How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tampa
Searching for a cheap rental car in Tampa? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging 72 € a day, we compare all the best deals so you can search less, save more, and feel good about what you paid.
Daily rental prices in Tampa start from just 13 €.
Staying a little longer? Book a weekly rental from 23 € and say yes to more adventures.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Tampa car hire. Try booking around one week before you go.
One Switch, Budget and Dollar are some of the best-known providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
The coverage One Switch or another supplier includes with your Tampa car hire can differ, so always go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Tampa.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Want to explore freely without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at 50 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 211 €, this provider comes in next.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly 42 € a day with this supplier.
If you're still weighing up which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Tampa.
Flying to Tampa? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Tampa plans by booking a car hire at Tampa International Airport. The city centre is about 11 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Or make a smooth getaway with a car hire from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. After collecting your keys, it'll take roughly 35 minutes to drive the 32 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Tampa
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Tampa gets you moving without breaking the bank. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are excellent for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Tampa car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Tampa takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Tampa car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Tampa by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always read your rental company's terms to make sure you meet the requirements.
Add a car seat to your Tampa car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to travel.
You'll be asked for some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you've never driven in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you think you'll be drinking, leave the driving to someone else or choose another way to travel.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to ensure you're covered in all situations.
English is the language you'll most often encounter in this country.
Best hotels in Tampa for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying the comfort of Bposhtels Tampa. About 0.48 kilometres from central Tampa, it comes with parking, a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant.
Marriott Tampa Westshore also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, along with internet access and a pool. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Tampa for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Tampa and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to head to first. Kick things off with leading attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa, The Florida Aquarium and Cheetah Hunt.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tampa
Around 26 kilometres southwest of central Tampa, St. Petersburg deserves a spot on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Chihuly Collection and St. Petersburg Pier.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in St. Petersburg include Red Roof Inn Tampa Bay - St. Petersburg and Days Inn by Wyndham St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay Area.
Add Clearwater to your trip lineup. Grab your cheap car hire in Tampa and drive around 32 kilometres west to take in top spots such as Encounters With Dolphins and Sand Key Beach.
Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach and Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach are comfortable places to stay in Clearwater if you're planning to stick around. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Set out for Cape Coral, around 161 kilometres south of Tampa. From Sun Splash Family Waterpark to Reel Revenge Deep Sea Fishing Charters, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Allure Suites of Fort Myers and OYO Waterfront Hotel- Cape Coral Fort Myers, FL have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Cape Coral.
