Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Sarasota - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Sarasota
Sarasota
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sarasota
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sarasota
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sarasota
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.
Why Rent a Car in Sarasota?
Sarasota is a vibrant city with stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore everything this coastal paradise has to offer.
Unrestricted Access to Beaches. Sarasota is renowned for its beautiful beaches like Siesta Key, Lido Beach, and Longboat Key. A rental car lets you easily visit multiple beaches, each offering a unique experience, without relying on shuttle services or taxis.
Explore Cultural Hotspots. From the Ringling Museum of Art to the Sarasota Opera House, the city has a rich cultural scene. Having a car allows you to conveniently access these attractions and explore them at your own pace.
Discover Natural Wonders. Venture beyond the city and discover natural attractions like Myakka River State Park, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. A rental car makes it easy to reach these destinations and enjoy the great outdoors.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Sarasota
Before renting a car in Sarasota, be aware of the standard terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
65.2 square kilometres (25.2 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 57,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5
Ideal for
Exploring beaches and attractions
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Sarasota require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters 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.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage like collision damage waiver (CDW) or supplemental liability insurance. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies vary—some require returning the car with a full tank, while others offer prepaid options.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Sarasota – 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 £9.50 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often come with discounts
*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 Sarasota?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
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 exploring nearby parks.
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 Sarasota
Sarasota is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene. Renting a car provides the best way to explore all that the area has to offer, from its coastal beauty to its cultural landmarks.
Sarasota is a coastal gem located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. While Sarasota has some public transportation options, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the area fully. Driving within Sarasota is generally easy, with well-maintained roads and manageable traffic. Before you start driving, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Siesta Key Beach
Famous for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.
The Ringling
A stunning art museum, circus museum, and historic mansion all in one.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
A beautiful oasis of tropical plants and flowers.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in downtown Sarasota and near popular attractions.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be mindful of time limits.
Beach Parking
Parking is available at most beaches, but it can fill up quickly during peak season.
Gas Stations in Sarasota
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Shell, Chevron, and Mobil throughout the area.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are easily accessible along major roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Sarasota
Plan for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak season, especially on weekends and holidays.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially near beaches and downtown areas.
Stay Hydrated
The Florida sun can be intense, so drink plenty of water.
Use Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen.
Key Transportation Hubs in Sarasota
Airports
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Located just north of Sarasota, offering domestic flights.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Located about an hour north of Sarasota, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations
Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT)
Provides local bus services throughout Sarasota County.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Sarasota?
Renting a car in Sarasota 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, 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, 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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Sarasota 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.
Pretty relaxed vibe
Beth Miller
Reviewed: 30.07.2025
Loved exploring Sarasota! Having a car made it so convenient to visit all the different beaches and charming neighborhoods. The sunsets were incredible.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 01.06.2025
Really laid-back place
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
Sarasota was wonderful! Getting around with a car was so easy, and the beaches were breathtaking.
Susan Garcia
Reviewed: 30.08.2024
Sarasota lived up to the hype! Having a car made exploring so easy; beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Sarasota was a delightful stop on our road trip! Exploring the coastline with our rental car was so easy and scenic. Highly recommend.
David Harris
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Sarasota charmed me, although the Lido Key shops felt a bit touristy.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
Pretty chill place
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 18.11.2024
Sarasota was fantastic! Family vacation was perfect, exploring easily with our car.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Pretty chill, I guess
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 01.01.2025