Car rental in Fort Lauderdale downtown offers convenient access to popular spots, such as Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, Port Everglades, and Riverwalks. The city’s rental car location serves as a central hub for people seeking vehicles near the airport, cruise terminals, business hubs, hotels, and other local attractions. By March 2026, Greater Fort Lauderdale had recorded around 85% hotel occupancy.
With strong demand among visitors, rental cars have remained the best and most reliable transportation choice throughout downtown, the airport, beaches, cruise ports, and other areas.
Best Car Rental Companies in Fort Lauderdale Downtown
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is home to many local and national car rental companies. Before selecting one, visitors must check the pick-up location, open hours, and other crucial aspects.
| Car Rental Company | Location | Contact Number | Open Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Rent-A-Car | 3318 SW 2nd Avenue | +1 786-975-2222 | 24 Hours |
| Miles Car Rental Ft. Lauderdale | 1314 E Las Olas Boulevard #644 | +1 954-246-0549 | 24 Hours |
| Enterprise | 2601 S Federal Highway | +1 954-764-3405 | Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Alamo | 600 Terminal Drive Ste. 202 | +1 833-479-1101 | 5:00 am to 1:00 am (7 days) |
| SIXT | 3025 SE 6th Avenue | +1 888-749-8227 | Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Budget | 1460 N Federal Highway | +1 954-563-6739 | Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturdays: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sundays: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| NÜ Car Rentals | 2900 SE 6th Avenue | +1 954-754-8588 | 8:00 am to 12:00 am (7 days) |
| Hertz | 901 E Sunrise Boulevard | +1 954-760-4719 | Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturdays: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Sundays: Closed |
| Easirent Car Rental | 3234 SE 6th Avenue | +1 954-314-0302 | 7:00 am to 8:00 pm (7 days) |
Note: These are a few local and national car rental agencies that are operating in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Customers can run a quick search on FortLauderdaleCarRentals to find more.
Top Car Rental Types in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
A huge variety of rental cars is available in downtown Fort Lauderdale. From cost-effective economy cars to feature-rich sedans, one can choose from these categories.
- Compact and Economy Cars
- Mid-Size and Full-Size Sedans
- SUVs
- Premium and Luxury Cars
Important Considerations for Renting Cars in Fort Lauderdale Downtown
Choosing the best car rentals in downtown Fort Lauderdale comes with certain considerations. Some of these practical factors include:
- Always choose a pick-up point in downtown that is close to the accommodation or hotel to avoid additional airport transfers.
- Comparing base rental fees, along with the taxes, deposits, and other fees, will help in finding the best deals and lowest rates.
- Parking costs can increase the overall travel budget. So, check the same beforehand. For instance, parking in Las Olas may cost around USD 4 per hour.
- Check how a rental agency is handling the tolls in Florida. Some may offer toll programs, while others may allow a personal transponder, such as SunPass.
- Opt for a mid-size, compact, or economy car, as they are cost-effective, easy to park, and best for city driving due to fuel efficiency.
- Always check if the rental vehicle offers better value per day or for multi-day trips. This is a smart way to find affordable car rentals in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
- Understand the fuel policy, mileage limits, and cleaning requirements to save on extra costs.
- Review the return policy, including opening hours, return instructions, and others beforehand.
Top Places to Explore from Downtown Fort Lauderdale in a Rental Car
Several attractions are located within a short drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale. However, one should know the estimated distance and reasons to visit them:
| Top Attraction | Driving Distance | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale | 1-2 miles | Waterfront walks, downtown attractions, and restaurants |
| Museum of Discovery and Science | 2 miles | Family-friendly with interactive science exhibitions |
| Jungle Queen Riverboat | 2-3 miles | Waterways of Fort Lauderdale and sightseeing cruises |
| Las Olas Beach | 3 miles | Shopping, dining, ocean and beach views |
| Hugh Taylor Birch State Park | 4 miles | Wildlife sightseeing, kayaking, and natural trails |
| Lauderdale-by-the-Sea | 7 miles | Snorkeling, diving, and relaxed beach area |
| Pompano Beach | 10 miles | Waterfront attractions, fishing, beach views, and dining |
Note: There are several other top-rated places to visit in Fort Lauderdale from downtown in a rental car. However, check the weather conditions, traffic rules, parking charges, etc. for a smooth trip.
Expert Tips for Easy Rental Car Pick-Up in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
For a smooth and stress-free pick-up of rental cars in downtown Fort Lauderdale, these quick tips will help frequent and first-time renters:
- Early booking is advised to unlock exciting deals, lower prices, and a wider selection of vehicles.
- To travel in a rental car from Fort Lauderdale Airport to downtown, early booking is even more important to get better prices and a preferred car.
- Always confirm the exact location of the branch, along with the opening hours.
- Carry all the necessary documents, including a driver’s license, credit card, etc., for a quick identity check.
- Before reaching the pick-up location, verify the pick-up time, date, car type, and others.
- Since Fort Lauderdale can experience traffic during peak hours in the morning and evening, allow extra time to reach the pick-up location.
- Before driving the car, inspect the reserved car thoroughly. Photograph the wheels, interior, windshield, dents, and other areas.
- Check the level of fuel and capture it to avoid being charged for low fuel.
- Know the toll roads available within Florida and arrange the necessary toll tags.
- Confirm young driver fees, airport and non-airport taxes, and other optional charges.
- Save the inspection details and rental agreement until the car is successfully returned.
Car rentals in downtown Fort Lauderdale simplify sightseeing, beach trips, business travel, and local exploration. Before booking, it is recommended to compare base rental fees, vehicle options, parking costs, toll policies, pick-up requirements, and more. Additionally, renters should also check the rental terms and vehicle conditions to have a predictable rental experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although rental prices vary by exact pick-up location, car type, and company, the average cost for a compact car is between USD 5 and USD 30+ (including taxes and other fees).
Many options are available here, but some highly preferred vehicles are mid-size, compact, and economy cars. These are practical choices for beach visits, short trips, and city driving across South Florida.
No. Since the minimum age is 21 years, an 18-year-old is not eligible to rent a car in the downtown area.
Legally, it is not mandatory, but it is a safety layer against theft, accidental damage, medical expenses, and other liabilities.
Some companies, such as Enterprise and Hertz, may allow renters to use their debit cards to rent a car. However, it comes with a higher authorization hold and stricter rules.
All major car rental companies operating in the region often provide one-way rentals. However, renters should verify the one-way drop-off fees and location-based rules.
December is considered the cheapest month in downtown Fort Lauderdale due to low demand. Hence, the prices are considerably lower for rental cars.