Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Downtown with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Downtown, Sarasota?
Based on car hire prices found by KAYAK users over the last 12 months.
To get the best price on car hire in Downtown, Sarasota, you should book around 74 days before your trip. This could save you approximately 24% compared to booking last-minute.
Which company offers the cheapest car hire in Downtown, Sarasota?
Based on car hire prices found by KAYAK users over the last 12 months.
The cheapest car hire company in Downtown, Sarasota is Thrifty at R451/day on average, followed by Dollar (R516/day) and Avis (R535/day).
Which car rental company in Downtown is best rated?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Downtown are Budget (7.2/10, 141 reviews), Avis (6.8/10, 46 reviews), and Hertz (6.8/10, 60 reviews).
Downtown car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Downtown by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
R504 - R776
All Car Types
R885 - R1 277
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Downtown?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Downtown?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Downtown?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Downtown?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Downtown?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Downtown?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Downtown?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Downtown?
Small car hire in Downtown typically costs around R649 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R504 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 40% cheaper than the average car hire in Downtown, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Downtown typically costs around R874 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average R781 per day, which is about 11% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 19% cheaper than the average car hire in Downtown, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Downtown typically cost around R1 007 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R913 per day, which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 6% cheaper than the average car hire in Downtown, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Downtown typically costs around R1 049 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R867 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Downtown, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Downtown typically costs around R1 384 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 201 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 23% more expensive than the average car hire in Downtown but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Downtown typically costs around R1 068 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R897 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 1% more expensive than the average car hire in Downtown but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Downtown typically costs around R1 483 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R1 180 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Downtown but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Downtown typically costs around R1 355 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 217 per day, which is about 11% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 22% more expensive than the average car hire in Downtown but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Top tips for renting a car in Downtown, Sarasota
25% of our users found rental cars in Downtown for R769 or less.
Book your rental car in Downtown at least 5 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
Small rental cars in Downtown are around 38% cheaper than other car types, on average.
September is typically the cheapest month to rent a car in Downtown, with prices around R689/day. December, in contrast, is often the most costly month, with an average of R945/day.
FAQs about hiring a car in Downtown (Sarasota)
How much does it cost to hire a car in Downtown?
On average a car hire in Downtown costs R859 per day.
What is the best car hire company in Downtown?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Downtown is DOLLAR (7,1, 31 reviews).
How can I find car hires near me in Downtown?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
What is the most popular hire car type in Downtown?
SUV is the most frequently booked hire car type in Downtown.
How much does a SUV car hire cost in Downtown?
A SUV car hire in Downtown costs R774 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Downtown?
On average a hire car in Downtown costs R6 013 per week (R859 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Downtown?
On average a hire car in Downtown costs R25 769 per month (R859 per day).
Downtown (Sarasota) car hire reviews and directory
No same-day rental. I booked six hours in advance, and the reservation went through once I landed and went to the kiosk, only to find out there was no car available because they don’t do same-day rentals.
6,0 Okay
Ray, May 2026
Full-size SUV
The vehicle was larger than I ordered and was difficult to maneuver
6,0 Okay
Anonymous, May 2026
Intermediate SUV
The car was obviously not cleaned before hand. There was pet hair clinging to the seats and there was a rental agreement from a previous renter in the middle storage compartment. It’s probably still in there. This was never my experience before.
8,0 Very Good
Doug, Apr 2026
Standard SUV
There was an hour wait in line and then it took them a while to find a car. After that it was good and drop off was really excellent
8,0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Line to pick up car was long and slow.
6,0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Turned it in early and didn’t get my refund ? please assist Tere Long
The wait to get my car was very long. The car was nice but the ability to adjust the driver’s seat was not adequate.
8,0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Full-size
The check-in line to get the car was very long. I waited 45 minutes and was lucky because I got in line while my partner got the luggage. The people behind me waited much longer. One man sent his wife to see if it could be faster to get a car from a different company. They did finally add a third person to speed things up a bit. The car was lovely (a Toyota Camry hybrid) and the drop-off was quick and easy. The price was very fair.
2,0 Poor
Travis, May 2025
Full-size
I received a car that was not up to standard. The issue is still being dealt with. In short, this was one of the worst experiences I’ve had with a car rental company. To the best of my ability, I will do everything to never rent from Avis again.
6,0 Okay
Garrett, Sept 2024
Convertible
Did not have the convertible that l requested and expected.
10,0 Wonderful
WAYNE, May 2024
People carrier
Avis was excellent and would definitely rent from them again
My experience was not good. Despite calling the afternoon of my pickup date to confirm that my car would be held and ready for pickup, when I arrived in Sarasota, there was not even an agent at the desk. Then when I finally was able to work with an agent, they did not have the car I rented. They had the option of a huge truck or a tiny car. This was not conducive to the activities of our trip, but I didn’t have the option of waiting or coming back a different day. Thankfully at least I got a car as there were over 10 people behind me and there were only 2 cars left to rent so other people didn’t even get a car. But because I got a huge truck the expense of gas was outrageous and parking was impossible.
2,0 Poor
Jason, Nov 2025
Economy
Horrendous customer service. Made flight and car rental arrangements to Sarasota for a family member’s critical medical emergency. Changed to an earlier flight that put me in Fort Myers due to poor medical prognosis. Tried two national contact #s that went directly to automated/AI responses stating rental reservation could not be changed. Desk agent in Fort Meyers made us wait in line for 15 mins only to tell us that there were no cars available and we could not switch our reservation anyways. We had to purchase a new reservation with a different carrier. Terrible experience.
10,0 Wonderful
Christine, Sept 2025
Compact SUV
Mark at checkout (outside in the Kiosk at Sarasota airport) was a pleasure to deal with!
4,0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Intermediate
Originally rented a Tesla. Car was charged to only half capacity at pickup. Asked for and was granted a different vehicle at same price. 2nd car smelled like the bottom of an ashtray. Asked for, and was reluctantly given a 3rd car. By this time, the Hertz rep was obviously done with us and became short and unfriendly with us. When it came time to return the vehicle, I learned our flight was scheduled long before the off-airport location opened, and unlike every other car rental service I have ever used in the past, there was no key dropbox available. Was told I could drop the car off a day early during business hours, or drop off the car early departure day and have somebody drop off the key during business hours. Being on a vacation in a different city, who the heck would I have/trust "drop off the key" for a rental car under my name??? Ended up dropping the car off a day early, at which point the same Hertz rep smuggly checked the car in after recognizing us as the "complainers" from a week before. Most likely will look elsewhere next time.
4,0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Supplier choice
We were told it was electric only and we would have to go somewhere to return it fully charged. That was not going to work for us. Told us regular car was $3 more. No problem. When we returned the car t Hertz in Venice charged us about $40 more. VERY DISAPPOINTED!
4,0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Compact SUV
Car was not ready at reservation time. Had to wait over one half hour for a car. Then I was given a car I had not requested, an EV. Sarasota desk said it was at full charge and said there would not be a charge. Drove it 27 miles total. At turning it in in Venice, office had no electrical power, so could not finalize receipt. When I received receipt later, I was charged for use of 30% of battery charge. Called Hertz 800 number for explanation and agent was totally useless. Did not understand my request and all he could say was “mail in a receipt if you think you were overcharged for fuel”. I tried to explain the issue was that I could not have used 30% of battery in driving 27 miles, but all he could do was repeat same answer. Requested to speak to supervisor; was told one was not available and would call back. Waiting for the call back.
1 out of 14
National
8,0
Very Good
Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Downtown
Locations in Downtown (Sarasota)
6000 Airport Cir
+1 833 336 0434
Monday
08:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 23:00
Thursday
08:00 - 23:00
Friday
08:00 - 23:00
Saturday
08:00 - 23:00
Sunday
08:00 - 23:00
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
7,3
Good
Cleanliness
8.8
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
8.1
2 locations in Downtown
Locations in Downtown (Sarasota)
5225 S Tamiami Trail
+1 941 925 8360
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
6000 Airport Circle
+1 941 355 2996
Monday
08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
08:00 - 23:59
Thursday
08:00 - 23:59
Friday
08:00 - 23:59
Saturday
08:00 - 23:59
Sunday
08:00 - 23:59
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jack, May 2026
Supplier choice
Everything from start to finish was great. I have no complaints and I was given a very nice kind of quality vehicle to drive.
2,0 Poor
Richard, May 2024
Supplier choice
For a $32.76 rental they have charged me $233.00 on pickup and $100/day since dropping the car off at the airport.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2024
Standard SUV
Pick up and drop off was a breeze, the price was excellent just wish the car had mats in it and it would haven't been washed better and dried off without water spots.
Payless
5,5
Fair
Cleanliness
6.8
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
6.2
One location in Downtown
Locations in Downtown (Sarasota)
6018 Airport Circle
+1 941 749 2900
Monday
07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:00
Thursday
07:00 - 23:00
Friday
07:00 - 23:00
Saturday
07:00 - 23:00
Sunday
07:00 - 23:00
Filters
No reviews available
Economy Rent a Car
5,9
Fair
One location in Downtown
Locations in Downtown (Sarasota)
8009 15th Street E
+1 727 643 5427
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Downtown
Locations in Downtown (Sarasota)
6000 Airport Circle
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
392 travellers who hired a car in Downtown gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6,7
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