$7 Car Rental Downtown St. Petersburg, FL

These Downtown St. Petersburg insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 16, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown St. Petersburg

Renting a car in Downtown St. Petersburg offers you the freedom to explore this vibrant neighborhood and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like the Salvador Dali Museum, located in Downtown St. Petersburg, which is perfect for art and culture enthusiasts. For outdoor lovers, Vinoy Park is less than a mile away, providing an excellent space for family activities and relaxation. If you're in the mood for scenic views, Tampa Bay is just 6 miles from Downtown, offering beautiful outdoor experiences. A rental car also allows for convenient trips to nearby destinations, such as St. Petersburg - Clearwater, where you can enjoy the famous Clearwater Beach, or St. Pete Beach, located 7 miles away, known for its Pass-a-Grille Beach and family-friendly Splash Island Water Park. Renting a car simplifies travel plans, making it easier to manage luggage and explore the area without restrictions. Whether you're traveling with family or simply seeking outdoor adventures, having a rental car enhances your experience in and around Downtown St. Petersburg.

Most popular car rentals around Downtown St. Petersburg

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a top choice for those traveling in groups. With the capacity to accommodate 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases, a midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Downtown St. Petersburg. Its spacious interior allows for comfortable rides, making it easy to manage luggage while enjoying the flexibility of your travel plans.
• Compact SUV: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families, the compact SUV offers a great balance of space and maneuverability. Accommodating up to 5 travelers and up to 3 medium suitcases, this option is perfect for those who want to navigate Downtown St. Petersburg efficiently while still having enough room for personal belongings. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among renters.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option stands out for its roomy capacity, accommodating 5 travelers with the ability to hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups needing extra space for luggage. Renting a fullsize vehicle allows for a comfortable journey around Downtown St. Petersburg, providing both flexibility and ample room for all your travel necessities.

Top rated car suppliers around Downtown St. Petersburg

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a highly popular choice among travelers, offering 4 rental locations, with the nearest location just 1 mile away from Downtown St. Petersburg. Customers appreciate the flexibility and variety of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. With a strong reputation for customer service, Enterprise provides a reliable and convenient rental experience.
• Hertz: Hertz is another excellent option for car rentals, featuring 2 locations within 3 miles of Downtown St. Petersburg. Known for its diverse fleet, Hertz also sees high demand for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles. Travelers often commend Hertz for its efficient service and quality vehicles, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore the area.
• Budget: Budget stands out with its competitive pricing and 1 rental location situated 6 miles from Downtown St. Petersburg. Travelers find Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars to be popular selections with this supplier. Budget offers a straightforward rental process, appealing to those seeking value and convenience during their trip.

Where to stay around Downtown St. Petersburg

• Downtown St. Petersburg: The heart of the city, Downtown St. Petersburg offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Salvador Dali Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of the artist's work. Nearby, Vinoy Park provides a beautiful setting for families seeking outdoor experiences and leisurely strolls. The area's shopping districts feature various shops and restaurants, making it a convenient location for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the local scene.
• St. Pete Beach: Located 7 miles away from Downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach is a popular destination for beach lovers and families. This city is known for its beautiful shoreline and family-friendly atmosphere. Travelers can enjoy Pass-a-Grille Beach for a relaxing day by the sea, or head to Splash Island Water Park for some family fun. With numerous dining options available, visitors can indulge in local cuisine while enjoying the beachside ambiance.
• Treasure Island: Situated 8 miles from Downtown St. Petersburg, Treasure Island is ideal for those seeking a beach-town vibe. Known for its stunning sunsets and relaxed atmosphere, this city features Sunset Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island offers additional beach access, making it a great spot for families. Visitors can also explore local dining options and shops along the boardwalk, ensuring a fulfilling beach experience.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown St. Petersburg

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and have better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown St. Petersburg

The best value period to rent a car in and around Downtown St. Petersburg is May, when prices are slightly low and demand is high. Surrounding months like January and September also offer slightly low prices and lower demand, making them good options as well. However, April sees higher demand, and prices tend to rise during that time. November is generally the most expensive month, with steady demand, while October shows moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	67.8°F (19.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
June	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	83.3°F (28.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	83.7°F (28.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
September	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	76.6°F (24.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High