How much does it cost to rent a car in Clearwater?

On average, car rentals in **Clearwater** cost around **$93** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at **$26** per day.

Car Rental Clearwater, FL

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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Pick up your ride steps from baggage claim, skip the Tampa crowds and be on Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg or downtown Tampa in under 30 minutes. We compare rates from Hertz, Avis, Budget and other trusted brands both at PIE and in nearby city branches so you can choose the option that matches your schedule and budget.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Alamo · Avis · Avis · Avis · Budget · Budget · Budget · Dollar · Hertz · Hertz · Hertz · National · Thrifty · Thrifty · Enterprise

Key Rental Locations and OptionsLocationProsCons
PIE Airport Rental CountersImmediate availability after landing
Major companies present
Quick exit to main roads
Higher rates due to airport fees
Limited vehicle selection compared to TPA
Fewer flight options may limit rental availability
Clearwater City LocationsLower rates than airport
No airport fees
Convenient if already in Clearwater
Limited business hours
Closed Sundays at some locations
Transportation needed from airport
St. Petersburg LocationsMay offer lower rates
No airport fees
Convenient if staying in St. Petersburg
Transportation needed from airport
Limited hours
Smaller vehicle selection

Location	Pros	Cons
PIE Airport Rental Counters	Immediate availability after landing Major companies present Quick exit to main roads	Higher rates due to airport fees Limited vehicle selection compared to TPA Fewer flight options may limit rental availability
Clearwater City Locations	Lower rates than airport No airport fees Convenient if already in Clearwater	Limited business hours Closed Sundays at some locations Transportation needed from airport
St. Petersburg Locations	May offer lower rates No airport fees Convenient if staying in St. Petersburg	Transportation needed from airport Limited hours Smaller vehicle selection

Car Rental Prices

Average: $93/day
From: $26/day

How to pay less?

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.
Fill up within 5 miles of the airport: PIE's refuel fee is steep. A quick stop on Roosevelt Blvd keeps that cash in your pocket.

Car rental prices in Clearwater 2025/2026

Parking Tips

Airport Parking

Short-term spaces next to terminal
Cell phone waiting lot available
Long-term options for multi-day trips

Beach Area Parking

Clearwater Beach has several public lots:
- North Beach Parking Plaza: 700+ spaces
- Pier 60 Parking Lot: 100+ spaces
- Street meters throughout beach areas
Beach lots fill early (before 11 am) during peak season weekends

Local Driving Rules

Right turn on red allowed after complete stop (unless signed)
Headlights required when using windshield wipers
Move over a lane or slow 20 mph below limit when passing stopped emergency vehicles
No texting or handheld device use while driving
Complete stops required at all stop signs

Why rent a car in Clearwater

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
Tampa – Florida Aquarium, Riverwalk

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

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.