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Car rentals

What’s the best, reputable, good service car rental options for renting a car from the air port to drive into Key West?

Renting a car from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to drive down to Key West is a popular option for travelers who want flexibility and the ability to explore the Florida Keys at their own pace. The drive is roughly 4–5 hours without stops, but many travelers enjoy stopping along the Overseas Highway for sightseeing, beaches, and small towns.

For a smooth experience, it’s best to choose well-known, reputable rental companies with airport locations that offer easy pickup and drop-off, online check-in, and optional insurance coverage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of options and tips:

  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    • Known for excellent customer service and a wide range of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, and convertible options perfect for scenic drives.
    • Offers a shuttle from airport terminals to the rental location for convenience.
    • Optional “Express Checkout” lets you complete paperwork online, reducing wait times.
    • Enterprise generally allows trips to Key West without special permission, but always confirm when booking.
  • Hertz
    • Large selection of vehicles and widely regarded for good customer service.
    • FLL location offers shuttle service from all terminals.
    • Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can skip the counter, which speeds up the process.
    • Convertible or mid-size cars are popular for the scenic Keys drive.
  • Avis / Budget
    • Shared airport counters, reliable service, and competitive pricing.
    • Budget is often slightly cheaper but may have fewer vehicle options for larger groups.
    • Both companies offer online paperwork completion, allowing a “click & collect” style pickup.
  • Alamo / National
    • Particularly good for family travel; offer a wide range of SUVs and vans.
    • Self-service kiosks allow faster pickup without waiting in line.
    • National’s “Emerald Club” provides faster reservations and selection of cars on arrival.

Additional tips for a hassle-free experience:

  • Book online in advance and complete as much of the paperwork as possible ahead of time. This avoids long lines at the airport.
  • Check whether your rental agreement covers travel to Key West, as some car classes may have restrictions or require notification.
  • Consider a mid-size or SUV for comfort during the 4–5 hour drive and for potential luggage and beach gear.
  • Inspect the car carefully before leaving the lot to avoid disputes over pre-existing damage.
  • Refuel before returning, and note Key West rental return procedures — some agencies have off-airport drop-offs that might differ from standard locations.

Overall, Enterprise and Hertz are generally considered the best combination of reliability and service at FLL, while Avis/Budget and Alamo/National offer competitive pricing and efficient online processes. For the scenic drive down the Keys, consider a convertible or comfortable SUV for the best experience.

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