Fort Lauderdale is famous for its gorgeous beaches, scenic waterways, and vibrant dining spots. While the downtown area is easy to explore on foot, South Florida is spread out. Relying only on rideshares or public transportation may make it harder and more expensive to visit places farther away. In that case, a car rental in Fort Lauderdale is a convenient option for a day trip or travel between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, hotels, cruise terminals, and other destinations in South Florida. The airport’s Rental Car Center brings many major rental companies together in one location, making pickup and return convenient for arriving passengers.

Reasons to Hire a Rental Car in Fort Lauderdale

Major roads such as Broward Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard, Federal Highway (US-1), and Andrews Avenue provide convenient connections between downtown, the beach, and other areas. Hiring a rental car offers the following benefits:

• Major roads such as I-95, I-595, and Florida’s Turnpike make it easy to travel around Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.
• Renting a car gives freedom to visit Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Beach, Dania Beach, and Hollywood Beach.
• A car rental in Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to carry shopping bags from popular places like Las Olas Boulevard and Sawgrass Mills.
• Hiring a car makes it convenient to visit restaurants, shops, galleries, and nightlife along Las Olas Boulevard.
• Driving to Miami, Hollywood, Boca Raton, or West Palm Beach for day trips becomes easy without relying on expensive rideshares. 
• A rental car makes it easier to reach Everglades parks, airboat tours, and nature areas outside the city.

Rental Car Types Available in Fort Lauderdale

The city offers plenty of rental vehicles for different travel needs and budgets. Here are the different car rentals in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

Rental Car Types	Daily Rental Price
Economy	$18 to $30
Compact	$20 to $45
Midsize/Intermediate	$30 to $50
Full-Size	$45 to $65
Standard	$60 to $80
Compact SUV	$65 to $90
Midsize SUV	$70 to $100
Full-Size and 7-Passenger SUV	$95 to $150
Minivans	$80 to $120
Pickup truck	$75 to $120
Convertible	$85 to $140
Luxury Car	$80 to $100+
Premium	$85 to $120
Electric/Hybrid (EV)	$45 to $90
Special Vehicles	$40 to $70

Note: The above Fort Lauderdale car rental prices are estimated and can change depending on demand, season, rental location, vehicle availability, taxes, and additional fees.

Leading Car Rental Companies Serving Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has many major and local car rental companies, including:

01

Alamo Rent A Car

Popular with leisure travelers and families, with convenient online check-in and self-service options.

02

Avis Car Rental

Serves business travelers and frequent flyers with premium vehicles and convenient pickup options.

03

Budget Car Rental

Offers competitive daily rates and promotional discounts for budget-conscious travelers.

04

Dollar Car Rental

Provides affordable rental options including standard sedans and family-friendly vehicles.

05

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Known for flexible pickup options at airport and neighborhood locations.

06

Fox Rent A Car

Offers competitively priced basic vehicles with convenient airport pickup.

07

Hertz Car Rental

Provides a broad selection of vehicles, including premium cars and convertibles.

08

National Car Rental

A convenient option for business travelers with streamlined vehicle selection.

09

Payless

Offers straightforward economy-focused rental options at competitive prices.

10

SIXT Car Rental

Features premium SUVs, luxury vehicles, and stylish convertibles.

Other local and independent providers are:

• Ace Rent A Car
• ACO Rent A Car
• Easirent
• Green Motion
• Allstar Car and Van Rental
• NU Car Rentals 
• Next Cars

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Rental Car Pickup Locations in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale offers several convenient rental car pickup options, depending on the arrival point and travel plans. The main rental locations include:

01 Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

02 Downtown Fort Lauderdale

03 Near Port Everglades

04 Fort Lauderdale Sunrise Blvd.

05 Hollywood Hills

06 Wilton Manors

07 S. Federal Hwy.

08 Gunther Mazda

Rental Cars Fort Lauderdale based on Rental Periods

Fort Lauderdale rental cars are available for different travel periods, from a few hours to several months. 

Daily Rentals: These are the best options for a one-day trip within the city, nearby beaches, a business trip, and cruise passengers with a long layover at Port Everglades.

Weekly Rentals: Many rental companies offer weekly low-cost car rentals in Fort Lauderdale for 5 to 7 days, which can cost less than paying the daily rate for each day. 

Weekend Rentals: The weekend car rental options are useful for short leisure trips, events, and beach breaks. They usually cover two or three days, but pricing depends on the company and travel dates.

Monthly Rentals: Monthly car rental Fort Lauderdale can be a practical choice for extended stays, business assignments, or temporary transportation needs.

Long-Term Rentals: Some rental companies offer longer rental periods with flexible terms for stays lasting two months to nearly a year. 

One-Way Rentals: They allow visitors to pick up in Fort Lauderdale and return to a different location. This option is useful for road trips, airport transfers, or travel plans that do not include returning to Fort Lauderdale.  

The Car Rental Process in Fort Lauderdale

To reserve the best-priced car rental in Fort Lauderdale:

• Compare rental prices at the airport, downtown, and cruise-port locations to find cheap car rentals in Fort Lauderdale.
• Enter the pickup and return details.
• Select the vehicle based on passenger and luggage capacity.
• Read the cancellation and modification rules. 
• Review mileage limits, fuel policy, toll charges, and electronic toll options.
• Compare the final price and make a reservation.
• Present the reservation and required documents at the rental car counter before signing the agreement.
• Inspect the rental car and start exploring the city.

Essential Requirements to Rent A Car in Fort Lauderdale

The requirements for a car rental in Fort Lauderdale can vary by rental company. However, the basic requirements may include:

Minimum Age:

• Most major rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old.
• Drivers under 25 may have to pay a young-driver surcharge.
• Additional drivers should also follow the same age limits.

Documents:

• A current driver’s license 
• International visitors should carry a valid passport.
• Some rental companies may require an International Driving Permit for foreign-language licenses.
• Booking confirmation 

Insurance Coverage:

• Existing auto insurance 
• Credit-card rental coverage 

Payment Method:

• A valid credit card for security deposit and final payment
• Some companies accept debit cards

Things to Consider When Renting a Car in Fort Lauderdale

Visitors need to consider a few important factors for booking a cheap car rental in Fort Lauderdale. The major things to check: 

Toll Policy: Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida area have toll roads. Check whether the rental company provides a toll program and understand its fees. 

Parking: Beachfront and downtown parking can be limited or expensive, especially during busy periods. Therefore, check parking options before visiting popular areas. 

Traffic Conditions: Roads such as I-95, I-595, US-1, and Florida’s Turnpike can become busy during peak travel hours, so allow extra time for longer drives. 

Fuel Policy: Check whether car rentals in Fort Lauderdale need to be returned with a full tank and compare fuel prices before refueling.

Mileage Limits: Some rental agreements may include mileage restrictions. Unlimited mileage can be useful for road trips around South Florida. Therefore, read the rental agreement carefully before signing.

Weather Conditions: South Florida can experience heavy rain and storms, particularly during hurricane season. It’s better to check weather conditions before longer drives and beach trips.  

Vehicle Size: Fort Lauderdale car rentals offer several vehicle options from economy cars to luxury models. Choose a vehicle based on the number of passengers, luggage, and planned trips. A compact car can be beneficial for city travel, while an SUV offers more space. 

Insurance Coverage: Check existing auto insurance and credit-card coverage before purchasing additional protection from the rental company. 

Additional Drivers: Spouses can drive rental cars if they meet age limits and document requirements. Adding another authorized driver to the rental agreement may result in an extra charge. 

Hidden Charges to Watch Out for in Car Rental in Fort Lauderdale

The final rental price includes some additional charges. Checking the rental agreement carefully can help avoid unexpected charges for car rental in Fort Lauderdale:

• Airport facility and concession fees 
• State, local, and other applicable taxes 
• Young driver charges
• Additional driver fees
• Toll charges
• Fuel charges
• Late return fees
• One-way rental fees
• Cleaning or damage charges
• Mileage fees

Nearby Attractions to Explore With a Rental Car

The city is surrounded by several beaches, parks, shopping areas, museums, and nature attractions. A rental car in Fort Lauderdale makes exploring the following destinations easy:

• Everglades Holiday Park & Sawgrass Recreation Park 
• Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall 
• Hollywood Beach Broadwalk 
• Bonnet House Museum and Gardens 
• Flamingo Gardens 
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park 
• Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park 
• Las Olas Boulevard 
• Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale 
• Miami and Miami Beach 
• Boca Raton 
• Palm Beach 

Fort Lauderdale Routes

The city is an excellent base for exploring South Florida by rental car. Car rentals in Fort Lauderdale provide flexibility for short day trips or longer road adventures.

A1A Coastal Highway: It runs along the Atlantic coast through Broward and Palm Beach counties. It is ideal for a relaxed, scenic drive through Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach, and Boca Raton. 

Tamiami Trail (US-41): This scenic two-lane road runs through the Everglades toward Naples, with stops at Native American airboat tours and national park entrances along the way.

Alligator Alley (I-75): This major east-west highway connects Fort Lauderdale with Naples and Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The route offers a simple, flat drive through the Everglades, with tolls along the way. 

Key Largo: Drive south toward Miami and continue through the Florida Keys along US-1. Key Largo offers opportunities for snorkeling, boating, and exploring the water. 

A car rental in Fort Lauderdale can make a South Florida vacation comfortable, with access to Fort Lauderdale's beaches, Las Olas Boulevard, Everglades attractions, Miami, Palm Beach, and other nearby destinations. The city offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars and sedans to luxury cars and EVs. Compare rental locations, check the full price, understand insurance and toll policies, choose the right vehicle, and review the return instructions before booking to get the best deals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)