Enterprise
Hertz
Budget
Avis
Sixt
National
Dollar

Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals

No Booking Fees

No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars

Find Low Prices

Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals

Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Tallahassee. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Simple. Pick up at Tallahassee International Airport, downtown or the FSU area and be on the road to Wakulla Springs or Panama City Beach in minutes. Reserve early for legislative session or Seminole game weekends to snag low prices and the car class you need.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 544184

Tallahassee offers multiple car rental locations, each offering distinct advantages depending on your travel needs.

Location Pros Cons
Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) • Immediate access upon arrival
• Extended hours (most counters open until midnight)
• Wider vehicle selection
• Dedicated rental car facility plus shuttle service
• Higher rates due to airport fees
• Possible wait times during peak arrival periods
• Additional airport surcharges
Downtown Tallahassee • Lower base rates (10-20% savings possible)
• Central location near government offices
• Convenient for business travelers
• Limited operating hours (generally 8AM-6PM)
• Smaller inventory of vehicles
• Limited after-hours returns
Florida State University Area • Convenient for university visitors
• Located near campus facilities
• Good for short-term university visits
• Limited vehicle selection
• Restricted operating hours
• May require advance reservations

Car Rental Prices

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

On average, car rentals in Tallahassee cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Compare airport vs. downtown pickups. Downtown Tallahassee desks skip the TLH concession fees and can be 10-20 % cheaper if their limited hours work for you.

  • Play with your dates and times. Mid-week pickups or returns (Tue–Thu) often price lower than weekend starts, especially on FSU football weekends.

  • Book early only for peak weeks. Lock something in 4-6 weeks ahead for legislative session (Jan-Mar) or big game days but keep watching prices—free cancellations let you rebook if rates dip.

  • Test different rental lengths. A 5-7-day "weekly" rate can beat a 4-day total. Run both options in our search box before you commit.

  • Stick with economy or compact. They're plentiful, park easier around campus and downtown, and usually carry the lowest daily charge.

Parking and Driving

Tallahassee offers various options for where to park your car, and there are some rules you should know about.

Area Parking Availability Local Tips
Downtown Metered street spaces and garages Kleman Plaza garage is convenient for Capitol visits
Florida State University Limited visitor spaces in designated lots Avoid campus during weekday business hours; special event restrictions apply during game days
Governor's Square Mall Ample spaces available Good central location for shopping; no overnight parking allowed
Cascades Park Lots available Limited spaces during special events; arrive early for weekend activities

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 70 mph on interstates, 45-55 mph on major roads, 25-35 mph in residential areas
  • Red light cameras at major intersections in downtown and around campus
  • School zones have strictly enforced speed limits (15-20 mph) during school hours
  • Florida law requires headlights when raining
  • Move-over law requires changing lanes or slowing for stopped emergency vehicles
Why rent a car in Tallahassee

Rent a car to easily:

  • Wakulla Springs State Park – springs, boat tours

  • St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge – lighthouse, birding

  • Florida Caverns State Park – caves, museum

  • Panama City Beach – Gulf Coast, resorts

  • Jacksonville – riverfront, museums

Driving Distances from Tallahassee

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in Tallahassee? You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. The rental company will usually ask for proof of insurance, but if you don't have U.S. coverage you can buy their collision damage waiver and liability coverage at the counter. International visitors must show a passport. An International Driving Permit is also a good idea if your home-country license isn't in English, and some companies may require you to have one.

Can I return my rental to a different location? Most companies allow one-way rentals between Tallahassee and other Florida cities, but they might charge a drop fee. Companies often don't charge extra fees for returns between airport and downtown locations in Tallahassee, but you should check when you book.

What other fees should I expect? On top of the base rate, you can expect to pay for Florida sales tax (about 7.5% in Leon County), the statewide rental car surcharge of $2.00 per day and any airport fees if you rent at TLH. You can also choose to pay for extras like adding another driver, renting a GPS, getting child safety seats or using a toll transponder program.

How early should I reserve a vehicle during busy periods? Reserve at least 3–4 weeks in advance during legislative session (January–March) and university graduation weekends (May and December). For football game weekends, you should book 4–6 weeks ahead to get the best choice of cars and prices.

Are there any toll roads around Tallahassee? There are no toll roads in the immediate Tallahassee area. However, if you plan to drive south toward Orlando, Miami or other parts of Central and South Florida, you will find toll roads like Florida's Turnpike and different city express lanes. Consider the rental company's toll transponder option if your trip includes these areas.