How to find a cheap car rental deal in Tampa
Whether you need a small car for zipping around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Tampa. Pick from options averaging AED 398 a day and hit the road for less.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Tampa is AED 52.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from AED 153 and pack in more adventures.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Around one week in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a Tampa car hire.
Find your perfect ride with One Switch, Budget or Dollar. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Tampa car rental policy, whether you book with One Switch or another supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Booking a one-way car rental is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can snag some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Tampa.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car rental options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average AED 349 a day.
Coming in second is this provider, which offers daily rates of around AED 126.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly AED 1,854 a day.
The Economy rental category is a dependable choice if you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Tampa.
Flying to Tampa? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car rental at Tampa International Airport. If you're flying to Tampa through this hub, simply pick up your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city center is about 11 kilometers and takes around 20 minutes.
Or fasten your belt and cruise off with a car rental from St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport. It'll take roughly 35 minutes to drive the 32 kilometers or so to the center.
Compare car rental types in Tampa
Small: These cheap rental cars in Tampa may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to maneuver around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Tampa car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or zipping along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Tampa makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're tough, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Tampa car rental is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Tampa by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always read your rental company's terms to know where you stand.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Be sure to add the right one to your Tampa car rental booking.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits are often about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay by card when it's possible, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Best hotels in Tampa for drivers
Offering parking, Mint House Tampa Downtown by Kasa takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 0.80 kilometers from central Tampa and also comes with a pool and Wi-Fi.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa Downtown. The city center is roughly 0.32 kilometers from this option, which also features a lobby bar and express check-out.
Browse through the range of hotels in Tampa for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
After you've found a car rental deal in Tampa and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Busch Gardens Tampa, The Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tampa
Keep traveling to St. Petersburg. Around 29 kilometers southwest of central Tampa, it's home to must-see sights like Chihuly Collection and St. Petersburg Pier.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in St. Petersburg include Bayview Plaza Waterfront Resort and Bay Palms Waterfront Resort - Hotel and Marina.
Add Clearwater to your list of stops. Grab your cheap car rental in Tampa and drive about 32 kilometers west to take in major highlights such as Sand Key Beach and Pier 60 Clearwater.
Clearwater has some good places to stay such as Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach by IHG and Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Cruise on over to Cape Coral, about 161 kilometers south of Tampa. From Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve to Fourmile Cove, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Book a room at Allure Suites of Fort Myers or OYO Waterfront Hotel- Cape Coral Fort Myers, FL. They make it a breeze to experience everything Cape Coral has to offer. They also come with a place to park.
