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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Compare rates and book in one place. Skip the shuttle, because rental counters sit in the terminal, letting you grab your keys and reach Clearwater Beach or downtown St. Pete in under half an hour. Book early for peak winter and spring-break dates to lock in low prices and the vehicle you want.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has rental counters located in the baggage claim area, where all major agencies are represented.
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| PIE Airport Rental Counters |
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| Clearwater City Locations |
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| St. Petersburg Locations |
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On average, car rentals at Clearwater International Airport cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups: Clearwater and St. Pete branches often run 10-18 % cheaper than PIE. Price out both, then add the cost of an Uber/Lyft ride (≈ $20-30) to see which really wins.
Peak season = book early, shoulder season = watch and pounce: January-April and Spring Break weeks sell out fast, so lock something in early. For quieter months (Sept-Nov) set a price alert and re-book if rates drop.
Quote a weekly rate even for 4-6 days: PIE suppliers often price a full week lower than six separate days. Run both scenarios before you click pay.
Tweak pickup and drop-off times: Rentals bill in 24-hour blocks. Shifting times by an hour or two (PIE counters stay open until the last flight) can dodge an extra day's charge.
Airport:
Beach Area:
Clearwater Beach has multiple public options:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car so you can see:
Clearwater Beach – Pier 60, sand
Downtown St. Petersburg – Salvador Dali Museum, murals
Honeymoon Island State Park – trails, shelling
Fort De Soto Park – fort remains, pier
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 rental companies park their cars right across the street from the terminal. Just follow the sidewalk and signs to find your company's spot in the lot.
Is it necessary to have a car when flying into PIE?
Yes, we highly recommend visitors get a car when they arrive at PIE. Public transportation in Pinellas County is limited and it doesn't go directly to many of the beaches or attractions.
What's the best way to handle parking at Clearwater Beach?
You should arrive before 10:00 a.m. on weekends to find a parking spot, especially during the busy season from January to April. On very crowded days, you can park in downtown Clearwater and take the Jolley Trolley or the Clearwater Ferry 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. For a standard car, you'll pay $1.50 using a SunPass or $1.75 if they bill by your license plate. If you're driving to Tampa, parts of the Veterans Expressway and the Selmon Expressway are also toll roads. You should think about signing up for your rental car's toll program or using your own transponder if you plan to drive on these roads.
What type of car is recommended for a beach vacation?
Most visitors find that a compact or midsize car is big enough. But if you're bringing beach gear for the whole family, an SUV or minivan will give you more room.
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