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Finding a rental car in The Villages is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in Florida with no booking fees. Choose a convenient pickup at the Enterprise branch in Spanish Springs or grab the keys at Orlando International Airport for the widest fleet and 24 hour service, then filter by vehicle size, senior discounts and free cancellation to lock in a low price before the winter rush.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 597894

The Villages itself has limited rental car facilities, and most visitors use nearby locations or Orlando-area airports.

Location Advantages Disadvantages
Local Enterprise Branch (Spanish Springs)
  • Located in The Villages
  • Convenient for residents and visitors
  • No airport fees
  • Often provides pick-up service
  • Limited selection of vehicles
  • Smaller operation with fewer cars available
  • Limited hours (usually weekday business hours)
  • Reservations recommended due to limited fleet
Ocala Airport (OCF)
  • Closer than Orlando airports
  • Less congestion
  • Easier pick-up/drop-off process
  • Limited rental companies
  • Smaller airport with fewer flight options
  • Limited hours
  • Higher rates due to less competition
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Largest selection of vehicles
  • Competitive pricing from many companies
  • 24-hour service
  • More vehicle types available
  • Around 70 miles (113 km) from The Villages
  • 1+ hour drive to The Villages
  • Airport fees and surcharges
  • Busy facility with potential wait times
Leesburg/Lady Lake Area
  • Closer to The Villages
  • No airport fees
  • Rental companies like Enterprise and Hertz
  • Limited hours
  • Smaller selection of vehicles
  • May require advance booking

Transportation Tip: If flying into Orlando, consider taking a shuttle service to The Villages (around $40-60 per person) and then renting locally to avoid paying for rental days when the car would just be parked at your accommodation.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in The Villages?

On average, car rentals in The Villages cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare pick-up spots: local branches in The Villages or nearby Leesburg/Lady Lake skip airport surcharges. Trade-off is smaller fleets and shorter hours, so reserve ahead.

  • Peak vs off-peak booking: winter snowbird season (Jan-Apr) sells out fast—book 2-3 months early with a free-cancellation rate and recheck prices. Fall (Sep-Nov) usually has the cheapest last-minute deals.

  • Go weekly or monthly: trips of 5+ days nearly always price lower on a weekly plan. Winter stays of 28+ days can unlock "snowbird" monthly rates that beat stacking four weeklies.

  • Fly then rent locally: land at Orlando, take the $40-60 shuttle to The Villages, and rent only for the days you'll drive. Saves on both airport concession fees and unused rental days.

  • Choose smaller cars: economy or compact models fit The Villages' tight parking near town squares and sip less gas on day-trips.

  • DIY toll setup: heading to Orlando attractions often? Buy a $5 SunPass Mini at a pharmacy and dodge the rental company's daily toll program fees.

Parking Tips

Where to Park:

Location Cost Details
The Villages Town Centers Free Plenty of spots at Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood
Recreation Centers Free Lots available at all recreation centers for visitors and residents
Golf Courses Free Designated lots at all courses; popular courses fill early
Lake County Parks Fee may apply County parks may charge a small entrance fee per vehicle
The Villages Hospital Free Multiple lots with good availability
Orlando Theme Parks Paid Daily fees at major attractions
Shopping Centers Free Plenty of spots at major shopping centers throughout The Villages

Key Driving Regulations:

  • Drive on the right side of the road
  • Speed limits: usually 25–30 mph in The Villages, 45–55 mph on connecting roads
  • Complete stop required at stop signs and before turning right on red
  • Seatbelts required for all front seat occupants and passengers under 18
  • Headlights required when using windshield wipers during rain
  • Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%; strict DUI enforcement throughout Florida
  • Texting while driving is illegal; hands-free phone operation recommended

Golf Cart Considerations:

  • The Villages is known for extensive golf cart usage
  • Golf carts have designated paths and crossing signals
  • Golf carts may share some roadways with cars
  • Regular vehicles must yield to golf carts in designated areas
  • Watch for golf cart crossings throughout The Villages
  • Golf carts often have right of way on paths specifically designated for them
  • Be aware that many residents use golf carts as primary transportation

Toll Road Guide:

Road Coverage Payment Options
Florida's Turnpike North–south through Central Florida SunPass or E-Pass, cash at some plazas
SR-429 (Western Beltway) Western Orlando area SunPass or E-Pass, some cash plazas

Toll Payment Options:

  • Rental car toll programs (daily fee plus actual tolls)
  • SunPass Mini transponder available at pharmacies and grocery stores
  • Cash accepted at some plazas (keep small bills and change ready)

Local Tip: When driving in The Villages, be especially cautious at golf cart crossings and along multi-modal paths. The community has extensive golf cart infrastructure and many residents use golf carts as their primary mode of transportation.

Why rent a car in The Villages

Having a car lets you explore Central Florida sights well beyond golf-cart range.

  • Orlando area – Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando
  • Ocala National Forest – natural springs, hiking trails
  • Crystal River – Gulf Coast manatee encounters, quiet beaches

  • Mount Dora – historic downtown, lakeside shops

  • Silver Springs State Park – glass-bottom boat rides

Driving Distances from The Villages

FAQs

Do I need a car if I'm staying within The Villages?
If you plan to stay only in The Villages and your rental comes with a golf cart, you might not need a car for your daily tasks. But you will need a car for trips outside The Villages, driving on main roads at night and visiting places too far for a golf cart.

What documents do I need to rent a car in The Villages?
You'll need to show a valid driver's license and a credit card. If you are visiting from another country, you should also have your passport and either a license written in English or an International Driving Permit.

Are there age restrictions for renting a car?
Most companies ask that drivers be at least 21 years old and they often charge extra for drivers under 25. Since many people in The Villages are seniors, some companies offer special discount programs for them.

Is there a maximum age limit for car rentals in The Villages?
Most major rental companies don't set a maximum age limit. But, some smaller local companies might have their own rules. You should always check the company's policy if you are worried about it.

How do I handle toll roads when driving to Orlando?
Florida's Turnpike is the main toll road to Orlando. Your rental car company will probably have a toll program that bills your credit card and adds a service fee. Another option is to buy a SunPass transponder. Keep in mind that many parts of the Turnpike and SR-429 are now cashless, so you won't be able to pay with cash.

Can I rent a golf cart instead of a car?
Yes, you can rent a golf cart from several local companies in The Villages. They are great for getting around the community, but you can't drive them on highways or take them on long trips outside The Villages.

What's the best way to get from Orlando Airport to The Villages?
You have a few choices. You can rent a car at the MCO airport and make the 70-mile (113 km) drive, take a shuttle to The Villages and rent a car there or arrange for a private car service. The best choice for you depends on when you arrive and what your travel plans are.

Are rental cars available for long-term leases during winter months?
Yes, many rental companies offer monthly rates for "snowbirds" who spend the winter in Florida. Renting long-term is often much cheaper than paying daily or weekly rates.