A Local’s Guide to Renting a Car in Jacksonville

👉 Jump to: Best Jacksonville Rental Car Sites | Do You Need a Rental? | Requirements | Cost | Tips | FAQs

Wondering about renting a car in Jacksonville? Jacksonville is a big city, and having a rental car will allow you to explore all the different corners. A car really is the best way to get around the city.

With a lot of options for car rentals and a lot of factors going into it, it can be hard to make the best choice, especially if you’re trying to assemble a vacation plan ASAP. As a Jacksonville local, I’m here to help. 

Renting a car is the best option for most visitors, so in this guide, we’ll go through your different choices for car rentals. I’ll also lay out some tips that will help you get through Jacksonville as stress-free as possible so that you can focus on enjoying all of Jacksonville’s attractions.

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Best Car Rental Sites in Jacksonville

Discover Cars: DiscoverCars.com has an easy-to-understand User Interface and typically finds cheaper rates than other similar sites. The fees normally hidden on most sites are displayed in full, making comparisons convenient and simple.

Kayak: Kayak.com is another good option. Along with being able to compare the prices between rentals, Kayak also lets you book plane tickets, hotels, and more.

RentalCars.com: RentalCars.com is one of the most popular car rental sites. It has a wide variety of different vehicles for rent and has flexible cancellation options if needed.

Do You Need a Rental Car in Jacksonville?

If you want to explore Jacksonville as a city, you will need a car. While it’s possible to stay in Jacksonville without driving, you would be extremely limited as to where you can go. Having your own set of wheels lets you discover and enjoy the city to the fullest extent.

Public transport is present but lacking. Downtown, Riverside-Avondale, and San Marco provide more walkable options for your stay but are nonetheless difficult to navigate without a car. But to get to attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo, the different museums in the city, and the top Jacksonville beaches, you’ll need a vehicle.

It’s easy to pick up your car at Jacksonville International Airport and return it before your departure. Choosing your top things to do before arriving will help you decide where to stay in Jacksonville and how necessary a car is for you and your plans.

Rental Car Requirements for Jacksonville

🚗 – A Valid Driver’s License – For US citizens, you’ll need to have had a valid driver’s license for more than one year to rent a vehicle.

✈️ – International Driving Permit – If you are an international visitor, you may need to have an international driving permit in addition to your regular driver’s license. In most cases, foreign driver’s licenses in English are accepted. However, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recommends checking with the rental company beforehand.

💳 – Card – You’ll have to bring either a valid credit or debit card to rent a car. Be sure to check with the rental company beforehand to make sure they accept your card. Mastercard and Visa are generally accepted everywhere.

🔞 – Proof the Driver Is of Age – In general, 25 is the minimum age to rent a car. However, some companies will let you book a rental as young as 21, with an additional fee.

🗒️ – Insurance – Most car rental companies offer basic insurance coverage for their vehicles, but you may already be covered by your own car insurance policy. Before you rent a car, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement, including any applicable insurance requirements.

How Much Do Rental Cars Cost in Jacksonville?

Several factors affect how much rental cars cost in Jacksonville, like your age, the vehicle’s size, and whether you select insurance. In general, the cost of a car rental in Jacksonville is between $40 and $60 per day for a mid-size car.

A big factor to consider is what time of year you’re visiting Jacksonville. The months of December to March are the peak season for travelers, and you’ll see the highest rental rates due to the high demand. Rentals run cheaper during the slower months of the year.

🚗 Compare rental car prices for your dates by searching these sites: 

• Discover Cars
• Kayak.com
• RentalCars.com

13 Tips & Things to Know Before Renting in Jacksonville

Plan Your Route in Advance

Jacksonville is the biggest city in the contiguous United States. Trying to traverse the many roads and paths can be overwhelming even for locals, and if it’s something you’re unfamiliar with, it’s best to use a map. If you’re in a populated area, try asking for directions if the GPS isn’t any help.

Beware of Speed Traps

Jacksonville has more than a few spots where the speed limit will drastically drop off, and it’s easy to miss it. Keep a watchful eye for the speed limit signs, and drive carefully on the roads, especially if you’ve never visited before.

Inspect the Vehicle When Picking It Up and Dropping It Off

Avoid any false damage claims by taking comprehensive photographs of your rental car upon pickup, and again before returning it to the rental company. While unlikely, you don’t want to face a false damage claim, and this way, you can avoid the possibility altogether.

Never Leave Any Valuables in the Vehicle

Jacksonville is a relatively safe city, but no matter where you go, it’s never a good idea to leave any valuables in a car. Keep them on you or in a secure location if you can. Petty theft is one of the most common crimes in Jacksonville, and car break-ins do occur.

See if a Local Rental is Cheaper

In some cases, it’s cheaper to get a rental from an off-airport location. Look into it before your visit so you can get the best deal possible.

Be Prepared for Traffic

Traffic in Jacksonville can be rough, especially around the Jacksonville Beaches in summertime.

Areas like the Jacksonville Beaches, Jacksonville’s Southside, and Downtown Jacksonville can all experience heavy traffic between four and six in the afternoon, in particular. Make sure you take this into account when planning your Jacksonville trip itinerary.

Expect a Lot of Driving

Jacksonville’s size makes this inevitable. For those not used to driving forty minutes to go see a movie, it might come as a culture shock. Even without running into traffic, a night out might require a good bit of driving, and that’s pretty normal here.

Check for Events

Jacksonville regularly has events. From the Riverside Arts Market to the First Wednesday Art Walk, to various concerts and local business events, it’s easy to not know something is happening at all. It’s even worse when you realize it’s something you would have been interested in, so try and research the goings-on before arriving.

Plan for Parking

Some of the city’s most popular areas are also the most difficult to park in. Trendy areas like Riverside-Avondale and San Marco seem to only have parking in the mornings and on weekdays, and Downtown Jacksonville is constantly busy.

It can be frustrating and delay some plans, so it’s best to expect that parking could be difficult before even heading out of the door.

Watch for Bicyclists and Pedestrians

The Riverside-Avondale neighborhood, San Marco, and Downtown Jacksonville have a number of local bicyclists or people walking between breaks at work (or just enjoying a stroll). Always watch for them, especially at night or when there’s an event going on in town.

Double-Check Your Insurance

Adding more insurance to your rental can increase the price. You may already have additional coverage due to personal auto insurance, your credit card company, or traveler’s insurance. It’s good to know what you’re already covered for before adding more.

Watch the Weather

Florida’s weather is erratic, and Jacksonville is no exception. Hurricane season is brutal, and extremely hot weather is a regular thing that is only even more pronounced in the summer. Before you visit, it’s best if you have some idea of how things are looking.

Drive in the Right Lane

This tip is for any of you who may be reading from outside of the US. American vehicles drive in the right lane and have steering wheels on the left side. If you’re not used to this, it might take some getting used to, but most people adjust fairly quickly.

FAQs About Jacksonville Car Rentals

Do I need a rental car for Jacksonville?

You most likely need a rental car. Jacksonville is a massive city that is best navigated using some sort of vehicle. Without one, you’re definitely restricting what you can access. If you’re confining yourself to just Downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, or the Southside, it’s possible to not have a car and use public transport instead. But this isn’t ideal, and your options will be extremely limited.

How much per day is a rental car in Jacksonville?

You can sometimes find lower prices, but, generally, a mid-sized rental car in Jacksonville will cost somewhere between $40 and $60 to rent for the day. Prices can differ depending on your age, the size of the car, insurance, and the time of year.

Which rental car companies are onsite at Jacksonville Airport?

The companies that are onsite at Jacksonville International Airport are: Alamo/National Car Rental, Avis Rent-A-Car, Budget Rent-A-Car, Dollar Rent-A-Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz Rent-A-Car, SIXT Rent-A-Car, and Thrifty Rent-A-Car. Some of these can be booked at Discover Cars.

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Thank you for reading my guide on renting a car in Jacksonville! If you’re still planning your trip, check out my guide on the best Jacksonville day trips next!