Finding a car rental in Rockwall is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across Texas with no booking fees. Pick up your ride at DFW, Love Field or a local Rockwall branch, then cruise I-30 to Lake Ray Hubbard or downtown Dallas on your own schedule with free cancellation and clear fee breakdowns.
Location Type | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies present • 24/7 availability • Multiple vehicle classes available |
• Airport fees (approximately 10-15% surcharge) • 35-40 miles (56-64 km) from Rockwall • Longer drive to Rockwall area |
Dallas Love Field (DAL) | • Closer to Rockwall than DFW • Major rental companies available • Good option for Southwest Airlines passengers |
• Airport fees apply • Smaller selection than DFW • 25-30 miles (40-48 km) from Rockwall |
Rockwall Local Offices | • No airport fees • Convenient for those already in Rockwall • Generally shorter wait times |
• Very limited options in Rockwall itself • Limited business hours • Transportation needed from airport |
Airport Rental Process:
Getting to Rockwall Rentals:
On average, car rentals in Rockwall cost around $86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $27 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Airport desks add roughly 10-15 % in fees. If your schedule allows, grab a rideshare to a nearby suburb (Garland or Mesquite) and pick up the car there for a cheaper bottom line.
Book flexible, cancelable rates for summer lake season: Prices jump around Lake Ray Hubbard from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lock something in early, then keep checking—free cancellation lets you swap to a lower deal if it pops up.
Tweak the calendar: A Tuesday-Tuesday weekly rate can cost less than a Fri-Mon weekend rental. Play with pickup and drop-off times in the comparison tool to see instant savings.
Fill up off-airport: Stations along I-30 in Rockwall are usually 30–50¢/gal cheaper than the pumps next to DFW or Love Field. Return the tank full and skip the rental company's pricey refuel charge.
Area | Parking Information | Local Tips |
---|---|---|
Rockwall Downtown | • Free street parking and public lots • Generally ample availability |
• Historic courthouse square has time limits during business hours • Special events may restrict parking |
The Harbor District | • Free parking in designated lots • Valet available at some restaurants |
• Lots can fill during special events and summer weekends • Additional parking available at adjacent retail areas |
Lake Ray Hubbard Parks | • Designated parking at parks and marinas • Boat trailer parking available at ramps |
• Arrive early on summer weekends for best spots • Some lots require small fees for park entry |
Dallas Downtown | • Metered street parking • Numerous parking garages |
• Consider parking apps for finding available spots |
Rockwall Shopping Areas | • Abundant free parking at retail centers • Designated areas for specific businesses |
• Ridge Road shopping corridor has multiple interconnected lots • Follow any posted restrictions for specific businesses |
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Several toll roads connect Rockwall to the broader DFW area:
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Lake Ray Hubbard – parks, marinas
The Harbor District – waterfront dining, live music
Downtown Dallas – museums, sports venues
Firewheel Town Center (Garland) – shopping, dining
What's the best route from DFW Airport to Rockwall? Take International Parkway to State Highway 121, then merge onto President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) East and continue to I-30 East. This route is about 40 miles (64 km) and takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Allow extra time during rush hours, especially late afternoon. Other routes use I-635, but they usually take longer.
Is a car necessary if staying in Rockwall? Yes, visitors will need a rental car when staying in Rockwall. The city offers very limited public transportation and while rideshare services operate in the area, finding a ride can be hard, especially during busy times. You will need a car to get to lake areas, local restaurants and for trips to Dallas attractions.
How bad is the traffic between Rockwall and Dallas? Rush hour traffic on I-30 between Rockwall and Dallas can be heavy, especially at the Lake Ray Hubbard bridge where cars often back up. The busiest times are for westbound morning traffic (7-9 a.m.) and eastbound evening traffic (4-6:30 p.m.). Allow an extra 15-30 minutes during these times. You can get traffic updates from local radio stations and navigation apps.
What's the parking situation at Lake Ray Hubbard? Lake Ray Hubbard has several parks and marinas that have their own parking lots. On weekdays, you can usually find a spot easily. However, on summer weekends, holiday weekends and for special events, lots can fill up fast, especially at popular places like The Harbor. Arrive early to get the best parking spot during these busy times.
How do toll roads work with a rental car in the Rockwall area? All DFW-area toll roads are cashless. The system automatically charges your rental car using its license plate or a toll tag, and the rental company then bills you for the toll plus a service fee. Some rental companies offer unlimited toll packages for a flat daily rate. This can save you money if you plan to use toll roads often.
What's the best vehicle type for a visitor to Rockwall? Most visitors find a midsize sedan works well, as it offers a good balance of comfort, gas mileage and easy parking. If you plan a lot of lake activities or are traveling with your family, consider an SUV for more space and comfort, especially for longer drives to Dallas or other DFW areas.
Are there any driving restrictions I should be aware of in Rockwall? Most of Rockwall has the usual driving rules. In school zones, you need to slow down when the lights are flashing (usually to 20 MPH). Some communities by the lake have private roads that you can't always drive on. Always pay attention to parking signs, especially in shopping areas where some spots might be reserved for customers of certain businesses.
What should I do if I encounter severe weather while driving? During thunderstorms, slow down and leave more space between you and the car ahead. If there is hail or a tornado warning, find a strong building and take shelter. For flash flood warnings, stay away from low roads and never drive through standing water on the road. In winter, bridges like the I-30 lake bridge freeze first when it gets icy. Be extremely careful or stay off the roads if you hear reports of ice.