Destin car rental information
| Pick-up location | Destin |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Pickup truck, Premium, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 2 |
| Airport locations | 0 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Hertz |
Cheap car rentals in Destin
| Economy | $51/day |
| Compact | $51/day |
| Intermediate | $32/day |
| Standard | $32/day |
| Minivan | $38/day |
| Full-size SUV | $36/day |
| Premium | $73/day |
| Luxury | $86/day |
| Pickup truck | $38/day |
| Standard SUV | $31/day |
| Compact SUV | $33/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $38/day |
| Supplier choice | $48/day |
Top tips for renting a car in Destin
- If you are looking to visit as many Destin attractions as possible, then you are better off renting a car for your trip. With several reliable and cheap car rentals in Destin, you will conveniently move from one destination to the next faster and seamlessly than you otherwise would via public transportation. Being a coastal city, some of the major activities you can enjoy while in Destin include snorkeling, parasailing and dolphin sightseeing cruises. Destin Commons, Destin Harbor and Sandestin Outlets are some of the major attractions in Destin.
- Destin is one of the major destinations in the Sunshine State of Florida. No wonder traffic is usually a major issue with morning rushing running between 7am and 9 am and evening rush hour between 5pm and 7pm Monday through Friday. If you are hoping to visit some of the city’s major attractions, then you are better off avoiding the roads during these rush hours.
- Flying in and out of Destin is pretty easy with a couple of airports located close to the city. The Fort Walton Beach Airport is the closest airport to the city. Packed with several amenities, this airport is guaranteed to get you on “vacation mode” as soon as you touch base! Other airports near this city include Destin Executive Airport, Pensacola International Airport, and Panama City Beach Airport.
- Car rentals in Destin are an easy way to travel to the city’s attractions, whether it be Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park or the popular Destin Harbor Boardwalk. A rental car is also convenient for driving to sights outside of the city, like the Point Washington State Forest that is 17 miles away, or Panama City that is around a 1h 30min drive away. Having your own mode of transportation provides you with independence and allows you to save time, as you won't have to deal with public transport.
- If you’d like to find the rental car center at Destin - Fort Walton Beach Airport, head to the baggage claim area that can be found in the lower level lobby of the arrivals terminal. Because the office is within the airport, you don’t need to worry about taking a shuttle to get there. There are a few different rental car companies to choose from, including Alamo, Enterprise, and National.
- The city is known for having many small and windy streets, so adding a GPS system to car rentals in Destin can be an easy way to help you find your way around. Because Destin is also a popular beach city, it usually has many pedestrians and cyclists that are out and about, especially near the coast. Keep an eye out for these individuals in order to avoid any collisions.
- The main roads that go in and out of the city are Highways 98 and 293, both of which are known for having a substantial amount of traffic during rush hour, due to commuters heading to and from work. If you don’t want to be stuck in a traffic jam, try to avoid driving on these roads during the early morning and evening. These highways are also often particularly busy during the summer months, as this is when visitors from the surrounding region head to Destin in order to enjoy the Floridian sunshine and spend some time at the beach.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Destin for $48 or less
- Book your rental car in Destin at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Luxury rental cars in Destin are around 35% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Destin
What type of car is recommended for driving in Destin?
Since the city is small and has many tight roads, a compact car is a convenient choice for your Destin car rental. A smaller model will make it easier to park when space is limited, and it will help you to clearly navigate through the town’s narrow streets.
What’s the speed limit in Destin?
When you’re driving near Destin, the speed limit on Highway 98 is generally between 35 to 40mph. However, in some areas, you can plan on it being as low as 25mph. Within the city itself, speed limits are on average 25mph, but some streets have limits as low as 7mph. Major intersections often have video cameras, so avoid speeding to not receive a ticket. There are usually many police officers stationed along Highways 98 and 293, so you’ll want to be careful when driving there as well.
Where are the best places to park in Destin?
While it is possible to find some free street parking, it can be difficult to snag them. The City of Destin offers quite a few paid parking options for a flat rate of $5 per 24h. These include public parking lots at the Destin Community Center, Destin Library, Marler Street, and Zerbe Street. Keep in mind that these different parking options have a first-come, first serve basis, so try to arrive early in the day to ensure that you have a spot.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Destin?
On average a rental car in Destin costs $57 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Destin found in the last 2 weeks is $43.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Destin?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($48/day).
How much is gas price in Destin?
The average gas price in Destin is $4.16 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $50 and $67, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Destin?
Luxury (Hyundai Genesis or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Destin.
How can I find car rentals near me in Destin?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Destin?
A Luxury car rental in Destin costs $35 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Destin?
A Standard car rental in Destin costs $37 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in Destin?
A Premium car rental in Destin costs $43 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Destin?
On average a rental car in Destin costs $400 per week ($57 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Destin?
On average a rental car in Destin costs $1,715 per month ($57 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Destin?
Most car rental providers in Destin offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Destin, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Destin?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 2 car rental agencies in Destin.
Which car rental companies in Destin have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in Destin which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Hertz, Dollar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Destin?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Destin?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Destin so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What documentation do I need to produce when renting a car in Destin?
To rent a car in Destin, you will be required to produce a valid driver’s license issued in your state or country of origin. Of course, you will also need to provide a means through which you will pay for the car rental. Pretty much all Destin car rental companies accept credit cards. As a standard safety procedure, the car rental company will run a background check on you before renting out their car to you. So, if you have an unresolved issue with the law, or if you have a rich criminal history, then you may have a bit of trouble renting with them.
What is the minimum age for renting a car in Destin?
Most car rental companies prefer doing business with renters who are at least 25 years or older. However, younger clients can also rent with them. However, this usually comes at a surcharge. It helps to find out if the Destin car rental company you are about to get in business with will apply a surcharge on you before making your reservation.
Destin car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
7.5
Good
114 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
6.9
3 locations in Destin
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
YesCons:
I was totally satisfied6.0 Okay
Mar 2021
Cons:
Vehicle was nice and clean and there weren’t any issues with the billing. The only complaint is when we got to the pickup location the office was locked and there was a sign stating they had to leave to assist another customer. I get that happens but we waited for over an hour along with several other customers. It was kind of a pain getting to the rental location from the airport but considering it was 1/3 of the price I would do it again.8.0 Very good
Feb 2021
Pros:
Good StaffCons:
Car interior cleaner, better car selections10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2021
Pros:
Enterpirse said they had a car for me, gave me a confirmation number and told me the car would be ready, when I arrived there was no vehicle available for weeks. Hertz was able to get me into a car in 24 hours on short notice. THANK YOU2.8 Poor
Jun 2020
Pros:
No vehicles at all when we got there after waiting for 10 mins before being acknowledgedCons:
Pretty much everythingAlamo
8.0
Very good
87 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Destin
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2018
Cons:
Flew in and found out our car was unavailable. Had a parking lot full, but they were saving them for FEMA..which is fine, a disaster had just taken place. But to have no warning before being stranded at the airport is sad.8.0 Very good
Oct 2018
Pros:
The staff member was helpful and friendly.Cons:
Waited in line for an hour due to having only one agent on duty. The vehicle was parked a long way from the rental desk, making it difficult for older folks to walk to get to.10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2018
Pros:
The vehicle choice was wonderful. Premium SUV - had an Infinity. Loved the ride. Will continue booking thru kayak.Cons:
Every state has different rulings - additional driver in state of Florida was $15 per day. Would have been nice to know ahead of pick up. Oh well.10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2018
Pros:
No waiting at check in.5.2 Fair
Aug 2018
Pros:
The van was spacious and suited my need. When I picked up the vehicle the lady at the desk was very polite.Cons:
When I picked up the vehicle nobody went with me to inspect the vehicle or to do a walk around to insure there were no issues. When I picked up the van it had NOT been cleaned inside. It appeared that it had NOT been checked to any specific standard other than it had a full tank of gas. All 4 tires were low and not a single one of them had the same pressure. I had to add 4,5,6 and 7 pounds of air respectively. I would have assumed that safety would have been a priority. I know well enough to check those things for myself, but what about people who don't? Very very disappointing8.8 Very good
Aug 2018
Pros:
Everything was great except car wasn't ready when we arrived.Cons:
car wasn't ready when we arrived. We had to wait to have it cleaned.Budget
5.8
Fair
43 reviewsCleanliness
6.1
Comfort
6.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
5.1
One location in Destin
Filters
Reviews
8.4 Very good
Sep 2018
Pros:
everything was great except for the line to pick upCons:
I waited in line close to an hour & a half to pick up the car :( :( CRAZY!2.0 Poor
Feb 2018
Pros:
The car was fine.Cons:
The lady from Avis tried to upgrade me at a lot more cost. I kept saying I wasn’t interested. The most disturbing was how she kept implying that I could break down on the side of the road with no help if I didn’t buy insurance or roadside assistance. I was traveling alone and she purposely tried to frighten me. I felt paranoid that something terrible would happen my entire trip. It affected my vacation.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2017
Pros:
Courteous rental agent, convenient pick-up.8.8 Very good
Aug 2017
Pros:
Car was nice and clean and returning it was a snapCons:
I had to wait in line for over 30 mins to get a car and there were only 3 people ahead of me.8.0 Very good
Jul 2017
Pros:
The vehicleCons:
The attendent harrass you to purchase budget insurance even though i purchased kayak insurance.10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2017
Pros:
Awesome.. in and out quick and easy!!! Pick up and drop off!!!Dollar
7.5
Good
24 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.2
One location in Destin
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Aug 2020
Cons:
We never got to go. Thanks COVID-1910.0 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Pros:
Staff member was friendly, picking up and dropping off was easy.8.8 Very good
Nov 2019
Pros:
Yes3.6 Poor
Aug 2019
Pros:
The staff was super condescending and put me in an economy car despite the fact I paid for a mid size. I brought the car back @ 6 versus 4 and was charged an additional $38 when the daily rental was only $27 which seemed extremely inflated.9.6 Wonderful
May 2018
Pros:
They offered me three vehicles to choose from.7.2 Good
May 2018
Pros:
Quick operation, good agent to pick upCons:
the car didn't have bluetooth. It was weird to grab the car and not have to check it out with another gate agent to leave the premises. If I had something wrong with the car, I didn't have an immediate person to detail that with. I would have had to go back into the terminal or hunt someone down. Nevertheless, it's comforting to not have to wait to get my car and go. So it's just habit that makes it weird.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.0
Good
23 reviewsCleanliness
7.1
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
7.1
2 locations in Destin
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly and efficient.Cons:
Car not clean, No shuttle service ($40.00 taxi). Also could not return car to airport without a charge of $150.00. Another taxi back to airport (just $25 this trip). Has anyone from corporate checked the condition of the office?5.6 Fair
Jul 2020
Cons:
I reserved a Jetta more than a month out from my vacation. I go to pick up my car. They tell me that they are giving me an upgrade to a 2 door mustang convertible. They don’t have anything else. I have a family of 4 with 2 car seats. The car was a pain to put 2 kids in car seats and luggage for 4 people. I don’t have much confidence in enterprise for my next visit.5.2 Fair
Jul 2020
Pros:
The dude at the dropoff was super nice and friendly. He stated they were understaffed and worked very hard to help us as quickly as possible.Cons:
The vehicle had been recently smoked in. it smelled terrible. My son and wife asked multiple times to have the windows rolled down to get some fresh air inside. Very disappointing on SUPER hot days.8.0 Very good
Jul 2019
Cons:
Faster ok up. Enterprise "claim to fame", is their hospitality pk up, I understand vacation resorts traffic, however, 3 hrs. IS punishing and poor business decisions...9.2 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Pros:
Very very helpful all aroundCons:
Price.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Cons:
Small rental car return signs at the Fort Walton airport. Be on the lookout.Avis
6.3
Okay
18 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.5
Value for money
6.1
One location in Destin
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Sep 2023
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
We asked specifically for a car that seated 8 and we got a car that seated 7. There were no cars that seated 8 so someone had to ride illegally and unsafe the entire trip.Cons:
The lady that helped at Pickup was not helpful on instructing drop off after hours. The car stunk. And giving people the amount of seating they request is pretty vital.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Cons:
The car smelled like smoke when we first open the door. The smell went away but it was slightly annoying.10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Pros:
Friendly, very easy, nice vehicleCons:
It makes me nervous not to check over a car for damages with an agent before/after8.4 Very good
Sep 2017
Cons:
Slow pick up at VPS.5.2 Fair
Oct 2016
Pros:
I honestly was very disappointed with the overall experience at this location.Cons:
It took 3 employees combined effort in order to serve one person ahead of me in line for at least 25 minutes. When it finally was my time to be helped, I was asked to go into the parking lot to obtain the mileage on the vehicle while the lady stood there doing nothing. When I got back she answered a phone call and didn't even put the person on hold, I continued to wait. When she got off the phone she realized she was not capable of figuring out how to do a return. She proceeded to go for help. In the meantime one of the other employees then tried to help another person that was in line behind me while my employee went in search for help! I informed her her co-worker needed some help in processing my return and I simply cannot wait any longer, I did not account 45 minutes to drop off a vehicle. A capable employee then showed up and processed my return within 2 min. Seeing how easily the process should be handled made me sick to my stomach. I wouldn't recommend this location to anybody.VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Destin
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