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| 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 |
On average, car rentals in Stuart cost around $87 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $37 per day.
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.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
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

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.