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When renting a car at TLH Airport, you have several options to consider compared to other rental locations in the region.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| TLH Airport On-Site | • Immediate access after arrival • Extended hours (often until midnight) • Wide vehicle selection • Direct shuttle service from terminal |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Airport concession recovery fees (around 11-13%) • Possible wait times during peak flight arrivals |
| TLH Airport Off-Site | • Slightly lower rates than on-site • Still accessible via shuttle |
• Additional wait for off-site shuttle • More limited vehicle selection • May have shorter operating hours |
| Downtown Tallahassee | • Lower base rates (potentially 10-20% savings) • No airport fees • Located near government offices and FSU |
• Transportation required from airport (taxi/rideshare cost) • Limited hours (often 8AM-6PM) • Requires planning ahead |
On average, car rentals at Tallahassee Airport cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Skip the airport tax if it fits your schedule: Downtown Tallahassee pickups dodge the 11-13 % airport concession fee and run 10-20 % cheaper. Add a ~$20 rideshare from TLH to see if the math works in your favor.
Know Tallahassee's "surge weeks": Rates jump during Legislative Session (Jan–Mar) and FSU home games. Lock in a deal 3-4 weeks early or shift your pickup to a non-game Monday to sidestep the spike.
Summer is bargain season: Lawmakers and students are gone June–August, so play the field a week or two out—last-minute discounts pop up often.
Weekly rates beat daily math: Staying 5+ days? A weekly plan can be 20 % cheaper than five individual days, even if you drop the car early.
| Area | Parking Availability | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| TLH Airport | Short-term and long-term lots available | Economy lot offers lower rates |
| Downtown Tallahassee | Metered street spots and garages | Many meters are free during evenings and weekends; Kleman Plaza garage convenient for Capitol Complex |
| Florida State/FAMU | Limited visitor spaces | Avoid campus during weekday business hours; game day restrictions strictly enforced |
| Governor's Square Mall | Free spaces, plenty available | Convenient central shopping location, easy access |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental car to visit:
Wakulla Springs – State Park, manatees
St. George Island – beaches, lighthouse
Panama City Beach – shoreline, pier
Florida State Capitol & Downtown – museums, restaurants

What car rental companies operate at TLH Airport?
Major companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty operate at the airport. They offer a wide range of cars, from economy to premium models.
Do I need to take a shuttle to pick up my rental car?
No, you can walk to the rental counters and cars from the main terminal building. Some companies are not at the airport, but they provide a free shuttle to get you to their location.
What are the typical fees I should expect when renting at TLH?
On top of the base rental price, you will pay extra for state and local taxes (about 7.5%), airport concession recovery fees (about 11–13%) and vehicle license fees. You can also choose to pay for extras like adding another driver, renting a GPS or getting a child safety seat.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours?
Yes, most companies at TLH Airport let you drop off your car anytime using a secure key return box. You should check your rental agreement to see exactly how they want you to return the car after hours.
Are one-way rentals available from TLH Airport?
Yes, most companies let you rent a car one-way to other cities in Florida and other states. They might charge you extra for this, based on how far you are going.
How early should I reserve during busy periods?
If you're visiting during the legislative session (January–March) or on home football game weekends, you should reserve your car 3–4 weeks early. For holidays, we recommend you book 4–6 weeks ahead to get the best choice of cars and prices.
Is there a gas station near the airport for refueling before return?
Yes, you can find several gas stations on Capital Circle, just 1–2 miles from the airport. The closest ones are only about a 5-minute drive from the rental car return area.