Why rent a car in Tampa?
Situated on Florida’s West Coast, Tampa is a city buzzing with restaurants, entertainment and nightlife. The white beaches of Tampa Bay are sunny 361 days of the year and the natural harbour is striking when lit up at night. A hire car is an ideal way to explore the city, the Florida coastline and nearby popular destinations like Orlando,
Fort Myers,
Miami and Palm Bay.
How to get to and around Tampa?
If you’re flying into Tampa International Airport then it’s a 19-mile drive into downtown Tampa by rental car. En route you can stop off at Cypress Point Park, which has picnic areas, hiking trails and a boardwalk, so is perfect for scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
What brands are available?
There are various hire car providers to suit your budget and preferences, including Dollar, Budget and Alamo. Many offer extras like free cancellation, unlimited mileage and shuttle services to your rental car.
Must-sees within an easy drive of Tampa
Tampa has many tourist attractions to enjoy. Busch Gardens is a popular amusement park filled with thrill rides, African wildlife and entertainment. The Florida Aquarium features many ocean species including sharks, dolphins and penguins. The Museum of Science & Industry is great for the whole family and includes a butterfly garden and IMAX theatre.
Orlando, with its World Disney Resort and Universal’s Island of Adventure, is an 84-mile drive away. The world-renowned beaches of Miami are a 280-mile journey and can be reached in a few hours drive.
Tips and tricks for driving in Tampa
Downtown Tampa can be busy during the summer tourist season so allow yourself plenty of time for journeys through the city. Driving is right-hand in the US and drivers don’t always indicate a turn, so keep an eye on your mirrors. Every state has different driving laws, so make sure you familiarise yourself with the Florida ones before your visit.
Ready to plan your Tampa city break? city break?
Feeling inspired to explore Tampa and the rest of Florida? Check out this City Guide
and use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and to research the best attractions and activities.
