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Car rental in Mary Esther, FL

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Rental cars in Mary Esther, FL

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Mary Esther, EN

Car rental options in Mary Esther

Nestled along Florida's stunning Emerald Coast, Mary Esther offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and coastal beauty. This hidden gem boasts pristine beaches, lush parks, and a vibrant local culture. Booking a rental car allows visitors to fully explore the area's attractions, from scenic coastal drives to nearby nature reserves, ensuring a memorable and flexible vacation experience in this picturesque Florida town.

Recent reviews

Renault TWINGO II 2014

Eric and Valerie have made it impossible for me to ever rent from one of the big international car rental companies again. This was my third rental with them and they are everything the big guys are not. They are friendly, efficient, customer focused are most importantly really easy to deal with. Their cars are great as well.

Sally
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Kia K5 2021

The host, the car, and the whole Turo experience was 10/10. The price was fantastic and the whole experience was seamless. We had weird hours we wanted to leave and return the car that would not have worked with a car rental agency, but Angel and Turo made the whole process easy and seamless. I’m a bigger guy so I was worried about how comfortable the car would be and it was perfect. The great ride made our whole vacation possible and comfortable. I really appreciated the vehicles safety features too!

Daniel Alexander
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Nissan Altima 2025

The Nissan Altima was great. Good mpg, clean, lots of power, great response time. The car needed to be picked up at an off site location called, economy car rental at 2367 India street. A proximity 2 1/2 miles from the airport. You will need to find a ride to their location. The price of taxi will be $30, however we took the free shuttle to the car rental center then walked 20 minutes the rest of the way. The team at this location did a great job, fast, friendly, polite, and after returning they able to offer a ride back to the airport. We would rent this Altima again, and I would recommend this vehicle.

Cori
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Megan
Nissan LEAF 2016

Easy pick up and drop off. Car was very clean inside. A/C blows super cold even when it's 100 degrees out!! The windows are not tinted so I suggest bringing your own sun shades if you are going to be parked anywhere but the shade in the summer. Luckily I had those and that made my trip much better. The flip down visors do have the extenders to help block sun while driving thankfully. Charging prices are comparable to current gas prices - about $45 to get 250 miles of charge over a few sessions which is the same as I get from a full tank in my Toyota Yaris. This car DOES have the CHAdeMO fast charge input so it's 30-50 seconds per mile to charge depending on the fast charger & whether you're running the car (AC/radio) or it's fully off. Radio speakers were a little blown out so I had to adjust some settings to listen to my audiobooks but it was easy to do. I had no problem driving from the pickup spot to Kyle, then to the airport, and back into town without needing a charge which was about 90 miles, mostly highway. Just like any Turo rental make sure to take your own photos at pickup and drop off since scratches and such aren't usually documented after every drive by the car owners which seems standard in my experience. Overall a great deal, best price in town especially for a last minute rental. I requested the rental at 9pm on a Tuesday after my personal car died and was able to get this the next morning with no issue. Will definitely keep them in mind when I need a rental near by. Thanks again!

Megan
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Cary F.
Honda Civic 2012

First, I contemplated leaving a 4 star review for a few reasons. However, the prompt response to the issue with the original vehicle reserved, partly due to luck that someone happened to be onsite with the car, and the flexibility with returning the vehicle without requiring washing and vacuuming is deserving of some grace. The price for 5 day/4 night rental was fantastic, around $150 total. I certainly didn't expect a car in pristine shape for the cost. This car is a part of a Turo "rental company" fleet. It seems like a company that buys cheap, used cars to rent out. There are 12-15 cars parked behind a strip mall 8-10ish minutes from the airport in an area I was glad we were picking up and dropping off midday rather than the evening. The hybrid we originally reserved had stained seats and a lot of cosmetic wear. One tire looked like it was on a spare wheel and didn't have a lot of life left, honestly. A lot of the roads in San Diego aren't exactly in great shape, I was concerned about getting a flat. When we turned the car on to leave we immediately got check engine lights and a "pull over immediately" message. Fortunately, someone with the "rental company" was on site and qas able to quickly switched cars for us. It wasn't a hybrid, though. We didn't plan on a lot of driving, but originally opted for a hybrid to save money since we had two days of freeway driving. We definitely spent more on gas then originally planned. If there wasn't someone available onsite to help, it could have been a much longer ordeal which is a terrible way to start a vacation. Communication day of pick up felt slow with the owner. I didn't think to look back to the 2 month old message about how to find the car. I received a message from Turo saying we'd be sent details the day before the trip. I never got that confirmation text or measage the day before or day of pick up from the actual rental owner. When I first reached out to the rental company through the turo app to find the car at pick up time, I didn't get a response. I finally found a way to text someone about 20 minutes later. We did get a pretty quick response that way, but it's frustrating to be in a random parking lot messaging through an app and not get a response. The Honda interior is definitely cleaner than the hybrid we reserved, but the exterior, not so much. Its been side swiped and has a lot of sun damage. The TPMS light was on the whole time, but the actual tire pressure was fine. There was also a rattle and grinding noise when accelerating from a stop or on a hill, but it didn't cause an issue. The car drives fine for a 14-15 year old car, it's just a little noisy and you feel all the bumps on the road. I understand with the cheaper cost of renting through Turo amd choosing a 12-15 year old car, I'm not getting a newer car like I would with a standard rental company or paying more for a newer car. That said, with my last few Turo rentals, it feels a lot of these Turo "rental companies" aren't checking their cars or doing much more than standard maintenance as frequently as they should when they have over 150,000 miles on them. The confirmation message also suggested the cars are kept in great shape. These cars were not in great shape by any stretch of the imagination. No one wants to be on vacation and have their car break down or even be worried that the car they're driving is gonna get a flat or break down.

Cary F.
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Mireille
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2023

I love the rental cars from Mohammed. He and his staff is friendly and helpful. The cars are small and good at gas. I would suggest anyone to rent a car with Mohammed.

Mireille
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Joseph
Audi S3 2015

The host was excellent throughout the whole process. Communication was very good, he was friendly and easy to deal with, and he made the whole car rental process simple and stress-free. Everything was straightforward from start to finish, and I would definitely rent from him again.

Joseph
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Ella
Mitsubishi Mirage 2023

Easy pickup and drop off, saved us when the car rental companies ran out of cars at the airport.

Ella
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Jennifer
Ford Fiesta 2017

Solid rental experience. Car was as described. Had no issues and the host was communicative when I needed to change the reservation by a few days or hours. Super convenient location near the airport. Best price for the amount of time I needed it which was about 2 weeks. Will definitely rent again when I'm in town.

Jennifer
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Jennifer M.
Subaru Outback 2013

Andre was great, the car was somewhat still dirty, dust, dirt, what appeared to be cigarette ashes, animal hair, sticky spills around the cup holders in the center console and the door panels. Crumbs and dust/dirt left in the door handles and cubby's. In the center console cup holders and cubbys. On the top of the dashboard, around the steering column and gauges. Sticky dusty windows and stereo buttons. Rear view mirror had sticky smudges on it. All the windows inside were dusty and dirty with smudges and idk what really.. the car had a bad smell of animals like dogs, and faint cigarette smell.. however as I got further into my trip I got used to it and wasn't bothered by it anymore. A lot of these issues honestly didn't bother me very much. I was more worried of being blamed for them when I returned the car. Unfortunately I was put behind schedule due to a passenger side headlight and passenger side tail light being burned out. However upon informing andre, he was very quick with a solution to take the car to valvoline where they were able to repair the lights before I left for my trip. If I wasn't already running late It wouldn't of bothered me. Andre was also very quick to reimburse me the whole price of the repairs immediately upon me sending him the receipt of the work.. I very much appreciated that! I also appreciate that instead of canceling my trip Andre worked out a way to have the lights fixed with no trouble of my own. He was always quick to respond to all of my very long messages full of questions. This is my first time using turo and I did not know the ins and outs of the rental process. He was able to guide me threw every step all while being polite and keeping his patience with me! Hah. I ended up running behind schedule on my way back as well and was surprised how simple and easy it was to change the return time from noon to after 9 p.m. all without adding any fees to my bill! That was very helpful of andre to allow me to do. I also ended up being a little passed my return time due to vacuuming the car and dusting everything to my best ability. So that andre wouldn't have to deal with someone else's mess and the next person who rents the vehicle will not have to worry about it either. I had no issues with doing that for him after he was so helpful with me! The vehicle was a little different then what im used to. But in no time I settled in with the car and had a very enjoyable trip! I would forsure rent another vehicle from andre in the future due to how well he accommodated me on this trip. Even tho the car had the mess, that was not andre, But left over from previous renters. He even made sure to have a snow brush and ice scraper in the car for me. But unfortunately the previous renters also took that with them. Im sure there will be a new one for the next person who rents the car because thats how much andre cares about his customers !! 5 stars for andre !!! Whoever returned his vehicle like that should be ashamed and think about how it would feel if someone treated your things the same way! Once again THANK YOU andre! I will reach out to you next time I need to rent a car.. I appreciate all your help thru the process! I appreciate your professionalism and quick responses to all my questions and thank you for making sure the vehicle was 100% good to go for me before I left and wouldn't of been able to fix it. 5 of 5 stars for andre !!

Jennifer M.
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Azeema
Toyota Yaris 2012

My credit card wasn’t working for some odd reason and rental companies wouldn’t let me rent a car so I booked this Turo last minute and it was a reasonable price for five days. I will do it again when I come back to Vancouver in August.

Azeema
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Chevrolet Cruze Limited 2016

Excellent 1st experience using Turo. The host was very responsive and timely. The vehicle was in great condition and rode very well. The price was a good deal and would definitely use this again as opposed to a major car rental facility. It was a simple process overall and very straightforward.

Jaretta
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Nissan Versa 2020

Highly recommend! First of all Rigid was very helpful from the beginning. I wasn’t exactly sure what days I would be arriving at GSO so I had to keep rescheduling the rental, but Rigid was very understanding and willing to work with me! Very well communicated from making the reservation to returning the car. Very easy pickup, the car was dropped off right outside the arrival level, so no long walk to the parking lot or rental car center etc. Clean car with good mpg! Will definitely rent again next time I coming through GSO airport!

Haojun
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Trieu-Chung
Honda Civic 2025

The host, Tadeh was exceptional. The very best in customer service. I had the best experience with renting from Tadeh. Everything was so easy; Tadeh was super accommodating, very kind, he went way above and beyond what I reasonably expected. Tadeh is a thousand times better than AVIS, HERTZ, Enterprise, Thrifty, Budget, Dollar, and all the major car rental. Tadeh gave me the best deal; the major car rentals do not come close; I saved a lot of money. The car was great, very good on the gas mileage; and very clean. Tadeh made sure pick-up location was very convenient for me, Tadeh drove the car to where I was; it’s the best. Tadeh also picked up the car when I was done and again made sure it was convenient for me. I am very grateful for this. Once I return from my deployment, absolutely renting from Tadeh again; will be telling all my friends and colleagues. This is just amazing customer service. I am very appreciative for everything. THANK YOU

Trieu-Chung
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Jose
Ford Fusion 2016

Good Morning 🌞 Yall! This Car was Amazing! I was able to go see my older Son's College Graduation during the week. The Car rental process was amazing and an easy process. I would definitely rent this Car again!!

Jose
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Discover Mary Esther's top attractions by car

Mary Esther's prime location offers easy access to a variety of attractions. With a rental car, guests can explore nearby beaches, visit historic sites, and enjoy local shopping districts. Having a vehicle provides the freedom to discover hidden gems and popular spots at your own pace, making the most of your visit to this charming coastal town.


Explore the natural beauty of Santa Rosa Sound

Santa Rosa Sound, a serene waterway bordering Mary Esther, offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Driving along the scenic shoreline, visitors can find perfect spots for fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach. Parking is available at various public access points, making it convenient for those with rental cars to enjoy this natural wonder at their leisure.


Unwind at John Beasley Park

John Beasley Park, a local favorite, provides a perfect escape for beach lovers. Located just a short drive from Mary Esther's center, this park offers pristine white sand beaches and clear waters. Ample parking is available for rental cars, allowing easy access to the beach, picnic areas, and walking trails. It's an ideal spot for a day of sunbathing, swimming, or watching stunning Gulf Coast sunsets.


Shop til you drop at Santa Rosa Mall

For those seeking retail therapy, Santa Rosa Mall is a must-visit destination. This spacious shopping center, easily accessible by car, houses a variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. With plenty of parking available, guests can spend a leisurely day browsing, shopping, and enjoying the air-conditioned comfort. The mall's central location makes it a convenient stop during your Mary Esther adventures.


Reaching Mary Esther for your Florida getaway


- By plane: Fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport or Pensacola International Airport
- By train: No direct train service to Mary Esther
- By car: Drive along Interstate 10 or US Highway 98 for easy access to Mary Esther


Smart tips for renting a car in Mary Esther

When booking a rental car in Mary Esther, consider reserving early on Turo for the best selection. Choose a vehicle that suits your plans, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for beach trips. Look for extras like beach gear, GPS navigation, or a backup camera to enhance your experience. Remember to check for all-wheel drive options if you plan on exploring some of the area's more rugged terrains, and consider a vehicle with ample trunk space for storing beach equipment.

Frequently asked questions in Mary Esther, FL

What are some popular pickup locations for rental cars in Mary Esther, and are there any nearby options worth considering?

Mary Esther offers convenient pickup locations for rental cars, catering to guests looking for transportation options. The city center is a popular spot for finding hosts on Turo with a variety of vehicles available. Nearby Fort Walton Beach, just a short distance away, provides additional choices for car rental pickups. Guests can often find a range of vehicles, from full-size cars to SUVs, to suit their needs. Some hosts on Turo in the area may offer delivery options, making it even more convenient for guests. When booking a rental car on Turo, consider looking for hosts who offer flexible pickup locations or delivery services to enhance your Mary Esther experience. Remember to have your driver's license and credit card ready when picking up your rental car in Mary Esther or the surrounding area.

What are some pleasant driving routes near Mary Esther for enjoying the Florida scenery?

Mary Esther offers several picturesque driving routes that showcase Florida's natural beauty. Consider taking a scenic drive along the Gulf Coast, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the emerald waters and white sandy beaches. The Scenic Highway 30A, just a short distance from Mary Esther, winds through charming coastal communities and state parks, offering a delightful mix of natural landscapes and quaint towns. For a change of pace, venture inland to explore the lush forests and rolling hills of the Florida Panhandle. These routes are perfect for a day trip in your rental car, allowing you to experience the diverse scenery of the Sunshine State at your own pace.

How can guests prepare for driving in extreme heat conditions common in Mary Esther?

When driving in Mary Esther's intense heat, preparation is key. Ensure your rental car's air conditioning is functioning properly before setting out. It's wise to keep a cooler with plenty of water and refreshments in the car to stay hydrated. Plan your trips during cooler parts of the day when possible, and consider using sunshades for the windshield when parked. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen, even while driving, as UV rays can penetrate car windows. Be mindful of your vehicle's temperature gauge and take breaks in shaded areas if needed. Lastly, always have a fully charged phone for emergencies, and familiarize yourself with your rental car's features to ensure a comfortable journey in Mary Esther's warm climate.

Where can travelers find convenient parking facilities in Mary Esther's popular areas?

Mary Esther offers various convenient parking options for visitors exploring the area. The city center provides ample street parking, often free of charge, making it easy to stop and explore local shops and restaurants. For beach-goers, many public beach access points have dedicated parking lots, though they can fill up quickly during peak seasons. If you're planning a day of shopping, the Santa Rosa Mall on Mary Esther Boulevard offers extensive free parking. When visiting Fort Walton Beach, just a short drive from Mary Esther, you'll find several public parking lots near the main attractions. Remember to always check for any parking restrictions or time limits, and consider arriving early to popular spots to secure a good spot for your rental car.

What types of rental cars are recommended for exploring Mary Esther and its surroundings?

For exploring Mary Esther and its surroundings, a variety of rental car options can suit different needs. A full-size car like a Nissan Maxima or Toyota Corolla offers comfort and fuel efficiency for city driving and longer trips. If you're planning beach excursions, an SUV might be ideal, providing ample space for passengers and beach gear. For those seeking a touch of luxury, premium vehicles are available, enhancing your driving experience with advanced features. If you're traveling with family or a larger group, a minivan can offer the space and comfort needed for everyone. Consider your itinerary and group size when choosing your rental car to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable exploration of Mary Esther and the beautiful Florida Panhandle.

Are there any toll roads to be aware of when driving around Mary Esther?

While Mary Esther itself doesn't have toll roads, travelers should be aware of potential tolls when venturing to nearby areas. The Mid-Bay Bridge, connecting Niceville to Destin, is a toll road you might encounter on day trips. If you're planning to explore further afield, such as heading towards Panama City Beach or Pensacola, you may come across other toll roads. It's advisable to keep some cash on hand for tolls, though many now offer electronic payment options. Before setting out on your journey, research your planned route to identify any potential toll roads. This preparation will help ensure a smooth driving experience in your rental car as you explore the beautiful Gulf Coast region surrounding Mary Esther.

What are the best practices for navigating unfamiliar roads in Mary Esther?

When navigating unfamiliar roads in Mary Esther, it's essential to be prepared and attentive. Before setting out, familiarize yourself with your route using a reliable GPS or map app. Pay close attention to speed limits, which can vary between residential areas and highways. Mary Esther has several roundabouts, so be prepared to yield to traffic already in the circle. When driving near the coast, be aware of potential sand on the roads, which can affect traction. During tourist seasons, traffic can increase significantly, so allow extra time for your journeys. Always keep your driver's license and rental car documents easily accessible. Lastly, stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in beach areas and downtown Mary Esther, to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

How can guests plan an enjoyable road trip from Mary Esther to nearby attractions?

Planning a road trip from Mary Esther to nearby attractions can be an exciting adventure. Start by selecting a comfortable rental car that suits your needs, whether it's a full-size vehicle for highway driving or an SUV for off-road exploration. Research attractions within a reasonable driving distance, such as the beautiful beaches of Destin or the historic sites in Pensacola. Create a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneous stops at interesting sights along the way. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks to enjoy during your journey. Don't forget to bring along beach essentials if you're heading to coastal areas. Check your rental car's features, like the radio and air conditioning, to ensure a pleasant drive. Remember to take breaks at scenic viewpoints to fully appreciate the Florida landscape during your road trip from Mary Esther.

Where can travelers locate gas stations in and around Mary Esther?

Travelers will find several convenient options for fueling up their rental cars in and around Mary Esther. The main thoroughfare, Mary Esther Boulevard, features multiple gas stations, making it easy to refuel before or after your adventures. You'll also find gas stations near the intersection of Highway 98 and Hurlburt Field Road. For those exploring the outskirts of Mary Esther, gas stations are readily available in neighboring Fort Walton Beach and Navarre. It's advisable to keep your tank at least half full, especially when planning longer trips to nearby attractions. Many of these gas stations also offer convenience stores, perfect for picking up snacks or essentials for your journey. Remember to familiarize yourself with your rental car's fuel type to ensure you're using the correct gas for optimal performance during your stay in Mary Esther.

Is it possible to pick up a rental car in Mary Esther and return it in a different location?

Some hosts offer one-way trips as an Extra. When you search on Turo, you can filter for one-way trips to see what’s available in your area.

What is the best way to reach the car rental area from nearby airports?

Refer to the Turo app for information about pickup options to reach your car on Turo from nearby airports. If you need any additional information, you can contact your host after booking.

Are there car rental services available for travelers arriving on late flights?

Yes — many Turo hosts offer flexible pickup and drop-off hours for late or early flights.

What steps can I take to avoid unexpected fees when renting a car on Turo?

To avoid unexpected fees, make sure to return the car on time. All applicable fees are clearly displayed in the Turo app.

  1. * Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.