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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Finding a car rental at Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across Florida with no booking fees. Grab your keys inside the terminal and hit I-75 in minutes to reach the University of Florida, nearby springs or even Orlando. Lock in low prices early for football weekends and graduation when cars book out fast.
GNV Airport offers on-site rental options for arriving travelers.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| GNV Airport Terminal | • Immediate pickup upon arrival • All counters located in terminal • On-airport parking lot (no shuttle needed) • Quick processing since fewer flights operate here |
• Smaller selection compared to larger airports • Higher rates than off-airport locations • Limited after-hours pickup options • Fewer competitive price options |
| Gainesville City Locations | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • May offer weekend specials |
• Transportation needed from airport • Shorter operating hours (often close by 6pm) • Smaller selection of vehicles • Less convenient for airport arrivals |
| Jacksonville Airport (JAX) | • Larger selection of vehicles • More competitive pricing • More flight options |
• 72 miles (116 km) from Gainesville (approximately 1.5 hour drive) • Airport fees apply • Impractical unless flying into Jacksonville |
On-site providers: Rental counters are located inside the terminal, a short walk from the rental car lot.
On average, car rentals at Gainesville Airport cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Compare pickup spots. GNV terminal is walk-out easy but usually tacks on airport fees. Downtown Gainesville branches can be $10-20 a day cheaper if your flight time lets you grab a $20 rideshare each way.
Peak UF events = book early. Football weekends, graduation or parents' days push rates way up and cars sell out. Lock something in early then keep checking—free-cancellation bookings let you swap if prices dip.
Aim for the summer lull. When students clear out (late May–July) demand drops and daily prices often slide 15-25 percent. Shifting your trip by a week or two can pay for dinner at Satchel's.
Go weekly for 5+ days. Weekly rates at GNV often beat a 6-day or even 4-day per-day total, so run both options in the comparison search before clicking "reserve".
Places to park:
Local driving rules:
Toll roads:
Get a car so you can easily:
University of Florida – campus, football games
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – wildlife, trails
Ichetucknee Springs – tubing, swimming
Cedar Key – Gulf sunsets, seafood
St. Augustine – historic district, beaches
Orlando Theme Parks – Disney, Universal
What documents do I need to rent a car at GNV Airport?
If you live in the U.S., you will need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. If you are visiting from another country, you should also show your passport. If your driver's license isn't in English, you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified translation.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car at GNV?
GNV is a small airport where things run smoothly. If you are not checking bags, you should arrive 30 minutes before your flight to return the car and check in. If you are checking bags, give yourself about 45 to 60 minutes.
Is it difficult to navigate around Gainesville?
You will find that most of Gainesville is easy to get around because the streets are in a simple grid. The main roads are Archer Road, University Avenue, 13th Street and 34th Street. Your GPS will work well everywhere in the city.
What is the best vehicle type for visiting the springs around Gainesville?
Most people find a standard car is all they need. However, if you plan to bring canoes/kayaks or camping gear to the springs, you might want an SUV so you have more storage space.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations in Gainesville?
Yes, you can find many EV charging stations in Gainesville, especially around the university, downtown and major shopping centers. You can also find charging stations at the airport.
How do parking permits work at the University of Florida?
On weekdays, you need a permit to park in most spots on campus. As a visitor, you can buy a temporary permit from the Transportation and Parking Services office or use the pay lots for visitors. The university usually relaxes parking rules on weekends, unless there is a special event.
Can I take day trips to the beach from Gainesville?
Yes, you can easily take a day trip to beaches on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Cedar Key on the Gulf is about 1.3 hours away and St. Augustine Beach on the Atlantic is about 1.5 hours away.
How is traffic during UF football games?
Traffic gets very heavy around the stadium and campus area. On game days, you should expect long delays, especially 3 to 4 hours before the game starts and 1 to 2 hours after it ends. You might want to park farther away and use a shuttle service.
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