Rent a Car in Key West for Competitive Rates and Maximum Flexibility
Compare airport and downtown pickups, avoid common fees, and use this step-by-step guide to choose the right vehicle for Key West and the Florida Keys—without overpaying.
What do you need to rent a car in Key West?
Renting a car in Key West is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required for the main driver and any additional drivers.
- Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must present a full, physical U.S. driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year. Photocopies or scans are not accepted.
Notes: Notice Regarding Driver’s License Eligibility in Florida Under Florida law, certain out-of-state driver’s licenses are not recognized for driving privileges within the state. As of mid-July 2023, only specific licenses issued by Connecticut and Delaware are recognized.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required for payment and/or deposit. Accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club and, at some locations, UnionPay. Some locations also accept Visa or MasterCard debit cards (and in certain cases Discover and AMEX) for deposits or payments, but availability varies by branch. Branded or virtual cards may not be accepted. An e‑voucher or printed voucher may be required depending on the offer.
- Age requirements: Standard age limits generally range from 20–80 or 21–80, with some offers requiring drivers to be at least 25 (and up to 75–99) years old. For many rentals, drivers aged 20–24 or 21–24 may rent certain vehicle groups by paying a young driver surcharge, typically about $25–$27 per day (plus applicable tax). Luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, full‑size and premium SUVs, and other specialty or ‘cool’ cars usually require a minimum age of 25 and may not be rented by drivers under 25. Additional drivers commonly must be at least 25 years old.
- Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must present a full, physical driving licence with no major endorsements, generally held for at least 1 year. Photocopies or scans are not accepted. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation and must be presented together with the original licence; photocopies/scans not accepted) or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) (an English translation must be provided on the back) or
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) without IDP; licences in non‑Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an IDP.Notes: Notice Regarding Driver’s License Eligibility in Florida Under Florida law, certain out-of-state driver’s licenses are not recognized for driving privileges within the state. As of mid-July 2023, only specific licenses issued by Connecticut and Delaware are recognized.
- Form of ID: A valid passport is required for the main driver and any additional drivers.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required for payment and/or deposit. Accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club and, at some locations, UnionPay. Some locations also accept Visa or MasterCard debit cards (and in certain cases Discover and AMEX) for deposits or payments, but this is not guaranteed at all branches. Prepaid, virtual or non-embossed cards may be refused. An e‑voucher or printed voucher may be required depending on the offer.
- Age requirements: Standard age limits generally range from 20–80 or 21–80, with some offers requiring drivers to be at least 25 (and up to 75–99) years old. For many rentals, drivers aged 20–24 or 21–24 may rent certain vehicle groups by paying a young driver surcharge, typically about $25–$27 per day (plus applicable tax). Luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, full‑size and premium SUVs, and other specialty or ‘cool’ cars usually require a minimum age of 25 and may not be rented by drivers under 25. Additional drivers commonly must be at least 25 years old.
Drive Paradise: Best Car Rentals for Key West Adventures
Discover the perfect ride for your Key West getaway. From cruising Duval Street to exploring the Overseas Highway, find your ideal set of wheels.
Tropical Coastline Cruise
Convertible
4
2
AutoKey West's stunning Overseas Highway demands the top-down experience. Cruise along 42 bridges connecting the Florida Keys with the wind in your hair. Perfect weather year-round means you can enjoy convertible freedom almost every day. The scenic A1A coastal route showcases the best of island living. Drop the top and let the tropical vibes transform your drive into an unforgettable experience.
Island Exploration
SUV
53AutoThe Florida Keys stretch 120 miles with state parks, nature reserves, and hidden beaches along the way. An SUV handles the mix of highway cruising and unpaved access roads leading to secluded spots. The Dry Tortugas day trip and Bahia Honda State Park are must-sees requiring flexible transport. Florida's summer thunderstorms are no match for an SUV's higher ground clearance and stability. Pack snorkeling gear, coolers, and beach essentials without worrying about space.
Old Town Navigation
Small
52AutoKey West's historic Old Town features narrow colonial streets, tight parking spots, and constant pedestrian traffic on Duval Street. A small car maneuvers effortlessly where larger vehicles struggle, saving you stress and time. Finding parking in peak season is dramatically easier in a compact vehicle. The iconic Key West charm is best experienced at street level, not from behind a massive SUV. Zip between art galleries, restaurants, and the harbor with confidence.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Best for Quick Arrivals and One-Stop Convenience at EYW
Airport pickup is ideal if you’re flying into Key West and want to leave the terminal with a car immediately. You’ll usually find the best availability (especially for automatics, SUVs, and vans), longer operating hours, and faster support for same-day changes. Keep in mind airport rentals can include facility charges and taxes, so compare the total price and confirm fuel policy before you book.
Volkswagen Jetta
52
4AutoVolkswagen Jetta
524AutoVolkswagen Jetta
524Auto
Mazda Cx-50
524AutoMazda Cx-50
524Auto
Toyota RAV4
534Auto
Toyota Camry
534AutoToyota Camry
534Auto
Toyota Camry
534AutoRent a Car at Key West (EYW) - Top Rated Deals
Discover trusted car rental options at Key West airport and read genuine reviews from real customers to make an informed choice.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 17,000+ reviews | $92 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $582 - $1,143 |
| |
| 2.1 3300+ reviews | $81 | In terminal, Walk to counter | Low deposit |
| |
| 1.3 95 reviews | $75 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $300 - $789 |
| |
| 1.2 5500+ reviews | $83 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $300 - $846 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024
Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Key West Airport (EYR) dominates with 62% market share, followed by downtown pickup at 23%. Cruise passengers drive 15% of rentals via Port of Key West, with airport locations preferred for 78% due to arrival convenience."
Booking Patterns
"SUV bookings in Key West grew 28% in 2023 for Overseas Highway scenic drives. Winter peak (Nov-Mar) sees 70% demand surge; average rental duration is 3.8 days, shorter than Miami due to weekend getaways."
Customer Pain Points
"48% of Key West car rental customers report parking difficulty as top pain point, followed by 38% citing insurance coverage confusion and hidden fees at pickup."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- Key West International Airport - Ground Transportation Report
- Monroe County Tourism Development Council - Visitor Statistics
- Florida Keys & Key West Tourism Council - Annual Report
- American Car Rental Association - Florida Market Analysis
- Key West Chamber of Commerce - Visitor Feedback Survey
- Florida Attorney General - Consumer Auto Rental Complaints Report
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Key West
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Key West
Popular Routes And Trips From Key West
Scenic Driving Routes:
Key West To Key Largo (Overseas Highway Scenic Drive)
Drive the legendary Overseas Highway (US-1) across turquoise water, mangrove islands, and iconic bridges. This route is all about ocean views, laid-back stops for photo ops, and casual seafood breaks as you island-hop up the Florida Keys.
Key West To Marathon (Seven Mile Bridge Loop)
A shorter Keys classic focused on the most famous stretch of roadway: the Seven Mile Bridge. Ideal if you want a high-impact ocean-drive experience without committing to a full-day run up to Key Largo.
Key West Historic & Beach Loop (In-Town Drive)
A convenient loop for exploring Key West’s top sights by car between parking stops. It’s best for travelers who want to mix historic Old Town, waterfront views, and a couple of beaches while keeping drive time minimal.
Popular Day Trips And Short Getaways:
Bahia Honda State Park Beach Day
One of the most beloved beach escapes in the Keys, known for clear water, soft sand, and postcard-worthy bridge views. Go early for better parking and calmer conditions.
Marathon Family Fun: Turtle Hospital + Beach
A crowd-pleasing day combining a guided visit to the Turtle Hospital with relaxed time at a nearby beach. Great for families and anyone looking for a mix of learning and downtime.
Key Largo Snorkel & Nature Day (Pennekamp State Park)
Head to Key Largo for Florida’s first underwater park experience—snorkel tours, glass-bottom boats, and mangrove trails. It’s a full-day commitment from Key West but delivers the biggest ‘reef day’ payoff by car.
Sunset + Seafood Crawl Along The Lower Keys
Cruise north from Key West for a low-stress evening of waterfront views and casual bites. Time your return for golden hour, and plan short stops for photos over the water.
Car Rental Planning Tips For Key West
Plan for parking in Old Town: Parking is limited and often paid in the busiest areas around Duval Street and Mallory Square. Build extra time into your itinerary for finding a spot, and consider parking once and walking for a few hours.
Fuel up before long stretches: Stations exist throughout the Keys, but options thin out between islands. If you’re heading toward Marathon or Key Largo, top off before longer bridge sections and avoid running low late at night.
Avoid peak drive windows: US-1 is the main artery, so traffic stacks up quickly on weekends and around check-in/check-out times. Start earlier in the morning for smoother driving and easier parking at parks.
Protect your car from sun and salt: The Keys’ sun and salty air are intense. Use shaded parking when possible, rinse off sandy gear before loading it, and keep a towel in the trunk to protect seats.
Download offline maps and save key addresses: Cell coverage is generally good, but signal can fluctuate over water and bridges. Save your hotel, park entrances, and backup fuel stops to reduce navigation stress.
Double-check tolls, insurance, and deposit rules: Most Key West-to-Keys driving is toll-free, but rental policies vary widely. Confirm what’s included (CDW/LDW, liability, roadside), how deposits work, and whether additional drivers cost extra.
Choose the right vehicle size: Compact cars are easier for tight Old Town parking, while a small SUV can be more comfortable for beach gear and longer day trips. Convertibles are fun but can be hot and sunny—bring sun protection.
Drive Through Paradise: Key West Road Rules
Essential driving laws, rental costs, and travel tips for navigating the stunning Florida Keys from Key West to the mainland
LANGUAGES
English
CURRENCY
USD
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+1
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$85 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
4-5 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
40-48 km/h (25-30 mph)
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
88-113 km/h (55-70 mph)
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.08% (Standard Driver), 0.04% (Commercial Driver), 0.02% (Under 21 - Zero Tolerance)
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$1.05/L ($3.99/gallon)
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$0.92/L - $1.19/L ($3.50/gallon - $4.50/gallon)
Key West Car Rental Guide
Essential driving tips and rental FAQ for your Key West road trip on the Overseas Highway
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