Sarasota Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Sarasota

Renting a car in Sarasota offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Lido Beach, a beautiful spot for beach experiences, and St. Armands Circle, perfect for enjoying city life. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art awaits those seeking cultural experiences, all conveniently accessible by car.

A rental car also simplifies exploring nearby destinations like Lido Key, which features South Lido Park and Siesta Key Beach, both great for relaxation and outdoor activities. In South Sarasota, you can discover The Landings and enjoy further beach experiences. Additionally, Central Sarasota offers attractions like Marina Jack and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, ensuring there is something for everyone.

This convenience is particularly beneficial for families, allowing for easy management of luggage and gear while keeping everyone together. Whether you are planning a relaxed beach day or a cultural outing, renting a car enhances your travel experience in and around Sarasota.

Most popular car rentals in Sarasota

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. With space for up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize SUV offers the right balance of comfort and practicality, allowing you to explore Sarasota and its surroundings with ease and convenience.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the Standard SUV comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and has room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option provides a slightly larger vehicle than a compact car, ensuring you have ample space for your luggage while still being able to navigate the roads of Sarasota effortlessly.
• Compact SUV: A great choice for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Compact SUV accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This versatile option strikes a balance between size and fuel efficiency, making it well-suited for those looking to explore Sarasota at their own pace without compromising on comfort.

Top rated car suppliers in Sarasota

• Budget: With 2 rental locations in the Sarasota area, Budget is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility and value. Most customers favour the Fullsize and Midsize SUV models, making it an excellent option for those needing space and comfort. The convenience of multiple pickup points allows for easy access to your vehicle, ensuring a smooth start to your exploration of Sarasota and its surroundings.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has established a presence with 1 rental location in Sarasota, catering to those looking for quality vehicles and competitive pricing. Their most popular options include the Midsize SUV and Luxury vehicles, making them suitable for a range of travel needs. With their reliable service, you can enjoy the freedom of the road while discovering the attractions Sarasota has to offer.
• Avis: Avis operates 1 rental location in the Sarasota area, making them a convenient choice for visitors. This supplier is known for its well-maintained vehicles, particularly the Midsize SUV and Fullsize Van, which are frequently chosen by customers. Avis provides a seamless rental experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your stay in Sarasota and the surrounding attractions.

Where to stay in Sarasota

• Lido Key: Lido Key offers a delightful beach experience, perfect for families and those seeking a city-themed getaway. The area features attractions such as South Lido Park, ideal for outdoor family activities, and is in proximity to Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach, both renowned for their beautiful sands. Visitors can enjoy local amenities including shopping centres and various dining options, making it a well-rounded destination for relaxation and recreation.
• Central Sarasota: Central Sarasota is a vibrant neighbourhood that caters to those looking for a mix of beach, family, and urban experiences. Key highlights include Marina Jack, a marina for outdoor adventures, and the enchanting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, perfect for romantic strolls. The famous Siesta Key Beach is also easily accessible, along with numerous shopping centres and restaurants, ensuring a pleasant stay filled with activities for all.
• South Sarasota: South Sarasota is an inviting neighbourhood known for its family-friendly atmosphere and access to stunning beaches. It features The Landings, a charming town neighbourhood that enhances the local city vibe. Visitors can easily reach Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach for sun-soaked days by the water. The area boasts a variety of shopping centres and dining options, making it a convenient base for exploring the Sarasota region.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Sarasota

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the warmer months, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to assist you in finding the perfect vehicle 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 ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Sarasota

The best value time to rent a car in and around Sarasota is January, as prices are low and demand is average. Following this, February offers similar pricing and demand levels, making it another attractive option. March also sees lower prices, with demand dropping further. However, April is the most expensive month, when prices rise despite low demand. May and June then take a turn, with moderate prices and high demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Low
February	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low
April	73.8°F (23.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	High
May	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	83.1°F (28.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	High
August	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low
September	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	High
October	77.0°F (25.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average