






Road Genius makes it easy to find car rental deals in St. Augustine, Florida. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Reserve early at downtown branches or the small Northeast Florida Regional Airport to secure low prices, then cruise to downtown, St. Augustine Beach and day trips along I-95.
Since St. Augustine doesn't have a major commercial airport, visitors rent from local offices or arrive from nearby airports:
| Rental Location | Address | Operating Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise (Downtown) | King Street location | Mon-Sat: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Sun: Closed |
Located near Visitor Center, about 1 mile (1.6 km) west of historic St. George St. |
| Enterprise (US-1) | 2480 US-1 South | Mon-Sat: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Sun: Closed |
Offers "We'll pick you up" service within 5-10 mile (8-16 km) radius |
| Avis/Budget | 340 SR 16 (Walmart location) | Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Sat: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Sun: Limited hours for returns |
Convenient for I-95 access; located near outlet malls |
| Hertz | 4900 US-1 North (NE FL Regional Airport) | Usually 8:00 AM-5:00 PM weekdays | Located at Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST) |
Options for Arrival:
Important Notes:
On average, car rentals in St Augustine cost around $81 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Skip the airport fees by picking up in St. Augustine—local desks don't charge the 10% concession surcharge you'll pay at JAX or DAB.
Lock in early only for peak weeks (Nights of Lights, Spring Break). For quieter months like September or mid-January, keep watching and re-comparing; last-minute drops are common when cars sit idle.
Midweek pickups rock: picking up Tue-Thu and returning before the weekend often undercuts Friday starts when fleets thin out.
Many city branches offer a free hotel pick-up within about 5-10 miles (8-16 km)—use it instead of paying for rideshare.
Compact = cheaper + easier parking in the tight historic district where meters run $2.50/hr and spaces are small.
Only need wheels for beaches or day trips? Delay the rental until after you've walked the old town, then rent for the last couple of days and cut both rental days and parking costs.
Historic Downtown Parking:
| Parking Option | Cost | Hours | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Downtown Parking Facility | Fee applies | Open 24/7 | 1,200 spaces; adjacent to Visitor Center; no in/out privileges |
| Street Metered Parking | Metered | Mon–Sat: 8 AM–5 PM Sun: 1 PM–9 PM |
4-hour limit in most locations; use pay stations or ParkStAug app |
| Free Areas | Free | Varies | Limited free options in Granada St. lot (evenings/weekends) and some residential areas (10–15 minute walk) |
Beach Area Parking:
Local Driving Regulations:
With a car you can move beyond the compact historic district to beaches, parks and nearby coastal towns.
St. Augustine Beach – shoreline, pier
Anastasia State Park – dunes, trails
Vilano Beach – fishing pier, waterfront
Fort Matanzas National Monument – fort, inlet
Ponte Vedra – dining, golf courses
Daytona Beach – speedway, boardwalk

Do I need a car in St. Augustine? You can walk around the historic district, but you'll probably want a car to explore the beaches, farther away attractions and nearby towns. Most visitors feel a car gives them more freedom.
Where should I park when visiting the historic district? Most people find the Historic Downtown Parking Facility is the easiest place to park. It costs non-residents $20 to enter as of 2024. You can also find street parking for shorter visits at $2.50 an hour, but there are time limits.
Can I park overnight in downtown St. Augustine? You can't park overnight in the main parking garage unless you have a pass. If you're staying downtown, you should ask your hotel or B&B about their parking. Many places offer parking spots or passes for their guests.
How difficult is it to drive in the historic district? Driving in the historic district can be tricky for first-timers because the streets are narrow and often one-way. Many of them were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. We suggest you drive slowly, follow the signs carefully and watch out for people walking in the street.
Is there a free shuttle or trolley service in St. Augustine? At busy times, like on Nights of Lights weekends, the city often runs free shuttles from parking lots outside of downtown. You can also pay for trolley tours. They are not free, but a ticket lets you hop on and off at many stops.
Can I drive on St. Augustine beaches? Yes, you can drive on some parts of the beaches here if you buy a permit. Right now, a permit costs visitors $10 a day. Driving on the sand here can be harder than at Daytona Beach because it's softer in some spots. We recommend using a truck or SUV that sits higher off the ground.