Dollar Car Hire
Naples

At Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) the Dollar rental desk is located in the airport's consolidated Rental Car Centre. This facility is on the ground level of the main multi‑storey car park, directly opposite the baggage reclaim area. After you collect your luggage, simply exit the terminal and cross the road following the prominent rental car signs. You will not need to take a separate shuttle, making the transfer from flight to vehicle quick and straightforward.

The most direct route to the Dollar pickup area is a short walk from the main terminal. Once you disembark and enter the terminal, go down to the baggage reclaim level, even if you only have carry‑ons. Exit the building and walk straight across the road to the Rental Car Centre in the car park. The whole walk is covered and well signed with overhead signs, so it should only take a few minutes.

For late‑night arrivals at RSW, the pickup process at the Dollar desk is designed to be straightforward. The Rental Car Centre is well lit and situated just across from the terminal, so access is safe at any hour. Staffing may be reduced outside peak times, but the desk is typically open to accommodate scheduled flight arrivals. Having your reservation details and driving licence ready will help make the process as efficient as possible.

To ensure a smooth and speedy pickup at the Dollar desk, have your documentation organised. Keep your driving licence and the credit card used for the booking readily accessible. It is also useful to have your reservation confirmation number to hand, either on your phone or printed. Being prepared with these items allows the agent to process the paperwork quickly, which helps keep the queue moving for everyone.

After completing your paperwork at the Dollar desk, you will be directed to a specific zone or row in the rental garage to select your vehicle. These areas are clearly marked with large, easy‑to‑read signs hung from the ceiling or posted on pillars. Proceed to the assigned vehicle class section within that zone and choose any available car in that category.

Once you have selected your vehicle from the Dollar lot, you can pull into an open, out‑of‑the‑way space within the garage to get organised. The rental car garage at RSW is spacious and you will usually find a corner or empty bay to use for a few minutes. This gives you time to carry out a thorough walkaround, fit any child seats and arrange your luggage. Before leaving the garage you can also adjust mirrors and familiarise yourself with the car's controls.

While at the RSW Rental Car Centre, the most reliable way to share your location is to use the live location feature in your smartphone's maps app. This allows your travel group to see your real‑time progress as you complete the rental process and drive out of the airport. Alternatively, send a dropped pin from your map app once you are in the car. The airport also offers free Wi‑Fi, which helps ensure a stable connection.

A simple, stress‑free meetup point just outside RSW is the airport’s Cell Phone Lot. It is only a few minutes from the terminal and the rental car return area and is clearly signposted. This lot offers a convenient place to wait for your family's call or text confirming they are ready. Alternatively, arrange to meet at a nearby petrol station or coffee shop on Daniels Parkway, the main road away from the airport, which avoids circling the busy terminal.

For a first‑time visitor, the most direct and least complicated route to Naples is to take Interstate 75 South. After leaving the airport, follow the well‑signed directions for I‑75 South. This major motorway provides a straightforward route down the coast with minimal complex interchanges. Stay on I‑75 for the majority of the drive until you reach the exit for your destination in Naples, such as Pine Ridge Road or Golden Gate Parkway.

For most visitors, the most hectic part is the initial merge onto Interstate 75. The on‑ramps can be busy and require you to be attentive as you reach motorway speed and find a space in traffic. Airport access roads themselves are fairly straightforward. Once on I‑75 and settled into a lane, the drive is typically smooth until you exit into Naples, where local city traffic patterns require more attention.

The most straightforward drive from RSW to Marco Island is to take I‑75 South to Exit 101 for Collier Boulevard (SR 951). Then follow Collier Boulevard south for about 20 miles until you reach the bridge to the island. The route is well signed and avoids most city traffic. The main slowdowns typically occur on Collier Boulevard in peak tourist season or rush hour, especially as you approach the island and major junctions.

The drive from RSW to downtown Naples typically takes about 35 to 45 minutes in light traffic. If you arrive around lunchtime on a weekday, you may encounter slightly heavier traffic on I‑75 and local roads, potentially extending the trip to around 50 minutes. In the early evening, after the main rush has subsided, the drive often returns to the standard 35–45 minute timeframe. Allow a bit more time during peak season (January–April).

To reach a hotel on Fifth Avenue South with minimal confusion, approach from U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail). Whether coming from the north or south, turn west onto Fifth Avenue South from U.S. 41. This approach is more direct and helps you avoid the complex grid of one‑way streets found deeper within Old Naples. Be mindful of significant foot traffic and drive slowly as you near your hotel.

When approaching roundabouts in Naples, slow down, give priority to traffic already in the circle and choose your lane before entering. Overhead and roadside signs will indicate which lane you need for your intended exit. For multi‑lane turns, get into your desired turn lane well in advance and watch for signs that may indicate a lane is for turning only. Using a satnav with lane guidance can be extremely helpful.

While specific enforcement locations can change, be particularly mindful of speeds on major thoroughfares such as U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), Airport‑Pulling Road and Pine Ridge Road. These roads have strictly enforced limits that can change unexpectedly. Red‑light cameras are also present at several key intersections across Collier County. The best practice is to obey posted limits and come to a complete stop at red lights to avoid fines.

On weekdays it is crucial to be aware of school zones, which have significantly reduced speed limits during specific morning and afternoon periods. These zones are clearly marked with flashing yellow lights and signs indicating the active times and lower limit. The speed reduction is strictly enforced to protect pupils. Always be prepared to slow dramatically in these areas and watch for children crossing the road.

For convenience, Lowdermilk Park is a top choice in Naples, offering a large surface car park directly adjacent to the beach and facilities, which minimises the walk with chairs, coolers and umbrellas. Another good option is Vanderbilt Beach Park, which has a multi‑storey car park just across the road from a wide beach access. Arriving early, especially at weekends or in high season, is the best strategy for securing a prime spot.

During peak season (January–April), securing a parking space at popular locations like Naples Pier or Lowdermilk Park on a weekend usually requires an early start. It is advisable to arrive before 10:00am to find parking with relative ease. By late morning the lots are often full and drivers may be circling and waiting for a space to free up.

Delnor‑Wiggins Pass State Park is extremely popular and its car parks frequently reach capacity, especially at weekends and on sunny days. Arriving mid‑morning often means you risk being turned away at the gate until other visitors leave. The park closes to new entries once full and reopens on a one‑out, one‑in basis, which can lead to long waits. To guarantee entry, it is recommended to arrive within the first hour of opening.

For a more relaxed beach experience with easier parking, consider Barefoot Beach Preserve in Bonita Springs, just north of Naples. While still popular, its larger car park can often accommodate visitors who arrive a bit later. Another option is the smaller public access points along Gulf Shore Boulevard North, away from the main parks. These spots have limited metered parking but are often overlooked, offering a quieter setting and a straightforward exit back to main roads like U.S. 41.

To plan a stress‑free drive from Naples to Everglades City, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) east and then south. This historic road cuts directly through the Everglades and is a scenic drive in itself. The route is straightforward with minimal turns, but allow plenty of time as it is a two‑lane road with lower speed limits. Watch for wildlife crossing the road, especially at dawn and dusk, and ensure you have enough fuel as services are sparse along this stretch.

The simplest way to reach Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is to take Immokalee Road (County Road 846) east from Naples. Stay on this road for several miles until you see clear signage for the turn onto Sanctuary Road. The route is well signed and modern satnavs handle it without issue. The final miles on Sanctuary Road are rural and quiet but direct, leading you straight to the sanctuary entrance.

To avoid the worst traffic for Sanibel and Captiva, plan to drive onto the island very early in the morning, ideally before 9:00am. The Sanibel Causeway can become heavily congested by mid‑morning. Similarly, when leaving the island, traffic builds in the late afternoon. A good strategy is to leave before 3:00pm or wait until after 6:00pm to avoid the longest queues.

When planning a weekend drive from Naples to Fort Myers Beach, leaving early is essential to beat traffic and find parking. Aim to be on the road by 9:00am at the latest. The main bridge onto the island, Matanzas Pass Bridge, is a significant bottleneck. Once on the island, parking is scarce, so your best bet is to find a spot in one of the public lots or garages near Times Square and then walk or use the beach trolley to get around.

The most straightforward drive to Bonita Springs beaches, such as Bonita Beach Park, is to take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) north to Bonita Beach Road. Head west on Bonita Beach Road and cross the causeway to the public beach access points. A common mistake is not getting into the left turn lane for Bonita Beach Road early enough on U.S. 41. Pay attention to your satnav and road signs as you approach this major junction.

The Naples Botanical Garden has a well organised entry and parking system even during busy periods. As you drive in, attendants will typically direct you to the next available space in their large, dedicated car park. The flow is designed to be efficient, minimising backups onto the main road. After parking, it's a short and pleasant walk to the main entrance to purchase tickets. Overall the process is generally smooth for visitors arriving by car.

Driving to the Naples Zoo is straightforward, as it is located within the Coastland Center mall's large car park which offers ample free parking. For easiest access with small children, aim for spaces directly in front of the zoo entrance. Even if those are taken, the walk from any part of the surrounding lot is short and on flat, paved surfaces. Arriving shortly after opening usually secures a prime parking spot close to the entrance.

At Waterside Shops the layout is open and generally easy to navigate, but first‑time visitors sometimes miss the main entrance on Seagate Drive and try to enter via a service road. At the larger Coastland Center mall, the sprawling lot can be confusing; the key is to note which major department store you park near (for example Macy's or Dillard's) to find your car later. Following the main loop road around the mall is the best way to access all parking areas without getting turned around.

Driving in Old Naples during dinner hours can be challenging due to narrow streets, heavy pedestrian traffic and high demand for parking. To avoid circling, use one of the public car parks such as the one on 8th Street South. These car parks offer a central location from which you can easily walk to most restaurants on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. On‑street parking is available but fills up very quickly in the evening.

If your hotel has tight parking, opting for a compact or mid‑size saloon is a sensible choice. These vehicles are much easier to manoeuvre in narrow underground garages and fit into smaller parking spaces. While an SUV offers more room for luggage and passengers, it can be harder to handle in confined areas. Consider the trade‑off between interior space and parking agility before finalising your rental.

Most public beach parks in Naples, such as Lowdermilk Park, Vanderbilt Beach and the Naples Pier, have outdoor showers and foot‑washing stations. These are typically located along the boardwalks or paths leading from the sand back to the car parks. Using these facilities to rinse off yourself, your gear and towels is the best way to keep sand out of your rental car and makes the drive back to your hotel much more comfortable.

To protect your rental car from the intense Florida sun, try to park in a shaded spot where possible, though shade is often scarce at beach lots. A foldable sunshade for the windscreen is highly effective at lowering interior temperature and protecting the dashboard. You can also crack the windows slightly, if safe to do so, to allow hot air to escape. Placing a towel over the steering wheel and seatbelt buckles prevents them from becoming too hot to touch.

Sudden thunderstorms in Naples can dramatically change driving conditions, causing reduced visibility and slick roads. During heavy downpours traffic slows considerably on major roads like I‑75 and U.S. 41. Some lower‑lying local roads, particularly in Old Naples, can be prone to temporary flooding or large puddles. Slow down, increase your following distance and avoid driving through standing water when these storms occur.

When driving in Naples after dark, be particularly cautious on poorly lit residential roads away from main thoroughfares and use your main beams when appropriate. Watch for wildlife, such as deer or raccoons, on more rural roads like Golden Gate Parkway. Near beach areas and downtown always be alert for pedestrians who may be difficult to see as they cross streets between restaurants and shops.

During peak times such as spring break, major north‑south routes like U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Airport‑Pulling Road become significant bottlenecks. Roads leading to the beaches, like Pine Ridge Road and Vanderbilt Beach Road, also get very congested. To save time consider using Goodlette‑Frank Road for north‑south travel, as it often has slightly lighter traffic. Travelling earlier in the morning or later in the evening can also help avoid the worst congestion.

A convenient option is to refuel at one of the many petrol stations in the Estero or Bonita Springs area, which lie just south of the airport. As you drive north on I‑75 from Naples, take an exit such as Corkscrew Road or Alico Road. These exits have numerous stations right off the motorway, allowing you to top up the tank easily. From there it's a short 10–15 minute drive to the RSW rental car return, avoiding congestion and higher airport prices.

As you approach RSW, stay in the left lane and pay close attention to the overhead signs. The airport access road splits, with the right lanes going to the terminal for departures and arrivals. Follow the signs specifically for "Rental Car Return", which will direct you to bear left and enter the car park where you picked up the car. Following these signs carefully will guide you directly to the return lanes without accidentally circling the terminal.

During peak travel days it is wise to allow at least 30 to 45 minutes for the entire rental car return process at RSW. This includes time to return the vehicle, have it inspected and complete any final paperwork. From the rental car facility it is a short walk across the road to the main terminal for check‑in and security. Factoring in this buffer ensures you won’t feel rushed, especially if there are lines at the rental counter or airline check‑in.

Returning your rental car at dawn is generally straightforward as the airport is well lit and signposted. As you approach, follow the illuminated signs for "Rental Car Return", which are easy to see in low light. These will guide you into the correct entrance of the car park. The return lanes for Dollar are also clearly marked with company signage, making the process simple even in the early morning.

The most efficient sequence is to follow the signs for "Departures" and use the upper‑level roadway to drop off passengers and luggage at the kerb. After they have left the vehicle, continue driving forward and follow the loop. The airport road system is designed to circle you back around. As you complete the loop, move into the left lane and follow the clear signs for "Rental Car Return", which will guide you directly into the car park entrance without any complex or last‑minute lane changes.