Sarasota Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Sarasota

Renting a car in Sarasota offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Lido Beach, perfect for a relaxing beach day, and St. Armands Circle, ideal for enjoying the city's unique shopping and dining experiences. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art allows for a cultural journey, all within a convenient driving distance. Exploring Lido Key, which includes South Lido Park and Siesta Key Beach, becomes hassle-free with your own vehicle. You can also venture into South Sarasota to enjoy the scenic beauty of The Landings and the renowned Siesta Key Beach. Central Sarasota, home to Marina Jack and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, is easily accessible, ensuring that your itinerary is as flexible as you need it to be. Whether you are travelling with family, seeking beach experiences, or indulging in city-themed activities, a rental car enhances your journey, allowing for easy luggage management and spontaneous travel plans.

Most popular car rentals in Sarasota

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV provides a comfortable ride while allowing you to manage your luggage easily, perfect for those planning to explore the attractions around Sarasota at a leisurely pace.
• Standard SUV: With room for 5 travellers and capacity for up to 2 medium suitcases, the standard SUV is well-suited for couples, families, or groups. It strikes a balance between comfort and space, allowing you the flexibility to travel around Sarasota with ease while ensuring you have enough room for your belongings.
• Compact SUV: This vehicle type is designed for 5 travellers and can accommodate up to 3 medium suitcases. The compact SUV is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a versatile option. It offers a good mix of space and manoeuvrability, making it a practical choice for navigating Sarasota's roads while providing enough room for your luggage.

Top rated car suppliers in Sarasota

• Hertz: Hertz stands out in Sarasota with three convenient rental locations, making it easily accessible for travellers. Known for minimal wait times, Hertz is a popular choice for those looking to get on the road quickly. The most booked vehicles from this supplier are the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV, which offer ample space and comfort for exploring the area. Customers appreciate the reliability and efficiency of Hertz, enhancing their travel experiences as they navigate Sarasota's attractions.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With two rental locations in Sarasota, Thrifty Car Rental provides a convenient option for visitors. This supplier is particularly favoured for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are ideal for both short excursions and longer journeys. Travellers enjoy the competitive rates and the ease of booking with Thrifty, making it a solid choice for those seeking flexibility during their stay in Sarasota.
• Budget: Budget also features two rental locations in Sarasota, catering to the needs of various travellers. Known for its competitive pricing, Budget offers a variety of vehicles, including Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are popular among customers. The convenience of their locations and the affordability make Budget a practical choice for tourists looking to explore Sarasota and its surroundings without breaking the bank.

Where to stay in Sarasota

• Lido Key: This island destination near Sarasota offers a great mix of beach and family experiences. Visitors can enjoy nearby attractions such as South Lido Park, ideal for outdoor activities, and Siesta Key Beach, perfect for a beach holiday. Lido Beach also provides a beautiful sandy escape. With local dining options including restaurants and wineries, Lido Key is a vibrant area to relax and explore.
• Central Sarasota: A lively neighbourhood, Central Sarasota is ideal for those seeking a combination of urban and family-friendly experiences. Key highlights include Marina Jack for adventure seekers and the picturesque Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which is great for romantic outings. The popular Siesta Key Beach is also close by, making this area perfect for both city and beach holidays.
• South Sarasota: This neighbourhood offers a mix of beach and city-themed experiences, making it suitable for families. Visitors can explore The Landings, a charming town neighbourhood, or enjoy the sun at Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach, both renowned for their beauty. South Sarasota also boasts convenient access to shopping centres and a variety of local restaurants, enhancing the overall experience.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Sarasota

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for those summer days, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary with demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be offered. Renters over 70 years may also face similar restrictions. Be sure to check age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling options, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may be worth the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Sarasota

The best time to rent a car in and around Sarasota is September, when prices are generally at their lowest and demand is quite low. May and June also offer slightly lower prices with moderate demand, making them good options as well. In contrast, March tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand from travellers. January and February also see higher demand and prices, making them busier months for rental cars.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
February	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
April	73.8°F (23.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
May	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	83.1°F (28.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
October	77.0°F (25.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
November	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High