Dollar Car Rental
West Palm Beach

Upon arrival at Palm Beach International, the process is designed to be very straightforward. After collecting your luggage from baggage claim, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to the Rental Car Center. All rental counters, including Dollar, are conveniently grouped together in one area, so you won't need to search far. Once you complete your paperwork at the counter, you will be directed to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are located, ensuring a smooth transition from the terminal to your car.

Palm Beach International Airport offers a dedicated cell phone waiting lot that is perfect for this situation. It's a safe, designated area located just a minute or two from the main terminal and rental car facility. You can easily pull in, park, and take a few moments to get your navigation set up and wait for the heaviest rain to pass. This allows you to get organized and comfortable before merging onto busy roads like I-95 or Okeechobee Boulevard.

For the simplest drive that avoids major highway interchanges, take Belvedere Road east directly from the airport area. This surface street offers a direct route into the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. While it has traffic lights, it eliminates the need for high-speed merges onto I-95 right after picking up your car. Following Belvedere Road will lead you straight toward key areas like The Square and the Kravis Center, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors.

The drive from PBI to the island of Palm Beach is surprisingly short, typically taking only 10 to 15 minutes without heavy traffic. The most direct and least stressful route for a newcomer is to take Okeechobee Boulevard east from the airport area. This road leads directly to the Royal Park Bridge, which is a wide, modern bridge offering a scenic and straightforward crossing over the Intracoastal Waterway. It provides an easy introduction to driving in the area.

The most efficient route to Singer Island from PBI is to take I-95 North for a few miles to the Blue Heron Boulevard exit. Head east on Blue Heron Boulevard, and it will take you directly over the causeway to the island. The Blue Heron Bridge is a large, modern structure and is not considered tricky, though you should pay attention to your lane as you approach the island itself. This route is well-signed and is the preferred path for most travelers.

Driving on I-95 offers a faster, more direct route for covering longer distances, but it involves higher speeds and can experience significant congestion during rush hour. In contrast, local roads like US-1 (also known as Dixie Highway) are slower, with frequent traffic lights and direct access to shops and restaurants. These surface streets are better for shorter trips or if you prefer a more leisurely pace, while I-95 is the clear choice for quickly getting north or south through the region.

The most common point of confusion for visitors leaving PBI is the immediate series of ramps connecting to I-95. It's easy to accidentally take the northbound ramp when you intend to go south, or vice versa. The key is to have your navigation app running before you leave the rental car garage and pay close attention to the large overhead signs. Choosing your lane early and confirming the direction (North to Orlando, South to Miami) will help prevent a wrong turn.

A great strategy is to use one of the public parking garages at The Square, such as the Hibiscus or Gardenia garage. You can arrange to meet your friends on one of the lower, less crowded levels. This provides a safe, out-of-the-way spot to park temporarily and load luggage into the car without obstructing the flow of traffic on the busy surrounding streets. From there, you can easily exit and head to your final destination together.

Morning rush hour typically runs from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, with the evening rush lasting from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. During these times, major east-west roads like Okeechobee Boulevard and Southern Boulevard become heavily congested, especially for travelers heading toward the beaches. I-95 also experiences significant slowdowns in both directions through the city. If your schedule is flexible, planning your drives outside of these peak windows will lead to a much smoother experience.

On weekends, the bridges connecting West Palm Beach to Palm Beach Island can get quite congested with beach and tourist traffic. Backups heading eastbound toward the island typically begin to build around mid-morning, often by 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM. The return traffic heading westbound can be heavy from the late afternoon until after sunset. To avoid the worst of it, plan to arrive on the island early in the morning or visit on a weekday if possible.

The Palm Beach Zoo is conveniently located very close to PBI, making it an easy first stop. The simplest route is to take Southern Boulevard west for a short distance and then follow the clear signage for Dreher Park, where the zoo is situated. The entrance is well-marked, and the zoo provides a large, dedicated parking lot directly in front, so finding a space is typically hassle-free. It's a very straightforward destination to navigate to right after leaving the airport.

The most direct route to Rapids Water Park is to take I-95 North from the airport to the 45th Street exit. From there, you'll head west on 45th Street, and the park will be on your right. The park is very well-signed from the highway. The main area where visitors should pay extra attention is the busy intersection of 45th Street and Military Trail, which has multiple turn lanes; just be sure to stay in the lane your navigation system suggests.

For maximum convenience, Lake Worth Beach Park is an excellent choice as it features a large parking lot situated directly adjacent to the sand, pier, and facilities. This minimizes the distance you have to carry your gear. Another great option is Phipps Ocean Park, which offers ample parking just a short walk from the beach, along with picnic areas and restrooms. Both locations are ideal for families looking to avoid a long trek with equipment.

Many historic hotels on Palm Beach were built when vehicles were smaller, so their entrances can be narrow. If you've rented a large SUV or van, it's a wise precaution to check for any posted height clearance signs before pulling under the porte-cochère. For peace of mind, you can also call the hotel ahead of your arrival to ask about any vehicle size restrictions or for specific instructions on where to pull up for check-in.

Downtown West Palm Beach offers a mix of parking options to suit different needs. Multi-level public garages are the most common and are ideal for longer stays when you plan to walk around. For quick errands, on-street metered parking is available, though finding an open spot in a prime location can be challenging during busy hours. Many restaurants and venues also offer valet services, which provide convenience but are less suited for quick in-and-out stops.

The most effective strategy for a day on Clematis Street is to park in one of the centrally located city garages, such as the Banyan or City Center garages. These are just a block or two off the main strip and provide safe, covered parking. By using a garage, you can comfortably leave your vehicle for several hours and explore the entire downtown area, from the shops and restaurants on Clematis to the parks along the Waterfront, all on foot.

Driving at night in West Palm Beach is generally safe, as major roads like Okeechobee Boulevard and US-1 are well-lit. However, visitors should be particularly cautious in the downtown Clematis Street district, which has many one-way streets and becomes a lively, pedestrian-heavy zone in the evenings. Always drive at a reduced speed in this area and be on the lookout for people crossing the street, especially near the numerous restaurants and bars.

For a performance at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, it's advisable to plan your arrival for at least 45 to 60 minutes before the show's start time. The primary source of delay is not usually the surrounding roads but the queue of cars waiting to enter the on-site parking garage. Arriving early allows you to navigate the garage, park, and get to your seat without feeling rushed, ensuring a more enjoyable evening.

To avoid getting lost on narrow residential streets, it's best to approach these iconic Palm Beach destinations using a major artery. Use your GPS to navigate directly to a specific valet stand or public parking area, such as the garages near Worth Avenue. Approaching via Royal Palm Way or Okeechobee Boulevard provides a more direct path. Trying to find on-street parking by circling the smaller side streets is often fruitless and can be a frustrating experience for visitors.

Florida enforces school zones very strictly, and they are common on many of the main roads you'll use to get to attractions. When the yellow lights are flashing, typically during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times, you must reduce your speed to the posted limit, which is often 15 or 20 mph. These zones are actively monitored, so it's crucial to be vigilant and slow down to ensure safety and avoid a costly ticket.

For newcomers, the series of on-ramps and off-ramps at the I-95 and Okeechobee Boulevard interchange can be complex, so it's important to be in the correct lane early. Additionally, many major roads like US-1 (Dixie Highway) feature medians that prohibit left turns at certain intersections. Instead, you'll be required to proceed to a designated U-turn lane, which can be an unfamiliar traffic pattern for many out-of-state drivers.

For a more relaxed and scenic drive to Jupiter, taking the coastal route along A1A is the best choice. It offers beautiful views but is slower due to lower speed limits and more traffic lights. If speed is your priority, I-95 North is the fastest option. On I-95, the most common slowdowns occur around the PGA Boulevard exit in Palm Beach Gardens, especially during peak travel times.

Parking at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse can be limited, as it shares space with adjacent parks and restaurants. To secure a spot without stress, it's best to plan your visit for earlier in the day, ideally arriving before 11:00 AM. This is especially true on weekends and sunny days when the area becomes a popular destination for both locals and tourists. An early arrival ensures you'll spend more time enjoying the lighthouse and less time circling for parking.

To catch the ferry to Peanut Island, you will park at the Riviera Beach Marina. The marina has a large public parking area, but it fills up very quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. It is highly recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before you plan to take the ferry. This provides a comfortable buffer to find parking, unload your beach gear, and walk to the shuttle boat without feeling rushed.

The drive to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is quite scenic, culminating in a crossing over a lovely bridge onto the northern part of Singer Island. The entrance is clearly marked from A1A. Be aware that on beautiful weekends and holidays, the park's parking lots can reach full capacity, leading to temporary closures. To guarantee entry, it's best to plan your arrival for the morning, ideally before 11:00 AM.

The most convenient parking strategy for exploring Atlantic Avenue is to head directly to one of the public parking garages located just a block or two off the main street, such as the Old School Square garage. This allows you to park your car once for the day and enjoy everything the area has to offer on foot. You can easily walk from the shops and galleries in the west to the restaurants and beach in the east without the hassle of finding new parking spots.

Driving on A1A is a completely different experience that requires heightened awareness compared to inland roads. The speed limits are significantly lower, and the road is shared with a high volume of cyclists and pedestrians. You must be prepared to stop frequently at the many marked crosswalks and give ample space to those on bikes. It's a scenic drive that demands a patient and defensive driving mindset rather than a focus on speed.

A perfect and simple stop along this route is at Lake Worth Beach Park itself. The park offers a large, easy-to-access public parking lot right on the oceanfront. You can pull in, park, and enjoy the pier, beach, and nearby restaurants. When you're ready to leave, exiting the lot and continuing your journey south or turning around to head back north is very straightforward, making it an ideal, stress-free scenic break.

The most direct and least complicated route to Wellington from the airport is to take Southern Boulevard (which is also designated as US-98 and SR-80) heading west. This major road takes you directly from the PBI area straight into the heart of Wellington without requiring any highway driving or complex interchanges. It is a well-maintained, multi-lane road that is easy to navigate for anyone unfamiliar with the region.

When there is a game or event, expect heavy traffic on 45th Street, the main road providing access to the ballpark. The key to a smooth arrival is to arrive early and follow the guidance of electronic signs and traffic police, who will direct you to the appropriate parking lot entrances. The lots are large, so give yourself extra time to park and walk to the stadium gates before the event begins.

The drive to Lion Country Safari is a relatively easy trip west on Southern Boulevard (US-98/SR-80). The road is straight and well-paved, but the landscape becomes progressively more rural the further west you go. The main challenge for newcomers is simply to keep an eye out for the park's large entrance signs. Since there are fewer landmarks out that way, it's possible to miss the turn if you're not paying attention to your GPS or the road signs.

To have the best experience, it's crucial to time your drive to avoid South Florida's notorious rush hour. Plan to leave West Palm Beach before 7:00 AM to get south of the Fort Lauderdale and Miami metro areas before commuter traffic peaks. For your return journey, aim to leave the Everglades area either before 3:00 PM or after 7:00 PM to miss the worst of the northbound evening congestion.

During peak times like spring break or holiday weekends, expect significantly increased traffic throughout the area. The biggest bottlenecks are typically the bridges to Palm Beach Island, major east-west roads like Okeechobee Boulevard, and the coastal highway A1A. Downtown areas like Clematis Street and The Square also become very congested. It's wise to double your estimated travel times and exercise extra patience when driving to popular destinations.

In the West Palm Beach area, I-95 is the primary free north-south interstate. The Florida Turnpike runs parallel to I-95 and is a toll road that generally offers a faster, less congested drive for longer distances. Most rental vehicles are equipped with a tolling transponder or a pay-by-plate system for convenience. You can discuss the specific program and options for your rental car when you pick it up at the counter.

You'll find several convenient shopping centers just a few minutes' drive from the airport along both Belvedere Road and Okeechobee Boulevard. These plazas host major grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retail stores, making it incredibly easy to stock up on snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and any other supplies. This allows you to get everything you need before heading to your hotel or the beach, avoiding the denser traffic of downtown.

The PBI Cell Phone Lot is the perfect spot for a safe and easy driver switch. It's located just a minute from the rental car return area and is designed for cars to pull in and wait. This provides a calm environment off the main road where you can comfortably swap drivers, adjust your seats and mirrors, and confirm your navigation before getting on the highway for a longer trip.

Florida's afternoon thunderstorms can produce intense downpours that severely reduce visibility, so it's essential to slow down and increase your following distance. Be cautious of standing water, as some lower-lying roads, particularly those closer to the Intracoastal Waterway, can be prone to temporary flooding. Never attempt to drive through deep water; it's always safer to find an alternate route or wait for the water to recede.

The simplest and most direct route to Palm Beach Gardens from PBI is to take I-95 North to one of the main exits, such as PGA Boulevard. This route is easy to follow and well-signed. Be aware that PGA Boulevard is a major commercial hub and experiences heavy traffic, especially during rush hour and on weekends, due to the abundance of shops, restaurants, and offices. Expect multiple lanes and frequent traffic signals as you navigate the area.

For an early morning flight, especially on a weekday, it's wise to add a buffer of at least 30 to 45 minutes to your planned travel time. Morning rush hour can start early and create unexpected delays on I-95 and major local roads. This extra time will account for potential traffic, allow you to easily follow the well-marked signs for "Rental Car Return," and complete the vehicle drop-off process without feeling stressed about catching your flight.

The most efficient process is to first follow the airport signs for "Departures." Pull up to the curb corresponding to the correct airline to drop off your passenger and their luggage. Once they are safely on their way into the terminal, you can simply drive away from the curb, follow the main airport loop, and then merge into the lanes clearly marked for "Rental Car Return." The airport's layout makes this a very simple and intuitive sequence.