the West Palm Beach area, it's a simple drive south on either I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. The museum is located just off a main road and has a large, dedicated parking lot that is free for visitors, eliminating any parking stress. The drive typically takes about 30-40 minutes, making it a convenient and highly rewarding cultural excursion for a morning or afternoon.

For a less stressful Everglades-style day trip, heading west from West Palm Beach is your best bet. You can take Southern Boulevard (US-98/SR-80) directly west, which will lead you toward the northern edges of the Everglades ecosystem around Lake Okeechobee. This route is generally a straight and simple drive through more rural landscapes, avoiding the heavy suburban traffic you might encounter by heading south first. It allows for a gradual transition from the city to the wilder landscapes of South Florida.

A convenient way to make a quick grocery stop after leaving PBI is to head just west of the airport instead of east toward the busier downtown area. There are several large supermarkets located along Belvedere Road and Okeechobee Boulevard within a short, five-minute drive from the rental car center. These shopping centers have large parking lots and are situated away from the heaviest I-95 interchange traffic, making for a low-stress and efficient first errand before you head to your accommodations.

A great place for a relaxed re-pack is one of the local public parks located a short drive from the airport, such as Dreher Park. These parks offer ample parking space, often in shaded areas, where you can take your time organizing luggage and sorting beach gear without the pressure of being in a busy commercial lot. This allows you to get everything situated comfortably in your rental vehicle before you officially begin your vacation activities, ensuring a more organized and stress-free start to your trip.

Driving in West Palm Beach requires attentive awareness, as the style can be a mix of relaxed coastal cruising and fast-paced highway commuting. On major roads like I-95, drivers can be assertive with lane changes, so it's important to maintain a safe following distance and use your turn signals well in advance. On surface streets, be prepared for sudden stops as drivers turn into shopping centers or look for street parking. Always be extra cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the downtown and waterfront areas.

One of the biggest surprises for visitors is the prevalence of landscaped medians on major roads, which often restrict left turns except at designated intersections or U-turn areas. This means you may need to drive past your destination and make a U-turn to approach it from the correct direction. Additionally, in older areas like downtown West Palm Beach and on Palm Beach island, you can encounter unexpected one-way streets. Keeping your navigation system active, even for short trips, is the best way to avoid these surprises.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in South Florida and can bring sudden downpours and reduced visibility. If you're driving when one hits, the most important thing is to slow down, turn on your headlights, and increase your following distance. Be particularly cautious on bridges and waterfront roads like Flagler Drive, as they are exposed and can experience standing water. If the rain becomes too intense, it's safest to pull over into a secure parking lot and wait for the worst of the storm to pass.

For families with small children, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium and the Palm Beach Zoo are excellent choices with easy logistics. Both attractions are located right next to each other in Dreher Park and share a large, free parking lot situated very close to their main entrances. This minimizes the walking distance for little legs. Another great option is Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, which also has its own parking lot just steps from the entrance, making for a hassle-free family outing.

When rotating drivers, it's simplest to make the switch in large, easy-to-navigate parking lots, such as those at a supermarket, a public park, or a shopping center. For drop-offs and pickups in busy areas like downtown or near the beach, designate a specific, easily identifiable landmark as your meeting point. Using the passenger loading zones at hotels or attractions can also be very effective. Clear communication and planning your swaps in low-stress environments will ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

For a smooth entry into a gated community, be sure to get clear instructions from your host beforehand. You will likely need to know their full name, address, and sometimes they may need to call the security gate to pre-authorize your visit. Have your driver's license ready to present to the guard. Once inside, rely on your GPS, but also pay close attention to street signs, as the winding roads can sometimes be confusing. Driving slowly and being mindful of residents, cyclists, and golf carts is essential.

The Brightline station in West Palm Beach is conveniently located downtown and has its own dedicated parking garage, making it very easy to use with a rental car. The entrance to the garage is clearly marked and accessible from the main city streets. You can park your rental car there while you take a train trip or use it as a central point for picking up or dropping off passengers connecting with the train. The area is well-signed, but be aware of one-way streets in the immediate vicinity of the station.

To avoid stress when returning your car, it's wise to leave your Palm Beach island hotel about 30-45 minutes earlier than your GPS suggests, especially during morning rush hour (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM). The drawbridges can open for boat traffic at any time, causing unpredictable delays. Additionally, morning commuter traffic heading off the island and onto I-95 can create backups. Giving yourself this extra buffer ensures you'll arrive at the PBI rental car return with plenty of time to spare.

Approaching the PBI rental car return is well-signed from both directions. From downtown, the most direct route is to take Belvedere Road west and follow the airport signs; as you near the terminal, stay in the left lanes for 'Rental Car Return.' If you're coming from I-95, take Exit 69 for Belvedere Road and head east. Shortly after exiting the highway, you will see large overhead signs directing you into the left lanes for the airport and the clearly marked entrance for the rental car return garage.

A great plan is to visit a beach with easy access, like Lake Worth Beach, for sunrise. After enjoying the view, you can take Lake Avenue west directly to I-95 North for a quick and straightforward drive to the PBI exit at Belvedere Road. Traffic will be very light at this early hour. Plan to leave the beach about 15-20 minutes before you would normally depart for the airport. This gives you ample time for the short drive and to refuel the car if needed, ensuring a calm and timely return.