Question 1

Can you rent a car at Key West International Airport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Key West International (EYW) has rental counters close to the arrivals area, with lots within easy walking distance. Because it is a small single-terminal airport, the total number of vehicles available on the island is limited, so reserve ahead in winter high season.

Question 2

Is it cheaper to rent at the airport or downtown?

Accepted Answer

Airport rentals often carry concession recovery and facility fees that downtown offices do not, so the all-in total can be higher even when the daily rate looks similar. Downtown pickup can also let you skip paying for parking on days you plan to walk. Compare total quoted prices, not headline rates.

Question 3

How far is the airport from Old Town?

Accepted Answer

It is a short drive of roughly ten to fifteen minutes, depending on traffic on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Question 4

Should you reserve in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Island inventory is small, and specialty vehicles such as convertibles, Jeeps and large vans sell out first. Walking up to a counter without a booking is risky in peak season and around major events.

Question 5

How old do you have to be to rent a car?

Accepted Answer

Most Florida companies rent to drivers aged 21 and over, and some independent operators set their own minimum at 23 or 25. Specialty vehicles often carry a higher minimum age than standard cars.

Question 6

Do rental companies charge young-driver fees?

Accepted Answer

Drivers under 25 usually pay a daily surcharge. Because it is charged per day it adds up quickly on longer rentals, and it is often disclosed late in the booking process — ask for the all-in total up front.

Question 7

What documents are required?

Accepted Answer

A valid driver's licence, a major credit card in the renter's name for the security hold, and proof of insurance or the purchase of a coverage option. International visitors should bring a passport and, if the licence is not in English, an international driving permit.

Question 8

Can you rent with a debit card?

Accepted Answer

Some companies allow it with additional identification and a larger hold, while others decline debit entirely. Confirm the payment policy before you arrive, especially with smaller local operators.

Question 9

Should you rent a Jeep in Key West?

Accepted Answer

A Jeep is enjoyable for the drive up the Keys with the roof off, but it is hotter, louder, thirstier and harder to park than a compact car, and nothing left inside is secure. Many visitors rent one for a single excursion day instead of the whole trip.

Question 10

Are convertible rentals available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several operators keep a small number of convertibles. Inventory is thin in a small market, so book weeks ahead for winter travel.

Question 11

Are electric rental cars available?

Accepted Answer

Some companies offer EVs. Public charging in the Lower Keys is limited, so plan longer drives around range and check whether your accommodation has a charger.

Question 12

Do you need four-wheel drive in the Keys?

Accepted Answer

No. Every road a rental car is permitted to use is paved, and driving on beaches or dunes is prohibited.

Question 13

What size car is best for Key West?

Accepted Answer

For on-island driving, the smallest class you can live with. Old Town streets are narrow and parking bays are short, so compact cars are noticeably easier to place.

Question 14

Is it difficult to park in Key West?

Accepted Answer

Yes — parking is the main practical drawback of having a car here. Old Town predates cars, so streets are narrow, many spaces are metered or permit-only, and demand is high year-round.

Question 15

Where can visitors park in Old Town?

Accepted Answer

The most reliable options are your hotel or guesthouse lot, the municipal garage near the ferry terminal, and metered street parking. Residential permit zones are enforced and towing does happen.

Question 16

Do hotels charge for parking?

Accepted Answer

Many do, and some smaller historic guesthouses have no parking at all. Confirm before booking accommodation if you intend to rent a car.

Question 17

Can you drive a rental car on the Overseas Highway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. US‑1 is a normal public highway and standard rental agreements permit it. Confirm any mileage limits if you plan long drives up the Keys.

Question 18

Can you take a rental car to Miami?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, but check for geographic restrictions or mileage caps, particularly with smaller local operators, and ask about tolls around Miami.

Question 19

How far is Key West from Miami?

Accepted Answer

Roughly 160 miles, which takes about three and a half to four and a half hours in normal conditions because most of the highway is two lanes.

Question 20

Are there toll roads near Key West?

Accepted Answer

The Overseas Highway is toll-free. Toll roads appear around the Miami metro area, so ask about a transponder if you are driving to the mainland.

Question 21

Are one-way rentals available?

Accepted Answer

Some companies allow one-way rentals ending in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, often with a drop-off fee. Smaller local operators frequently do not offer it.

Question 22

Why are Key West rentals more expensive than the mainland?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle supply on the island is limited and demand is seasonal, so rates rise sharply in winter high season and around events. Booking early is usually the single most effective way to control cost.

Question 23

What fees commonly get added at the counter?

Accepted Answer

Airport concession recovery fees, young-driver surcharges, additional-driver fees, fuel service charges, delivery fees, cleaning fees after beach trips, late-return charges and toll transponder charges.

Question 24

Is prepaid fuel worth it?

Accepted Answer

Usually not, unless you expect to return the car nearly empty. Refuelling yourself before return is generally cheaper.

Question 25

Is rental car insurance required?

Accepted Answer

You must be able to demonstrate coverage. That may come from your own auto policy, a credit card benefit, or a product purchased from the rental company. Check what you already have before you reach the counter.

Question 26

Does a credit card cover a rental car?

Accepted Answer

Many cards provide collision coverage when the card is used to pay and other coverage is declined, but terms vary and some exclude certain vehicle classes. Confirm the specifics with your card issuer in advance.

Question 27

Can you return a rental car after hours?

Accepted Answer

Some companies offer a key drop. Where they do, you generally remain responsible for the vehicle until staff check it in, so photograph the car and fuel gauge at drop-off.

Question 28

Can rental cars be delivered to a hotel?

Accepted Answer

Several local operators deliver to hotels and guesthouses, sometimes for a fee. It is a practical option if your property has parking but you would rather not visit an office.

Question 29

What should you check before accepting the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Walk around the car and photograph every panel, the wheels, roof, windscreen and interior, note existing damage on the condition form, confirm the fuel level matches the paperwork, and test the air conditioning and — on a convertible or Jeep — the roof mechanism before leaving the lot.

Key West Car Rental FAQ

Renting at the airport

Rental requirements

Vehicle choices

Parking

Driving outside Key West

Pricing and fees

Insurance

Returning the vehicle