Do I need a car while visiting Pensacola?

Question

I'm going to be in Pensacola for a conference, and am wondering if I need to rent a car. I'm staying near the conference venue, but might like to visit the aviation and lighthouse museums.

Do I need a car or are there cabs/ubers?

Answer

Whether you need a car in Pensacola depends mainly on how much you plan to explore beyond your conference venue. Pensacola does have Uber, Lyft, and taxis, but the city is fairly spread out, and some major attractions — including the National Naval Aviation Museum and the Pensacola Lighthouse — are located on Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS), which is not easily accessed without your own vehicle.

If you plan to stay close to the conference location, walk to meals, and only take one or two longer trips, rideshare may be enough. But if you want maximum flexibility or expect to do sightseeing, a rental car is significantly more convenient.

Here are the key factors to consider:

Distance to the Aviation Museum & Lighthouse – These two attractions are about 25–35 minutes from most hotels. Rideshare can take you there, but the base does have security protocols and there may be delays entering NAS, making rideshare less predictable.
Availability of rideshare – Uber and Lyft operate reliably around downtown, Pensacola Beach, and the airport. However, availability can thin out late at night or early morning, and wait times can be longer near the base or far from major routes.
Cost comparison – Several Uber/Lyft trips to and from NAS Pensacola can quickly add up. If you plan more than two or three full outings, rental cost may become comparable or cheaper.

If your main activities are conference sessions plus one or two sightseeing excursions, rideshare can work well. It removes the stress of driving and parking, especially if you’ll be spending most of your time in one area.

However, for full flexibility, particularly if you want to explore Pensacola Beach, downtown restaurants, the bayfront, or multiple attractions on NAS, a rental car makes your trip smoother and lets you come and go on your own schedule.

In summary: Yes, Pensacola has cabs and rideshare, and you can get by without a car if your plans are limited. But if you want to visit the aviation museum and lighthouse comfortably, a rental car is the more reliable and convenient choice.

Do I need a car while visiting Pensacola?

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