St. Petersburg Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around St. Petersburg

Renting a car in St. Petersburg provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your preferences. This is particularly appealing for families and those seeking outdoor experiences, as it allows you to visit attractions like Vinoy Park, an urban park ideal for family outings and outdoor activities, and the Salvador Dali Museum for a taste of culture, all located within St. Petersburg.

Additionally, a rental car makes it easy to reach nearby destinations such as St. Pete Beach, which is 11 km away and offers beautiful beaches and water parks, or Treasure Island, located 13 km from St. Petersburg, known for its scenic Sunset Beach. You can also take a short drive to Tampa Bay, approximately 10 km away, to enjoy its stunning scenery and outdoor experiences. With your own vehicle, you can explore at your leisure, making your trip to St. Petersburg both enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rentals in St. Petersburg

• Compact SUV: This popular choice accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families. The Compact SUV offers the perfect balance of space and maneuverability, making it easy to navigate the streets of St. Petersburg while providing enough room for your luggage.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option for families, couples, or small groups. Its spacious interior ensures comfort during your travels, while the additional luggage space allows for easy management of your belongings as you explore the St. Petersburg area.
• Fullsize: Perfect for larger families or groups, the Fullsize vehicle accommodates up to 5 travellers with the ability to hold either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for those needing extra room for luggage and ensuring a comfortable journey around St. Petersburg, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in St. Petersburg

• Budget: Budget has one rental location in St. Petersburg, making it easily accessible for travellers. This supplier is particularly known for its popular options like Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, allowing you to choose a vehicle that fits your needs. Many customers appreciate the value provided by Budget, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore the area at their own pace.
• Enterprise: With four rental locations throughout St. Petersburg, Enterprise stands out as a convenient option for travellers. Known for its excellent customer service, Enterprise offers a diverse selection of vehicles, with Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs being the most booked. This supplier's commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a reliable and flexible rental experience, perfect for managing your itinerary while enjoying the sights.
• Hertz: Hertz operates two rental locations in St. Petersburg and is well-regarded for its efficient service. Travellers often choose Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, which provide a great balance of comfort and manoeuvrability. Hertz’s reputation for clean, well-maintained vehicles and quick service makes it a popular choice for those looking to explore St. Petersburg and surrounding areas with ease.

Where to stay around St. Petersburg

• St. Pete Beach: Located 11 km away from St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach is a vibrant destination perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches such as Pass-a-Grille Beach, which is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. The area also features Vinoy Park, a beautiful urban park suitable for family outings, and Splash Island Water Park for fun-filled days. With numerous restaurants and wineries nearby, St. Pete Beach offers a delightful culinary experience to complement your stay.
• Treasure Island: Situated 13 km from St. Petersburg, Treasure Island is a charming beach destination great for families seeking outdoor activities. Highlights include Sunset Beach and the St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island, both perfect for sunbathing and beach activities. The boardwalk and shopping areas provide ample opportunities for leisure and exploration. This area also boasts various dining options, including local restaurants and wineries, making it an excellent choice for a memorable getaway.
• Madeira Beach: Located 16 km from St. Petersburg, Madeira Beach is an inviting spot for families looking for a beach-themed experience. The area features Hubbard's Marina, known for adventure and outdoor pursuits, alongside Archibald Beach Park, which is perfect for beach lovers. Madeira Beach also offers a lovely boardwalk and shopping area for leisurely strolls. With nearby restaurants and wineries, this destination is ideal for enjoying a mix of relaxation and culinary delights.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around St. Petersburg

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 enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, Expedia's filters can help you 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 vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to access lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be suitable; just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur an additional fee for picking up your rental car at the airport, but the convenience it provides could make it worthwhile.
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 prevent unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid 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 St. Petersburg

The best value period to rent a car in and around St. Petersburg is April, when prices are slightly low, though demand is high. June is another good option, with slightly low prices and low demand, making it a quieter choice. In contrast, August tends to be the most expensive month due to higher prices and average demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious renters. July also sees slightly high prices, which can impact availability and cost during that time.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
March	67.8°F (19.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
April	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
May	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	83.3°F (28.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	83.7°F (28.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
September	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
October	76.6°F (24.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High