$5 Car Rental St. Petersburg, FL

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

Renting a car in St. Petersburg offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city's attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key spots like Vinoy Park, an excellent urban park for outdoor experiences, and the Salvador Dali Museum, which provides a unique cultural experience. Additionally, the beautiful Tampa Bay is a mere 6 miles away, perfect for enjoying scenic views and beach activities. A car rental is particularly convenient for families, as it allows for easy luggage management and a relaxed travel schedule. You can also venture beyond St. Petersburg to nearby destinations such as St. Pete Beach, located 7 miles away, featuring attractions like Pass-a-Grille Beach and Splash Island Water Park. Treasure Island, just 8 miles from St. Petersburg, offers Sunset Beach and St. Petersburg Municipal Beach. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or outdoor adventures, renting a car enhances your experience by making travel to these popular destinations hassle-free.

Most popular car rentals in St. Petersburg

• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is a popular choice for travelers in St. Petersburg, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for 3 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking to explore the area with ease. Its size makes it manageable while still providing enough space for luggage, making it a great option for those who want flexibility in their travel plans.
• Fullsize: If you're traveling with a larger group or family, the Fullsize car is an excellent option. It comfortably fits 5 travelers and has the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for families or groups who need more space for both passengers and their belongings, ensuring a comfortable journey around St. Petersburg.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is another versatile option, accommodating up to 5 travelers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it well-suited for families, couples, or small groups who require extra room for luggage without sacrificing maneuverability. With its combination of space and comfort, the Midsize SUV is perfect for those exploring St. Petersburg and its surroundings at their own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in St. Petersburg

• Budget: Budget operates 1 rental location in the St. Petersburg area, making it a convenient option for travelers. Known for its accessibility, Budget offers a range of vehicles that cater to various needs. The most booked cars with this supplier are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, providing a good balance of space and comfort for your adventures around the city.
• Enterprise: With 5 rental locations in St. Petersburg, Enterprise provides excellent options for travelers seeking flexibility. This supplier is favored for its customer service and a wide selection of vehicles, including popular Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars. Enterprise's presence in multiple locations ensures ease of access, making it a reliable choice for your car rental needs.
• Hertz: Hertz features 2 rental locations in St. Petersburg, offering a solid selection of vehicles for your journey. Known for its well-maintained fleet, Hertz also sees a high demand for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars. The convenience of having multiple locations allows for a smoother rental experience, accommodating travelers looking to explore St. Petersburg and its surroundings.

Where to stay around St. Petersburg

• St. Pete Beach: Located 7 miles from St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach is perfect for a beach, family, and outdoor experience. Visitors can enjoy the lovely Pass-a-Grille Beach, relax at Vinoy Park, and have fun at the Splash Island Water Park. The area offers a variety of shopping areas and dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a great choice for a beach vacation.
• Treasure Island: Situated 8 miles from St. Petersburg, Treasure Island appeals to those seeking a beach and family-oriented experience. Highlights include the serene Sunset Beach and the St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island. The local boardwalk and shopping areas provide additional entertainment, while numerous restaurants and wineries cater to your dining needs.
• Madeira Beach: Approximately 10 miles from St. Petersburg, Madeira Beach combines a family-friendly atmosphere with beach charm. Key attractions include Hubbards Marina for outdoor adventures, Archibald Beach Park for relaxation, and the Madeira Beach Dog Park for pet lovers. The area's shopping and dining options, including restaurants and wineries, ensure a delightful stay for all visitors.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost savings, use the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making your reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements 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 often the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports can often incur a surcharge, but it might be worthwhile for the added convenience it offers.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively 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. It's easy to add insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of 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 St. Petersburg

The best value period to rent a car in and around St. Petersburg is May, when prices are slightly low and demand remains high. April also sees slightly high demand but with average pricing. Following May, June through August typically have average prices and demand, making them decent options as well. However, October tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, while November 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	Average	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	Slightly High
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	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in St. Petersburg

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in St. Petersburg

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in St. Petersburg. 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 St. Petersburg

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