Car Rentals in South Tampa, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around South Tampa

Renting a car in South Tampa offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, as a rental car allows for easy luggage management and convenient travel plans. With a vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions like the scenic Tampa Riverwalk and Tampa Bay, both located 11 km away, or enjoy a family day out at Vinoy Park, situated 15 km from South Tampa.

A hire car also makes it simple to venture into nearby cities. You can explore the vibrant metropolis of Tampa, which features popular sites such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Florida State Fairgrounds. Additionally, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, approximately 16 km and 17 km away, offer beautiful beaches and cultural experiences like the Salvador Dali Museum. With a rental car, you can create flexible itineraries, ensuring you experience all that South Tampa and its neighbouring areas have to offer.

Most popular car hires around South Tampa

• Midsize SUV: This car type is perfect for accommodating 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the midsize SUV offers ample space and comfort, making it a popular choice for exploring the attractions around South Tampa at your own pace.
• Premium SUV: Designed to cater to 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases, the premium SUV is a top option for business travellers. With its combination of luxury and practicality, this vehicle ensures a comfortable journey while providing the flexibility needed for work-related trips or meetings in South Tampa.
• Standard SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers along with up to 2 medium suitcases, the standard SUV is an excellent choice for couples, families, or groups. This versatile vehicle offers a balance of space and comfort, making it well-suited for those looking to explore South Tampa while managing luggage easily.

Top rated car suppliers around South Tampa

• Alamo Rent A Car: With a rental location situated 11 km away from South Tampa, Alamo Rent A Car boasts an impressive overall rating of 8.6 out of 10. Renowned for its friendly service and clean vehicles, Alamo provides a reliable option for travellers looking to explore the area at their own pace. The most popular choices among customers are the Premium SUV and Standard SUV, making it an excellent choice for those needing extra space or comfort during their travels.
• Avis: Located 10 km from South Tampa, Avis is another top car hire supplier that offers convenience and quality. Known for a selection that includes Standard SUVs and Economy cars, Avis caters to a variety of needs, ensuring that travellers can find the perfect vehicle for their adventures. With a strong reputation for service, Avis is a reliable option for those looking to rent a car during their stay.
• Budget: Budget, also located 10 km away from South Tampa, provides a fantastic selection of vehicles at competitive rates. Popular choices here include the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, ideal for those seeking a blend of space and affordability. Budget's strong presence in the area ensures that travellers have easy access to quality car hire services, making it a practical choice for your trip.

Where to stay around South Tampa

• South Tampa: This vibrant neighbourhood offers a mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Close to attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Tampa Riverwalk, South Tampa is perfect for those seeking entertainment and scenic walks. Enjoy the local restaurants and wineries, and take advantage of the nearby bay and beach for relaxing afternoons.
• St. Petersburg: Located 17 km from South Tampa, St. Petersburg is renowned for its beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces. Key attractions such as Vinoy Park and the Salvador Dali Museum provide cultural and recreational opportunities. The area also boasts a variety of restaurants and shopping areas, making it an ideal choice for families and those looking to explore the vibrant local scene.
• Pinellas Park: Situated 19 km from South Tampa, Pinellas Park is a great destination for outdoor and family experiences. Visitors can enjoy attractions like Upham Beach and Vinoy Park, which are perfect for a day of sun and relaxation. The neighbourhood features shopping centres and dining options, ensuring a well-rounded stay for travellers seeking convenience and leisure.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, make use of filters on Expedia to discover 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 vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy improved 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 crowded areas. Mid-size rentals 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 vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters aged over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but this could be worthwhile for the added convenience it offers.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence 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 January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February offers similar conditions, with average prices and demand. Moving into the spring, March and April maintain average pricing while demand remains steady. In contrast, July tends to be the most expensive month with slightly high prices and average demand, while August sees prices also remain slightly high with moderately high demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	60.8°F (16.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
April	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
July	83.1°F (28.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average