






Compare rental cars from leading companies in Delray Beach with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up in downtown Delray Beach or at nearby Palm Beach International or Fort Lauderdale airports, then cruise Atlantic Avenue, Boca Raton and the rest of South Florida on your own schedule. Book a few weeks early for the busy winter season to secure low rates and the vehicle you want.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Delray Beach City Locations | • Convenient for downtown visitors • No airport surcharges • Close to hotels and beaches |
• Limited business hours • Smaller selection of vehicles • Advanced reservations recommended |
| Boca Raton (Nearby City) | • More rental options • Potential for better rates • Major companies represented |
• 7-10 miles (11-16 km) from Delray Beach • Requires transportation to/from rental location • May not offer after-hours pickup |
| Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) | • All major companies represented • Wider selection of vehicles • 24/7 availability at some counters |
• Airport surcharges (approximately 18% higher) • 20 miles (32 km) from Delray Beach • Transportation needed to/from airport |
| Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) | • Sometimes better rates than PBI • More flight options |
• 30 miles (48 km) from Delray Beach • Additional transportation costs • Longer return time for departures |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Delray Beach cost around $82 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Skip the airport pickup: City branches in Delray Beach are usually about 18% cheaper than Palm Beach (PBI) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) thanks to no airport fees. A quick rideshare from your flight can offset the extra transit cost.
Time your booking to the season: For peak months (Dec–Apr) or big events like the February tennis tournament, lock in a car 2–3 weeks ahead. For the quieter summer, book a cancelable rate and keep checking—prices often drop as the date approaches.
Cross-check Boca Raton rates: It's only 7 mi (11 km) away and often has a larger fleet. A short Uber/Lyft ride there can open up cheaper options or vehicle types that sell out in Delray.
Stick to smaller cars: Economy or compact models not only cost less per day but also fit the tight street parking around Atlantic Avenue and the beach—double win on rental and meter fees.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to get to:
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens – museum, gardens
Boca Raton – Mizner Park, golf courses
West Palm Beach – Norton Museum, Clematis Street
Palm Beach Island – beaches, Worth Avenue
Sawgrass Recreation Park – Everglades wildlife, airboat rides
Fort Lauderdale – Las Olas Boulevard, Riverwalk

Is a car necessary in Delray Beach?
You can walk around downtown Delray Beach and the beach area, but we recommend renting a car to explore other places. The downtown trolley runs along Atlantic Avenue as a free shuttle you can call for. However, you won't find much public transportation anywhere else. You'll need a car to visit attractions outside of downtown, shopping centers, golf courses and neighboring cities.
Where is the best place to park in downtown Delray Beach?
When you visit downtown, the public garages at Old School Square and City Hall have cheap parking for about $1–2 per hour. They are a short walk from the shops and restaurants on Atlantic Avenue. You can park on the street, but it's hard to find a spot when it's busy. For the beach, you'll find parking lots at the east end of Atlantic Avenue that charge similar hourly rates.
What type of car is best for visiting Delray Beach?
A standard sedan or small SUV is a good choice for most people. These cars get good gas mileage and have enough room for your beach gear and shopping bags. A compact car is great for getting around downtown and finding a parking spot on the street. You only need a larger vehicle if your group has five or more people or you have a lot of luggage.
How do I find parking during special events in Delray Beach?
For big events like art festivals or tennis tournaments, you should arrive early to get a parking spot in a public garage. You can also park in lots on the edge of town that offer a shuttle service. Some events have special parking areas that are clearly marked. Private lots often open up for events and charge a flat fee of $10–20. You might have to walk a few blocks from your car to get to the event.
What's the best route from Delray Beach to Palm Beach attractions?
You should take I-95 North to get to Palm Beach. Use the Southern Boulevard exit for southern Palm Beach or the Okeechobee Boulevard exit for central Palm Beach and Worth Avenue. These roads lead straight to the bridges that go to Palm Beach Island. The drive takes about 35–45 minutes. You'll also need extra time to find parking on the island. Try to visit on a weekday to miss the weekend traffic.