Complete Guide to Car Rental Near Tampa Cruise Port
Key Aspects:
The Port of Tampa Bay does not have rental car facilities on the premises, but there are plenty of rental offices nearby, some of which offer pick-up services.
Renting a car at Tampa International Airport (TPA) is also a convenient option.
Book your rental car in advance for peak sailing seasons, January through April, for the best deals and greater car availability.
If you’re sailing from the Tampa Cruise Port, and you don’t live locally, then you may very well want to rent a car before or after your sailing.
While it’s not strictly necessary if you’re going straight from the airport to the cruise port (which I don’t recommend, as that’s a risky move; flight delays can mean a missed ship) or from your hotel to the cruise port, if you want to do any sightseeing or vacationing pre or post cruise, then a car rental is key.
There aren’t, unfortunately, any rental companies that operate at the port itself. However, it’s not difficult to find options close by. Here are some to consider before making a reservation.
Car Rental Companies Near Port Tampa Bay
As mentioned, there are no car rental facilities actually at the cruise port. However, you’ll find that there are plenty of rental car providers within just a mile or two of the port.
Enterprise / Alamo / National at North Nebraska Ave
Pick from three different rental car companies, all located at one address.
Yes, Enterprise, Alamo, and National all operate out of the same location, just about a mile from the cruise port. While their offerings and prices may slightly differ, it’s worth noting that Alamo is the most highly rated of the three on Google, with more positive traveler reviews, so maybe give it a chance even if it’s not your go-to rental brand.
Enterprise does offer pick-up service during normal business hours, but you need to call the rental office in advance to arrange for pickups. After-hours returns are not available. Similarly, Alamo does not offer self-service or skip the counter service at this location.
Enterprise / Alamo at N Nebraska Ave Address608 N Nebraska Ave, TampaDistance to portApprox. 1 milePort shuttleEnterprise does offer pick-up service, but there’s currently no dedicated shuttle to and from the port.NotesSchedule pick-up service in advance. Do note that service outside the normal hours of operation for the rental agency, and self-service, is not available.
Hertz at the Marriott Waterside Hotel
For the greatest convenience, why not rent your car at the same hotel you plan on staying at? This Hertz location is actually situated on the third floor of the Marriott Waterside Hotel.
The office provides a range of vehicles, with average daily prices being quite affordable. There is no shuttle service, but it’s a popular pick for cruisers anyway, as it’s just a short walk from the port (and even if you don’t want to walk with your luggage, rideshares are always an option).
Hertz at Marriott Waterside HotelAddress700 S Florida Ave, TampaDistance to portApprox. 1.4 milesPort shuttleNo shuttle service available NotesThe office is located on the third floor of the Marriott hotel.
Avis / Budget at Embassy Suites Hotel
Similarly, you’ll find both an Avis and a Budget office at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Tampa. Avis provides budget, luxury and 4×4 vehicles here. After-hours returns are not available. Budget similarly does not allow for after-hours returns.
However, you can get shuttle service between this hotel and the port! The shuttle is not directly operated by the car rental companies, but Budget does remind travelers of this option on its website, saying that customers can use the Downtowner App to schedule service between the two locations (service is free and available 11 am to 11 pm on weekends, or 6 am to 11 pm on weekdays), or they can schedule and pay for shuttle service through Blue One Transportation.
Avis / Budget at Embassy Suites, Downtown Tampa Address513 S Florida Ave, TampaDistance to portApprox. 1.1 milePort shuttleShuttle service available via the Downtowner App or Blue One TransportationNotesBoth Avis and Budget operate from this location. Closed on holidays and does not allow for after-hour returns.
Cindy’s Coastal Rentals
Cindy’s Coastal Rentals is a unique option in that it’s a boutique auto rental company that actually delivers the car to you, versus you picking up the car. Since this is a small, local company, the types and number of vehicles are limited, but they do include luxury vehicles from brands such as Porsche, Audi, BMW, and more.
While you may pay more than you would with a national brand, you may just find that the delivery service and personalized touch are worth it.
Cindy’s Coastal RentalsAddressWest TampaDistance to portN/A, Car is delivered to youPort shuttleAs the car is delivered to you and picked up from you, there’s no need for a shuttle.NotesBookings are made via Turo.
Star Car Rent a Car
Another local spot, Star Car Rent a Car, offers a fleet of various vehicles, from mid-size to full-size sedans and SUVs. You can pay for your rental with cash here, and there’s no credit check before renting. The provider does require three day min rentals and is closed on Sundays.
Star Car Rent a CarAddress7006 N Nebraska Ave, TampaDistance to port5.3 milesPort shuttleNo shuttle service is provided and since the location is a bit further away, you’ll need to take a rideshare between the rental office and port.NotesA three-day minimum rental is required, and the office is closed on Sundays.
Uzziel Logistics
Uzziel Logistics specializes in providing a luxury car rental experience, with vehicles delivered when you need it, wherever you are in Tampa. Rental options include Mercedes and Tesla vehicles. Chauffeur service is also available through this company, if that’s of interest to you.
Uzziel LogisticsAddress16040 Sonoma Grove Cir, TampaSDistance to portN/A, Car is delivered to youPort shuttleAs the car is delivered to you and picked up from you, there’s no need for a shuttle.NotesLimited vehicles available and $150 deposit required at booking.
Car Rentals from Tampa International Airport
The Tampa International Airport (TPA) is just nine miles from the cruise port and offers its own range of car rental providers right on site. As such, if you’re flying into Tampa for your cruise, it may just be most convenient for you to book a car here.
Car rental brands with airport locations at TPA include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, Ace, American, Fox, NextCar, Payless, Sixt and Zipcar. Additionally, there are another 12 car rental companies with offices nearby, who provide pick up and drop off between their offices and the airport.
The airport’s rental car center can be accessed by taking the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal. Then, when you drop off your car before flying home, you can do so right there at the rental car center before heading to your gate.
Just make sure to book your vehicle in advance if you want to get one at the airport, so you can skip the hassle of waiting in long rental counter lines, and get to enjoying your vacation sooner.
Rideshare and Taxi Alternatives
If you don’t plan on doing a whole lot of driving around the Tampa area, and you really just need to get from the airport to your hotel and then to the port, then you may be able to get by just fine with no rental at all.
In this case, you can use rideshares and taxis to get anywhere that you don’t want to walk.
Uber and Lyft offer service throughout the region, and taking, for example, the nine-mile ride between the airport and cruise port will cost you around $30, give or take, depending on demand. Taxi rides cost similarly.
Pro tip: When you’re ordering a rideshare from the cruise port, walk a little bit away from the port so that your driver can find you more quickly and conveniently.
One Way Car Rentals from Florida Airports
It could be the case that you’re not flying directly into Tampa, but are instead flying into another airport, whether because it’s just more convenient for you, the fares were more affordable, or you were able to get a direct flight versus one with a layover. For example, you might fly into Orlando, Fort Myers, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami, which are all under 300 miles from Tampa.
If this is the case, you may want to book a rental car at that airport and then drive it into Tampa for your cruise, where you can drop it off at the rental company’s local Tampa office. Just note that doing this, while pretty easy and convenient, will come with additional fees and surcharges, and you might need to also pay tolls while driving.
Furthermore, if you plan to keep the car for the duration of your cruise and use it afterward, you’ll need to pay for cruise parking near Tampa port, too.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Your Tampa Car Rental
The more money you save on your car rental, the more money you have to spend during your cruise. As such, make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
For example, book as far in advance as you can, particularly if you’re traveling during Tampa’s peak cruising time, January through April. This will give you not only the best deal, but also the greatest number of vehicle options. If you’re worried you might need to cancel, just opt for a rental with a flexible cancellation policy.
Don’t just stick to the direct booking sites, either. Compare your options using travel deal aggregators like Kayak or Expedia to get a feel for all the possibilities.
If you can, limit the drivers on the rental to just one, so you’re not paying extra for more drivers.
When it comes to insurance, check whether or not you have a travel credit card with rental car collision coverage before buying coverage from the rental company.
While you’re at it, keep in mind that a higher voluntary excess/deductible will lower your daily rate … but if you do get into an accident, you’re going to pay more out-of-pocket costs. Just something to consider.
Finally, return your rental with a full tank of gas rather than allowing the rental company to cover that chore. Their fees for this typically aren’t a great value.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there are no on-site car rental options at the Tampa cruise port, but you can find car rental companies about a mile away, easily reachable via shuttles and rideshares.
If you’re just going from the airport to the hotel to the cruise port, you don’t need a car in Tampa before your cruise and can rely on rideshares and taxis. Some hotels also offer shuttles and there’s a free downtown Tampa streetcar. However, if you plan on sticking around the area before or after your cruise to explore Tampa’s attractions, get a rental.
Take the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal.
You’ll need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Florida, and be able to show a drivers license. Some rental car companies may require a credit card (not all) and some may charge extra for drivers under the age of 25.