Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Gulf Shores - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Gulf Shores
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Gulf Shores
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Gulf Shores
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Gulf Shores?
Gulf Shores is a beautiful coastal city with pristine beaches, exciting attractions, and delicious seafood. While ride-sharing services and public transportation are available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and convenience, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the Beaches: Gulf Shores is close to many attractions, such as Gulf State Park, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and the city of Mobile. A rental car makes it easy to visit these destinations.
Convenience and Comfort: Renting a car allows you to travel comfortably and efficiently, especially if you're carrying beach gear, golf clubs, or shopping bags. No need to wait for taxis or rely on public transport schedules.
Flexibility: With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby towns, restaurants, and entertainment venues without worrying about transportation logistics. Enjoy spontaneous day trips and discover hidden gems.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Gulf Shores
Before booking a rental car in Gulf Shores, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions. Here's what you need to know:
Area
Approximately 28 square miles
Population
Around 13,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT)
Ideal for
Beach vacations and family trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during peak tourist seasons
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Gulf Shores require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon return of the vehicle, provided it is in good condition.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so check whether you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options such as child seats, GPS navigation, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Gulf Shores – How Much Does It Cost?
Car rental prices in Gulf Shores vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental duration. Here’s an overview of estimated daily prices and seasonal trends:
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
7 Seater:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer vacations and high tourist traffic.
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts and better deals due to fewer tourists.
Car rental rates fluctuate throughout the year, influenced by tourist seasons and demand.
How to Book a Car in Gulf Shores?
Booking a car in Gulf Shores is simple with these steps:
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs and budget, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the rental agreement carefully to understand mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when picking up your rental.
General Information About Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is a popular vacation destination on the Alabama Gulf Coast, known for its white-sand beaches and family-friendly atmosphere.
Driving in Gulf Shores is generally easy, but it's important to be aware of local traffic regulations, parking availability, and fuel options.
Top Attractions to Discover
Gulf State Park
Features beaches, trails, a fishing pier, and nature centre.
The Wharf
A shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants, boutiques, and an amphitheatre.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Home to a variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in popular areas like the beach and The Wharf.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available in some areas; be sure to pay attention to time limits.
Park & Ride
During peak seasons, consider using park-and-ride services to avoid traffic congestion.
Gas Stations in Gulf Shores
Convenient Locations
Numerous gas stations are located along main roads like Gulf Shores Parkway and Highway 59.
Major Brands
You'll find brands like Chevron, Shell, and ExxonMobil.
Refueling Tips
Refuel before returning your rental car to avoid extra charges.
Useful Tips for Visiting Gulf Shores
Plan for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak tourist seasons; allow extra time for travel.
Use Navigation Apps
Use GPS navigation to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially when spending time outdoors, to avoid dehydration.
Beach Safety
Pay attention to flag warnings on the beach and swim in designated areas.
Key Transportation Hubs in Gulf Shores
Airports
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
Located approximately 60 miles from Gulf Shores.
Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Situated approximately 40 miles from Gulf Shores.
Bus Stations
Greyhound Bus Station (Mobile)
Serves the Gulf Coast area, providing connections to regional and national destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Gulf Shores?
To rent a car in Gulf Shores, ensure you have the following:
Ensure your license is current and valid in the United States.
Be at least 21 years old.
Have a valid credit or debit card for the security deposit.
Provide a passport or other form of identification.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Gulf Shores as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Beautiful beaches, easy drive around town. Perfect stop on our road trip!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 28.10.2024
Relaxing, good times.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
Pretty laid-back vibe
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 15.05.2025
Pretty chill place
Jessica Thompson
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
Fantastic family vacation! Having a car made exploring so easy. Gulf Shores is gorgeous.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.05.2025
Loved meeting my friends in Gulf Shores! The beaches were stunning, and having a car made exploring so convenient. Such a relaxing getaway.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Quick business trip, but Gulf Shores charmed me! Having a car made getting around so easy. Beautiful beaches and lovely restaurants; I'll be back for a longer stay.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
Okay, kinda hot. Renting a car was easy, though.
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 11.06.2025
Pretty chill, really
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 09.12.2024