Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Clearwater
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Clearwater
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Clearwater
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Clearwater
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Clearwater as
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.
Family vacation in Clearwater was amazing! So much to see and do, having a car made it perfect.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Pretty chill, liked it
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Heard great things, Clearwater delivered! So relaxing.
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.
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.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Loved Clearwater! Getting around with a rental was a breeze, the beaches were gorgeous.
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.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 29.05.2025
Peaceful escape to Clearwater! Having a car made exploring so easy; the beaches were breathtaking.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
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Chill vibe, good eats.
Kevin Jones
Reviewed: 12.04.2025