Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Bartow
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bartow
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bartow
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bartow
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Bartow, Florida, is a charming city with a rich history and plenty to explore. While it's possible to get around using ride-sharing services, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility and convenience. This is especially true if you plan to visit nearby attractions or enjoy the natural beauty of Polk County.
Explore Beyond the City Limits. With a rental car, you can easily venture out to places like Circle B Bar Reserve, Bok Tower Gardens, or even take a day trip to Orlando or Tampa.
Convenience and Comfort. A rental car provides the convenience of traveling on your own schedule, without having to wait for rideshares or rely on public transportation. It’s also a comfortable way to travel, especially if you’re with family or have luggage.
Cost-Effective for Families. If you're traveling with a group, renting a car can often be more economical than paying for individual rideshares or taxi fares, particularly for multiple destinations.
Before booking a rental car in Bartow, it's crucial to understand the specific terms and conditions set by rental companies. These terms help ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 54.6 square miles
Population
Around 20,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST)
Ideal for
Family trips and exploring Polk County
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM)
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Non-US residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. You may opt for additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required, held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental options may include unlimited mileage or limited mileage policies. Fuel policies vary, but full-to-full is common—return the car with the same fuel level as when picked up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees can occur for things like optional extras such as GPS, child seats, and for late returns or one-way rentals.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 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 £8.50 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (March to May): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (September 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.
To ensure a smooth experience, compare prices, select the right vehicle, and understand all rental conditions before finalizing your booking. Booking early is especially beneficial, particularly during peak seasons. Remember to bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when you pick up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites 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 a compact car for solo travel or an SUV for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, particularly during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Have your driver’s license, credit card, and identification ready when collecting your rental.
Bartow is a historic city offering a blend of southern charm and modern amenities. Ideal for sightseeing and day trips, it's best explored with some awareness of local traffic and parking regulations.
As the county seat of Polk County, Bartow is known for its beautiful architecture and friendly atmosphere. It provides easy access to numerous attractions in Central Florida. While Bartow is relatively easy to navigate, renting a car makes it simple to travel outside the city to places like nearby lakes and nature preserves. Before you begin your trip, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking regulations for a stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Polk County History Center
Explore exhibits showcasing the rich history of Polk County.
Mary Holland Park
Enjoy nature trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of Peace River.
Downtown Bartow
Visit unique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Convenient and secure parking options are available in downtown Bartow.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets. Pay attention to time limits and regulations.
Park & Ride
Not widely available in Bartow, but parking is generally accessible near main attractions.
Gas Stations in Bartow
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Bartow and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Shell, Wawa, RaceTrac, and Circle K.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bartow
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of moderate traffic during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM).
Check Local Events
Check for local events or festivals that may affect traffic and parking.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during hotter months.
Use GPS
A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating unfamiliar roads.
Major Bus Stations
Winter Haven Area Transit (WHAT)
Provides local bus services in the Winter Haven area, with connections to Bartow.
Railway Stations
Amtrak Station in Winter Haven
Located approximately 10 miles from Bartow, offering passenger rail services.
Airports
Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL)
Located about 20 miles north of Bartow, serving general aviation and cargo flights.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Located approximately 60 miles northeast of Bartow, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Located about 65 miles west of Bartow, serving numerous domestic and international destinations.
Renting a car in Bartow is a straightforward process, but it’s important to have the necessary documents and meet certain requirements before you pick up your vehicle.
A valid driver’s license is required. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other government-issued ID may be required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Bartow as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Bartow was a charming surprise! Having a car made exploring the local parks and historic districts so easy. The scenery was beautiful, and I found some really cute shops. I'd definitely recommend a road trip through this area!
Alice Smith
Reviewed: 05.11.2024
Great short trip to see friends in Bartow! So convenient having a car.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Low-key, kinda chill.
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 08.03.2025
Quiet town, pleasant enough. Downtown felt a bit sleepy.
Susan Johnson
Reviewed: 25.10.2024
Summer vacation in Bartow was perfect! Having a car was so helpful for getting around.
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 03.10.2024
Wonderful spontaneous weekend in Bartow! Having a car made everything so easy.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 01.07.2025
Pretty chill place
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 24.11.2024
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Okay, kinda sleepy. The food was bland.
Brenda Davis
Reviewed: 22.09.2024