Car Rental - Jacksonville

 

Rent a car in Jacksonville to discover every corner of the magnificent ‘river city by the sea’. Nestled on the Atlantic Coast, in the northeast corner of the Sunshine State, it’s a fantastic destination in its own right – and a great starting point for any Florida road trip.

An eye-catching paradise that’s sprung up around St Johns River, you’ll find 22 miles of beaches, 40 miles of canals and 10 state and national parks here – the most of any US city. Collect your Jacksonville rental car from one of our convenient branches, including Jacksonville International Airport or locations in the heart of the city.

Either way, you’ll be ready to explore the scenic coast and nearby attractions before you know it. Choose from stylish sedans with plenty of space for families, or SUVs for road trips and adventures.

Reserve your rental car in Jacksonville with Hertz and enjoy both the great outdoors and vibrant city life.

Jacksonville Locations

A Quick Guide to Jacksonville

Little Talbot Island

Little Talbot Island

Five miles of undeveloped shoreline is a rarity in Florida – yet you’ll find it here at Little Talbot Island State Park. Around half an hour’s drive from central Jacksonville in your car rental, the natural salt marshes and sand dunes offer something a little different from many beaches in the Sunshine State. It’s a prime spot for fishing and bird watching, with the chance to spot river otters too.

The Catty Shack Ranch

The Catty Shack Ranch

On the city’s northern outskirts – around 15 miles from Downtown when renting a car in Jacksonville – you’ll find this fascinating refuge for big cats. The wildlife sanctuary is home to rescued lions, tigers, leopards, pumas and cougars. Reserve a guided tour – you may even get a chance to see feeding time.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Admire more than 5,000 artworks at this charming riverside gallery. Works from the likes of Norman Rockwell, Mildred Thompson and Winslow Homer are on display, with an interactive kids’ section too. Outside there are tranquil, sculpted gardens to stroll around, with guided tours available for the whole premises.

Omni Jacksonville Hotel

245 Water Street (32202)

Situated in the heart of Downtown, this large high-rise hotel is wonderfully located for shopping, sports and Jacksonville’s cultural arts scene. The rooftop deck and heated pool are ideal for watching the sun rise or set over the city skyline.  

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

225 East Coastline Drive (32202)

Step out onto the boardwalk along St. Johns River, and enjoy far-reaching river views from many of the rooms. Grand beds, a 24-hour gym and a restaurant serving southern favorites will help you enjoy a comfortable stay.   

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

200 Ponte Vedra Boulevard (32082)

PonteVedra is around half an hour from central Jacksonville in your rental car. Here, you can truly unwind in this classic, upscale 1920s Florida resort. Cream and orange brick buildings full of character transport you back in time, with tennis courts, a full-service spa and a golf course to help you relax.

Orsay

3630 Park Street (32205)

This rustic bistro in Avondale combines French cooking with a strong focus on Southern culinary flair. Ingredients are locally sourced to create classics like pâté, alongside Florida favorites including meatloaf and trout.

Matthew’s

2107 Hendricks Avenue (32207)

Chef Matthew Medure’s flagship restaurant is a sophisticated establishment with high booths and suave presentation. The menu is innovative, fusing local, French and Asian styles. Try the six-course tasting adventure to explore dishes like air-dried duck breast and Maine Diver scallops.

Black Sheep Restaurant

1534 Oak Street (32204)

Southern Americana is on point here in Five Points, thanks to the farm-to-table ethos of Black Sheep. Braised beef short ribs, shrimp and grits, smoked trout – you’ll find some hearty soul food to fuel your next adventure, not far from Memorial Park.

Driving In and Around Jacksonville

  • Water Street Garage (32202) has more than 1,000 spaces to park your Jacksonville rental car opposite the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, close to the river.
  • Coastline Drive Parking (32202) has more than 100 spaces, while on the Southbank, 841 Prudential Drive (32207) has room for more than 800 vehicles.
  • Downtown Jacksonville has more than 44,000 public parking spaces across garages, lots and streets.
  • The VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 121 Financial Ballpark and TIAA Bank Field (32202) share a huge sporting complex with more than 6,600 spaces across many different lots.

The morning rush hour in Jacksonville is typically between 7am and 8:30am. In the late afternoon, roads are usually busier from 4:30pm to 6:30pm during peak commuting hours. When you rent a car in Jacksonville be mindful of the busy hours on the road.

Main Routes in Jacksonville

  • Interstate 295 (I-295) circles central Jacksonville as a 60-mile beltway. It connects with all the major routes leading out of the city – including the I-95 north and south, I-10 out west and US 90 towards the coast.
  • Interstate 95 (I-95) is the main highway on the east coast, connecting Jacksonville with Daytona Beach and Miami in the south, and heading north up to Georgia and South Carolina.
  • Interstate 10 (I-10) runs for nearly 2,500 miles as the most southern cross-country highway. Take it west from Jacksonville to reach Tallahassee, or head as far as New Orleans and Houston if you’re planning a more extensive journey. 

Jacksonville to Orlando

Reach Orlando in your Jacksonville rental car in just over two hours, by heading south on the I-95 before taking Exit 260 onto the I-4.

 

Jacksonville to Miami

If you fancy a few extra days by the beach, the 345-mile trip from Jacksonville to Miami can take around five hours in your rental car. Use the I95 S most of the way, taking Florida’s Turnpike to bypass West Palm Beach.

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