Cheap car hire in Sarasota
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Sarasota
- As a tourist in Sarasota, there’s lots to discover with the help of a car. Rather than relying on public transport, embrace the comfort of a hire a car to explore Sarasota Bay and beyond in your own time. From the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to Siesta Key Beach, you’ll have the freedom take in all of Sarasota’s sights.
- Ready to rent a car on your vacation in Sarasota? If you are landing at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, you will find that the main terminal offers several on-site car hire facilities. Conveniently, the hire car counters can be found in the baggage claim wing just after you leave the Arrivals Hall.
- Travelers new to Sarasota must remember to keep headlights on from dusk to dawn, as well as in rain or fog, as this is a requirement across the whole state. When you stop at a red light, you may turn right unless a sign indicating “no right on red” is posted. You are likely to encounter several toll roads on the outskirts of Sarasota, so always carry cash in your car.
- Morning rush hour in Sarasota begins at 7:00 am and lasts until 9:00 am, and in the afternoon it goes from 3:00 pm until 7:30 pm. Try to avoid US 41 and I-75 highways during these peak times. During the summer months, Sarasota’s roads are practically traffic free, but come winter when everyone is escaping colder climates, the roads can become congested.
- Book your car hire in Sarasota at least 4 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Sarasota car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in Sarasota
What type of car is recommended for driving in Sarasota?
Sarasota mainly features large streets and highways that are suitable for a wide range of vehicle sizes. If you are planning to visit the coast and all that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer, you shouldn’t have any issues renting an SUV or minivan. If you decide to drive around and park in the city center, then it may be worth renting a smaller car.
What’s the speed limit in Sarasota?
Generally, across Florida, the legal speed limit is 55 mph. On rural interstate highways the speed limits is 70 mph, while on four-lane highways the limit is 65 mph. Driving on other state highways means a maximum speed of 60 mph. In urban areas of Sarasota, the speed limit is 30 mph, with just 10-20 mph allowed in school zones.
Where are the best places to park in Sarasota?
Parking in Sarasota is easy as the city boasts over 3000 public parking spaces in its downtown area, as well as curbside parking, parking lots, and parking garages. Street parking is free while parking lots and garages charge from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. If you’re heading to the coast, both Siesta and Lido Beaches have a free public parking lot.
How much is the price of fuel in Sarasota?
The average price of fuel in Sarasota is R66,87 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R802 and R1 070, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Sarasota?
Standard (Kia Soul or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Sarasota.
How can I find car hires near me in Sarasota?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Sarasota?
A Standard car hire in Sarasota costs R577 per day, on average.
Sarasota car rental reviews and directory
Budget
7,4
Good
286 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.3
3 locations in Sarasota
Filters
Reviews
4,0 Mediocre
Apr 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
4,0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
staff was friendly and pickup and dropoff was easyCons:
gas tank wasn't full....returned the car with more than what was in it when I got it and got charged for not filling it....had a little hassle trying to get the extra charge taken off....car wasn't very clean and had an odor.8,0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
Staff member at the terminal was awesome. Very personable, efficient and professional. I walked away satisfied and laughing at our last exchange. She was the last employee I saw while picking up our vehicle. Upon returning our vehicle we did locate an employee in the lot who was also quite friendly.Cons:
The vehicle was dirty from the top to the wheel wells. The rear seats were still down which made it easier to put our luggage away but the area clearly had not been vacuumed. There were no employees to be found in the lot. There was a damaged front headlight which had markings on it indicating that it had already been observed by staff. Upon putting up the rear seats to pick up our children at the airport, We noticed that all rear seats were covered with dog foot prints of mud which I had to clean prior to picking up our guests. Clearly not COVID-19 sanitized.2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Tried to call 4 different Budget numbers first morning line would Say connecting to an agent and then disconnects very frustrating. The car smelled like weed/smoke when we picked it up. Came back 20 min after pickup to let the agent know. She said she would note it on account. I asked about a later check in she said if I was later then 1:25 I would be charged full day 47.00 base rate. So we decided we would pay extra. My husband wanted another car it was that strong , but I didn’t want to wait. Next drop off was a mess two workers told us differently on drop off I instructions. Left keys on car, take my paperwork and no one looked over car with us there which I wanted to because they was no damage and full tank. They said I d get email haven’t yet. Looked on pending charges and it’s way over amount..... never agaon. Want explanation of why it’s soooo much pending2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Long lines AGAIN at counter.. same as in March, cancelled and called an Uber. Why is there only one person handling rentals?Hertz
7,0
Good
185 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
7.0
2 locations in Sarasota
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
6,0 Okay
Nov 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2022
8,0 Very Good
Nov 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2022
Dollar
6,9
Okay
145 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.8
One location in Sarasota
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Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
4,0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
The car drove niceCons:
The pickup experience was a disaster. There was no organization or communication. The car was also filthy. My wife and I had to clean it with Clorox wipes before getting in.4,0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
The car was nice and the pick up was fineCons:
There was no one there for drop off and then, even though I prepaid through kayak I had an additional charge of $195 and since I couldn’t talk to anyone and didn’t get an emailed receipt, I have NO IDEA why6,0 Okay
May 2021
Cons:
The car was old and the tires were almost bald in addition the brakes were poor ! For what we paid I do not believe it was a good value6,0 Okay
Apr 2021
Cons:
Waited in line over an hour to get to the counter to get our car. There was garbage in our vehicle when we got in and it didn’t appear to have been cleaned.6,0 Okay
Apr 2021
Cons:
Interior windows were filthy. Our “full size” SUV was not full size.Alamo
8,6
Very Good
90 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.5
One location in Sarasota
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Reviews
8,0 Very Good
May 2017
Cons:
No automatic locks. I had to use a key to open the car door.8,8 Very Good
May 2017
Pros:
Car was clean and new. Pickup and drop off were easy.Cons:
Charged me for 7 gallons of gas after I returned it with a full tank. They refunded the charge after I complained, but I don't see how it was applied in the first place. I had filled up 2 minutes from the drop off location.9,6 Wonderful
May 2017
Cons:
Car was in second lot and hard to find - some specific directions about the space numbers would have been helpful, maybe even a map.10,0 Wonderful
May 2017
Pros:
We upgraded and extended our rental. The guy at the airport couldn't have been more pleasant or helpful. Upgraded us to a 2026 Suburban and only charges us for a regular minivan. Being a family of 5 this was very helpful.5,6 Fair
May 2017
Pros:
Car was fine. Very small gas tank, though.Cons:
According to Kayak, I was supposed to be charged an agreed-upon amount from March 29 through April 30. However, Alamo charged me for a one-month rental at the rate I had been quoted for the entire period and then tacked on an additional fee for the remaining 2 days.10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
Very easy drop off.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7,9
Good
93 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.9
5 locations in Sarasota
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Reviews
3,9 Poor
Jun 2021
10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
Pros:
Representative was not pushy about buying insurance coverage, or prepayment for fuel.2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Cons:
Booked a convertible it confirmed. Got there and they didn't have a convertible because on was returned earlier that day with damage. They could have called or emailed before I paid to Uber to the dealership. The woman that was helping was insanely abrasive and rude about it instead of apologetic. I understand things happen but I absolutely should have been notified before my reservation time plus she did not need to be so abrasive about it. Apologetic and calm if the way she should have approached it. I am extremely unsatisfied and will not book again.2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Cons:
Do not be late! This store closes at 5:00PM. Our daily rental rate increased dramatically when we picked up the next morning.4,0 Mediocre
Feb 2021
Pros:
The staff member at the pickup was rude in trying to sell additional collision insurance which was unnecessary as my credit card includes such coverage. He was condescending and aggressive.Cons:
After speaking with rental agency customer support for over 45 minutes, no one could tell me what the cost would be to drop the car off early at a different location. They advised me to drop the vehicle and that they would waive any fees if they were charged. No invoice has been received in over 48 hours since dropping off the vehicle.2,0 Poor
Dec 2020
Pros:
The check out process was quick and easy at the airport terminal. Car was comfortable.Cons:
It took over an hour to pickup rental even though I had already done all paperwork and just needed to pickup vehicle. There was a lot of chaos, 2 people doing rentals and only 4 people in front of me. They were struggling with order, cleaning and checkout process. Won’t rent from that location again.Thrifty
7,7
Good
76 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.9
2 locations in Sarasota
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Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Reasonably priced. The Drop off was very quick and easy.Cons:
Long wait to pick up the car.6,0 Okay
Feb 2021
Pros:
The pickup was a two hour wait just to get the car. Other than that, it went fine.10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
yesCons:
Sirius didn't work despite it being part of the paid for package9,6 Wonderful
Feb 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff. Easy pick up and drop off.2,0 Poor
Jan 2020
Cons:
The car smelled of so much smoke that it was almost unbearable.4,0 Mediocre
Jan 2020
Pros:
Jose at the counter was not very professional.Cons:
Service at the counter and drop off at Miami Airport was not much better.Payless
6,2
Okay
74 reviewsCleanliness
7.0
Comfort
6.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.9
One location in Sarasota
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Reviews
4,0 Mediocre
Mar 2021
Pros:
I really liked the upgrade to the minivan.Cons:
We waited one hour and 45 minutes in line at SRQ for the rental car. Only one attendant there. I also got a ticket for an expired tag that I had no control over.8,0 Very Good
Feb 2021
Pros:
YesCons:
Clean vehicle Somebody available to do a walk around with prior to exiting facility9,2 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Pros:
easy drop off, nice clean carCons:
Only one agent working for 3 different rental car companies at the time of pick-up and caused very long lines10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2020
Pros:
Everyone was efficient and friendly, the car was fine and the price was right.Cons:
Nothing, we will definitely consider Kayak again.4,4 Mediocre
Feb 2020
Pros:
That eventually I got a small car.Cons:
Had reserved a small car -- but only a truck was available. Was told to come back the next day, when there would be plenty of cars, and swap it out for a small car. Did that -- told us that no cars were available (all cars reserved -- tho of course my car was reserved too). Told to come back the next day between 8-10am -- when there would surely be plenty of cars. Did...and after 30 minutes (first saying there were no cars) they found a small car. Incidentally, had tried to call ahead each time but the main office didn't know the local car situation and no one answered the phone at the local office. Local office told me that they don't have anyone available to answer the phone. This isn't a problem that can be solved without people driving all the way to the airport to find out if there are cars available?9,2 Wonderful
Nov 2019
Pros:
Staff very friendly but had to cover three different rental agencies with two people and a long line. I felt very bad for them as some of the crowd were nasty and it was not their fault.Cons:
More staffing at the pickup counter.Avis
6,1
Okay
85 reviewsCleanliness
6.5
Comfort
6.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.1
3 locations in Sarasota
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
One of the worst car rental experiences2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
When we got there they did not have our truck. Two others had reservations for trucks as well. The lady said she didn't know when they might get any trucks...why was the reservation allowed to be booked if no trucks? Bait and switch at its finest. Never renting from Avis again.6,0 Okay
Apr 2021
Pros:
The 2nd car was clean & in good working condition. Try’s car w/ cracked windshield & followed all instructions when I called in & got case #, did follow up before returning car. Simple “incident report” done upon return, easy, 15 min to do paperwork so was impressed they gave outside service, avoiding lines inside terminal.Cons:
Initial car had obvious front end or alignment problem that should have never been rented out. Caused me to return next day for replacement. Eating my valuable vacation time.6,0 Okay
Mar 2021
Pros:
Easy pickup and drop off!Cons:
Car was not as clean as I expected it to be. Windshield was dirty on the inside and it wasn’t vacuumed very good. Kind of felt funny turning it in in that condition even though I only rented it for 2 days and only drove it on of them.3,2 Poor
Mar 2020
Cons:
Car was filthy. Pickup was a $30 cab ride from airport, not at airport. Car had damaged windshield and no washer fluid.National
8,0
Very Good
1 reviewCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Sarasota
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Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2017
Pros:
Bill was extremely helpful in adjusting the amount overcharged. Paul was also a pleasure. Everything about our encounter was very very nice. The drop off process was very easy. if I was not overcharged I would have been out of there in 5 minutes.Cons:
When i dropped off the car I was overcharged. Had I not looked at my receipt I would not have known. I had to go inside and go to the counter to have the charge adjusted.Economy Rent a Car
5,5
Fair
3 reviewsOne location in Sarasota
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Reviews
2,0 Poor
Apr 2017
Pros:
The car was nice.Cons:
I called to let them know I needed the car two days earlier. Had to leave a voice mail and got no return call. Didn't know where to find the shuttle. Took forever to process paper work. When we went to return the car, there was no one there. We had to call two different numbers to get someone there to check the car in and give us a ride to the airport. HORRIBLE!!!! And it wasn't cheap either.10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
Service was great!Cons:
That the rental was not at the airport. It it wasn't terribly inconvenient :)Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Sarasota
Car hire locations in or near Sarasota
Good to know
Most popular car type | Standard |
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