National Car Rental
West Palm Beach

After collecting your luggage at baggage claim, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars." The rental car center at PBI is conveniently located in a dedicated facility directly adjacent to the main terminal. You will follow a short, covered walkway from the baggage claim level to reach the rental counters. National Car Rental's service desk is situated within this consolidated center, making for a quick and straightforward transition from the terminal to your vehicle.

The most dependable method to confirm late-night accessibility is to check the specific operating hours for the National Car Rental PBI location directly on their official website. Major airport locations often have extended hours to accommodate flight schedules, but these can vary. If your arrival is significantly delayed, it is also a good practice to call the local branch number listed on your reservation confirmation. This allows you to speak with the on-site team and ensure they are aware of your updated arrival time.

To smoothly exit PBI and head downtown, follow the airport exit signs for Belvedere Road East. Once on Belvedere, continue for about a mile and then make a left turn to go north on S. Australian Avenue. From there, take a right onto Okeechobee Boulevard, which is a major thoroughfare that will lead you directly east into the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. This route is well-signed and helps you avoid the confusing airport circulation roads.

During the peak winter season, the time from landing to driving away can vary significantly. While PBI is known for its efficiency, you should budget extra time for potential delays at every step. This includes deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, and potential queues at the rental car counter. To help streamline the process, have your driver's license and reservation information ready. A good rule of thumb during these busy weeks is to allow for a generous buffer in your travel schedule.

For the most straightforward route to Palm Beach island, exit the airport and head east on Belvedere Road. After about a mile, turn left (north) onto S. Australian Avenue. Continue for another mile and then make a right (east) onto Okeechobee Boulevard. This main road will take you directly over the Royal Park Bridge and onto the island, placing you in a central location that's easy to navigate from.

The Royal Park Bridge, which you access via Okeechobee Boulevard, is the most direct and least stressful option for reaching the central part of Palm Beach, including Worth Avenue. It is a major, multi-lane bridge that feeds into a primary east-west road on the island. The signage leading to it from the airport area is clear and prominent, making it the preferred choice for visitors who are unfamiliar with the area's layout.

Immediately after exiting the rental car garage, look for signs directing you to the airport's cell phone waiting lot. This lot is specifically designed for drivers to wait safely without having to circle the terminals. It provides the perfect, stress-free spot to pull over, program your navigation, connect your devices to the car's system, and make any final adjustments before starting your journey onto the main roads.

Shortly after leaving the airport, you will encounter signs for both I-95 and Florida's Turnpike, and the correct choice appears quickly. It is crucial to have your GPS destination set before you leave the rental garage. For destinations in West Palm Beach or north, you will generally want I-95 North. To head south toward Miami, you would take I-95 South, so pay close attention to the large overhead signs to ensure you enter the correct ramp for your intended direction.

For a first-time visitor, the easiest and most reliable parking approach is to use one of the dedicated public parking garages at The Square. As you drive east on Okeechobee Boulevard into downtown, you will see clear signs directing you to these multi-level garages. Opting for a garage eliminates the stress of searching for limited street parking and allows you to park centrally and explore the area on foot.

To reach Singer Island, the most direct route is to take I-95 North from the airport area to the Blue Heron Boulevard exit. Head east on Blue Heron, which will take you over the bridge directly onto the island. To avoid the worst traffic, try to time your drive outside of peak beach-going hours, especially on weekends. The Blue Heron Bridge is the main access point and can become a chokepoint during late mornings and late afternoons.

The most direct driving route is to take I-95 North to the Blue Heron Boulevard exit. Once you exit, head east toward the coast. The Riviera Beach Marina, which is the departure point for the water taxi to Peanut Island, is located on the mainland side just before you cross the large Blue Heron Bridge. Signage for the marina is visible from the boulevard, making it easy to find.

The Palm Beach Zoo is conveniently located very close to PBI. From the airport, you'll want to get on I-95 South for just one exit, getting off at Forest Hill Boulevard. Head west on Forest Hill, and the entrance to Dreher Park, where the zoo is located, will be on your left. The zoo has a large, dedicated parking lot right at its entrance, so parking is typically simple and plentiful.

Driving near Clematis Street on a weekend evening can be very busy, as it's a popular nightlife and dining destination. Street parking is scarce, so your best strategy is to head directly for one of the public parking garages located on parallel streets like Banyan or Evernia. Be aware that portions of Clematis Street are often closed to vehicle traffic to create a pedestrian-friendly zone, so plan on walking a block or two from the garage to your destination.

The most reliable route is to take Okeechobee Boulevard east into downtown and then turn left (north) onto S. Rosemary Avenue. The Brightline station will be on your right. The station is well-designed for travelers, featuring a dedicated pull-in lane directly in front of the main entrance. This lane is specifically for active loading and unloading, making it easy to handle luggage before the driver proceeds to park in a nearby garage.

For a more relaxed and scenic drive, taking the coastal A1A route north is the calmer choice, offering beautiful ocean views through towns like Palm Beach and Juno Beach. If speed is your priority, I-95 is much faster and more direct. Regarding parking at popular Jupiter beaches like Jupiter Beach Park, lots can fill up extremely early, especially on weekends. It's best to plan on arriving before 10 a.m. to secure a spot.

Driving on Route A1A requires more attention than a highway. The speed limit changes frequently as you pass through different municipalities and residential zones, so be sure to watch the signs closely. The road is popular with cyclists and pedestrians, and you must be prepared to stop at the numerous crosswalks. A1A is also known for its winding curves and lush scenery, making it a drive to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace rather than rushed.

A simple and scenic loop involves driving south from West Palm Beach along A1A, which runs down the barrier island of Palm Beach. Continue south until you reach the town of Lake Worth Beach, then take the Lake Avenue Bridge west to cross back to the mainland. From there, you can head north on Federal Highway (U.S. 1), which runs parallel to the lagoon and will take you directly back to your starting point in West Palm Beach.

The most direct route from the PBI area to Wellington is to take Southern Boulevard (US-98/SR-80) straight west. During the peak equestrian season (January-April), this road can become very congested, so plan to leave at least 30-45 minutes earlier than your GPS suggests. Major equestrian venues have large, designated lots for visitor parking; follow the event-specific signs as you get closer to the showgrounds for directions to the correct entrance.

To best handle rush hour, which typically runs from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., try to schedule your travel outside these windows if possible. The interchanges on I-95 at Okeechobee Boulevard, Southern Boulevard, and PGA Boulevard are major congestion points. If you must drive during these times, use a navigation app with real-time traffic updates to see if local roads like Military Trail or Congress Avenue offer a faster alternative.

Yes, downtown West Palm Beach has a grid of one-way streets that can be confusing for first-time visitors. Specifically, Olive Avenue and Dixie Highway function as a one-way pair running north and south, which can be tricky. Similarly, many of the numbered streets are also one-way. While your GPS will typically handle this, it's important to also pay close attention to street signs to avoid making a wrong turn, especially around the convention center area.

The most straightforward route from PBI to Palm Beach Gardens is to take I-95 North. The primary traffic pinch point you should anticipate is the PGA Boulevard exit and the surrounding area. PGA Boulevard is the main east-west corridor in Palm Beach Gardens, home to the mall and many businesses, so it experiences significant congestion, especially during evening rush hour and on weekends.

For the most efficient drive with minimal stop-and-go, take I-95 South directly to the Atlantic Avenue exit in Delray Beach. To make parking easier, instead of trying to park directly on bustling Atlantic Avenue, look for the public parking garages or surface lots located one or two blocks to the north or south. This strategy often saves time and frustration, leaving you with just a short, pleasant walk to the main attractions.

The easiest and most direct drive to Boca Raton is via I-95 South. For Mizner Park, you will take the Palmetto Park Road exit and head east. The best parking solution is to use the dedicated parking garages located within Mizner Park itself. They are clearly marked and offer convenient access to the shops, restaurants, and the amphitheater, making it the most practical choice for visitors.

To reach the Morikami Museum from West Palm Beach, take I-95 South and exit at Linton Boulevard in Delray Beach, then head west for several miles. The final approach is very straightforward, as you will turn onto the well-marked Morikami Park Road. This road leads you directly to the museum's entrance, where you will find a large, easily navigable parking lot with ample space for visitors.

The most direct route is to take I-95 North to PGA Boulevard. Drive east on PGA Boulevard until it ends, then turn north onto Jack Nicklaus Drive (A1A). The park entrance will be on your right, just over a small bridge. On beautiful weekend days and holidays, the park's parking lot can reach capacity, so it is highly recommended to arrive before 11 a.m. to ensure you get a spot.

The primary toll road in the area is Florida's Turnpike, which runs parallel to the generally toll-free I-95. The easiest way to plan is by setting your GPS or map application to either "avoid tolls" or "allow tolls" based on your preference. Pay close attention to overhead highway signs as you approach major interchanges, as they will clearly indicate which lanes lead to the Turnpike versus I-95.

As you approach Palm Beach International Airport for your return, stay in the left-hand lanes. The airport has large, clear overhead signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return." By following these signs, you will be directed onto a dedicated roadway that bypasses the busy arrivals and departures loops entirely, leading you straight to the rental return garage entrance.

The most efficient plan is for the driver to first drop off the passenger and all luggage at the upper-level departures curb corresponding to the correct airline. After the drop-off is complete, the driver can then proceed alone to follow the signs for the rental car return. Once the car is returned, it's a simple walk from the rental facility back into the terminal, where they can meet the passenger at the airline's check-in counter or security.

PBI makes this process very simple. The rental car return is located in a garage that is directly connected to the main terminal building. After you have returned your vehicle and gathered your belongings, you will take an elevator up to the terminal connector level. From there, you just follow the clear signs along a covered walkway that leads you straight to the airline check-in and ticketing hall on Level 3.

The most reliable route from the PBI area is to take I-95 North to the 45th Street exit. Head east on 45th Street, then follow the signs to turn north onto US-1 (Broadway), which leads to the port entrance. On cruise departure days, traffic can back up on the final approach roads to the port, so it is essential to allow plenty of extra travel time beyond what your GPS estimates.

When driving from Palm Beach island, be sure to account for potential delays from drawbridges, which operate on a schedule and can add 10-15 minutes to your trip unexpectedly. It's wise to leave your hotel to allow for at least 30 minutes of driving and car return time, on top of the standard two hours the airport recommends for domestic flights. This buffer ensures a stress-free start to your travel day.

During the summer rainy season, South Florida can experience sudden and intense downpours that significantly reduce visibility. These storms can also cause temporary flooding on roads, especially in lower-lying areas. The best practice is to slow down considerably, increase the distance between you and the car ahead, and never attempt to drive through deep standing water as it can be much deeper than it appears.

Most major roads and downtown areas in West Palm Beach are well-lit and easy to navigate at night. However, some causeways and residential streets, particularly on Palm Beach island and along the Intracoastal Waterway, can be significantly darker. When driving in these areas after dark, it's important to be extra cautious, use your high beams when appropriate, and be vigilant for cyclists or pedestrians who may be harder to see.

You will find several major brand gas stations conveniently located along the main roads that border the airport. Both Belvedere Road and Southern Boulevard have multiple options within a mile or two of the airport entrance. Refueling at one of these stations allows for a quick and easy stop right before you proceed to the rental car return area, without needing to navigate unfamiliar side streets.

The area along Belvedere Road, just east of the airport, is your best bet for convenient quick stops. You'll find several major pharmacies, convenience stores, and supermarkets within a very short drive of the airport exit. This commercial strip is perfect for grabbing snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and any other last-minute supplies you might need before heading to your hotel or the coast.

For a hassle-free family beach day, consider Carlin Park in Jupiter or Oceanfront Park in Boynton Beach. Both are known for their large, dedicated parking lots, which makes finding a spot much easier than at beaches with only street parking. They also feature excellent amenities like clean restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making them ideal choices for visitors traveling with children.

The simplest route to Rapids Water Park is to take I-95 North to the 45th Street exit and then head west. The park is located just off the highway and is well-signed. On hot summer weekends, traffic can get very congested on the I-95 exit ramp and on 45th Street leading to the park entrance. To avoid the longest lines, it's highly recommended to arrive right when the park opens.

Many parking garages in the area, especially in older buildings on Palm Beach island, can have lower-than-standard clearance heights and narrow, tight turns. If you have rented a large SUV, minivan, or truck, it is a very good idea to confirm the garage's maximum vehicle height with your hotel or condo association before you arrive. Always navigate these garages slowly and be mindful of concrete support pillars.

A great strategy is to park once in a central public garage in downtown West Palm Beach, for example near Clematis Street or The Square. You can explore the downtown waterfront on foot from there. Later, retrieve your car for a scenic drive across a bridge to explore Palm Beach island. Finally, drive back to the mainland for your dinner reservation, potentially using a valet service at the restaurant to avoid a second parking search.

When planning day trips, always consult a navigation app with real-time traffic data just before you depart. As a general rule, add a 25-30% time buffer to the initial estimate, especially if traveling during peak hours. A drive to Fort Lauderdale that appears to be 60 minutes can easily stretch to 90 minutes due to routine congestion on I-95, so building that extra time into your schedule is key for a stress-free outing.