Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Sarasota with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Sarasota?
You should book your rental car in Sarasota around 12 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Sarasota?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Dollar (₹ 24/day), Thrifty (₹ 25/day) and Hertz (₹ 26/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Dollar 5225 S Tamiami Trail (6.5 km from city centre).
What is the most popular rental car in Sarasota?
Hires in the SUV category (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are the most popular option in Sarasota, costing ₹ 5,776/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as ₹ 4,070/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Sarasota?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Sarasota is September at an average cost of ₹ 3,711/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Sarasota when prices are ₹ 5,519/day on average, which tends to be 11,395% above the yearly average hire price for Sarasota.
Which car hire company in Sarasota has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 5 locations in Sarasota, more than any other car hire company.
Sarasota car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Sarasota by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
₹ 3,139 - ₹ 4,662
All Car Types
₹ 5,310 - ₹ 7,274
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Sarasota?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Sarasota?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Sarasota?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Sarasota?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Sarasota?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Sarasota?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Sarasota?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Sarasota?
Small car hire in Sarasota typically costs around ₹ 3,665 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 3,139 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 41% cheaper than the average car hire in Sarasota, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Sarasota typically costs around ₹ 5,155 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 4,643 per day, which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 17% cheaper than the average car hire in Sarasota, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Sarasota typically cost around ₹ 5,912 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 5,328 per day, which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 5% cheaper than the average car hire in Sarasota, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Sarasota typically costs around ₹ 6,443 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 5,459 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 5% more expensive than the average car hire in Sarasota but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Sarasota typically costs around ₹ 8,523 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 7,278 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 28% more expensive than the average car hire in Sarasota but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Sarasota typically costs around ₹ 6,549 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 5,328 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 6% more expensive than the average car hire in Sarasota but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Sarasota typically costs around ₹ 8,639 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 6,926 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Sarasota but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Sarasota typically costs around ₹ 8,111 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 7,231 per day, which is about 11% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 24% more expensive than the average car hire in Sarasota but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Thrifty
Small
₹ 3,206/day
₹ 3,203/day
Sarasota car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who rented a car in Sarasota
Expect to take more time driving around Sarasota area as there are traffic lights everywhere and they have red light cameras at almost every one. Speed limits are lower as well due to lights and volume of traffic.
Verified travelerJan 2024
The rental car place is located at 7010 south Tamiami Trail. That is very much south Sarasota. $35 Uber ride to the airport.
ChameleonOct 2023
Rent whatever suits your needs! traffic was very decent and highways move fast! good experience!
NickSept 2023
Don't bother with the toll prepay at hire, you can pay cash at all Florida toll plazas.
ClaraAug 2023
Go to the airport it is easy
Verified travelerAug 2023
No tips. I'm a local (rented a car for visiting family), so no real help on the traffic, except that there is a lot of it, many drivers have no idea where they are going, and there are a lot of older folks driving very slow. ;) welcome to Florida.
Verified travelerJun 2023
If your car is not the way you think it should be, turn around and exchange it.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Sarasota has several traffic circles / roundabouts.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Sarasota
As a tourist in Sarasota, there’s lots to discover with the help of a car. Rather than relying on public transport, embrace the comfort of a rental a car to explore Sarasota Bay and beyond in your own time. From the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to Siesta Key Beach, you’ll have the freedom take in all of Sarasota’s sights.
Ready to rent a car on your vacation in Sarasota? If you are landing at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, you will find that the main terminal offers several on-site car rental facilities. Conveniently, the rental car counters can be found in the baggage claim wing just after you leave the Arrivals Hall.
Travelers new to Sarasota must remember to keep headlights on from dusk to dawn, as well as in rain or fog, as this is a requirement across the whole state. When you stop at a red light, you may turn right unless a sign indicating “no right on red” is posted. You are likely to encounter several toll roads on the outskirts of Sarasota, so always carry cash in your car.
Morning rush hour in Sarasota begins at 7:00 am and lasts until 9:00 am, and in the afternoon it goes from 3:00 pm until 7:30 pm. Try to avoid US 41 and I-75 highways during these peak times. During the summer months, Sarasota’s roads are practically traffic free, but come winter when everyone is escaping colder climates, the roads can become congested.
25% of our users found rental cars in Sarasota for ₹ 3,203 or less
Medium rental cars in Sarasota are around 27% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Sarasota
What type of car is recommended for driving in Sarasota?
Sarasota mainly features large streets and highways that are suitable for a wide range of vehicle sizes. If you are planning to visit the coast and all that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer, you shouldn’t have any issues renting an SUV or minivan. If you decide to drive around and park in the city center, then it may be worth renting a smaller car.
What’s the speed limit in Sarasota?
Generally, across Florida, the legal speed limit is 55 mph. On rural interstate highways the speed limits is 70 mph, while on four-lane highways the limit is 65 mph. Driving on other state highways means a maximum speed of 60 mph. In urban areas of Sarasota, the speed limit is 30 mph, with just 10-20 mph allowed in school zones.
Where are the best places to park in Sarasota?
Parking in Sarasota is easy as the city boasts over 3000 public parking spaces in its downtown area, as well as curbside parking, parking lots, and parking garages. Street parking is free while parking lots and garages charge from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. If you’re heading to the coast, both Siesta and Lido Beaches have a free public parking lot.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Sarasota?
On average a rental car in Sarasota costs ₹ 3,206 per day.
Which hire car agencies are at Sarasota Bradenton Intl airport (SRQ)?
The only car hire company onsite at Sarasota Bradenton Intl airport is Thrifty.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Sarasota Bradenton Intl airport (SRQ)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Sarasota Bradenton Intl airport to off-airport locations is Thrifty.
How can I find car hires near me in Sarasota?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Sarasota?
A Small car hire in Sarasota costs ₹ 5,182 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Sarasota?
A Medium car hire in Sarasota costs ₹ 4,918 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car hire cost in Sarasota?
A Special car hire in Sarasota costs ₹ 4,087 per day, on average.
The vehicle was larger than I ordered and was difficult to maneuver
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, May 2026
Intermediate SUV
The car was obviously not cleaned before hand. There was pet hair clinging to the seats and there was a rental agreement from a previous renter in the middle storage compartment. It’s probably still in there. This was never my experience before.
8.0 Very Good
Doug, Apr 2026
Standard SUV
There was an hour wait in line and then it took them a while to find a car. After that it was good and drop off was really excellent
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Line to pick up car was long and slow.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Turned it in early and didn’t get my refund ? please assist Tere Long
8.0 Very Good
Jenn, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Overall, a good experience. The line up to get our vehicle unfortunately was 1 hour long and they placed a hold on our visa until the vehicle was returned (even though the vehicle was prepaid.). The SUV though was new and clean with no issues.
Excellent service. Both Brandon at the counter when I picked up the vehicle, and especially the young gentleman that did the drop off inspection.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Intermediate SUV
They refused to honor the rental. Said no to same day confirmed reservations
10.0 Wonderful
Timothy, Aug 2024
Premium SUV
They kept to the agreements verbally and in writing. Excellent
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2024
Passenger van
Perfect. Staff is professional. Low mileage cars.
3.9 Poor
Beau, Jun 2021
confusion about pick up location meant I had to uber from airport to a distant suburban location and wait for more than an hour to pick up my car. return was not much better since no one ever answered the phone when I needed to extend the rental or change the drop off. the staff at the airport was not helpful but when we were finally assisted at Clark Road, the lady there was very nice.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2021
Pros:
Representative was not pushy about buying insurance coverage, or prepayment for fuel.
The wait to get my car was very long. The car was nice but the ability to adjust the driver’s seat was not adequate.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Full-size
The check-in line to get the car was very long. I waited 45 minutes and was lucky because I got in line while my partner got the luggage. The people behind me waited much longer. One man sent his wife to see if it could be faster to get a car from a different company. They did finally add a third person to speed things up a bit. The car was lovely (a Toyota Camry hybrid) and the drop-off was quick and easy. The price was very fair.
2.0 Poor
Travis, May 2025
Full-size
I received a car that was not up to standard. The issue is still being dealt with. In short, this was one of the worst experiences I’ve had with a car rental company. To the best of my ability, I will do everything to never rent from Avis again.
6.0 Okay
Garrett, Sept 2024
Convertible
Did not have the convertible that l requested and expected.
10.0 Wonderful
WAYNE, May 2024
Minivan
Avis was excellent and would definitely rent from them again
Horrendous customer service. Made flight and car rental arrangements to Sarasota for a family member’s critical medical emergency. Changed to an earlier flight that put me in Fort Myers due to poor medical prognosis. Tried two national contact #s that went directly to automated/AI responses stating rental reservation could not be changed. Desk agent in Fort Meyers made us wait in line for 15 mins only to tell us that there were no cars available and we could not switch our reservation anyways. We had to purchase a new reservation with a different carrier. Terrible experience.
10.0 Wonderful
Christine, Sept 2025
Compact SUV
Mark at checkout (outside in the Kiosk at Sarasota airport) was a pleasure to deal with!
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Intermediate
Originally rented a Tesla. Car was charged to only half capacity at pickup. Asked for and was granted a different vehicle at same price. 2nd car smelled like the bottom of an ashtray. Asked for, and was reluctantly given a 3rd car. By this time, the Hertz rep was obviously done with us and became short and unfriendly with us. When it came time to return the vehicle, I learned our flight was scheduled long before the off-airport location opened, and unlike every other car rental service I have ever used in the past, there was no key dropbox available. Was told I could drop the car off a day early during business hours, or drop off the car early departure day and have somebody drop off the key during business hours. Being on a vacation in a different city, who the heck would I have/trust "drop off the key" for a rental car under my name??? Ended up dropping the car off a day early, at which point the same Hertz rep smuggly checked the car in after recognizing us as the "complainers" from a week before. Most likely will look elsewhere next time.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Supplier choice
We were told it was electric only and we would have to go somewhere to return it fully charged. That was not going to work for us. Told us regular car was $3 more. No problem. When we returned the car t Hertz in Venice charged us about $40 more. VERY DISAPPOINTED!
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Compact SUV
Car was not ready at reservation time. Had to wait over one half hour for a car. Then I was given a car I had not requested, an EV. Sarasota desk said it was at full charge and said there would not be a charge. Drove it 27 miles total. At turning it in in Venice, office had no electrical power, so could not finalize receipt. When I received receipt later, I was charged for use of 30% of battery charge. Called Hertz 800 number for explanation and agent was totally useless. Did not understand my request and all he could say was “mail in a receipt if you think you were overcharged for fuel”. I tried to explain the issue was that I could not have used 30% of battery in driving 27 miles, but all he could do was repeat same answer. Requested to speak to supervisor; was told one was not available and would call back. Waiting for the call back.
10.0 Wonderful
Bryan, Sept 2024
Passenger van
Hertz didn’t have a minivan available that I had reserved for all my travelers. But agent upgraded me to a super large SUV for the price of what the minivan would have been. That vehicle was great. Enough space for my traveling companions and very comfortable.
Everything from start to finish was great. I have no complaints and I was given a very nice kind of quality vehicle to drive.
2.0 Poor
Richard, May 2024
Supplier choice
For a $32.76 rental they have charged me $233.00 on pickup and $100/day since dropping the car off at the airport.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2024
Standard SUV
Pick up and drop off was a breeze, the price was excellent just wish the car had mats in it and it would haven't been washed better and dried off without water spots.
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