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| Location Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Daphne Local Offices | No airport fees, Convenient pickup for those staying in Daphne | Limited business hours, Often closed Sundays, Smaller vehicle selection |
| Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) | Larger selection, More competitive pricing | 40-50 minute drive to Daphne, Limited flight options |
| Pensacola International Airport (PNS) | More flight options, Competitive rates | About 1 hour drive to Daphne, Cross-state rental may have restrictions |
On average, car rentals in Daphne cost around $83 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Compare Daphne vs. airport pickups. Local offices skip airport surcharges but have limited hours. Use our site to price Daphne, Mobile (MOB) and Pensacola (PNS) side-by-side—sometimes the drive to an airport saves $10-$20 a day.
Time your booking to the season. Visiting June-August or Spring Break? Lock in a deal 3-4 weeks out. Traveling September-February (non-holiday)? Prices usually dip, so you can monitor rates and pounce when they slide.
Aim for a weekly rate. In Baldwin County a 5-7-day package can cost less than four separate daily rentals. Even if you only need the car six days, the weekly plan often wins.
Pick a fuel-friendly class. A midsize sedan handles the 70-mile (113 km) beach loops and I-10 runs for 30+ mpg, cutting gas costs versus an SUV you may not actually fill with gear.
Finding a Spot:
Local Driving Rules:
Renting a car unlocks easy day trips along Alabama's Eastern Shore and beyond.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach – public beaches, watersports hubs
Mobile – USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, seafood downtown
Fairhope & Point Clear – bayside art galleries, sunset pier
Foley – Tanger Outlets shopping, OWA amusement park

What's the best vehicle type for a beach vacation from Daphne? We recommend an SUV or minivan because they give you plenty of space for beach gear and families. A midsize sedan works well for couples or if you're packing light.
How far is Daphne from the beaches? You can get from Daphne to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in about 35 to 45 minutes.
Is there public transportation from Daphne to Gulf Shores? You won't find reliable public transportation from Daphne to the beaches, so you'll need to rent a car for this trip.
How does hurricane season affect car rentals? When there are hurricane warnings, it can be harder to find a rental car because many people are evacuating. Rental companies may stop renting out cars if the government orders a mandatory evacuation.
Are there any toll roads between Daphne and the beaches? The state bought the Foley Beach Express bridge and removed the toll on July 1, 2024. So, you won't find any toll roads on the direct routes from Daphne to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.