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| Clearwater City Locations |
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| St. Petersburg Locations |
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On average, car rentals in Clearwater cost around $93 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Check city pickups too: Downtown Clearwater or St. Pete branches often run 10-18 % cheaper than PIE. Factor in a rideshare or hotel shuttle to see if the math still wins.
Play with dates and length: A 6-day booking can cost more than a 7-day "weekly" rate. Try shifting pickup or drop-off by a day in our search to unlock the lower bucket.
Book free-cancel rates, then stalk prices: Prices around Tampa Bay yo-yo, especially outside winter and Spring Break. Lock in something now and re-quote every few days; rebook if it dips.
Skip the add-ons you don't need: Bring your own phone mount, child seat, or SunPass transponder to dodge daily rental charges.
Airport Parking:
Beach Area Parking:
Clearwater Beach has several public lots:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to see:
Clearwater Beach – Pier 60, sunset festival
Dunedin & Honeymoon Island – state park, nature trails
St. Petersburg – Dali Museum, waterfront district
Tarpon Springs – sponge docks, bakeries

How do I get to my rental car at PIE Airport?
You'll find the rental counters in the baggage claim area. After you get your bags, walk over to your rental company's counter. The cars are parked in lots right outside the terminal. Just cross the street outside baggage claim to get to them.
Is it necessary to have a car when flying into PIE?
Yes, you'll want a car. Pinellas County has limited public transit and getting to beaches and attractions often means you'll need to change buses a few times or take a rideshare.
What's the best way to handle parking at Clearwater Beach?
You should get there before 10 AM on weekends and busy days (like January through April and June through August) to find a parking spot. On very busy days, think about parking in downtown Clearwater and riding the Jolley Trolley to the beach.
Are there any toll roads near PIE Airport?
Yes. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which connects to Bradenton and Sarasota, has a toll. It costs about $1.75 if you use SunPass, but it's more expensive if you pay by your license plate. If you're driving to Tampa, the Veterans Expressway and the Selmon Expressway also have tolls. You might want to use the toll program from your rental company if you plan to use these roads.
What type of car is recommended for a beach vacation?
A compact or midsize car is usually big enough for most visitors. If you are bringing beach gear or traveling with your family, you might want to get an SUV for more space.