Sarasota Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Sarasota

Renting a car in Sarasota provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for those looking to experience the beach, family activities, or city attractions without the constraints of public transport. With a rental car, you can easily visit highlights such as Lido Beach for a relaxing day by the water, St. Armands Circle for a taste of shopping and dining, or the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for a dose of culture.

Additionally, having a vehicle allows for convenient access to popular areas like Lido Key, where you can enjoy South Lido Park and Siesta Key Beach, or South Sarasota, featuring The Landings. Central Sarasota also offers attractions such as Marina Jack and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. A rental car is particularly advantageous for families, as it provides ample space for luggage and gear, making day trips to various locations hassle-free. With so much to see and do, a rental car ensures that you can make the most out of your visit to Sarasota and its vibrant surroundings.

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 is a top choice for car rentals in Sarasota, featuring 3 convenient rental locations throughout the area. Known for its short wait times, Hertz allows travellers to get on the road quickly. The most popular vehicles among customers are the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV, making it easy to navigate both urban and scenic routes of Sarasota.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental offers 2 rental locations in Sarasota, providing a reliable option for tourists. With a focus on value and convenience, Thrifty is known for its excellent selection of vehicles, particularly the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV. This supplier is ideal for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings of Sarasota while enjoying a comfortable ride.
• Budget: Budget operates 2 rental locations in Sarasota, making it a practical choice for visitors. This supplier is recognized for its competitive rates and a great selection of vehicles. Most customers opt for the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, which are perfect for accommodating luggage and ensuring a smooth travel experience in and around Sarasota.

Where to stay in Sarasota

• Lido Key: Lido Key offers a delightful beach experience, making it ideal for families and city-themed holidays. Explore the local attractions such as South Lido Park, perfect for outdoor activities, and Lido Beach, renowned for its stunning shoreline. Don't miss Siesta Key Beach, located nearby, which is perfect for beach lovers. With ample dining options, including restaurants and wineries, Lido Key ensures a fulfilling stay with both relaxation and recreation.
• Central Sarasota: Central Sarasota is a vibrant neighbourhood that caters to families and city explorers. Key attractions include Marina Jack, which is perfect for outdoor adventures, and the picturesque Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, ideal for romantic outings. Siesta Key Beach is also within reach, providing more beach enjoyment. With a variety of shopping centres and restaurants in the vicinity, Central Sarasota is a convenient base for your travel plans.
• South Sarasota: South Sarasota blends family-friendly activities with a city atmosphere. Explore The Landings, a charming town neighbourhood with unique shopping opportunities. Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach are also close by, offering great spots to unwind by the sea. The area features numerous restaurants and shopping centres, making it a practical choice for those looking to enjoy both leisure and urban experiences during their stay.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling arrangements, which are acceptable as well. 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 convenience may justify the additional cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek 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 car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Sarasota

The best time to rent a car in and around Sarasota is September, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. May and June also offer slightly lower prices with average demand, making them good shoulder months. However, March is the most expensive month, with high demand pushing prices up. February tends to be slightly high in price and average in demand, while April also sees high demand and average pricing.

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