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Car hire in Tampa with Hertz
Tampa sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast and is an easy city to enjoy at a relaxed pace. You can spend time along the Riverwalk, visit the museums and waterfront parks, or explore Ybor City for its historic streets and food spots. Beyond the city, you have simple day trips in every direction, from Clearwater’s beaches to St. Petersburg’s waterfront and galleries.
Having a car makes the trip much easier. You can move between neighbourhoods without long waits, fit in short stops, and plan beach drives and day trips on your own timing.
With car rental in Tampa through Hertz, the practical side stays simple. Choose a pickup point that suits your arrival, book the right vehicle for city driving or coastal routes, and use car hire in Tampa to explore Florida’s west coast with more flexibility.
Pickup locations in Tampa
- Tampa - East Fowler HLE
- Tampa - Marriott Water Street HLE
- Tampa - Signature Flight Support (Private Flights Only)
- Tampa - Tampa Brandon HLE
- Tampa - North Dale Mabry Highway HLE
- Tampa International Airport
- Tampa -Tampa International Jet Center Sheltair Aviation (Private Flights Only)
- Tampa Executive Airport (Private Flights Only)
Benefits from day one.
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- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Driving Guide: Car Rental in Tampa
Parking Information
- Rivergate Tower Garage is a convenient option if you want to park close to the waterfront and spend time on the Tampa Riverwalk. It sits right by Kiley Gardens and the River Arts District, with Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts only a short walk away. The garage has 850 spaces, is open 24/7 and offers pay-on-exit options (including card/contactless).
- 717 Parking Lot L06 is a convenient open-air lot in downtown Tampa, close to Tampa Union Station and major routes like the Selmon Expressway. With 480 parking spots, it’s a practical option when you want a straightforward place to leave the car and continue on foot.
- Washington Lot (717 Parking Lot L22) is a small, easy-to-use downtown lot on E Whiting St, with 109 parking spots. It works well for quick stops in the city center, especially if you want to park close to nearby offices, restaurants, and hotels. With a central location and a reserve option, it’s a straightforward choice when you want to leave the car and continue on foot.
Key Roads in Tampa
- I-275 (Interstate 275): Tampa’s main north–south highway. It connects Downtown, Westshore, and Tampa International Airport access areas, and continues over the Howard Frankland Bridge toward St. Petersburg. It’s a primary route for getting across the city quickly.
- I-4 (Interstate 4): The main highway linking Tampa to Orlando. It starts near Downtown (the I-275/I-4 interchange) and is the go-to route for day trips east, plus connections to major roads around central Florida.
- Lee Roy Selmon Expressway (SR 618): A major toll expressway running east–west through South Tampa. It links the Downtown/Channelside area with Ybor City and Brandon, and it’s often one of the faster ways to cross town when local streets are busy.
Electric Car Hire
If you want a greener way to get around Tampa, Hertz makes it easy. Hertz offers electric car hire in Tampa, giving travelers the chance to enjoy smooth, silent, and sustainable driving. Choose from the latest models available through our electric car rental in Tampa and experience the city with zero emissions.
With our electric fleet, you can rent a car in Tampa that fits your sustainability goals without giving up comfort or convenience. It’s a modern way to travel around the city: clean, calm, and cost-effective.
Charging Points
Tampa has a good spread of public EV charging locations across the city and surrounding areas, so it’s usually easy to include charging stops in your plans. Florida’s charging network has been expanding steadily, which means the number of options around Tampa continues to grow over time.
That makes hiring an EV through Hertz in Tampa a practical choice, whether you’re staying local for city driving or heading out toward nearby beach towns.
Congestion Charges
If you’re planning to get Hertz car rental in Tampa, there’s no city-wide congestion charge for driving around the city. What you will come across instead are toll roads and expressways, especially on key routes like the Selmon Expressway and other major corridors around Tampa.
Most tolling in the area is cashless and is typically paid via SunPass or Toll-by-Plate (where a camera records the licence plate and a bill is issued).
Hertz also offers EV options in Tampa, so you can choose a lower-emission vehicle for a more environmentally conscious drive.
Getting from Tampa to St. Petersburg
When you’re travelling with a Hertz car rental from Tampa, it’s a straightforward drive to St. Petersburg and usually takes around 40 minutes in normal traffic (roughly 23.5 miles).
- Start in Tampa and follow US-41 BUS N / N Florida Ave, then merge onto I-275 S.
- Stay on I-275 S heading south toward St. Petersburg.
- Continue on I-275 S until you reach the St. Petersburg area.
- Exit and follow local roads to join 4th St N, which takes you into central St. Petersburg.
Getting from Tampa to Brandon
When you’re travelling with a Hertz car rental from Tampa, it’s a quick and direct drive to Brandon and usually takes around 20 minutes in normal traffic (roughly 14.6 miles). Please note that this route includes tolls.
- Start in Tampa and take N Morgan St and E Twiggs St to join FL-618 Toll E / Selmon Expressway.
- Stay on FL-618 Toll E / Selmon Expy heading east toward Brandon.
- Take Exit 15B from the Selmon Expressway.
- Merge onto FL-60 E / W Brandon Blvd and follow it straight into Brandon.
Why Hertz?
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Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
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A Quick Guide to Tampa
Grand Hyatt Tampa
2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
A polished waterfront hotel with a calm, resort-like feel and easy access to the airport. Rooms are modern and quiet, and the property has on-site dining plus space to relax between city plans. It works well if you want a comfortable base with less downtown traffic.
Hilton Tampa
211 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
A reliable central stay that suits business trips and short city breaks. You are usually close to downtown offices, event venues, and quick road connections, which helps if you are moving around by car. Expect practical amenities, familiar service, and straightforward check-in.
JW Marriott Tampa
510 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
An upscale option in the Water Street area, close to the Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, and dining spots. The design is modern, the common areas feel spacious, and it is a strong pick for travelers who want to stay in the heart of the city. Good for weekends, events, and a more premium stay.
Naked Farmer
1001 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
A simple, fresh spot built around seasonal bowls and plates with vegetables, grains, and proteins. It’s a good choice when you want something light but filling, and the menu works well for quick lunches between sightseeing stops.
Seasons 52
204 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609, United States
A polished, reliable restaurant that focuses on seasonal flavors and lighter-style dishes. It suits a calm dinner plan, especially if you want variety across seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, without the meal feeling too heavy.
Olivia
3601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33609, United States
A popular Italian restaurant known for house-made pastas and a warm, date-night friendly setting. It’s a strong pick if you want a slower sit-down meal with classic Italian dishes, good small plates, and a well-curated dessert list.
Henry B. Plant Museum
401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, United States
Set inside the historic Tampa Bay Hotel building, this museum is one of the best places to understand Tampa’s early “Gilded Age” story. You’ll see original rooms, period furnishings, and exhibits that show what travel and life looked like when Tampa first became a major destination.
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
A hands-on museum designed for families, with interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play. It’s a good stop if you’re travelling with children and want an indoor activity that’s easy to fit into the day, especially during hot afternoons or rainy weather.
Sparkman Wharf
615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
A lively waterfront spot with open-air seating, food stalls, and a casual atmosphere right by the bay. It’s ideal for a relaxed evening, a quick bite between plans, or a walk along the water, with views and a simple place to slow down for a while.
FAQs about car hire
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Tampa?
Do I need a driving permit to hire a car from Tampa?
Can I pick up a rental car in Tampa and return it to a different city in the USA?
What is the best time to book a rental car in Tampa?
Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Tampa?
Will I be penalised for a late return on a car hire in Tampa?
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Can I pick up my Hertz rental in Tampa and drop it off elsewhere?
What additional insurance options does Hertz offer in Tampa?
Does Hertz provide child seats for rentals in Tampa?
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