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Sarasota car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Sarasota

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Standard
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People mover
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Sarasota car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Sarasota 
Learn how KAYAK collects reviews and tips from users.
BryanSept 2024
Expect to take more time driving around Sarasota area as there are traffic lights everywhere and they have red light cameras at almost every one. Speed limits are lower as well due to lights and volume of traffic.
Verified travelerJan 2024
The rental car place is located at 7010 south Tamiami Trail. That is very much south Sarasota. $35 Uber ride to the airport.
ChameleonOct 2023
Rent whatever suits your needs! traffic was very decent and highways move fast! good experience!
NickSept 2023
Don't bother with the toll prepay at hire, you can pay cash at all Florida toll plazas.
ClaraAug 2023
Go to the airport it is easy
Verified travelerAug 2023
No tips. I'm a local (rented a car for visiting family), so no real help on the traffic, except that there is a lot of it, many drivers have no idea where they are going, and there are a lot of older folks driving very slow. ;) welcome to Florida.
Verified travelerJun 2023
If your car is not the way you think it should be, turn around and exchange it.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Sarasota has several traffic circles / roundabouts.

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 rental car in Sarasota at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in Sarasota are around 8% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about renting 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.

  • What is the best car hire company in Sarasota?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Sarasota are Budget (7.3, 177 reviews), Hertz (6.8, 92 reviews), and Avis (6.6, 53 reviews).

  • How much is the price of fuel in Sarasota?

    The average price of fuel in Sarasota is $5.96 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $71 and $95, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Sarasota?

    Standard (Volkswagen Tiguan 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 $73 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Sarasota?

    A Compact car hire in Sarasota costs $67 per day, on average.

See more FAQs

Sarasota car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

7.3

Good

Read 112 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.2

Value for money

7.3

3 locations in Sarasota

Show locations

Locations in Sarasota

435 North Washington Blvd

+1 941 806 6093

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

6018 Airport Circle

+1 941 359 5360

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

7010 South Tamiami Trail

+1 941 921 7408

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Mar 2025

Compact SUV

KAYAK
The last couple times there in Sarasota it has take over an hour just to get your car. That’s brutal after traveling all day. But the staff are still super nice and helpful and I appreciate that.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Feb 2025

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Inside the car was filthy; windshield needed to be cleaned. Seats were covered in dust/dirt and also stained. No check over of the car before I left.

8.0 Very Good

Elizabeth, Jan 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
all good

10.0 Wonderful

Volodimir, Dec 2024

People mover

KAYAK
Very fast check-in, no hustle, no pressure. Brand new car.

2.0 Poor

Paul, Dec 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
I was initally put into a filthy, beat-up vehicle with what appeared to be dried spit dripping down the speedometer. The car was as far away from the terminal as it could have been and no one at the outside booth could swap out the car which requiring a walk back into the airport. Just horrible.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jun 2024

People mover

KAYAK
I thought that the car could have been cleaner. When I lowered the stow and go seats there were crumbs and other debris, nothing large but it should have been cleaned better on the interior.

1 out of 38

Alamo

9.0

Wonderful

Read 6 reviews

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.8

Value for money

8.9

One location in Sarasota

Show locations

Locations in Sarasota

6000 Airport Cir

+1 833 336 0433

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2025

Premium

KAYAK
Seamless.

10.0 Wonderful

Kenneth, Apr 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
Great service friendly staff . Thank You

10.0 Wonderful

Melissa, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was wonderful and very helpful.

Cons:

Have more suburbans on website.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Beautiful car. Paid for gas ahead.. so no problem. Returned with 1/2 tank.. Not sure I will do that again.

Cons:

Return was a real headache. I called day before to make sure ok to return before 4:00 am due to flight at 5:00 am, NO ENVELOPES at either key drop site!!! Dropped car off in parking lot. NO Envelopes! Ran back to make sure my 82 year old friend was ok at Delta counter. Then ran back to actual counter INSIDE airport. NO Envelopes. Ripped off a piece of paper and wrote info on it. Folded paper around key and had to practically stand on my head to get key in slot!!! By then I was exhausted. What can you say to me about this?? Curious if anyone will reach out to me since I treated the car with kid gloves!! ???

1 out of 2

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.9

Good

Read 23 reviews

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

7.9

5 locations in Sarasota

Show locations

Locations in Sarasota

1003 N Washington Blvd

+1 941 365 7228

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

4229 Clark Rd

+1 941 925 9943

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

5101 S Tamiami Trl

+1 941 923 7595

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

5664 Fruitville Rd

+1 941 378 5900

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

6000 Airport Cir

+1 833 336 0435

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Timothy, Aug 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
They kept to the agreements verbally and in writing. Excellent

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2024

Passenger van

KAYAK
Perfect. Staff is professional. Low mileage cars.

3.9 Poor

Beau, Jun 2021

KAYAK
confusion about pick up location meant I had to uber from airport to a distant suburban location and wait for more than an hour to pick up my car. return was not much better since no one ever answered the phone when I needed to extend the rental or change the drop off. the staff at the airport was not helpful but when we were finally assisted at Clark Road, the lady there was very nice.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Representative was not pushy about buying insurance coverage, or prepayment for fuel.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

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

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Do not be late! This store closes at 5:00PM. Our daily rental rate increased dramatically when we picked up the next morning.

1 out of 8

Hertz

6.8

Okay

Read 62 reviews

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.2

Value for money

6.8

2 locations in Sarasota

Show locations

Locations in Sarasota

5225 S Tamiami Trail

+1 941 925 8360

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

6000 Airport Circle

+1 941 355 8848

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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.

10.0 Wonderful

Bryan, Sept 2024

Passenger van

KAYAK
Hertz didn’t have a minivan available that I had reserved for all my travelers. But agent upgraded me to a super large SUV for the price of what the minivan would have been. That vehicle was great. Enough space for my traveling companions and very comfortable.

2.0 Poor

David, May 2024

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
I spent time trying to pay prior. I uploaded information prior. I stood in a long line to get a car I reserved. The I was ent to a parking lot where I had to wait for a vehicle. Staff was rude and dismissive. Drop off was rude and dismissive. They refused to provide a receipt. I hope I never have to use )etc again. I am losing trust in Kayak.

2.0 Poor

Todd, Feb 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
It would have been nice to be able to get ahold of someone on the phone to set up a different drop off location. Now I get why people drop rental cars wherever. You don't answer your phones.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
After reading all the terrible reviews I was skeptical of a smooth experience, but it went off without a hitch. Pleasantly surprised.

1 out of 21

Dollar

6.7

Okay

Read 27 reviews

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

6.7

2 locations in Sarasota

Show locations

Locations in Sarasota

5225 S Tamiami Trail

+1 941 925 8360

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

6000 Airport Circle

+1 941 355 2996

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Chameleon, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
great experience! would definitely rent from again!

4.0 Mediocre

Ross, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The car drove nice

Cons:

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

David, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The car was nice and the pick up was fine

Cons:

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 why

6.0 Okay

Kris, May 2021

KAYAK

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 value

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

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

Brendan, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Interior windows were filthy. Our “full size” SUV was not full size.

1 out of 9

Avis

6.5

Okay

Read 34 reviews

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

7.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

6.6

3 locations in Sarasota

Show locations

Locations in Sarasota

435 North Washington Blvd

+1 941 806 6095

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

6018 Airport Circle

+1 941 359 5240

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

7010 South Tamiami Trail

+1 941 927 3220

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Garrett, Sept 2024

Convertible

KAYAK
Did not have the convertible that l requested and expected.

10.0 Wonderful

WAYNE, May 2024

People mover

KAYAK
Avis was excellent and would definitely rent from them again

10.0 Wonderful

Kathleen, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Amazing and thank you for your kindness

2.0 Poor

J, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

One of the worst car rental experiences

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

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

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 12

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 Sarasota

Locations in Sarasota

6000 Airport Cir

+1 833 336 0434

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

7.7

Good

Read 15 reviews

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Sarasota

Locations in Sarasota

5225 South Tamiami Trail

+1 941 925 8360

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

6000 Airport Circle

+1 941 355 2996

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Richard, May 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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.

10.0 Wonderful

Natalie, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Reasonably priced. The Drop off was very quick and easy.

Cons:

Long wait to pick up the car.

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The pickup was a two hour wait just to get the car. Other than that, it went fine.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

yes

Cons:

Sirius didn't work despite it being part of the paid for package

Payless

5.9

Fair

Read 15 reviews

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

6.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.4

One location in Sarasota

Locations in Sarasota

6018 Airport Circle

+1 941 749 2900

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

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

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

Cons:

Clean vehicle Somebody available to do a walk around with prior to exiting facility

9.2 Wonderful

Derek, Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

easy drop off, nice clean car

Cons:

Only one agent working for 3 different rental car companies at the time of pick-up and caused very long lines

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Everyone was efficient and friendly, the car was fine and the price was right.

Cons:

Nothing, we will definitely consider Kayak again.

Economy Rent a Car

5.6

Fair

One location in Sarasota

Locations in 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 Sarasota

Locations in Sarasota

6000 Airport Circle

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

528 travellers who rented a car in Sarasota gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.4

Car hire locations in or near Sarasota

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Travelling to a place near Sarasota?

Hire a car at Sarasota if you plan to visit one of these locations
Venice

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Sarasota

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Sarasota

Sarasota car hire information

Pick-up locationSarasota
Car types
Hire locations22
Airport locations11

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