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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low car rental prices in Sanford, Florida with Road Genius. Check rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Pick up at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) or downtown and compare deals from major providers. With a rental car you can reach Orlando theme parks, Blue Spring State Park or Daytona Beach in under an hour.
| Location | Features | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) | • 7 on-site providers • Adjacent to terminal • Easy access |
• Hours align to flight schedules • Verify late-night availability • Lower airport fees than MCO |
| Downtown Sanford | • Local franchise offices • Personalized service |
• Limited selection • Standard business hours • May offer pickup service |
| Auto Train Station | • Limited options near station • Convenient for train arrivals |
• Advance reservation essential • May require transportation to office |
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sanford City/Airport | • Less congested • Shorter lines • Lower airport fees than MCO • Quicker in/out process |
• Limited selection • Fewer rental companies • 30 minutes from Orlando attractions |
| Orlando (MCO) | • Larger selection • More companies • 24/7 operation |
• Longer wait times • Higher airport fees • More congestion |
| Orlando City | • No airport fees • Various locations |
• Limited operating hours • Requires transportation to location |
On average, car rentals in Sanford cost around $67 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: check Sanford Airport (lower fees), downtown Sanford offices (no airport surcharge) and even MCO. A quick search across all three can shave serious dollars.
Peak weeks = book earlier, off-peak = watch & pounce: lock something in 2-3 months out for Spring Break or Christmas, then recheck prices with free cancellation. For slow fall months you can often score last-minute deals.
Price out a "weekly" even for 5–6 days: many suppliers drop the daily rate once you hit 7 days, and weirdly that can beat a shorter rental.
Stick to an economy car: Sanford streets are smooth, parking downtown is free but snug, and a smaller car costs less to rent and fuel.
Skip prepaid gas: easy refills on US-17/92 and SR-46 before drop-off. Only worth it if you'll return nearly empty.
Use hotel shuttles to delay pick-up: staying near SFB? Ride the free shuttle, grab the car the next morning and save a whole rental day.
| Area | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Downtown Sanford | Street parking, public lots | Most spots are free |
| Sanford Riverwalk | Dedicated lots | Free public parking |
| SFB Airport | On-site parking | Fees apply |
| Central Florida Zoo | On-site parking | Paid parking |
| Orlando attractions | See Orlando guide | Paid parking at theme parks |
Speed limits: 25 mph in downtown/residential areas, 35-45 mph on main roads
School zones: 15-20 mph when lights flashing
Railroad crossings: Multiple active rail crossings in Sanford area
Downtown: One-way streets in portions of historic district
Mobile phones: Texting while driving prohibited; hands-free required in school zones
Lake Monroe: Waterfront has pedestrian areas; drive cautiously
Get a car rental to visit:
Blue Spring State Park – 15 miles (24 km)
Wekiwa Springs State Park – 15 miles (24 km)
Downtown Orlando – 25 miles (40 km)
Mount Dora – 20 miles (32 km)
Daytona Beach – 35 miles (56 km)
Walt Disney World – 45 miles (72 km)
Is Sanford a good base location for visiting Orlando attractions?
Yes, Sanford is a quieter, more relaxed place to stay and hotels often cost less. You can still easily get to Orlando's attractions (it's a 45–60 minute drive to Disney and 35–45 minutes to Universal). It's a great choice for travelers who want to avoid crowded tourist areas.
Do I need a car in Sanford?
Yes, Sanford doesn't have much public transportation. You will almost certainly need a rental car to explore the area and get to the attractions.
What unique destinations can I reach from Sanford?
From Sanford, you can easily drive to natural springs like Blue Spring and Wekiwa, the St. Johns River, charming small towns like Mount Dora and DeLand and east coast beaches, all without hitting Orlando traffic.
How does renting at Sanford Airport compare to Orlando International?
At Sanford Airport (SFB), you'll find renting a car is less crowded. You'll have shorter lines, parking right next to the terminal and lower airport fees. However, the rental companies offer fewer car choices and may have shorter hours compared to MCO, which operates 24/7.
Is there anything special to know about driving in Sanford?
You should know that an active railway runs through Sanford, so you'll see several crossings in town. The historic downtown area has some one-way streets, but the traffic usually isn't heavy. Be sure to watch for people walking in the popular downtown and waterfront areas.
Can I return a car rented in Sanford to Orlando International Airport?
Yes, most major rental companies let you do one-way rentals between these airports, but they might charge you a drop-off fee. You should ask if this option is available and check for any extra charges when you book.
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