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Compare rental car prices from leading providers in Stuart, Florida with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up downtown to skip airport surcharges or reserve at nearby Palm Beach International for an easy handoff, then hit the Treasure Coast beaches and A1A drives on your own schedule.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 594544
Location Pros Cons
Stuart City • Lower rental rates (no airport fees)
• Convenient downtown pickup
• Personalized local service
• Limited vehicle selection
• Restricted hours (usually 8am-6pm)
• Few rental company options
Palm Beach International (PBI) • Closest major airport (40 miles / 64 km)
• Multiple rental companies
• Good vehicle selection
• 45-minute drive to Stuart
• Airport surcharges increase rates
• Possible wait times during peak season
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) • Large selection of vehicles
• Competitive rates between companies
• May offer better deals than PBI
• 80 miles (129 km) from Stuart (1.5-hour drive)
• Traffic congestion leaving airport area
• Higher one-way fees if not returning to FLL

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Stuart?

On average, car rentals in Stuart cost around $87 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $37 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Pick up in Stuart, not the airport: Downtown locations avoid the airport's surcharges and can be about 25 % cheaper. Add up any ride-share from PBI/FLL; past 4-5 days the city rate usually still wins.

  • Book to the season, not the calendar: Lock in 3-4 weeks early for peak winter (Dec-Apr). In the quiet Sep-Oct window, watch prices and rebook if they dip—most deals stay flexible.

  • Price a 7-day rental even for 5-6 days: Weekly rates often undercut shorter bookings, so a "free" extra day can save real cash.

  • Hunt April–May "drive-out" deals: When agencies move cars north after snowbird season, one-way Stuart→Orlando/Jacksonville drops in price and sometimes the drop fee disappears.

  • Skip rental add-ons for gas & tolls: Top off at the cheaper stations on US-1 before return and grab a $5 SunPass to dodge the $3-5/day toll gadget fee.

Parking and Local Driving

Where to Park:

  • Downtown Stuart offers free spots in public lots and along Colorado Avenue (some have time limits).
  • Stuart Beach and other Martin County beaches have free lots.
  • Most restaurants and shopping areas offer free dedicated spaces.
  • During special events (like the Stuart Air Show or downtown festivals), temporary restrictions may apply.
  • The Riverwalk area has several free public lots within walking distance of waterfront attractions.

Local Driving Rules:

  • Standard speed limits: 25–30 mph in downtown and residential areas, 45–55 mph on highways, 70 mph on I-95.
  • School zones have reduced speed limits (usually 20 mph) when flashers are active.
  • Right turn on red is permitted after a complete stop unless posted otherwise.
  • Headlights must be used during rain and when windshield wipers are in use.
  • Florida's Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing stopped emergency vehicles.

Toll Roads:

  • Florida's Turnpike runs through western Martin County and has an entrance about 15 minutes from downtown Stuart.
  • Traveling south to Palm Beach or Miami often involves toll roads such as Florida's Turnpike or portions of I-95 Express Lanes.
  • Most rental companies offer electronic toll payment programs and charge daily service fees.
  • Consider purchasing a SunPass transponder for frequent toll road travel.
Why rent a car in Stuart

Rent a car so you can visit:

  • Stuart Beach – Atlantic Ocean shoreline

  • Jensen Beach – Hutchinson Island coastline

  • Jonathan Dickinson State Park – trails, Loxahatchee River

  • Jupiter – lighthouse, beaches

  • Fort Pierce – Navy SEAL Museum

Driving Distances from Stuart

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in Stuart?

You need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. If you plan to turn down the rental company's collision coverage, they may ask for proof of your own auto insurance, but this isn't mandatory for everyone. International visitors should bring a passport. We also recommend an International Driving Permit if your home license is not in English or does not use the Roman alphabet, as some companies require it.

Is Stuart a good base for exploring South Florida?

Stuart is in a great spot for exploring the Treasure Coast and northern Palm Beach County. You can easily drive to Jupiter, Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce. Miami and Orlando are both a little over 2 hours away, so day trips are possible but they will be long.

What's the best way to get to the beaches from Stuart?

You can get to Stuart Beach in about 15 minutes from downtown if you take the Ernest Lyons Bridge. You can also drive to other popular beaches like Jensen Beach (about 10 minutes north), Bathtub Beach (roughly 20 minutes southeast) and Hobe Sound Beach (around 20 minutes south). They all have public parking, but the lot at Bathtub Beach is smaller and fills up fast on weekends.

Are there any driving restrictions I should know about?

Unlike in other Florida beach towns, you can't drive on the beaches in Stuart. During special events like downtown festivals or boat shows, officials may close some streets or change traffic patterns. You'll also find the Roosevelt Bridge sometimes has lane closures for maintenance.

Can I take my Stuart rental to the Florida Keys?

Yes. Most rental companies let you drive the car anywhere in Florida. Key Largo is about 3 hours south and Key West is about 5–6 hours away. For such a long trip, make sure your rental has unlimited mileage and you plan for fuel and rest stops.

What parking options are available during downtown Stuart events?

During special events like the weekly Sunday Market or monthly Rockin' Riverwalk concerts, downtown parking fills up quickly. You can look for signs for event parking or use the county courthouse parking garage (free on weekends) or the lots on East Ocean Boulevard just outside the main downtown area.