How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sarasota (SRQ)
Whether you need a compact for scooting around the city or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap Sarasota rental car. Choose from options averaging $96 a day and go where you want for less.
Daily rental prices at Sarasota start from just $42.
Planning a longer stay in Sarasota? Book a weekly rental from $292 and squeeze in some detours or road trips.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Two weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a SRQ car hire.
Check out the offers from Thrifty, Dollar and Budget. These are a few of the popular providers at Sarasota.
The coverage Thrifty or another company offers for your Sarasota car hire can vary, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in SRQ by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Sarasota that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $86 a day.
Not too far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $87.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly $93 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type at SRQ.
Compare car hire types from Sarasota (SRQ)
Small: These cheap Sarasota rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, fuel efficient, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for longer drives, this SRQ car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Sarasota makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your SRQ car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Sarasota.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always read your home company's policy to find out where you stand.
Add a car seat to your SRQ car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules can change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to travel.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the home counter. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Get acquainted with your home. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to drink, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's convenient, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've picked up the keys to your SRQ car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Sarasota is about 11 kilometres south and a drive of around 15 minutes if you choose to head that way.
During peak hour, expect the drive from Sarasota to the centre to take as long as 20 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You can also reserve a car hire in Sarasota. If you don't need a vehicle right away, hold off until you're in the city and save on rental costs.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Sarasota (SRQ)
Start with some of the standout attractions in Sarasota, such as Lido Key Beach, Sarasota FL and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Whether you drive or find an alternative way there, you'll want to explore these highlights before you move on.
Around 64 kilometres north of SRQ, Tampa should feature on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Busch Gardens Tampa and The Florida Aquarium.
Or hop in your Sarasota car hire and take off to St. Petersburg. Roughly 40 kilometres north of the airport, Chihuly Collection and St. Petersburg Pier are standout attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Hialeah, about 290 kilometres southeast of SRQ. First, visit Amelia Earhart Park, then take your time exploring Hialeah Park.
