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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in New Smyrna Beach. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Simple. Grab a car in town or at nearby Daytona Beach Airport or Orlando International, then hit the drive-on sand, cruise A1A, or zip to Kennedy Space Center without waiting on buses. Book early to lock in low prices and a vehicle that fits your beach gear, surfboards and day-trip plans.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Smyrna Beach City | • Lower rental rates (no airport fees) • Convenient for beach access • Local service experience |
• Very limited vehicle selection • Restricted hours (often 8am-5pm) • Limited rental company options |
| Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) | • Closest airport option (20 miles / 32 km) • Several major rental companies • Quick drive to New Smyrna Beach |
• Fewer flight options than Orlando • Smaller vehicle inventory • Limited late-night availability |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies • 24/7 operation and competitive rates |
• 60 miles (97 km) from New Smyrna Beach • 1-hour drive after your flight • Higher one-way fees if not returning to Orlando |
On average, car rentals in New Smyrna Beach cost around $57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Compare pick-up locations (New Smyrna city, Daytona Airport, Orlando Airport) in the same search. City sites skip airport taxes, Daytona can beat Orlando once you factor in the 60-mile (97 km) drive and tolls.
Price both 5-6 days vs a 7-day "weekly" rate. In this beach market a full week often costs less than a short rental because suppliers discount week-long vacations.
Shift dates away from Daytona race weeks and spring break if your schedule allows. Moving your pickup by even 24 hours can dodge price spikes and low stock.
Grab a SunPass Mini (≈ $5 at gas stations) if you plan Orlando runs. It covers tolls without the rental company's daily service fee and pays for itself after a couple of gantries.
Getting Around:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
A car lets you go well beyond the local sand and surf to explore the wider Central Florida coast.
Rent a car to visit:
Canaveral National Seashore – beaches, wildlife
Kennedy Space Center – rocket launches, Visitor Complex
Blue Spring State Park – manatees
Daytona Beach – boardwalk, Speedway
Orlando theme parks – Disney, Universal
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse – museum, observation deck
Is it really possible to drive on the beach in New Smyrna?
Yes, you can drive on certain parts of New Smyrna Beach if you pay a daily fee (about $20). You get onto the beach at special ramps and you must drive only in the marked areas between the high tide line and traffic cones. You can't drive on every part of the beach and there are extra rules during turtle nesting season.
What documents do I need to rent a car in New Smyrna Beach?
You will need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name and either proof of your own insurance or you can buy coverage from the rental company at the counter. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring your passport. You may also need an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
Do I need a special vehicle for beach driving?
You don't need a 4WD for beach driving, but a vehicle that sits higher off the ground is helpful. Most regular rental sedans can handle the hard-packed sand in the driving areas, but you should watch out for soft sand, especially near the dunes. Many people feel more comfortable driving an SUV on the beach.
What's the best strategy for visiting both New Smyrna Beach and Orlando attractions?
New Smyrna Beach is a good place to stay for a few trips to Orlando, since the drive is about 1 to 1.5 hours each way. If you plan to go to the theme parks for a few days, you could split your stay between New Smyrna Beach and Orlando to drive less. The SR-417 toll road is often a less crowded drive than I-4.
Are there any driving restrictions during special events?
During big events like Bike Week (March) and Biketoberfest (October), you should expect more traffic and some roads might be closed in the Daytona Beach area. This can slow down your drive to or from New Smyrna Beach. The Daytona 500 (February) and Coke Zero 400 (August) also cause a lot of traffic in the area.
What's the parking situation for day trips to nearby beaches?
At most public beaches in Volusia and Brevard counties, you will find parking lots that charge a daily fee between $5 and $20. Canaveral National Seashore charges a fee of about $25 per car to get in, and that fee includes parking. During the busy season, you should try to arrive early (before 11 a.m.) because the lots are often full by the middle of the day.
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