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Car rental in Lakeland - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Lakeland

Lakeland

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Lakeland

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Lakeland

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Lakeland

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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

Why Rent a Car in Lakeland?

Lakeland, Florida, offers a blend of Southern charm and modern attractions, making it an ideal destination for exploration. While local transport options exist, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to discover Lakeland and its surrounding areas at your own pace.

Explore the City and Beyond. Lakeland is home to beautiful lakes, parks, and unique attractions like the Polk Museum of Art. A rental car allows you to easily visit these places and venture out to nearby cities like Tampa and Orlando.

Convenience for Families and Groups. Traveling with family or a group? A rental car provides ample space for passengers and luggage, making your journey more comfortable and convenient.

Tailored Travel Experience. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or shopping trips, a rental car allows you to customize your itinerary and explore Lakeland's diverse offerings according to your preferences.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Lakeland

Before booking a rental car in Lakeland, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions. These guidelines cover key aspects such as age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential fees.

Area

74.6 square miles (193.2 square kilometers)

Population

Approximately 115,000 residents

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (EST)

Ideal for

Leisure and business travel

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Lakeland require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to additional surcharges.

2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.

3. InsuranceRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. However, additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability insurance (SLI), are available for purchase.

4. Security DepositA security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card. The deposit amount varies depending on the rental company and vehicle type.

5. Mileage and Fuel PoliciesRental agreements may include unlimited mileage or restrict the number of miles allowed per day. Fuel policies vary, so be sure to understand the requirements for returning the car with the correct fuel level.

6. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, or additional drivers.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £30 / $38 / €36

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24

Classic:

from £15 / $19 / €18

Executive:

from £40 / $50 / €48

7 Seater:

from £50 / $63 / €60

Automatic:

from £25 / $32 / €30

SUV:

from £35 / $44 / €42

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (March to May): Expect higher prices due to increased tourism, with prices rising by 20-30%

Low season (September to November): Rental rates are typically lower, offering discounts and promotions

*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 Lakeland?

Booking a car in Lakeland involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth and satisfying rental experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for outdoor adventures.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documentation when collecting your rental car.

General Information About Lakeland

Lakeland, Florida, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful lakes, historic architecture, and cultural attractions.

Located in Central Florida, Lakeland offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city is characterized by its numerous lakes, which provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Lakeland is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, and art galleries to explore.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Lake Mirror

    A scenic lake surrounded by historic buildings and parks.

  • Polk Museum of Art

    A renowned art museum featuring a diverse collection of works.

  • Hollis Garden

    A botanical garden offering beautiful floral displays and walking paths.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several parking garages are located in downtown Lakeland, providing convenient parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered on-street parking is available throughout the city, but be sure to pay attention to time limits.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride options located outside the city center to avoid traffic congestion.

Gas Stations in Lakeland

  • Major Brands

    Several gas stations, including major brands like Shell, Chevron, and Mobil, are located throughout Lakeland.

  • Refueling Tips

    Refuel your rental car before returning it to avoid additional charges from the rental company.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Lakeland

  • Use Sunscreen

    Protect your skin from the Florida sun by applying sunscreen regularly.

  • Stay Hydrated

    Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Allow extra travel time during rush hours to account for potential traffic delays.

  • Check Local Events

    Check local event calendars to discover festivals, concerts, and other activities happening during your visit.

Key Transportation Hubs in Lakeland

Major Bus Stations

Lakeland Bus Station

Provides local and regional bus services.

Railway Stations

Lakeland Amtrak Station

Offers passenger rail service to various destinations.

Airports

Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL)

Offers general aviation services and flight training.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Located approximately 40 miles west of Lakeland, offering numerous domestic and international flights.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Situated about 60 miles northeast of Lakeland, serving a wide range of destinations.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Lakeland?

Renting a car in Lakeland requires a few essential documents and qualifications.

  • A valid driver’s license is required, and international visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.

  • A credit or debit card is needed for the security deposit and rental charges.

  • A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Lakeland as

3.9

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.

Lakeland was great to revisit after all these years! So much has changed. The swan boats were a bit underwhelming, though.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 13.07.2025

Pretty chill, overall.

KL

Kevin Lee

Reviewed: 14.10.2024

Kinda sleepy; mosquitoes!

CG

Chloe Garcia

Reviewed: 21.02.2025

Having a car was perfect for exploring Lakeland this summer. We easily visited the museums and lakes, enjoying the holiday sunshine. Such a relaxing and fun trip!

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 14.12.2024

Needed some R&R, so I escaped to Lakeland's coast. Exploring was easy with my rental car. The only downside? That one cafe with the incredibly slow service.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 21.09.2024

Exploring Lakeland was a breeze with a rental car; the botanical gardens were underwhelming, though. Otherwise, a smooth trip.

DW

David Wilson

Reviewed: 27.02.2025

Lakeland exceeded expectations! Heard great things, and having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful.

JD

Jessica Davis

Reviewed: 21.02.2025

Meh. Too many chain stores.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 28.07.2025

Lakeland was perfect for my quick business trip. Having a car made getting around so easy!

BP

Brian Peterson

Reviewed: 14.04.2025

Lakeland felt smaller than I remembered. Otherwise, revisiting after so long was lovely, and having a car was convenient.

AM

Ashley Martinez

Reviewed: 06.06.2025

Pretty relaxed, overall.

MT

Mia Thompson

Reviewed: 23.06.2025

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