Car Rental
Is it easy to drive in Tampa for first-time visitors?
Yes. Roads are wide, well-marked, and traffic is moderate. GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze are very helpful for navigation and traffic updates.
Car Rental at Tampa Airport, Florida
Welcome to U-Save Car Rental in Tampa, your go-to destination for reliable transportation in Florida's vibrant Gulf Coast city. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, our diverse fleet of well-maintained vehicles has something to suit every traveler, from compact cars to spacious SUVs. With competitive rates and outstanding customer service, we ensure a seamless start to your Tampa adventure.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, our rental process is efficient, allowing you to quickly get behind the wheel and explore all that Tampa and its surrounding areas have to offer. From the pristine beaches of Clearwater to the exciting attractions of Busch Gardens, there's a wealth of experiences waiting for you to discover at your own pace with U-Save Car Rental. Trust us to make your travels in Tampa unforgettable.
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Luxury Car
Indulge in opulence and cutting-edge technology with luxury vehicles that redefine elegance and deliver an unparalleled driving experience
Compact
Nimble, fuel-efficient, and perfect for urban life, offering practicality without compromising on style and modern features
Mini Van
Spacious, versatile, and family-friendly, minivans offer comfort and convenience for on-the-go adventures and seamless daily commutes
Standard SUV
Explore the comfort and versatility of standard SUV rentals. Perfect for family trips or any adventure, our reliable SUVs are ready to hit the road
Pickup Truck
Unlock the power of pickup trucks for your hauling tasks. Rent a sturdy pickup truck for versatile cargo transportation. Efficient and dependable
Sprinter
Marrying style with practicality. Great for road trips or business ventures. Spacious, efficient, and highly adaptable. Start your adventure now!
Tips for renting a car at Tampa Airport
Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road
The dollaris the local currency
Average temperatures are 62°F (17°C) - 82°F (28°C)
Neilah Carrillo , Tampa Florida
I would love to share an amazing review for Soraida and the incredible service she provided throughout my rental experience — from the very beginning of my trip to the end of my vacation (4/14-4/20). She welcomed not only me, but everyone she encountered, with a warm smile and a genuinely positive attitude. Her professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail truly stood out. Because of her outstanding service, I would happily rent again on my next visit to Tampa, FL. As a bonus, they also offered a complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off service, which made my trip even more seamless and stress-free.
Vally ”Listen” Gallie , Tampa Florida
Absolutely Fantastic! Best rental company I’ve ever done business with! The staff is kind, empathetic, efficient, & knowledgeable. This establishment is the only one I’ll ever do business with again. They’re affordable and their vehicles are well kept inside and out. You won’t regret renting from them. Don’t even think twice. This is your sign!
Lovelylilly Conow , Tampa Florida
This is pretty convenient near the airport 5 mins. They also provide a complimentary service to the airport. Daniella was able to check me in and provided me with all the documentation through text. She was detailed fast and efficient greeted with a smile. You must have insurance on your car you can also purchase a sun pass in case you decide to drive on the toll roads.
Paladugu lahari , Tampa Florida
U Save Car Rental provided an excellent experience! Airport pickup was seamless, and the flexible deposit policy made the process stress-free. The prices were affordable, and the car was in great condition. Special thanks to Daniella at the front desk for her friendly and efficient service. Highly recommended!
Nikki Nicastro , Tampa Florida
I would definitely rent a car from this company again! I am so grateful to Soraida! She went above and beyond, I had a wonderful experience renting a car from U-SAVE. Soraida was incredibly helpful and efficient. The car was clean and well-maintained, and the entire process was seamless."
Driving in Tampa Florida – Local Rules, Tips & Environment
Driving in Tampa is much like driving elsewhere in the United States. Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph). Roads are generally in excellent condition, with multi-lane freeways, good signage, and efficient layouts. If you're arriving at Tampa International Airport (TPA), rental car pick-up is quick and direct via the airport’s Rental Car Center.
Speed limits in the Tampa area are typically:
25–35 mph in residential and urban areas
45–55 mph on larger city roads and boulevards
65–70 mph on highways and interstates like I-275 and I-75
Florida’s traffic enforcement includes speed cameras, highway patrol, and red-light cameras, particularly in school zones and intersections. Always obey traffic signals, stop fully at red lights and stop signs, and use seatbelts — they are mandatory for all passengers.
Right turns on red lights are allowed after a complete stop, unless posted otherwise. Distracted driving laws are enforced, meaning mobile phone use while driving (especially texting) can result in fines.
Fuel stations are frequent and self-service, with 24-hour locations available in most neighborhoods and along highways. Payment by credit/debit card is standard, but some pumps require ZIP code validation, which may be problematic for international visitors. You can pay inside the station if needed.
Parking is easy in most areas, especially outside of downtown. In the city center and tourist spots like Ybor City or Channel District, you'll find metered street parking, public garages, and valet options. Avoid parking in spaces marked with "No Parking," "Tow Away Zone," or yellow-painted curbs, as towing is enforced.
Tampa has a generally calm and courteous driving culture, but rush hours (especially 7:30–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM) can cause delays on major highways. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so drive cautiously during heavy rain and avoid flooded streets.
Van Rental in Tampa Florida
We have a great collections of high-quality cars and vans. Whether you're looking for mini van, a large sprinter, pickup truck, SUV or even e luxury car – we got you!
Choosing the right rental vehicle depends on your travel needs, whether it’s comfort, space, or terrain capability. SUVs are great for long road trips, offering a mix of comfort and versatility, especially if you're traveling through mixed terrains or unpredictable weather.
Vans are ideal for larger groups or cargo transport, perfect for family trips or business needs. MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are a practical choice for urban driving with extra passenger space, making them a great middle ground between sedans and vans.
Pickup trucks excel in handling heavy loads and rugged environments, ideal for work or outdoor adventures. If you're tackling off-road trails or harsh conditions, a 4x4 provides the traction and durability needed for a safe and reliable drive. Choosing wisely ensures a smoother and more comfortable journey.
Check our booking system to see which car types are currently available!
FAQs About Driving & Renting a Car around Tampa FL
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Florida, USA?
If your driver’s license is written in the Roman alphabet (e.g., English, Spanish, German), it’s accepted. Otherwise, an IDP is recommended alongside your license.
Can I turn right on red in Florida?
Yes, unless a sign prohibits it. Make a full stop first and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Are toll roads used in and around Tampa?
Yes — some highways use electronic tolls (like Selmon Expressway and Veterans Expressway). Most rental cars come with a SunPass transponder, and tolls will be billed to your rental agreement.
Is parking easy in the Tampa Bay area?
Yes. Parking is generally abundant and affordable, especially outside downtown. In busier districts, use garages or pay stations.
Is it safe to drive at night in Tampa?
Yes. Roads are well-lit, and city streets are active in the evening. Still, as in any city, stay alert in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
