Lakeland Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lakeland

Renting a car in Lakeland provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families or groups, allowing for easy luggage management and comfortable travel. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as the Sun N Fun Air Museum, which offers a unique cultural experience, and the scenic Lake Mirror, perfect for outdoor and romantic moments. The Circle B Bar Reserve is also easily accessible, providing an opportunity to connect with nature.

Additionally, a rental car makes it simple to venture to nearby destinations like Winter Haven, located 21 km away, which features LEGOLAND® Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida. Auburndale, just 16 km from Lakeland, also boasts attractions like Lake Mirror and the Circle B Bar Reserve. Exploring these locations at your own pace is a significant advantage of having a rental car, ensuring that your travel plans remain flexible and enjoyable as you experience the best of what Lakeland and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Lakeland

• Midsize SUV: The midsize SUV is a popular choice among travellers in Lakeland, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for space and comfort while exploring the area. With its versatile design, this vehicle offers a great balance between size and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent option for those planning to travel around Lakeland.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is another frequently booked choice, also catering to 5 passengers with the capacity for up to 3 large or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for families or groups who require extra luggage space without compromising on comfort. The fullsize vehicle provides a smooth driving experience, perfect for leisurely trips around Lakeland and beyond, ensuring that you have ample room for all your travel essentials.
• Standard SUV: If you are looking for a more compact option, the standard SUV is a great choice, accommodating up to 5 travellers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle type is ideal for couples, families, or groups who prefer a slightly smaller SUV while still enjoying the benefits of a spacious interior. The standard SUV offers a comfortable ride, making it a convenient option for navigating the roads of Lakeland with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Lakeland

• Budget: With two rental locations conveniently situated in Lakeland, Budget is a top choice for many travellers seeking great value. Known for its reliable service, Budget’s most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, making it ideal for those who want extra space during their travels. With flexibility and affordability, Budget is perfect for exploring the city and beyond.
• Hertz: As a well-established car rental supplier, Hertz operates one location in Lakeland. This supplier is popular among travellers for its diverse range of vehicles, particularly Fullsize and Midsize cars. Renting from Hertz offers the convenience of a reputable brand known for quality service, making your driving experience around Lakeland smooth and enjoyable.
• Enterprise: With four rental locations in and around Lakeland, Enterprise provides maximum convenience for travellers. Offering a wide selection of vehicles, including Mini Vans and Midsize SUVs, Enterprise is well-suited for families or groups needing extra room. Their commitment to customer service ensures that your rental experience will be both pleasant and efficient.

Where to stay around Lakeland

• Winter Haven: Located 21 km from Lakeland, Winter Haven offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of outdoor and adventure experiences. Visitors can explore attractions such as LEGOLAND® Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, both ideal for family holidays. The urban parks like Auburndale City Park provide beautiful outdoor spaces, while local dining options include restaurants and wineries, making it a well-rounded destination for a stay.
• Auburndale: Situated 16 km away from Lakeland, Auburndale is perfect for families seeking outdoor entertainment. Key highlights include LEGOLAND® Florida and The Circle B Bar Reserve, offering both adventure and natural beauty. Lake Mirror adds a romantic touch, ideal for scenic outings. Dining options such as local wineries and restaurants enhance your stay, providing a charming and engaging experience.
• Plant City: Located 17 km from Lakeland, Plant City is an excellent choice for families looking for entertainment-themed activities. With attractions like Dinosaur World and cultural experiences at the Florida Air Museum, there is plenty to explore. The local shopping mall and various dining options, including wineries and restaurants, make it a vibrant area to enjoy your time away.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and specific features you need. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save on costs, utilizing filters on Expedia will help you discover the best 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. Booking early often results in lower rates and improved availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy urban 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 categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen events 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, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to sidestep extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Lakeland

The best value period to rent a car in and around Lakeland is January, when prices are slightly low despite high demand. February and March follow closely, both showing average prices with high demand. As spring approaches, April typically sees prices rise to slightly high levels along with average demand. This trend marks the transition into a busier rental season, which continues through the months ahead, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
February	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
March	67.3°F (19.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
April	72.7°F (22.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
September	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
October	74.7°F (23.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	67.8°F (19.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average