South Tampa Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around South Tampa

Renting a car in South Tampa offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for those seeking outdoor, family, or beach-related experiences. Notable attractions such as the Tampa Riverwalk and Tampa Bay are located only 11 km away, perfect for enjoying scenic views and outdoor activities. Additionally, Vinoy Park, situated 15 km away, provides a great urban park experience for families and those looking to unwind in a city setting. Exploring nearby destinations like Tampa, which features attractions such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Florida State Fairgrounds, becomes convenient with a rental car. You can also venture to St. Petersburg, just 17 km from South Tampa, home to the Salvador Dali Museum and beautiful beaches. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience, allowing you to visit various attractions and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of South Tampa and its neighbouring cities with ease.

Most popular car rentals around South Tampa

• Midsize SUV: This popular choice accommodates 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. With its spacious interior, a midsize SUV provides the comfort and versatility needed for exploring South Tampa and its surroundings. Whether you’re heading to the beach or a local attraction, this vehicle offers ample room for passengers and luggage alike, ensuring a pleasant journey.
• Fullsize: Designed to accommodate 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize option is perfect for families and groups. This vehicle type offers generous space and comfort, allowing you to travel without feeling cramped. Renting a fullsize car is a reliable choice for those who want a roomy vehicle to carry their belongings while enjoying the freedom to explore South Tampa at leisure.
• Standard SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, the standard SUV is an excellent choice for couples, families, and groups. This car type strikes a balance between comfort and manageability. With its moderate size, the standard SUV is easy to navigate through South Tampa while still providing ample space for passengers and their gear. It’s a practical solution for those looking to enjoy their trip with flexibility and convenience.

Top rated car suppliers around South Tampa

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice for car rentals in South Tampa, boasting 2 rental locations within a convenient distance of 4 km. Known for its exceptional customer service, Enterprise offers a wide selection of vehicles, with Fullsize and Midsize cars being the most booked options. Travellers appreciate the ease of managing their luggage and the flexibility to explore the area at their own pace. With its focus on customer satisfaction, Enterprise is a reliable option for those seeking a comfortable driving experience.
• Easirent: Easirent provides a solid car rental option with one location situated 10 km away from South Tampa. This supplier has gained popularity for its offerings of Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering to those who prefer a bit more space while travelling. Customers highlight the straightforward booking process and friendly service, making it a great choice for families or groups. Easirent's competitive pricing and convenient location make it an attractive option for exploring the attractions in and around South Tampa.
• Routes: Routes offers car rentals from a single location 10 km away from South Tampa, making it another viable option for travellers. This supplier is known for its Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, popular among those looking for comfort and ample space. With a focus on customer experience, Routes is appreciated for its friendly staff and efficient service. Whether you're planning a leisurely road trip or a busy schedule of activities, Routes provides a reliable choice for your car rental needs in South Tampa.

Where to stay around South Tampa

• South Tampa: A vibrant neighbourhood within the city, South Tampa offers a blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. You can explore the nearby Tampa Riverwalk, perfect for a leisurely stroll with scenic views. Additionally, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is just a short distance away, providing an exciting theme park experience for families. The area also features various dining options, making it a great base for your trip.
• St. Petersburg: Located 17 km from South Tampa, St. Petersburg is renowned for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Vinoy Park is a lovely urban park ideal for family outings, while the Salvador Dali Museum offers a cultural experience for art enthusiasts. The local shopping areas and waterfront provide excellent options for relaxation and enjoyment after a day of exploring.
• Pinellas Park: Situated 19 km from South Tampa, Pinellas Park is another great place for beach and outdoor enthusiasts. With attractions like Upham Beach and Vinoy Park nearby, visitors can enjoy sun-soaked days and picturesque scenery. The area also has various shopping options and dining experiences, making it a convenient spot for families looking to explore the local culture and cuisine.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around South Tampa

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, filters on Expedia can assist you in finding the ideal 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 more likely to access lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify 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 is a straightforward process when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on long road trips, seek out rental options that include unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 South Tampa

The best value period to rent a car in and around South Tampa is June, when demand is low and prices are slightly low. May also offers a good option, with average demand and fairly reasonable rates. Following this, July and August maintain average pricing with low to moderate demand. In contrast, December tends to be the most expensive month, accompanied by higher demand, while March is typically the busiest and priciest month for rentals in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	60.8°F (16.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
March	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
April	73.4°F (23.0°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)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	83.1°F (28.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
August	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
October	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High