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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in Sarasota is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across Florida with no booking fees. Check real-time deals at Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (SRQ), downtown Sarasota or near Siesta Key and lock in the right car for your Gulf Coast getaway.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (SRQ) | • Multiple rental companies • Convenient hours • Direct access from terminal • No shuttle needed |
• Airport surcharges • Higher rates than off-airport • Potential wait times during peak season |
| Downtown Sarasota | • No airport fees • Convenient for city stays • Local service |
• Limited hours (usually 8am-6pm) • Smaller selection • Limited weekend hours |
| Siesta Key/Beach Areas | • Convenient for beach stays • No transportation needed from lodging |
• Very limited options • Higher rates • Restricted vehicle selection |
| Tampa International Airport (TPA) | • Extensive vehicle options • Potentially lower rates • Extended hours |
• 60 miles (97 km) from Sarasota • Long drive after arrival • Traffic on I-75 during peak times |
On average, car rentals in Sarasota cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Compare pick-up spots (SRQ airport vs downtown vs Tampa Intl.). Airport counters add surcharges. A $40 Uber to a downtown desk can beat those fees and you still return at SRQ for free.
Winter peak (Jan-Apr): book early, then stalk prices. Lock something in 2-3 months out, choose a free-cancellation rate, and rebook if a cheaper deal pops up.
Summer low season: hunt weekly specials. June-Sept is hot but cheap. Weekly bundles often undercut 4-6 day daily rates and may score a free size upgrade.
Stick to one driver when you can. Extra drivers cost about $10-15/day. Florida spouses are usually free, so list only the partner that needs it.
Refuel on the mainland. Gas on Siesta, Lido and Longboat Keys can run 30-40¢ higher. Top off near US-41 before crossing the bridges and skip pricey prepaid fuel plans.
Need lots of trunk space just for a day? Do a one-day upgrade for the beach run instead of renting a giant SUV all week; swap back the next morning to your cheaper compact.
Parking in Sarasota:
Local Driving Rules:
Traffic Enforcement:
Book a car rental to drive to:
Siesta Key – beach
Lido Key – beach
Longboat Key – beach
Myakka River State Park – park, trails
Venice – beach, pier
Bradenton – ballpark, riverwalk
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Sarasota, Florida?
If your driver's license isn't in English, you need an International Driving Permit and your original license. Most places accept licenses in English without an IDP.
What documents are required to rent a car in Sarasota?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and proof of insurance (or you can buy insurance from the rental company). If you're visiting from another country, you should also bring your passport and an IDP if you need one.
Is a credit card required for car rental in Sarasota?
Yes, most rental companies ask for a credit card for the security deposit. Some locations might accept debit cards, but they often ask for more documents and will hold a larger amount of money from your account.
What is the best time of year to rent a car in Sarasota?
For good weather and better prices, you should think about visiting during April to May or October to November. Car rental rates are usually lower than in the busy winter season and the weather is still nice.
What should I know about driving to Siesta Key?
Two bridges lead to Siesta Key: the Siesta Drive bridge in the north and the Stickney Point Road bridge in the south. During the busy season, traffic can back up at both bridges, especially on weekends. Beach parking fills up early, often by 10 a.m. Try visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst traffic.
What should I do if I encounter severe weather while driving?
If you're driving in a heavy thunderstorm, you should slow down and turn on your headlights. If it gets very hard to see, pull over somewhere safe and turn on your hazard lights until the weather gets better. If the local news issues a tropical storm or hurricane watch, you need to follow instructions from local officials, avoid low coastal roads that may flood and contact your rental company as soon as you can if you have to change or end your rental early.
How far is Sarasota from the nearest major airports?
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is in Sarasota, about 3 miles (5 km) from downtown. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 60 miles (97 km) north, which is roughly a 1 to 1¼-hour drive. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is about 80 miles (129 km) south and takes about 1½ hours to reach by car.
Is it necessary to have a car in Sarasota?
Yes, we strongly recommend that visitors get a car. While you can walk around downtown, most attractions, beaches and places to stay are spread out. Public transportation is not very common, especially if you want to get to the islands with the beaches.
What should I know about parking at Siesta Key Beach?
Siesta Key Public Beach has a large free parking lot, but it fills up very quickly in the busy season, usually by 10 a.m. You should arrive early or come later in the afternoon to have a better chance of finding a spot. The island also has smaller public lots for beach access, but they have very few parking spaces.
Are electric vehicle charging stations available in Sarasota?
Yes, you can find charging stations in downtown Sarasota, at some hotels and at major shopping centers like The Mall at University Town Center. More stations are being added, but there are not a lot yet, so you should plan ahead if you rent an electric vehicle.
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