Tampa gives you a good mix of city stops, waterfront areas, historic neighbourhoods, and coastal day trips. Renting a car helps you move between them without planning your whole day around transfers or ride availability.
Start near the waterfront
Begin with Downtown Tampa, the Riverwalk, or the Channel District. Park once nearby, then walk between the riverfront, food stops, and attractions at an easier pace.
Add ybor city or Hyde Park
For a more local feel, drive to Ybor City or Hyde Park and explore one area properly. Hiring a car makes this easier if you are combining neighbourhoods in one day.
Drive out toward The Coast
With a rental car, you can head across the bay toward Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or other Gulf Coast stops. Start earlier on beach days, especially on weekends, as traffic and parking can build quickly.
What cars can I hire at Tampa International Airport
The best vehicle for Tampa depends on whether you are staying in the city, driving to the beaches, heading to a cruise terminal, or using Tampa as a base for wider Florida travel.
Vehicle availability can vary by date and booking window, but Hertz may offer options such as:
- Compact and economy cars a good match for lighter luggage, shorter hotel transfers, and city drives around Downtown Tampa, Westshore, or Ybor City.
- Sedans useful for couples, solo travellers, and business visitors who want a comfortable drive between the airport, downtown, meetings, and waterfront areas.
- SUVs better for families, beach bags, child seats, golf clubs, or drives toward Clearwater, St. Pete, Orlando, or the Gulf Coast.
- MPVs helpful when passengers want more room across airport transfers, beach days, and longer sightseeing routes.
- Vans suitable for larger groups travelling together with suitcases, sports gear, or cruise luggage.
- Premium vehicles a more comfortable choice for business plans, coastal routes, or longer Florida drives where the car is part of the experience.
Electric car rental at Tampa International Airport
If you plan to hire a car at Tampa International Airport and stay around Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Downtown Tampa, or the Westshore area, renting an electric vehicle can be a great option to explore the entirety of Tampa smoothly.
For longer EV routes, make sure to keep a charging map handy at times and you’re good to explore Tampa in a conveniently greener way.
Value added services (VAS) – Enhance your rental experience
Tampa trips can shift quickly between airport roads, downtown parking, beach routes, toll roads, and longer Florida drives. Hertz optional extras help you set up the rental around the kind of trip you are taking, especially if you are travelling with children or want added cover.
Available VAS products include:
- Loss Damage Waiver: Helps reduce your financial responsibility for eligible vehicle damage, theft, or accident-related costs.
- Liability Insurance Supplement: Helps lower your liability for eligible third-party accident or bodily injury claims during the rental period.
- Infant seats: A suitable seating add-on for babies who need rear-facing restraint.
- Child seats: Designed for young children who need a separate secured seat.
- Booster seats: Helps older children sit at a safer height with the vehicle seat belt.
- Personal Protection Package: Includes Personal Accident Insurance and Personal Effects Coverage, offering accidental death and limited medical expense benefits for you and, in some cases, passengers.
Explore places within 30 miles of Tampa International Airport
Tampa Riverwalk and Downtown Tampa
- 8 miles from Tampa International Airport (approx)
- 454 parking spaces available (approx)
- 1 EV charging station nearby (approx)
- Open daily, 24 hours
Tampa Riverwalk is a useful first drive if you want waterfront walks, restaurants, parks, museums, and easy access to Downtown Tampa. The Riverwalk stretches 2.6 miles through the city, making it an ideal place for long, unwinding walks.
Ybor City Historic District
- 9 miles from Tampa International Airport (approx)
- Parking spaces available nearby at Centro Ybor Garage (approx)
- 2 EV charging spaces nearby (approx)
- Open Monday to Saturday, 12 PM to 4 PM
Ybor City is a good stop if you want Tampa’s historic cigar district, brick streets, cafés, restaurants, nightlife, and the visitor centre around Centro Ybor. It works well as a short city drive from the airport or as an evening route after Downtown Tampa.
Clearwater Beach and Pier 60
- 21 miles from Tampa International Airport (approx)
- 141 parking spaces available (approx)
- EV charging stations available nearby (approx)
- Open daily, 7 AM to 9 PM
Clearwater Beach is one of the easiest Gulf Coast drives from Tampa International Airport, especially if you want sand, sunset views, seafood, and a classic beach stop within reach of the city. Parking near Pier 60 can fill quickly in warm weather, so arriving earlier helps if this is your first stop after collecting the car.
FAQs
1. Can I get a car rental from Hertz directly at Tampa International Airport?
Yes. Hertz operates through Tampa International Airport’s Rental Car Center. After collecting your luggage, follow signs for SkyConnect and take the train from the Main Terminal to the Rental Car Center.
2. Does Hertz offer one-way car rentals from Tampa International Airport?
Yes, one-way rentals can usually be selected while booking. This helps if your trip starts in Tampa but finishes in Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Sarasota, or another Hertz location.
3. Is it possible to modify or cancel my Tampa International Airport reservation?
Yes. Most Hertz reservations can be managed before pickup. Check your booking conditions first, especially if you are changing travel dates, pickup time, vehicle type, or the return branch.
4. What are the requirements to get a car hire at the Tampa International Airport branch?
To rent a Hertz car at Tampa International Airport, the main driver should bring a valid driving licence, passport for identification, and a payment card in their own name for the security deposit. Australian travellers should make sure their licence details are easy to read and match the reservation. If the licence is not in English, they should also carry an International Driving Permit along with their national licence.
5. Can I return my car to a different location than specified in my contract?
Yes, but it should be confirmed in your rental agreement before drop-off. If your route changes during the trip, contact Hertz first so the new location and any one-way charges are clear.
