Hertz Car Rental
West Palm Beach

Palm Beach International Airport is known for its user-friendly layout, making late-night navigation straightforward. After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim on Level One, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." The Hertz counter is conveniently located right in the terminal, so you won't need to take a shuttle or go outside. The rental car area is well-lit and staffed, ensuring you can easily find your way to the counter and then proceed to the adjacent garage to pick up your vehicle.

During the busy winter season, it's wise to plan for a bit of extra time to get on the road. Factoring in deplaning, walking to baggage claim, and waiting for your luggage can take around 30 to 45 minutes. From there, you'll proceed to the rental counter, where lines can be longer during peak arrival times. A realistic budget from the moment you land to driving out of the garage would be approximately 60 to 90 minutes, which allows for a comfortable, unhurried start to your trip.

For the most straightforward drive to Palm Beach island, take Belvedere Road east directly from the airport area. This road offers a direct path and minimizes complex interchanges. Continue on Belvedere Road for a few miles until you see signs for the Royal Park Bridge (also known as the Middle Bridge). This route is generally well-marked and leads you right into the central part of the island, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors.

Three main bridges connect West Palm Beach to Palm Beach island, each serving a slightly different purpose. The Royal Park Bridge is the most central, leading directly toward the famous Worth Avenue, and often experiences steady traffic. To the north, the Flagler Memorial Bridge is another popular option that can get busy during rush hour. Further south, the Southern Boulevard Bridge is typically less congested and is a great choice if your destination is in the southern part of the island.

When staying in the vibrant Clematis Street district, the most reliable option for overnight parking is one of the city's public garages. Garages such as the Banyan Public Parking Garage or the City Center Garage are well-lit, secure, and offer overnight and multi-day rates. They eliminate the stress of searching for limited street parking and deciphering time restrictions. Many hotels in the area also offer valet or self-parking options, so it's always a good idea to check with your accommodation first.

Driving in downtown West Palm Beach during a weekend event requires a bit of extra patience and planning. Expect increased pedestrian traffic, especially along Flagler Drive and near The Square. Some streets may be temporarily closed to vehicles, and finding street parking becomes significantly more challenging. The best strategy is to arrive early and plan to use one of the main public parking garages, which are usually a short walk from the festivities.

For a morning flight out of PBI on a weekday, it's crucial to account for local traffic patterns. Commuter traffic on I-95 and major roads like Okeechobee Boulevard can be heavy, particularly between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. You should also factor in congestion around school zones, which adds to the travel time. A safe plan is to leave for the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than you would during off-peak hours to ensure a low-stress journey.

Navigating a busy hotel entrance is best done with a team approach. Pull into the designated passenger loading zone, even if you have to wait for a spot to open up for a moment. Have one person stay with the vehicle while another unloads the luggage onto the curb or brings it to the bell stand. This allows you to manage your belongings efficiently without blocking the flow of traffic or needing to circle the block.

Parking on Palm Beach island is limited, so an early start is key to a successful beach day. Most visitors use the metered street parking available along A1A near public access points, such as Midtown Beach. To secure a spot, especially on a sunny weekend, it's highly recommended to arrive before 10:00 AM. After that time, you may spend considerable time searching for an open space, so planning ahead makes all the difference.

The most efficient and low-stress way to drive from West Palm Beach to Jupiter is by taking I-95 North. This route helps you bypass the numerous traffic lights and commercial congestion found on local roads like US-1. For the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse or nearby beaches, you'll typically take the Indiantown Road exit and head east. While A1A offers a scenic alternative, it is a much slower drive with more potential for delays.

For a beautiful coastal drive to Delray Beach, your best option is to take State Road A1A south. This route runs parallel to the ocean, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into charming seaside towns like Lake Worth and Boynton Beach. While it is significantly slower than taking I-95 due to lower speed limits and local traffic, the scenery makes it a worthwhile experience. Just be sure to budget extra time for this leisurely and enjoyable journey.

The ideal strategy for a visit to Worth Avenue is to park once and explore on foot. Instead of trying to drive directly on the avenue, which can be slow, aim for the public parking lots located just off the main strip, such as the lots on Hibiscus or Peruvian Avenue. Once you've parked your car, the entire high-end shopping district, with its beautiful courtyards and galleries, is easily accessible by walking. This approach saves you the hassle of navigating traffic and searching for limited street spots.

When driving on A1A, it's essential to be vigilant about your speed as the limits change frequently and unexpectedly. The road passes through numerous small towns and residential areas, each with its own posted speed, which can drop significantly without much warning. This scenic route is often monitored by local law enforcement, so paying close attention to the signs is the best way to ensure a safe and citation-free drive along the coast.

I-95 through the West Palm Beach corridor can be very intense during morning and evening rush hours, typically from 7:00-9:30 AM and 4:00-6:30 PM. Traffic often slows to a crawl, and drivers can be aggressive with lane changes. For visitors, the interchanges at Okeechobee Boulevard, Belvedere Road, and PGA Boulevard can be particularly stressful due to high volume and complex merges, so it's wise to be extra alert in these areas.

If you find yourself on US-1, also known as Dixie Highway, prepare for a completely different driving experience than I-95. This is a major surface artery characterized by frequent traffic lights, numerous business entrances, and constant stop-and-go traffic. You'll need to be more aware of pedestrians, cars turning in front of you, and changing traffic patterns. While it can be a good alternative if the freeway is at a standstill, it is almost always a much slower journey.

Florida's Turnpike is generally a smooth and well-maintained toll road that often has less congestion than I-95. For first-time drivers, the key is to be prepared for your exit in advance, as some off-ramps and service plazas can appear quickly. Having your navigation system active is very helpful. The flow of traffic is typically fast and steady, making it a comfortable option for longer drives north or south from West Palm Beach.

For a day trip to Fort Lauderdale, aiming for a municipal parking garage is by far the less stressful option. Street parking near the beach is extremely limited and highly competitive, especially on a nice day. By heading directly to a larger garage, like the Las Olas Beach Garage, you can park your car for the day and then enjoy the beach, restaurants, and shops on foot or by using the local water taxi. This strategy saves time and eliminates the frustration of circling for a spot.

To avoid the worst traffic for a Miami day trip, timing is everything. The most practical approach is to leave West Palm Beach extremely early, aiming to be on I-95 south before 6:30 AM to get ahead of the intense morning commute into Broward and Miami-Dade counties. An alternative strategy is to travel mid-day, leaving after 10:00 AM when the morning rush has subsided. For the return trip, plan to leave Miami either before 3:00 PM or after 7:00 PM to miss the northbound evening rush.

The Morikami Museum is located west of Delray Beach, so your drive will involve taking I-95 or the Turnpike to a major east-west road like Atlantic Avenue. To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive close to its opening time in the morning. This allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the gardens before the afternoon heat and peak crowds arrive. The surrounding roads are generally suburban and easy to navigate, but arriving early ensures a more peaceful experience from start to finish.

When visiting MacArthur Beach State Park, it's best to arrive early, particularly on weekends and holidays. The park has a single entrance, and a line of cars can form during peak times, so getting there before 11:00 AM is a good idea. All parking is located inside the park entrance, and while there is ample space, the most desirable spots near the nature center and tram stop fill up first. An early arrival ensures you get a convenient spot and more time to enjoy the beautiful beach and trails.

The drive to Lion Country Safari is a straightforward trip west on Southern Boulevard, taking you into the more rural Loxahatchee area. To have the best experience, plan to arrive right when the park opens in the morning. The animals are often most active in the cooler morning hours, and you'll avoid the lines of cars that can build up later in the day. Leaving in the early afternoon usually helps you miss any returning traffic heading back toward the coast.

The most convenient place to park for a show at the Kravis Center is the dedicated multi-level parking garage located right next to the venue. To avoid the inevitable pre-show rush, it is highly recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before your performance is scheduled to begin. This provides plenty of time to find a parking spot, walk to the theater, and find your seat without feeling hurried. The garage can get very congested in the final 15 minutes before showtime.

Having a rental car is ideal for a split stay, as it gives you complete freedom to move your luggage and explore both areas at your own pace. Before your trip, confirm the parking arrangements and any associated fees with both hotels. On your moving day, you can enjoy a leisurely checkout, load your car, and perhaps visit an attraction or have lunch before heading to your second hotel. This flexibility turns a logistical task into a pleasant part of your vacation.

When traveling with family and beach equipment, an SUV or minivan is an excellent choice for its generous cargo space. Look for a vehicle with a power liftgate, which is incredibly helpful when your hands are full of chairs, coolers, and toys. A vehicle with rear climate control will keep the kids comfortable in the Florida heat. Additionally, rubber floor mats can make cleaning up the inevitable sand much easier at the end of the day.

After picking up your rental car at PBI, the airport's cell phone waiting lot is a perfect spot to pull over safely. It's located just a minute or two from the rental garage and provides a calm environment to program your GPS and get settled. Alternatively, there are several gas stations and small plazas on Belvedere Road just east of the airport. These offer a safe place to park for a few minutes before merging onto the busier main roads.

South Florida's rainstorms can be intense, causing an immediate reduction in visibility and slick road conditions. During a downpour, it's critical to slow down significantly and increase your following distance. Some low-lying roads, particularly those closer to the Intracoastal Waterway, can experience temporary flooding. Locals know to avoid driving through large, standing puddles as you can't be sure of the depth or potential road hazards underneath.

Sun glare is a major factor when driving in South Florida, so a quality pair of polarized sunglasses is an absolute must-have. Always make use of your car's sun visors, and be prepared to adjust them as the road curves. When glare is at its worst, it's wise to slow down and be extra cautious, as it can be difficult to see traffic lights, pedestrians, and cyclists. Keeping your windshield clean, both inside and out, also helps to reduce the effect of the glare.

Both Mounts Botanical Garden and the Palm Beach Zoo offer ample, free parking in their own dedicated lots, making access very convenient. However, on weekends, holidays, or during special events, these lots can reach capacity. To ensure a stress-free arrival, it's always a good strategy to visit earlier in the day. Arriving shortly after they open typically guarantees you a good parking spot and a more relaxed experience before the biggest crowds arrive.

A day trip to the Everglades from West Palm Beach is very manageable with a rental car and offers a fantastic change of scenery. The drive typically takes you south and then west toward various entry points or airboat tour operators along US-27 or Tamiami Trail. It's wise to plan your specific destination in advance and ensure you have a full tank of gas before you head into the more remote areas. Also, be sure to pack water, snacks, and sunscreen, as services can be limited.

The best place to wait for arriving friends at PBI is the airport's complimentary cell phone waiting lot. This designated area allows you to park and wait comfortably until your friends have collected their bags and are standing at the arrivals curb. Once they call you, it's just a short two-minute drive to the terminal for a quick and easy pickup, completely avoiding the stress and congestion of circling the passenger loading zones.

For a boat day from Riviera Beach or Singer Island, planning your parking is essential for a smooth start. First, identify the exact marina or park your tour departs from, such as the Riviera Beach Marina or Phil Foster Park. Research their parking situation online, as lots can fill up very early, especially on weekends. Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow ample time to find a spot, pay if necessary, and walk to your boat.

To visit Peanut Island, you will drive to the Riviera Beach Marina Village to catch the water taxi. The most practical plan is to navigate directly to the marina and look for the large public parking lots. During busy times like weekends and holidays, these lots can become very crowded. It is highly advisable to arrive early in the day to secure a spot and budget extra time for parking so you don't miss your shuttle boat.

Driving to The Square is generally straightforward, as it's a well-known landmark in downtown West Palm Beach. The area is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, so it's best to drive slowly and watch for people crossing the street. For parking, follow the clear signage that directs you to one of the several large public garages attached to the complex. The entrances are well-marked, making it easy for first-time visitors to find convenient and secure parking.

To ensure a comfortable experience for older travelers, prioritize destinations that offer convenient parking solutions. Many attractions, like the Norton Museum of Art, have their own parking lots or garages located very close to the entrance. When dining out, consider using valet services, which eliminate long walks from the car. Planning your itinerary around these types of accessible parking options can make a significant difference in energy levels and overall enjoyment of the day.

The road design in Palm Beach Gardens is distinctly suburban, featuring wide, multi-lane boulevards with large, landscaped medians. Unlike the tighter grid of downtown, you will frequently use dedicated left-turn lanes at intersections. A common feature is the use of designated U-turn lanes just past a major intersection, which are necessary for accessing businesses on the opposite side of the divided highway. It's an efficient system once you get used to it.

A frequent wrong turn for visitors leaving PBI is accidentally getting on I-95 in the wrong direction. If this happens, the safest way to recover is to remain calm and simply drive to the very next exit. Once you are off the highway, you can safely pull over, consult your navigation app, and follow its instructions to get back on track. Never attempt an abrupt lane change across multiple lanes or an illegal U-turn on the freeway.

For a pre-dawn drive to the beach, the easiest routes are the major east-west arteries like Okeechobee Boulevard or Southern Boulevard. In the early morning, these roads have minimal traffic, allowing for a quick and direct trip to A1A. Once you reach the coast, you can typically find empty parking spots at public beach access points in Palm Beach or at the Lake Worth Beach Park. Arriving before sunrise ensures parking is plentiful and stress-free.

When driving near the Brightline station in downtown West Palm Beach, be prepared for a high-energy environment with a mix of vehicles and pedestrians. Pay close attention to crosswalks, as many travelers will be walking to and from the station with luggage. The area has designated passenger drop-off zones with strict time limits to maintain traffic flow. It's best to be efficient when dropping someone off and to avoid lingering in these active lanes.

Before returning your car, perform a thorough multi-point check to ensure you haven't left anything. Start by checking all seatback pockets, door pockets, and the glove compartment. Next, look under all the seats and in the center console. Don't forget to check the trunk, lifting the floor cover where small items can sometimes slide. Finally, do a last scan for any phone chargers or cables still plugged into the USB ports.

As you approach Palm Beach International Airport, the key is to start looking for the specific "Rental Car Return" signs early. These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance that is separate from the main passenger "Departures" and "Arrivals" loops. Whether you are coming from I-95 or downtown via Belvedere Road, following these clearly marked signs will guide you directly into the rental return garage, helping you avoid the congestion of the main terminal traffic.