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Car rental in Clearwater - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Clearwater

Clearwater

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Clearwater

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Clearwater

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Clearwater

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Rent a Car in Clearwater?

Clearwater, Florida, is a stunning coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant attractions. While Clearwater offers some public transportation options, renting a car provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience to explore everything this area has to offer.

Explore Beyond the Beach. While Clearwater Beach is a must-see, a rental car allows you to easily discover other nearby gems, such as Honeymoon Island State Park or Caladesi Island State Park. Public transport to these locations can be limited and time-consuming.

Convenience for Families. If you're travelling with family, especially with young children, a rental car makes getting around much easier. You can pack beach gear, snacks, and other essentials without worrying about carrying everything on public transportation.

Freedom to Set Your Own Pace. With a rental car, you're not bound by bus schedules or tour itineraries. You can visit attractions at your own pace, spend as much time as you like at each location, and spontaneously explore hidden gems along the way.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Clearwater

Before booking a rental car in Clearwater, ensure you understand the rental terms and conditions. Here's a rundown of essential rules, tips, and local regulations.

Area

Approximately 39.3 square miles

Population

Around 117,000 residents

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (EST)

Ideal for

Family trips and beach exploration

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes

Rating

4.6/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Clearwater require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport is also typically required.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Clearwater – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £9 / $12 / €11 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (March to July): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists and vacationers.

Low season (September to December): Often sees discounts as demand decreases, making it a more budget-friendly time to visit.

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Clearwater?

Booking a car in Clearwater is easy when you follow these simple steps. From comparing prices to understanding rental terms, here's how to secure the best deal and have a smooth rental experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for beach trips and family excursions.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Clearwater

Clearwater is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant attractions. To make the most of your visit, especially if you're renting a car, it's essential to be aware of local traffic rules, parking options, and fuel access.

Clearwater is famous for its soft, white sand beaches and clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal destination for families and beach lovers. The city offers a mix of natural beauty and urban amenities, with numerous parks, restaurants, and shops. While Clearwater is relatively easy to navigate, having a car can enhance your experience, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas and attractions at your own pace. Before you start driving, it’s helpful to know about the local driving conditions, parking availability, and where to find petrol stations.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Clearwater Beach

    A must-visit destination known for its soft sand, clear waters, and lively atmosphere.

  • Pier 60

    Offers fishing, shopping, dining, and stunning sunset views.

  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    Home to rescued dolphins and sea turtles, providing educational and interactive experiences.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    City-operated garages offer hourly and daily rates, providing convenient parking in downtown and near the beach.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak season. Check signage for time limits and rates.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride options located further from the beach to avoid congestion and high parking fees.

Petrol Stations in Clearwater

  • Major Brands

    Find well-known brands like Shell, Chevron, and Mobil along major roads and highways.

  • Convenience Stores

    Many convenience stores also offer fuel, providing easy access throughout the city.

  • Plan Ahead

    It's wise to refuel before heading to the beach, as stations closer to the shore can be more crowded and expensive.

Useful Tips for Visiting Clearwater

  • Plan for Traffic

    Be aware of heavier traffic during peak tourist seasons and plan your travel accordingly.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you find the best routes and avoid congestion.

  • Stay Hydrated

    Florida's climate can be hot and humid, so stay hydrated, especially when spending time outdoors.

  • Check for Events

    Clearwater hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, which can impact traffic and parking availability.

Key Transportation Hubs in Clearwater

Airports

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Located approximately 20 miles east of Clearwater, it is the primary airport serving the region.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

Located about 10 miles south-east of Clearwater, offering domestic and some international flights.

Bus Stations

Clearwater Transit Center

Serves as a central hub for local bus routes, connecting various parts of the city and nearby areas.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Clearwater?

Renting a car in Clearwater is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need

  • If you're from the United States, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Clearwater as

4.9

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Chill vibe, good eats.

KJ

Kevin Jones

Reviewed: 12.04.2025

Family vacation in Clearwater was amazing! So much to see and do, having a car made it perfect.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 22.09.2024

Pretty chill, liked it

CW

Chloe Wilson

Reviewed: 17.07.2025

Heard great things, Clearwater delivered! So relaxing.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 29.08.2024

Clearwater was fantastic! Perfect weekend getaway. Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful beaches and such a relaxing atmosphere.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 27.10.2024

Sun-drenched beaches and easy access to everything! Having a car during the busy summer holiday was a lifesaver. Clearwater exceeded expectations.

JD

Jessica Davis

Reviewed: 23.04.2025

Loved Clearwater! Getting around with a rental was a breeze, the beaches were gorgeous.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 09.07.2025

Clearwater's summer sun was incredible! Having a car let us explore freely, hitting all the best spots with ease. Beautiful beaches and great food.

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 29.05.2025

Peaceful escape to Clearwater! Having a car made exploring so easy; the beaches were breathtaking.

BH

Benjamin Harris

Reviewed: 01.12.2024

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