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| Location Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Foley Local Offices | No airport fees, Convenient pickup for those staying in Foley | Limited business hours, Smaller vehicle selection, May close Sundays |
| Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) | Larger selection, More competitive pricing | 45-55 minute drive to Foley, Limited flight options |
| Pensacola International Airport (PNS) | More flight options, Competitive rates | About 45 minute drive to Foley, Cross-state rental may have restrictions |
On average, car rentals in Foley cost around $83 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Check Foley in-town desks against Mobile (MOB) or Pensacola (PNS) airports. Airports often run promo pricing thanks to bigger fleets. Do the math on the 45-min drive and gas; sometimes the airport rate still wins.
Time your booking to the season: For peak weeks (Spring Break and June-Aug) lock in a car about a month out before the best picks vanish. Visiting in fall? Track prices and pounce when a flash deal pops up—rates usually soften after Labor Day.
Tweak your dates: Sliding pickup or drop-off by even one weekday can dodge weekend surcharges on AL-59. Run a few combos in the search box and watch the total drop.
Match the car to the trip: SUVs and minivans spike in summer. If your beach haul fits in a trunk, grab an economy or midsize and pocket the savings for shrimp po'boys.
Go weekly if you're staying 4+ days: A 7-day rate can be cheaper than five individual days around Foley and Gulf Shores. Always price both options before you click Reserve.
Book with free cancellation and re-check: Lock a decent rate now, set a calendar reminder, and re-compare a week before arrival. If prices dip, rebook and cancel the original—easy win.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach – beaches
Tanger Outlets Foley – shopping
Mobile – USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Pensacola, Florida – National Naval Aviation Museum

What type of vehicle is best for a beach vacation in Foley? An SUV or minivan gives you space for beach gear and your family, though a sedan is fine for couples or people traveling light.
How bad is the traffic in Foley during summer? On summer weekends, you might find bumper-to-bumper traffic on AL-59 through Foley, which can add 20-30 minutes to your drive.
Is the Foley Beach Express still a toll road? Yes. As of 2024, the Foley Beach Express bridge is still a toll road. Drivers usually pay about $2.75 each way, and they accept transponders, cash or credit.
Where can I park at the beaches? Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have public beach access points that use paid parking lots. The fees are usually $5-10 a day, and you can pay at a kiosk or through the ParkMobile app.
Are there any driving restrictions on the beaches? Yes, you cannot drive directly on the beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach unless you have a permit for an authorized vehicle. You must park in the designated lots and spaces.