Key West Airport Car Rental Guide

Key West International Airport (EYW) is a single-terminal facility a short drive from Old Town. Its size is the key thing to understand: the number of rental vehicles on the island is small compared with a mainland city, and there is no large overflow lot to draw from when demand spikes.

In practice that means availability, not price, is often the binding constraint in winter high season and around events. Walking up to a counter without a reservation is risky.

Counters are close to the arrivals area and the lots are within easy walking distance, so there is rarely a long shuttle ride. Bring the credit card used for the booking, your licence, and your reservation number. Expect a security hold on the card that is released after the vehicle is returned.

Airport pickup is the most convenient option if you want a car for the whole stay. Downtown pickup can work out better if you only want a vehicle for part of the trip, since you avoid paying for parking on days when you are walking.

Airport locations often carry concession recovery fees that downtown offices do not. Compare the all-in totals rather than the daily headline rate.

Confirm whether your company offers an after-hours key drop before you plan a pre-dawn return. Where it exists, you remain responsible for the vehicle until staff check it in, so photograph the car and the fuel gauge at drop-off.