Car Rentals in Lakeland, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Lakeland

Renting a car in Lakeland offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for entertainment-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily manage luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans as you visit key attractions such as the Sun N Fun Air Museum, The Circle B Bar Reserve, and Lake Mirror, all conveniently located within Lakeland.

Moreover, having a vehicle allows you to venture to nearby destinations like Winter Haven, situated 21 km away, where you can explore LEGOLAND® Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida. Auburndale, just 16 km from Lakeland, also offers exciting options like The Circle B Bar Reserve and Lake Mirror. The convenience of a rental car means you can plan day trips without the constraints of public transport schedules. Navigating the roads around Lakeland is straightforward, making car hire an ideal choice for maximising your sightseeing opportunities while ensuring comfort for your journey.

Most popular car hires in Lakeland

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a fantastic option for families, couples, or small groups, comfortably accommodating up to 5 travellers along with 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV is perfect for those who need space for luggage while still enjoying the manoeuvrability of an SUV. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for exploring the sights in and around Lakeland.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families or larger groups, the fullsize car accommodates 5 travellers and offers the flexibility of carrying up to 3 large suitcases or up to 5 medium suitcases. This option is well-suited for those needing extra room for luggage and looking to travel comfortably around Lakeland. Its spaciousness ensures a pleasant journey for everyone on board.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is a great choice for couples, families, or groups, accommodating 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. It strikes a balance between size and comfort, providing enough room for essentials without being overly bulky. This makes it a popular option for those who want to explore Lakeland while having the practicality of an SUV.

Top rated car suppliers in Lakeland

• Budget: Budget has 1 rental location in the area of Lakeland, making it a convenient choice for travellers. It is particularly popular for its Midsize and Standard vehicles, which are well-suited for exploring the local attractions. Customers appreciate the flexibility and ease of managing their luggage, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Hertz: Hertz also boasts a single rental location in Lakeland, known for its Midsize vehicles, which are frequently booked by travellers. This supplier is favoured for its reliable service and straightforward rental process, allowing visitors to enjoy the sights of Lakeland and its surroundings with minimal hassle.
• Avis: Avis stands out with 2 rental locations in Lakeland, providing greater accessibility for customers. This supplier is popular for its Economy and Midsize SUV options, catering to various travel needs. Avis is praised for its well-maintained fleet and efficient service, ensuring that renters can easily embark on their adventures in and around Lakeland.

Where to stay around Lakeland

• Winter Haven: Situated 21 km from Lakeland, Winter Haven is an excellent choice for families seeking outdoor adventures. The area is renowned for attractions such as LEGOLAND® Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, both perfect for family holidays. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic Auburndale City Park, ideal for a leisurely day out. With a variety of restaurants and wineries, Winter Haven offers ample dining options to enhance your stay.
• Auburndale: Located 16 km from Lakeland, Auburndale is perfect for family and outdoor entertainment enthusiasts. Highlights include LEGOLAND® Florida, which promises a fun-filled day, and the tranquil Lake Mirror, ideal for those seeking beautiful scenery. The Circle B Bar Reserve offers a chance to connect with nature. Auburndale also boasts a selection of wineries and restaurants, making it a delightful spot for culinary exploration.
• Plant City: Just 17 km from Lakeland, Plant City is another family-friendly option featuring attractions like Dinosaur World, which offers a unique experience for children and adults alike. The Sun N Fun Air Museum and Florida Air Museum cater to those interested in aviation culture. The area is also home to shopping centres and various dining establishments, ensuring a well-rounded visit.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal match 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 in advance of your trip. Booking early often allows you to lock in lower rates and ensures better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years 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 implement a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
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 cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to rent 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. Following closely, June offers lower prices and demand, making it another good option. While prices tend to be average in October, November stands out as the most expensive month with steady demand. March is notably busy as well, contributing to higher rental rates during that time.

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	Slightly High
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	Average
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