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Compare rental car prices from top companies in Florence, Alabama with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, downtown Florence or even Huntsville Airport, then cruise to the music studios, Natchez Trace Parkway and the riverfront on your own schedule. Book early to lock in the best selection, especially during the late July W.C. Handy Music Festival.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) | • On-site rental counter(s) • Pick up immediately upon arrival |
• Very limited flight service • Limited hours (aligned by flights) • Usually only Hertz available • Advance reservation essential • Counter may not be staffed without reservation |
| Florence city locations | • Potentially lower rates • Convenient if already in Florence • More flexible hours than airport |
• Closed Sundays • Limited selection of vehicles • Transportation needed if arriving by air |
| Huntsville International Airport (HSV) | • Multiple rental companies • Larger selection of vehicles • More competitive rates • Better hours and availability |
• 73 miles (117 km) from Florence (1hr15min drive) • Need transportation to Florence if not renting |
| Nashville International Airport (BNA) | • Major airport having all rental companies • Excellent selection and competitive rates |
• 120 miles (193 km) from Florence (2hr drive) • Crosses state line (Tennessee) |
Rental Companies in Florence:
Alternative Transportation Options:
On average, car rentals in Florence (AL) cost around $86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Shop around on our site for Florence city pickups, the tiny MSL airport counter and larger Huntsville (HSV) airport. Even after adding a $70 rideshare from HSV to Florence, the total can beat the small-town markup at MSL.
Grab weekday or weekly rates. In Florence a 5-7-day booking often costs only a few bucks more than 3-4 days. Check both options before you click pay.
Lock in early only for high-demand weeks like the late-July W.C. Handy Music Festival or big UNA events. The rest of the year rates can drop last minute, so set a free price alert and rebook if you see a dip.
Pick up downtown, return downtown. City branches avoid airport fees and you can fuel up at regular street prices instead of paying the airport refill premium.
Where to Park:
| Location | Type | Time Limits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Florence | Street parking | 2-hour limits in some areas | Generally abundant availability |
| Downtown lots | Surface lots | Varies | Near courthouse and businesses |
| University of North Alabama | Visitor areas | During visit | Designated visitor lots only |
| FAME Studios | Dedicated lot | During tour | Historic recording studio |
| Muscle Shoals Sound Studio | Street/small lot | During tour | Limited spaces available |
| Wilson Dam | Visitor area | During visit | Tennessee Valley Authority site |
| Shopping centers | Private lots | During business | Mall and shopping areas |
Local Driving Rules:
Speed limits:
Traffic Patterns:
Book a rental car to visit:
FAME Studios — Muscle Shoals recording studio
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio — Sheffield recording studio
Alabama Music Hall of Fame — Tuscumbia museum
Ivy Green — Helen Keller birthplace
Wilson Dam — Tennessee River viewpoint
Natchez Trace Parkway — parkway entrance near Cherokee
Are there commercial flights to Florence?
Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) in Muscle Shoals has very few commercial flights. As of 2024, Contour Airlines flies to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) a few times a day. Schedules and destinations can change, so you should always check before you book. Most visitors still fly into Huntsville (73 miles/117 km) or Nashville (120 miles/193 km) and then drive to Florence.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Florence?
If your driver's license isn't in English, we strongly recommend you get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to use as a translation. Alabama lets tourists drive using valid driver's licenses from other countries.
What's special about the Natchez Trace Parkway?
The Natchez Trace is a 444-mile (715 km) scenic road where you won't see any commercial trucks. It has few entrances or exits and the speed limit is 50 mph. On your drive, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and see historical markers. The northern end of the road is near Florence, so it makes for a perfect day trip.
How far apart are the music studios in the Shoals area?
FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals and the original Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield are about 3 miles (5 km) apart, which is around a 10-minute drive. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia is about 5 miles (8 km) from FAME. You will need a car if you want to visit all three in one day.
Can I drive between the four cities of the Shoals easily?
Yes, you can easily drive between Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. They are all about a 15-minute drive from each other. Bridges connect Florence to Sheffield and Muscle Shoals over the Tennessee River, and Tuscumbia is just south of those cities.
Is it difficult to drive on the O'Neal Bridge between Florence and Sheffield?
The O'Neal Bridge has a section with a metal grid on the road. You might feel a difference under your tires and hear a humming sound when you drive over it. This is normal. The bridge has multiple lanes and workers keep it in good shape, but it can get busy during rush hour.
When is the W.C. Handy Music Festival and how does it affect travel?
This festival happens every year in late July to celebrate W.C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues," who was from Florence. During the week-long festival, downtown Florence has many events. It can be harder to find parking and more people are trying to rent cars. You should book your hotel room and rental car well ahead of time.
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