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Clearwater car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Clearwater

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
Minivan car
Minivan
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
M

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Clearwater

  • One of the significant advantages of car rentals in Clearwater, Florida, is the flexibility to arrive and leave at your destination when you want. Whether you are visiting one of the many beaches, the aquarium, or the botanical gardens, renting a car frees visitors to manage their schedule without worrying about public transportation. A valuable perk of having a rental car in Clearwater is the freedom to enjoy the Gulf Boulevard at your own pace. This beautiful drive goes down the coast and connects multiple beaches visitors can enjoy.
  • The primary airport for Clearwater is the St. Pete Clearwater International Airport (PIE). For those interested in Clearwater car rentals, the car rental kiosks are directly adjacent to the baggage claim. Many popular car rental companies are represented inside the car rental center, including Budget, Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz. All of the mentioned companies are located in the car rental center inside the airport terminal. Enterprise and Budget also have other locations in the city.
  • Clearwater is a charming town with beautiful coastal scenery. However, rush hour follows the typical model of being crowded from 7:30am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 7:30pm, Monday through Friday. The roads that are most affected by traffic are the I-275 and Hillsborough Avenue. If you need to drive during the rush hour times, it would be best to avoid these roads if possible. Visitors should also expect heavy traffic congestion surrounding the coastal roads and beaches on the weekends and during some evenings. Keep this in mind if you are on a schedule or have a flight to catch.
  • Clearwater generally enjoys beautiful weather and excellent driving conditions. However, for those not used to visiting beaches, please be sure to avoid driving on sand. Most beaches will have designated parking. Driving in the sand can quickly get your rental car stuck if it does not have a four-wheel-drive. Also, Florida does experience heavy rains and storms during hurricane season. Travelers should be aware of potential storms and high winds in the months of June through November.
  • Book your rental car in Clearwater at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy rental cars in Clearwater are around 78% cheaper than other car types, on average

Clearwater car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Clearwater 
Verified travelerAug 2024
Fast and easy at the Airport if you reserve online
Verified travelerMay 2024
The process of renting and returning the car to the Clearwater airport could not have been easier. Highly efficient.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Double check vehicle is in proper working condition before leaving the rental site.
DonaldAug 2023
Please put car in the number spot it’s suposed to go in ..it’s a little lot

FAQs about renting a car in Clearwater

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Clearwater?

    Many travelers like to invest in a full-sized sedan when renting a car in Clearwater. The full-sized sedans provide a little more space and comfort during those long coastal drives. For larger families, a comfortable mini-van or smooth driving SUV are excellent options.

  • What’s the speed limit in Clearwater?

    While driving through the city, expect the speed limit to be posted between 20 and 30mph. On the Interstate, cars may travel up to 70mph and 65mph on other highways. Outside of residential roads, unmarked roads in Florida generally have a speed limit of 55mph. Drivers should be vigilant in looking for marked speed limits in Clearwater to avoid a hefty fine. Speed cameras are installed on traffic lights on Chestnut Street, Belcher Road, and Fort Harrison Avenue.

  • Where are the best places to park in Clearwater?

    Visitors of Clearwater should expect to pay for parking. The city is equipped with parking meters, and most of the beaches have paid parking garages. However, some limited free two-hour parking garages are surrounding certain popular areas, like Clearwater Beach and Madeira Beach. Those interested in Clearwater car rentals should prepare to have their wallets or purses at the beach though. Most parking lots charge roughly $3 for 5h.

  • What is the best rental car company in Clearwater?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in Clearwater is Budget (7.6, 88 reviews).

  • How much is gas price in Clearwater?

    The average gas price in Clearwater is 13.06 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 157 ﷼ and 209 ﷼, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Clearwater?

    Economy (Nissan March or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Clearwater.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Clearwater?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Clearwater?

    An Economy car rental in Clearwater costs 50 ﷼ per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Clearwater?

    A Standard car rental in Clearwater costs 69 ﷼ per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Clearwater?

    A Compact car rental in Clearwater costs 70 ﷼ per day, on average.

Clearwater car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.8

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

7.5

3 locations in Clearwater

Show locations

Locations in Clearwater

14700 Terminal Boulevard

+1 727 524 3895

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

2085 Gulf To Bay Boulevard

+1 727 462 0306

Opening times not available

801 Cleveland Street

+1 727 442 7026

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Pickup truck

KAYAK
When booking the reservation, the rep on the phone said that the airport location had both covered bed and non covered bed pickup trucks. I made sure the rep put the notation on the booking that I needed a covered pickup truck. The budget employee at the counter said that none of their pickup trucks were covered. I had to pay extra for an SUV due to the misinformation. Not thrilled with the overall process.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
Customer service was the worst. Blew a tire in a grand wangoneer no spare so sat for three hours on the highway til i paid a guy for a used tire. took another day to get a replacement car. who rents a truck with no spare ? Never rent from them plus the cars were dirty to boot. I think they are going chapter 11

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Budget was under resourced for the amount of reservations they accepted. We waited in line for 30 minutes to check in, then waited another 30 minutes to recieve a car because they had no inventory. I finally accepted a full size Dodge Ram quad cab as my rental car to drive my family to the beach. It was not ideal. I didn't want to wait any longer for my actual rental to be available. They simply oversold their supply. Not a great business strategy. I feel bad for the front line workers that had to deal with that many unhappy vacationers. We were all just sitting around baggage claim staring at each other, waiting for our name to be called in the "Do I Get A Car?" lottery.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
They refused to rent us a car, despite literally confirming by calling Budget earlier in the day, simply because we "made the reservation the same day of the pick up." They had keys for us. Nobody in line behind us. Has taken all our info. But saw it was same day reservation and refused. We walked over the enterprise and rented with them on the spot no issues for the same price. Never use Budget.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Waiting for 2 hours to pick up car caused entire trip to be impacted Completely unacceptable!!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Didn't like a single thing. Was given an electric car was supposed to have a gas car was the biggest headache I've ever seen. Recieved the car with 20%battery what a joke.

1 out of 19

Alamo

9.1

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.6

One location in Clearwater

Show locations

Locations in Clearwater

14700 Terminal Blvd

+1 844 806 3352

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Minivan

KAYAK
Friendly and professional staff. Found a couple of used napkins left inside trunk area at pick up. Overall pleased with rental.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
The car needs brakes ... Customer service was excellent 👍💯

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2024

Premium

KAYAK
Super fast and easy. Customer service was excellent and staff were very accommodating. will absolutely use Alamo again!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
Car was very nice. Only bad thing was that there was a mixup between the airline package and car rental and I had to pay for the whole car rental from you guys and then get my money back from Allegiant.

8.0 Very good

Scott, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was good, walk back to terminal was a bit much...

10.0 Wonderful

Anthony, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very friendly and made me feel welcome. Everything was quick and smooth, while also being sure I knew the details and options available to me.

1 out of 7

National

8.4

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.2

One location in Clearwater

Show locations

Locations in Clearwater

14700 Terminal Blvd

+1 844 806 3351

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

None

10.0 Wonderful

Jerry, Aug 2021

KAYAK
The whole thing was a very pleasant experience.. Thanks

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Jun 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Poor information about car, how to operate, (where are various switches, controls, etc)... There should be an information sheet, car specific

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

Cons:

Cheaper

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

I didn't like anything about this experience!

Cons:

the entire experience could have been better!

1 out of 2

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.3

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

7.4

5 locations in Clearwater

Show locations

Locations in Clearwater

1200 Court St

+1 727 446 1125

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

14700 Terminal Blvd

+1 833 789 0756

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59

17335 Us Highway 19 N

+1 727 531 2747

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2085 Gulf To Bay Blvd

+1 727 446 1125

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

24141 Us Highway 19 N

+1 727 796 3442

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Mark, Jun 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
No problems at all

6.0 Okay

Mary, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Try putting some tires that aren't BALD on your cars. Super dangerous. And maybe not paying 550 bucks to rent a car for 4 days. What a waste

2.0 Poor

Joseph, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Not much.

Cons:

They didn’t have the vehicle I reserved online. They forced me into a car I didn’t want because of my need for a vehicle.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Ease of drop off and pick up

6.4 Okay

JimandMichelle, Nov 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Kiosk at the airport was unmanned and had to use Alamo for picking up the Enterprise reserved vehicle. The line was long and moved slowly and took about 30 minutes. Very disappointed with that portion of the process, otherwise was a fine experience.

9.6 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

yes

1 out of 5

Avis

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

6.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

5.9

3 locations in Clearwater

Show locations

Locations in Clearwater

14700 Terminal Boulevard

+1 727 530 1407

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

2085 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard

+1 727 447 1295

Opening times not available

801 Cleveland Street

+1 727 442 4119

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 23:30
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Location was closed when I arrived for my pickup. Attendant was rude.

6.0 Okay

Mike, Jan 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
The rental was dirty. Under the stowaway seats was filthy. I didn’t know how to operate the key fob, didn’t know you had to touch the fob to the start button. No one on the lot to help. The vehicle had minor damage on the passenger side that should have noted. Had to go back to the desk to have it noted. The desk personnel were friendly and helpful.

2.0 Poor

Dusan, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

They could have a car I reserved, or since they didn't have it they could apologize and offer me some compensation

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The prices were waaaaaay to high. Otherwise polite staff, efficient, knowledgeable and helpful

8.0 Very good

mary, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes...good experience

Cons:

Daily rates were ridiculously high.

8.0 Very good

Julie, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very friendly abd helpful

Cons:

Priced way too high.

1 out of 6

Hertz

Cleanliness

6.4

Comfort

6.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.1

Value for money

6.6

2 locations in Clearwater

Show locations

Locations in Clearwater

14525 Airport Parkway

+1 727 723 8661

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

21154 Us Hwy 19

+1 727 723 8661

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Tried 3 times to rent via Kayak with Hertz……ikept getting notices that what you advertised vs what they showed via emil was twice the price ?.. then I got a cancellation notice ??? Bait and switch. Not good. Never again and I will tell everyone

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jan 2022

KAYAK
I canceled this reservation 12 hours after making it and Hertz procedures for doing that were circular, frustrating and dishonest

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Sep 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Car was smell like someone smoked inside

2.0 Poor

Peter, Jul 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
I wasn't able to get the car . I'm waiting for a credit for payment & deposit

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2022

KAYAK
It was fast and easy

8.0 Very good

CJ, Aug 2022

KAYAK
All good, no complaints.

1 out of 3

Easirent

4.2

Cleanliness

4.4

Comfort

5.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

3.3

Value for money

4.6

One location in Clearwater

Locations in Clearwater

Sleep Inn Hotel, 3939 Ulmerton Rd

+1 727 371 8449

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Compact

KAYAK
car was fine, the windows were very dirty inside and out. when i told the agent, he laughed and said but its nice car though, and continued to fix his plate for breakfast. agent also was very nosey, we were in Florida for a funeral not to have some car rental agent try to be my friend

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
I paid for a car reservation months in advance. When I went to pick up the car, I was informed that my car was given to someone else because I did not pick it up in time. They also refused to give me a refund until I booked another car. There were no other cars available that day in the entire city at there location or elsewhere. I am asking for a refund for a car that I never got, and they are refusing! Scammers!!! Do not use this off brand company

2.0 Poor

Angelina, Aug 2023

Economy

KAYAK
The location no longer exists.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Economy

KAYAK
Failed to disclose up front that vehicle could not be taken out of state

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Car was pretty clean, (inside windshield was very dirty,) turn-in was a little confusing since no one was available at desk. Good price overall!

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Compact

KAYAK
The car was clean and comfortable. The pickup/drop off arrangement is odd. They have a single person with a desk at a nearby hotel. The shuttle is the hotel shuttle. You have to call the desk to get the shuttle, but if that person is away from the desk or helping someone else, it may take awhile to get a shuttle. We had to call 3 times to get someone on the phone and ultimately waited 30 minutes to get the shuttle. The arrangements are very confusing because you will get preliminary emails from two different companies. The price was excellent, if you are willing to wait and take the risk of a not-name-brand rental company.

Thrifty

6.0

Okay

One location in Clearwater

Locations in Clearwater

21154 Us Highway 19 North

+1 727 723 8661

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

5.8

Fair

One location in Clearwater

Locations in Clearwater

15176 Us Hwy 19 N

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Economy Rent a Car

5.5

Fair

One location in Clearwater

Locations in Clearwater

4707 140Th Avenue North

+1 727 321 9599

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

NextCar

4.3

Mediocre

One location in Clearwater

Locations in Clearwater

27365 Us 19n

+1 727 724 0444

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Exotic Luxury Rental

No score available yet

3 locations in Clearwater

Locations in Clearwater

10 Pier 60

+1 813 444 8188

Opening times not available

14700 Terminal Pkwy #221, Clearwater, FL

+1 813 444 8188

Opening times not available

3118 Gulf to Bay Blvd #117

+1 813 444 8188

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Clearwater

Locations in Clearwater

14700 Terminal Blvd

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

193 travelers who rented a car in Clearwater gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.8

Car rental locations in or near Clearwater

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a rental car in Clearwater

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Clearwater car rental information

Pick-up locationClearwater
Car types
Rental locations25
Airport locations10