$5 Car Rental South Tampa, FL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around South Tampa

Renting a car in South Tampa provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key destinations such as the Tampa Riverwalk and Tampa Bay, both located 7 miles away, ideal for outdoor and family experiences. Additionally, Vinoy Park, situated 9 miles away, offers a vibrant urban park atmosphere for city exploration. The convenience of having a car allows for easy luggage management and the ability to create flexible travel plans, making it appealing for families and those seeking outdoor adventures.

Moreover, you can explore nearby cities like Tampa, where you can find Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Florida State Fairgrounds, or visit St. Petersburg and Clearwater, both about 10 miles away, featuring beautiful beaches and cultural attractions like the Salvador Dali Museum. A rental car ensures you can maximize your time in South Tampa and its surroundings, allowing you to enjoy all the sights and experiences on your itinerary without relying on public transportation.

Most popular car rentals around South Tampa

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle offers a comfortable ride and ample space for luggage, allowing you to explore the attractions around South Tampa with ease.
• Fullsize: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it a great choice for families and groups. The fullsize car provides generous room for both passengers and luggage, ensuring a relaxed travel experience as you navigate the scenic routes in and around South Tampa.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases, which is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The standard SUV combines comfort with versatility, allowing you to enjoy your journey in South Tampa while having enough space for your belongings.

Top rated car suppliers around South Tampa

• Easirent: With one rental location situated 6 miles away from South Tampa, Easirent provides a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the area. Popular choices from this supplier include Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, making it an ideal pick for those seeking a balance between space and efficiency.
• Enterprise: Offering two rental locations, the nearest just 2 miles from South Tampa, Enterprise is known for its customer-friendly service and diverse vehicle selection. Travelers often prefer Midsize SUVs and Premium Pickups from this supplier, ensuring you have the right vehicle to suit your travel needs and comfort.
• Routes: Located 6 miles from South Tampa, Routes provides a solid selection of vehicles, including Midsize and Fullsize options that cater to different group sizes and luggage requirements. With one rental location nearby, it's a great choice for those looking to hit the road and explore at their leisure.

Where to stay around South Tampa

• South Tampa: This vibrant area of Tampa offers a perfect blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Stay close to the Tampa Riverwalk, which provides scenic views and a chance for romantic strolls. The nearby Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is ideal for those looking for amusement park fun, making it a great base for family vacations.
• St. Petersburg: Located 10 miles away from South Tampa, St. Petersburg is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Enjoy Vinoy Park, which is perfect for family outings or leisurely picnics. The Salvador Dali Museum offers a cultural experience, while the scenic Tampa Bay provides stunning views and outdoor adventures.
• Pinellas Park: Situated 12 miles from South Tampa, Pinellas Park is a great option for families seeking outdoor experiences. The area boasts attractions like Upham Beach, ideal for a beach vacation. Additionally, you can explore local shopping areas and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere, making it a convenient base for your trip.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around South Tampa

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your travel dates. By booking early, you're likely to access lower prices and a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a solid combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements 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 favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just remember to return the vehicle with an empty tank in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance while booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
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 South Tampa

The best time to rent a car in and around South Tampa is September, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. Following that, May and June offer slightly low prices with average demand, making them good choices for rentals. However, December tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand as well. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	60.8°F (16.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
February	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	83.1°F (28.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in South Tampa

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter South Tampa into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in South Tampa and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in South Tampa

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in South Tampa. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in South Tampa

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $5.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals