Car rental Tampa airport

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Cheap Car Rental Tampa airport

Cheap Car Rental Tampa airport

About Car Rental at Tampa Airport

A hub of culture and activity, Tampa is known for being a city full of fun, food, and excitement. Often overshadowed by places like Orlando, it is buzzing with an array of amazing things to see and do for everyone, so it isn’t one to be underrated. If you’re looking for adventure, there is an abundance of wildlife and theme parks to discover, from the jaw-dropping Busch Gardens, an African-inspired theme park with major rides and exotic animals, to the famous Florida Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with sharks, manta rays, and so much more. Or, for those interested in the city’s incredible culture, take a trip to Ybor City, Tampa’s historical quarter, famous for its cultural diversity, beautiful architecture, and successful cigar industry. No matter what you are interested in, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the largest city in the Sunshine State.

The major airport in Tampa Bay is Tampa International Airport. Situated only six miles west of downtown Tampa, this modern airport is often described as the ‘Gateway to the West Coast of Florida’. Due to the popularity of renting a car in Tampa, a new Rental Car Centre was opened in 2018, with space for 5,300 vehicles. Located at the southern edge of the airport, it is connected to the Main Terminal by a people carrier train called SkyConnect. This contemporary service is available daily from 5am to 7pm, and it grants passengers extra benefits, such as allowing domestic flight passengers the ability to check their luggage inside and much more.

Why Consider Car Rental in Tampa?

Driving is by far the best way to travel and see as much of Tampa as possible, and with so much to see and do you’re going to want to pack your days with plenty of activities. Whilst public transport is accessible in the city, it can get busy and it doesn’t extend to the rest of the Tampa Bay area. So, if you want to navigate the lively streets and surrounding areas with ease, renting a car is your best option. Whether you’re cruising in an exotic Ferrari or journeying in a family-friendly SUV, renting your own wheels will make travelling more convenient and affordable, enabling you to see everything the iconic Tampa Bay has to offer at your own pace.

Compare Car Rental at Tampa Airport

Choosing the right rental car may seem like a difficult decision, but that’s where we come in. Here at HolidayCars.com we compare all the best car rental agencies available at Tampa airport so you don’t have to. We only work with trusted rental companies, and we take into consideration everything you’re looking for to get the most out of your trip, so you can rest assured that you will get the perfect rental car that you can rely on to get you where you want to be. Not only that, but we make sure to always be transparent with you, so you know you won’t be faced with any extra hidden costs such as credit card or reservations fees.

There are plenty of car rental agencies to choose from at Tampa Airport, including world-renowned companies such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget, and Sixt. We only compare the most highly-rated brands, so, whether you’re looking for a budget hatchback or a luxury Lamborghini, you know your rental vehicle will be the best quality for the most affordable prices available, no questions asked.

Driving in Tampa

The largest city in Florida, renting a car is essential if you want to enjoy Tampa to the fullest. Not only is it much easier to access many of this incredible city’s local beaches and parks by car, but it also gives you the ability to fully explore the entire Tampa Bay area and beyond without having to rely on busy public transport and unreliable schedules. Open highways, downtown streets, and seafront roads are all part of the incredible experience you will have when you get behind the wheel in Tampa, many with fantastic sights and views to enjoy on your way.

Some local tips for driving in Tampa include:

Top Road Trips from Tampa

Once you’ve explored as much of the city as possible, make sure you set some time aside to go on a road trip or two. Tampa is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore further afield and see what else West Florida has to offer. From wandering around a vintage video game museum to going on a freshwater cave expedition, you will never be bored of things to do in the adventure capital of the United States.

For the nature lovers, why not head across to Naples where you can enjoy the Big Cypress National Preserve; a 729,000-acre conservation area that protects the natural flora and fauna of the Florida Everglades. Or, if you fancy indulging in something a bit more cultural, the popular Salvador Dali Museum is only a 30-minute car ride away.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Tampa airport

What’s the best area to stay in Tampa?
Downtown Tampa is the best neighbourhood to stay as it is the heart of the city. Here you will find the central business district, with most of the museums, restaurants, and shops within close proximity. Not only that, but Florida Aquarium is also within walking distance.
What is the cheapest time to go to Tampa?
The cheapest time to go to Tampa is around October to September as the weather starts to cool. Generally, the cost of flights and accommodation should be lower during these months.
What is the best time to go to Tampa?
The warmest temperatures are between May and October, however if you visit Tampa between July to September you will be met with plenty of rainfall and, of course, hurricane season. If you want to avoid the rain altogether but still want to experience warm weather, temperatures can still reach a warm 24°C from December to February.
Can you get around Tampa without a car?
Although you can get around Tampa via public transport, it can get busy and congested. Renting a car is a much easier and more efficient way of getting around the city and surrounding areas, plus it can end up being much cheaper too.
Tips and experiences for Tampa airport

Our customers rated Tampa airport with an average of 9.2 based on 194 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

10-11-2021
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says:
Allow a bit of time to transport from your gate to rent a car center
10-11-2021
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says:
Hire a taxi or shuttle and rent your car off airport.
06-11-2021
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says:
The Tampa airport is better than most airports. The train takes you to the economy lot and the car rental center. At the car rental center you can check your luggage when you are departing. It was clean and modern and had good food,services etc. It was easy to get around to the right gate. The people were helpful and there was an information center to ask questions.
01-11-2021
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says:
Airport experience was good, though a bit hectic due to the setup and need to hop between terminal-luggage claim-rental. The monorail helped.
28-10-2021
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says:
be prepared, have back up plans for any delays, bad weather etc
28-10-2021
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says:
Car rental facility could be a little bit better marked on the streets around airport in my opinion (I mean directions). Other than that I enjoyed Tampa airport. It is easy to navigate through shuttles, ckin, terminals, gates and all the services. I like how quiet it is. It feels cozy and convenient. Services are good.
25-10-2021
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says:
Double check whether you need the daily toll package.
24-10-2021
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says:
Fairly easy to get around - but our bags took forever!
22-10-2021
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says:
Easy airport to get around with the rental car shuttle now. Car return is also much simpler with being before the terminal. Take advantage of the early baggage check in when your done dropping off your vehicle. Hard Rock is a great place to enjoy dinner and can enjoy the weather with outdoor seating. Watch the time of day as rush hour is really rough time in Tampa. Toll roads are great and we’ll worth the fees.
22-10-2021
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says:
It was my first experience at Tampa International Airport, and I thought it was very nice.
17-10-2021
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says:
TPA is a big airport, with a modern train that shuttles you between terminals, the Economy car parking lot, and the car rental building. It can be a little confusing, but the signage is excellent and you can always ask practically anyone for directions if necessary. There are elevators in addition to escalators which is really nice if you are lugging extra bags. The two of us had one suitcase, two carryons and two golf bags, so the elevators really helped. We also discovered that there is a new check-in location in the car rental building that you can use after you return your car. This saved us having to haul the suitcase and golf bags on the train back to the main terminal. I'm not sure if this is only for Delta or for everyone, so you'll have to check that out. Security is also quite efficient at TPA. In our experience, you go through faster there than many other airports.
15-10-2021
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says:
It was a very fast process for us! No glitches at all. Everyone was friendly and attentive to our needs. We were always greeted with smiles! Car was clean and no hassles when returning the car. It was cheaper to have them fill the car up with gas so there was no need to stop before we returned the car! We were impressed with Advantage! We would highly recommend their services!
15-10-2021
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says:
Easy in/out, prefer St Pete as an airport, smaller, easier, closer to Clearwater Beach Unfortunately Frontier flies out of Tampa
14-10-2021
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says:
Tampa airport was great from quick baggage retrieval to the train that was very clean and convenient. We ended up staying in Clearwater and bought the CityPass with our family (2 adults and 4yo boy). CityPass gave us the opportunity to have an outing each day without the pressure to stay all day since just going to Busch Gardens paid for the pass. The Clearwater aquarium was our least favorite due to big crowds on a weekday and not the usual fish aquarium feel, only fish in rehabilitation. Our son loved the MOSI museum which had less than 20 people in the entire building and a chance for our son to learn and run. As a family Busch Gardens was our main attraction because of the range of activities for children and adults! However, the opportunity to go fishing in the Gulf was beyond amazing with so many islands and other sea life like dolphins!
13-10-2021
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says:
Allow time for navigating the transportation system within the airport if you're a first time traveler to Tampa. The airport has an incredibly efficient system but it usually involves taking 2 trains.
12-10-2021
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says:
Nice airport and staff (including the janitor who was attentive immediately to the toilet I noticed was plugged and the TSA was very nice). In and out fairly quickly and no hassles. Clean place. It was nice to have a smoking section for those of us that have been shunned by the rest of society. :) I would have marked it 5 stars but the Goody Burger I had could have been cooked / assembled a little better. Very just slopped together with little to no onion and the onion that was on there was the very bitter middle core of the onion. It also seemed to take a very long time to prepare though there we many guys working in back and only 2 other people waiting for orders. My wife and son's pizzas were oven cooked from the Italian place next door and they were sitting down and eating long before I even received my order. The woman in front of me received a apology from the young woman working the counter so something out of the ordinary may have gone wrong but for $7 for a little burger, someone could have put a little more effort into it. Great job otherwise Tampa airport.
11-10-2021
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says:
The airport is very spaced out, I haven’t seen anywhere that uses trains like Tampa! Everything was labeled well, and there were enough other travelers that we could follow what other groups were doing. There are several art pieces throughout the airport. It was very clean. The car rental portion was very easy. It was nice to have such a selection and without any hassle.
10-10-2021
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says:
Very good staff , so easy , so quickly but, I deliver the car on Friday Tell now I didn’t have my deposit back (100$)
28-09-2021

says:
Tampa airport was great for a winter get away. The rental car portion of the parking structure is at the far end, so you do need to take a train far two stops. Be prepared for a couple of long escalator rides to get to the rental desks. Food options are plentiful in the terminal, but they do lack a real drug store type shop (CVS or Walgreens) for incidentals. Signs for the renal car return are pretty good, but come up quickly. Think about pre-ordering a SunPass to take care of the highway tolls.
27-09-2021
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says:
Don’t forget to enjoy all the incredible public artworks on display in the airport and also the rental car center. I felt like I was in a high caliber museum. ❤️
26-09-2021

says:
Great auto rental facility accessed by a special elevated train. Access to the train was at baggage claim. Upon arrival at the airport and rental car drop off the train took you directly from rental car return to ticketing and baggage check-in. Very convenient. However, we were told that there are no longer baggage porters available upon arrival at the airport at rental car return. "Smart Cart" carts are available but you must push them yourself.
25-09-2021
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says:
Check out the Columbia for good food. Ybor city is a great. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals where to go. Being friendly goes a long way. Always take in the sights and enjoy tour vacation. Go outside your comfort zone for food and beer.
20-09-2021
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says:
must drive to siesta key beach and enjoy delicious food at MVP Restaurant.
19-09-2021
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says:
Tampa airport is great! Everything is on different floors of the airport but all easily found!
19-09-2021

says:
Tampa airport is a very well organized place. It clearly has been recently renovated. Offers a lot of places to eat. Has a very nice ambiance about it. It is very easy to get to the rental agencies from the main terminal. We had no problem receiving our luggage. Very satisfying experience!
13-09-2021
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says:
Get There promptly an be patient there are things that are both out of you and their control.
10-09-2021

says:
I would ask a lot of questions about before and after charges . Each company seems to have different charges that come up to surprise you . Also Tampa alsways has a high price on rentals so plan your vacation accordingly in fact sometimes cheaper to fly into Orlando and drive .
04-09-2021
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says:
Quick Nd easy to get to the car rental area with the tram. Nice not to have to wait for a bus to take us over!
03-09-2021
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says:
We love the Tampa Airport. Book early for your rental car. Holiday Cars has the best rates for rental cars. I have used them several times. We have never had any issues. I recommend Holiday Cars to everyone.
30-08-2021
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says:
TPA was very efficient and easy to navigate. There were no long wait times for anything! Even during the Christmas holiday! The car rental center is a short tram ride away.
20-08-2021
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says:
Plan ahead and compare prices. Read reviews but follow your gut. Don't agree to more than you know you can stand loose, if something goes wrong. Always have a backup plan.
10-08-2021
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says:
Don't ever use the public phone charging usb ports due to security risks/hackers. Bring a charged battery pack or outlet charging plug in for your device. I generally avoid airport wifi too. When renting a car i always use voice navigation and pre program my destination into the app before arriving at the rental desk. Pack you suitcase using 2 gallon clear ziplock bags. Write your identifying info on or inside each one in case your suitcase malfunctions. Put one or two complete changes of clothes into each bag. Lastly take lots of fun trips and vacations. Life is way too short.
06-08-2021
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says:
Have a little patience, everyone has a job to do , and we need to treat people the way we want to be treated ! Remember kindness and patience goes a long way . Just as I was shown by some fellow travelers
03-08-2021
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says:
One good tip I could give is always make sure you’re in the front of the shuttle train. When you go to the terminal you are first off and out and down the escalators. When you’re going to the plane or secure side of the airport when you get off you’re right at security ahead of everybody else on the shuttle. Also,You should be very aware of where the escalator is at the end of the terminal when you want to get a Rent-A-Car or go to long-term parking. This way you don’t waste time and miss the shuttle if you’re in a rush like I am all the time.
27-07-2021
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says:
Well my best tip is remember you are on vacation...relax...smile....enjoy and be respectful to everyone helping you!
24-07-2021
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says:
When in need of renting a car use Holiday car Rental. Pay deposit in advance and save because >>god forbid you need to cancel you will not loose the entire deposit. Using Holiday Car Rental saved over $100.00 and received real car, not some low end vehicle that I would would have to roll down windows manually. I will continue to use Holiday Car Rental because i feel they have a good relationship with all the car rental companies. I can honestly say I was treated in the most courteous and professional manner when I used Fox Car Rental, through Holiday Car rental. Car return has always been an issue but because of Holiday Car Rental and Fox Car Rental it was a snap
23-07-2021
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says:
Definitely leave enough time to return your car and take the tram back to the terminal. Especially if you haven't been to Tampa airport in a long time. The new system is efficient, but much more time consuming than when the rental car desks were right outside the terminal. All in all, Tampa Airport is beautiful and efficient. I like the option of checking your bags at the rental car drop off area. It is more convenient than lugging them on the tram and to the terminal.
17-07-2021
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says:
The rental car counter is now in a new location with other rental cars. It's a nice improvement from the older location. We found that we didn't need to rent a toll pass. The only time we had to pay a toll was over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and there were attendants that we could pay cash to. I didn't rent a GPS. I took my Garmin from home. It wouldn't sync up while in the Rental Car parking area. If you are not sure where you are going when leaving the airport, it is best to pull off when out of the garage and wait for it to sync. Otherwise, if the GPS isn't ready, you may miss your exit when leaving the airport.
14-07-2021

says:
Time from gate until leaving the parking lot was 30 minutes. This was quicker than expected with the rental area off terminal. Seemed to be very efficient. You need to advertise the baggage check at the rental area more. It would make check in easier if we had realized that
11-07-2021

says:
Dress for TSA checks. Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flight. Limit fluid intake to avoid bathroom usage on airplane. Watch amount of luggage to speed through terminal to get to gates on time. Take a jacket on plane always cooler on board. Don't take food on board that is heavily marinated or fishy smells the whole cabin up very discourteous.
30-06-2021

says:
The Fox rental company was absolutely horrible. We waited online for at least 1 and 1/2 hours. Once we finally got to the counter the attendant was extremely rude and downright snotty. She purposely dragged her feet and went as slow as possible to delay my trip even more. I did not get the car I asked for and I was not happy with the quality or the cleanliness of the car. The only positive experience I had with this transaction was the return I could not wait to be done with my dealings with them. I will never repeat never ever rent from this company again and I travel a lot and rent a lot good riddance.
24-06-2021
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says:
Travel tip #1: Always pack advil on the plane. I tend to get headaches during descent and due to the stress of flying (I'm not a good flyer). Taking an advil soon after take off tends to fend off any serious headaches. Travel tip #2: Layer! Planes can go from hot to cold/cold to hot within moments. Being able to adjust easily is a life saver.
17-06-2021
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says:
The airport is super clean and easy to maneuver. Line ups for security were super short. Terminals had awesome food options! Really good shopping while you wait. The trains that run between areas of the airport is efficient and convenient. The rental car building is easy to find although can be a bit of a walk depending on where you arrive from. Starbucks is plentiful. Note: Chick-fil-a isn't open sundays. My daughter was looking forward to trying it but it wasn't open. There are a number of great hotels right near the airport and easy exit from the airport from the rental car area. Highly recommend this airport and Fox Rental Car. They made my first trip to Tampa awesome.
17-06-2021
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says:
Turn on the avoid tolls feature of Google maps if you have the extra time (possibly only an additional few minutes). This will save you the crazy $15 fee per toll that Fox rent a car charges.
17-06-2021
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says:
If you are dropping off a rental car, even though it is at the airport you need to take the train to get to the terminal. Then again to get to the gates, it is pretty smooth but allow a bit of time to do so. Plenty of choices for food and drink at the gate, very nice terminal.
05-06-2021
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says:
All rental counters are now moved to off-terminal area. Allow extra time for rental vehicle return and tram ride.
05-06-2021

says:
First off, this is a beautiful airport. Architecturally it is so light and airy. Our kids also love the train system. Security is odd as you have to show tickets to get on the (final?) train but TSA isn't until you get off at your terminal. TSA officers are stricter at the Tampa airport than other airports. Our most recent trip had us passing through 2 US other airports (one busier than TPA, one less busy than TPA). We had toiletry items confiscated by TPA TSA agents that had made it through TSA checks at both other airports. Let me be clear that we were in the wrong (they we 4 oz instead of 3.4 oz bottles) so TSA agent was only doing his job but does point to different 'flexibility' at different airports. TSA wait time was non-existent for a mid-afternoon mid-week flight.
15-05-2021
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says:
Definitely book on line and have all your paperwork with you once you schedule your Rental. Sure is much easier when all they have to do is ask for your Itinerary number and everything is in order. Our experience was the best we have ever had and would definitely use Fox again.
29-01-2021
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says:
The car rental parking is accessible by train from the terminal building. Easy to live the airport with your car rental and get into the traffic. On the way back to the airport, just follow the sign for car rental drop-off - so easy!
28-01-2021
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says:
Tampa airport was very nice. Clean, clean, clean. Easy to get around and get luggage. Rental car areas were great and it was a quick process at Dollar. Recommend setting your navigation system to avoid toll roads before you leave the parking garage. I ended up on one for one mile and it's going to cost me $11 because the people at Dollar either don't know how to pay one toll online, or they won't tell you so they get a $10 administrative fee for mailing me the $1.00 toll bill. Went through 7 voice mail prompts, 2 phone calls, and 2 agents with no positive results. Other than that, the airport experience was absolutely wonderful! And renting the car through Holiday Cars was flawless!
25-01-2021
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says:
Book your car online and early for the best available deal. Choose to take the quick shuttle or select in terminal for your vehicle. All the car rental agencies were represented by holiday cars. I tried Priceline too and Holiday Cars still had the best rates! This was my first experience with holiday cars and it will certainly not be the last !!! Thank you!
20-01-2021
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says:
Be prepared to be quick going through TSA. The airport restrooms were clean. The train system was easy to use. There are charging stations right near the seats which makes it extremely convenient. There is a variety of food choices. The overall staff is very nice!
12-01-2021
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says:
After a 9 hour flight - it should not take almost another 2 hours to get from the plane door through Passport Control/customs and baggage reclaim. What a terribly slow system!
05-01-2021
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says:
Large airport but very efficient at mobilizing travelers. Allow enough time, always.
22-12-2020
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says:
Check in ahead of time.Have your documents and confirmation numbers handy...always fill your own gas tank before turn in. Negotiate price before booking.
12-12-2020
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says:
Definitely reserve a car ahead of time and have all of the info needed. Never book your connecting flights closer than an hour apart.
10-12-2020
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says:
The federal security team again decided to cut the lock off my suitcase to inspect it and all I got was a little note from them saying they have the right to do this with total impunity and disregard for the damage to my property. There is no legal recourse. This is very upsetting especially since this has happened before. They could have asked me to open it--I had nothing to hide. (Its the principle-not the amount of money). The lesson: Don't lock your luggage! They will select it if it has a lock on it.
01-12-2020
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says:
Book you car rental with holiday car rental....best prices, easy and reliable.
30-11-2020
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says:
Do’s. If you rent a car, aim to be at the main terminal 90-120 min before flight time. Tampa is a BIG airport. Do’s. Reserve your car rental online; then once at the pickup location negotiate an upgrade. You can get good deals. Do’s. Check your car console for any warnings i.e. low tire pressure. If you see any issues, change car immediately. Do’s. If you do have problems with your rented vehicle, go back to the place you rented it. Tampa Airport has the biggest fleet. Do’s if you want an upgrade; ultimately the “floor manager” where you pick up the car has the ultimate say. Negotiate with the guy at the desk, first, get the best deal he can give you. The “guys” at the customer support desk don’t have as much decision making power as the guy on the floor.
30-11-2020

says:
Arrive early is the most important tip. This will make the biggest impact of making your travel less stressful because the lines at the counters will not be long. This trip I opted for a backpack instead of a big purse. And will always do this from now on. It freed up my hands and I didn’t feel the stress in my neck area like I do with a heavy purse. I was also able to fit more items in it and it is free to take on the airplane. Get a good nights rest the evening before you fly so you feel relaxed. Flying can be a little stressful for me so I find a good nights sleep does wonders. I always get a window seat, I love to watch the plane take off and land. Plus if your traveling alone you can lean against it for more comfort.
29-11-2020
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says:
Give yourself enough time, you need to take multiple train/shuttles from car rental to check in and then to terminal/gates
25-11-2020

says:
There's a new rental car location at the Tampa airport - It is tram ride away. Allow for an extra 15 min for your pickup.
24-11-2020

says:
Was very impressed with the service above what was called for. My flight was late and past the Advantage closing time. Christine, was ready to leave, but still took time to take care of my reservation and got my car even after hours. The new train out to the rental car center was very convenient to use. Be prepared for the tolls in Florida, they are not all marked very well. Keep your reservation and phone numbers handy, as it came in handy when flight was late.
14-11-2020
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says:
Tampa is one of the cleanest airports I have ever seen. Their shuttle is easy to navigate . Great car rental
06-11-2020

says:
Clean, easy to navigate and spacious. The airport feels very new and is light and bright. If there were more healthy food options, that would be preferred. In the E terminal, options were limited and even quick pick-up food and drink was very pricy. A Jamba Juice, Wolfgang Puck, or Chipotle would be a considerable improvement.
03-11-2020

says:
Make sure you arrive early. There are many trains you need to take for you to reach your gate.
20-10-2020

says:
Rent your car take the kids to Busch Gardens, eat at Hooters and enjoy vaca!
02-10-2020

says:
Take pictures of everything! Car, gas tank showing full and receipt
18-09-2020

says:
Checking luggage at the rental car drop-off was super. Ducky's restaurant had the best airport food ever experienced.
11-09-2020

says:
We were in and out quick each time. The staff (for wheelchair assistance) was great...best I've had. Read the signs and you can easily navigate the airport.
09-09-2020

says:
Dropping off a car at Tampa airport was the easiest ever. They allow you to check in for your flight and check you bags at the same location as the car rental facility so you don't have to schlep your suitcases on the tram back to the main terminal to do so.
07-09-2020

says:
The new car rental facility accessible by the special train from the main terminal is impressive. The train, access to the train, access to the rental car agencies is smooth and modern. Very nicely done.
30-08-2020

says:
Book your car a few weeks out from travel - Bring all documentation required on rental agreement i.e. vouchers etc.. If you are delayed at the beginning of your trip - call car rental local number to ensure they are aware of your later arrival. Bring the credit card used at time of booking with you on your trip. Always treat the people helping you with courtesy and respect. Mistakes are made but can be corrected more efficiently and expediently when not using problematic words or tones. Most companies want to provide you with great customer service and should be approached with that thought in mind.
20-08-2020

says:
Follow the signs. They ate extremely helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. It is well designed and as airports go, pretty logical. Because Of the size of the airport, it is spread out, so don’t avoid the trains. The restaurants are good and not too expensive. Give yourself plenty of time to make your flight, especially if you are returning a rental car. Have a good trip.
12-08-2020

says:
I would highly recommend a few awesome activities when you are in the Tampa area. First, take a boat along the Hillsborough River through Tampa and view the amazing skyline and famous buildings of Tampa Bay. Next, check out the incredible sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, see how the sponges are made in the museum, and enjoy a delicious Greek meal overlooking the water. Then be sure to spend some quality time in fabulous Clearwater. Go catch some rays on the number one beach in the USA, Clearwater Beach, and watch dolphins and sea turtles play in the Clearwater Aquarium. Don't miss out on any of these memorable activities and you will experience a vacation you will likely never forget.
11-08-2020

says:
Outstanding improvements to airport. Access to rental cars was easy and convenient. Tampa airport is one of the best in the country. Return directions were easy to follow. Airport has many new food services. TSA usage highly recommended.
29-07-2020

says:
great airport plan on using it more and more...
17-07-2020

says:
Do rent a car with a reputable transparant rental company. Bring your own portable navigation system. Do check the car status before signing the papers. Do check the tire pressure . Do not use the prepaid gas option. Double check the offered insurance coverage.
16-07-2020

says:
Ask about hideaway beds southern Florida hotels are very strict Fill your car yourself you can always find cheaper gas Going downstairs to the restaurant bar and ordering food is better and cheaper than room service Always call a day or more before checkout to see if you can have a late check out
15-07-2020

says:
Plan to spend some time in line and recognize the desk is bundled at the end with other lesser-known car rental agencies.
13-07-2020

says:
Get the transponder! The roads in and around Tampa are very congested!!!
13-07-2020

says:
Get plenty of pre flight snacks. Be sure to bring a light jacket. ALWAYS arrive at least 1.5 hours early. Ensure you know exactly where your gate is, seat, what docs you need to bring with you. Remember to take off your shoes at security... and lastly, have fun! Lighten up and give yourself plenty of wiggle room, so you have a happy, stress-free trip before a vacation. :)
11-07-2020

says:
Between rental car and Spirit gates requires two separate train rides but other than that, it is a great airport for the size of the city
10-07-2020

says:
Otherwise a good experience.
08-07-2020

says:
The airport itself is fine. And that new rental car hub is terrific if you know what company you rented from.
07-07-2020

says:
Be prepared to spend a little time taking trains: from the gate to the terminal and from the terminal to the car rental center. Also, not so obvious is that there are less-than-obvious elevators in the terminal to take you to the fourth floor (the rental car center train), so avoid the l-o-n-g escalator next to them if you have baggage/children. (Baggage/Children...same thing.)
06-07-2020

says:
we used the (waze app) to travel from Tampa to Sarasota. Warned us of cars on the side of the road and, Police cameras. We stayed at the Safety Harbor resort and spa for 3 nights, I would highly recommend it. We also went to Clearwater beach, No parking if you aren't staying there. not worth it. We went to the Hard rock casino on our way back, Wasn't our lucky day. maybe next time.
04-07-2020

says:
When picking up luggage go to elevator's to the 4th floor to get tram to take you to rental car center signage not the best.
01-07-2020

says:
Check out the river walk at night. Really nice!
30-06-2020

says:
Be prepared for the unexpected.
30-06-2020

says:
I really enjoyed that there were multiple agents on scene so that there was no line. The whole experience was so easy and convenient. We pre-paid so that we just proceeded to the counter and showed a drivers license and credit card and within a few minutes we were on our way to our rental. I loved that they let us pick out our own vehicle and they keys were in it ready and waiting. The scanning of the mileage and VIN on the way in and out were amazing. I worked at a car rental agency years ago and sure wish we would have had that capability. Staff was excellent. Will definitely be renting again. Thank you.
30-06-2020

says:
We've never had any problems with Tampa airport! Make sure you get there 2 hours early as they've changed some locations of things. It's easy to navigate. It's nice to get there amd have time to get something to eat & drink
26-06-2020

says:
The TSA PreCheck is definitely worth the money to skip the lines and keep your clothes on. Preload your tablet with movies and tv shows you can watch off line to keep you occupied during the flight. Fly SouthWest! Great airline and their rewards program is awesome. Keep a battery pack with you in case you aren't near a convenient charger. A multiport charger is great if you aren't travelling alone. Make sure you have a removable electrical connector for your charger so you can either use a wall outlet or USB port.
22-06-2020

says:
Pay for rental ahead of time. Smoking area in terminal e. Nice clean airport.
03-06-2020

says:
Be prepared to wait in line at rental car place
28-05-2020

says:
Everyone is friendly - just ask and people are happy to help and have a chat, being Australian everyone wants to know if i have a pet Kangaroo- the USA in general is a real easy place to get around, and all the airports have easy access and great features
25-05-2020

says:
Give yourself enough time, the airport can be busy.
18-05-2020

says:
Be prepared, check local weather conditions, don't over buy your food, pack lite $ always have plenty of beer on ice!!
19-10-2019

says:
Come prepared with all your paperwork and know what you are renting.
18-09-2019

says:
Signage at Tampa airport is very unclear so you'll want to follow signs to "Ground Transportation." Do not go to the rental car office across the walkway. This office is for on-site rental companies. Fox is located off-site for which you need to take a shuttle to their office. When exiting the airport, go to the right and follow the sign all the way to the end and around the corner of the building. We sat at the sign for at least fifteen minutes before realizing we had to go around the corner for the shuttle. When you are returning your car, give yourself an extra ten minutes of time. We were lucky enough to arrive right before the shuttle departed for the airport. However, if we had been a few minutes late we would have had to wait since only two shuttles were running at the time.
10-09-2019

says:
Get your car keys before you get your luggage to save time in queues. Park on the roof of the airport car park (level 9) for 20 minutes to see the lovely views (in daytime) - under 30 minutes is free parking. On your way back to the airport, stop at the Tampa Riverside walk for a nice refreshing walk; Museum of Science and Industry, the Children's Museum, and the Tampa Aquarium are all near to the airport as well if you need to kill time (but you'll need a car). Public transport is difficult to get in Florida, so a car is essential; driving is easy, but cars pass in any lane, which can be unnerving for British drivers. On the Gulf beaches between St Pete Beach and Dunedin, you can keep your car at your hotel/condo and hop on the trolley bus if you want to have a few drinks with your meal (drink/driving laws are very strict). Definitely visit Caladesi Island and Fort Desoto Park for an old Florida nature experience - both are National Parks. You can also rent kayaks at both parks. Main Street Dunedin has many micro-brews and good restaurants with an old time US Main Street feel; lots of parking lots available on side streets. Downtown St Pete has a lot of night life, good restaurants, and art shops - more 'upmarket' than Dunedin, but worth a visit, especially the Dali Museum. Finally, just enjoy the white sandy beaches from Honeymoon Island through St Pete Beach, with the quietest being Indian Rocks Beach and the most active being Clearwater Beach.
09-09-2019

says:
The Tampa Airport is one of the best in the USA. It is efficient, attractive and very easy to use.
09-09-2019

says:
Get excess cover on top of standard car insurance it's invaluable.I would check has your car got Onstar before hiring a satnav.Get bike racks if possible as we did and hired bikes it was a great idea.If doing long drives see can uou get your partner to share driving and book this at same time as booking car.I used Holidaycars.com for the first time and found them fantastic value compared to others.Hire a car big enough for comfort as some drives can be tiring so extra space is good.Bring your own parasol and deck chairs as rental prices in Florida can be expensive
03-09-2019

says:
Thrifty is easy to find, just outside the arrivals doors. The office is open & welcoming. Staff were friendly and available to see quickly. No extra paperwork to fill out or extra insurances hidden to pay. Car was parked within a very short walking distance from the office and was clean and tidy. On return to drop return rental car, process was quick and smoothly done by friendly staff again. I would definitely use and recommend thrift again, many thanks
13-03-2019

says:
Location is just too convenient.
11-01-2019

says:
Our arrival to Tampa was ok, we were delayed almost 2 hours because southwest was short 1 attendant. Tampa airport was very well signed and easy to find where we had to go to pick up our shuttle to Fox Rental. The Shuttle showed up fairly quickly and the gentleman was very nice and welcoming. On our return flight we dropped off our vehicle at Fox Rental with ease, the staff member was really nice and took care of us quickly, and we were on the shuttle on our way back to the airport in a mater of minutes! we were dropped off right at our airline and the baggage guy's were great, helping us check in our bags. When we went inside the 2 TSA workers directing passengers to enter the scanning process were VERY rude, they spoke broken English and very hard to understand. When asked what they said, because I was having a hard time understanding them they yelled at everyone to "Read your Boarding pass don't just look at it" and continued to complain and yell at passengers. Made many of the passengers feel uncomfortable. The TSA workers at the scanning Stations were very nice and did their job well. We boarded our flight on time and all in all it was a good experience flying from Tampa Airport.
05-01-2019

says:
Loved Don Cesear Beach House Suites. Bought freash seafood and fish from the fish market and ready made salads. St Pete Beach is breath taking.
27-12-2018

says:
Nice beaches nearby
25-12-2018

says:
We had a great visit to Clearwater. The beaches and sun made it all worthwhile. A great deal to do in the Clearwater as we participated in banana boating, Jet skiing, Parasailing and took an afternoon cruise on a catamaran. Check out the Edge Hotel with Infinity pool and upstairs bar with expansive projection tv for outdoor night seating. Sweet!
11-12-2018

says:
Ask for directions for the car rental shuttle if you do not see the small numbers designating where to go.
20-11-2018

says:
get planty of advance info on locations
18-11-2018

says:
Go to Busch Gardens it is the best!!
17-11-2018

says:
Bring a GPS! Use Budget!
17-11-2018

says:
Tampa was not my final destination, St. Petersberg Beach was, therefore I cannot make any recommendations regarding the beautiful city of Tampa!
15-11-2018

says:
My only suggestion would be be wary of cheap motels near the airport. I had a bad experience. Buyer beware
11-11-2018

says:
Go to beaches like St. Pete, Venice and Manisota
10-11-2018

says:
Phillies spring training
09-11-2018

says:
Take in a spring season Major League baseball game.
08-11-2018

says:
Do the Tampa River Walk
03-11-2018

says:
If going to downtown Tampa there are a lot of one way streets and many parking areas which is nice.
03-11-2018

says:
Don't miss visiting IKEA
27-10-2018

says:
I travel to siesta key and just flew into Tampa bay
25-10-2018

says:
I really enjoyed the St Pete coastline. Great beaches. The restaurant at the Doubletree in Reddington beach had an amazing patio view and great food at a reasonable price. Highly recommend it.
22-10-2018

says:
Allow plenty of time to see & enjoy all Tampa has to offer.
21-10-2018

says:
There are many great local eateries and if you ask around, people are very willing to make recommendations. Try to plan your day for travel between the rush hour times, especially if you stay out on the barrier islands. Buy the toll pass so that you don't have to worry about your route and can avoid the accidents and back ups.
20-10-2018

says:
nearby Tampa there is a lovely and beautiful city called St Petersburg, the Dali's Museum is very nice place to visit, the beaches are like paradise.
16-10-2018

says:
Take early flights. Use hotwire,com for great hotels and car rentals.
13-10-2018

says:
Do not rent a car from Fox rental cars.
02-10-2018

says:
1. Rent from Payless 2. Rent from Payless
30-09-2018

says:
Enjoy the beach
27-09-2018

says:
My entire car renting experience with Holiday Cars and Alamo was outstanding. I've rented cars from Alamo in the past and their customer service is extraordinary!!! Alamo is definitely a leader in the car renting industry when customer service seems to be a lost art. I will definitely refer others to both of these companies in the future.
25-09-2018

says:
We had many enjoyable experiences. We went to a concert at Ruth Eckert Hall, (sp??), went to the Keys and to local beaches. We enjoyed Tarpon Springs and Fort Meyers Shell Factory, the Corkscrew, so many wonderful memories!! I would suggest going to a tourist information center and check out what things are of interest. There is no lack of things to do!! Perhaps Fox could have brochures in their office. Maybe they already do, I was busy renting a cat, it was late and I wasn't looking around at that time.
17-09-2018

says:
When you rent cars in Tampa, some firms are in the terminal area (higher prices) and some firms are a shuttle ride away (lower prices). Make sure you check this out so that you meet your requirements. All shuttle pick ups are at the end of the baggage area of the terminal bldg. where you arrive.
16-09-2018

says:
Large, clean airport; friendly atmosphere compared to Orlando
31-08-2018

says:
Tampa is a vibrant city with so much to do and see. Only spent a day in Tampa and enjoyed it all. Stayed in Indian Rocks Beach on the gulf. Weather was fantastic. Sunsets were amazing. Water was perfect. Johns Landing is a must see and do.
29-08-2018

says:
Tampa has some nice historical sites downtown. They have just started a small Riverwalk that is still to be discovered. Allow lots of time if you need to use I-4. If it is too busy try Kennedy through downtown. Dale Mabry will make you want to be sure you have CDW!
15-08-2018

says:
I actually just spent 5 days at the Clearwater beach/ Indian Shores and enjoy the sunshine and the terrific Seafood
02-08-2018

says:
We actually stayed in Port Charlotte, about 1 hour 20 minutes south. We like it because it is less touristy/croweded, more residential/relaxing.
03-05-2018

says:
Great restaurants and nearby beaches.
22-04-2018

says:
Beware of hidden charges
16-04-2018

says:
Clearwater beach, Dunedin and St Petersburg areas worth exploring.
03-04-2018

says:
Aquarium, the city center, Anna Maria Island
24-03-2018

says:
Busch Gardens is a must do...Ybor City for the true Hispanic feeling.
17-03-2018

says:
Dunedin is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural resources
16-03-2018

says:
Dress for hot weather.
26-02-2018

says:
Fast pick-up - return & easy check-in & out
21-02-2018

says:
Went to Indian shores
06-02-2018

says:
Visit the unadvertised the hidden gems...Disney is great but there is so much more to see and do. And they wont charge you for the parking experience.
29-01-2018

says:
The food was excellent everywhere we ate.The excursions were inexpensive, the people were very friendly. There was the snorkling excursion that was disappointing.
09-01-2018

says:
Try and stay in Anna Maria Island! Soto Rentals!
06-01-2018

says:
Great city especially downtown St Pete.
04-01-2018

says:
Dunedin is a hidden treasure
25-12-2017

says:
much to see and do; avoid peak hour traffic
19-12-2017

says:
Stayed on the beach.
09-12-2017

says:
Wyndham Clearwater is a wonderful stay
06-12-2017

says:
Get your car at the airport terminal.
06-12-2017

says:
Loved Tampa and surrounding area
01-12-2017

says:
the price was right.
30-11-2017

says:
visit anna maria island, it is paradise!
30-11-2017

says:
Gulf Beaches are awesome.
29-11-2017

says:
Leaving the airport, drive directly west across the C. C. Causeway until you reach the gulf waters, then turn right to visit wonderful Dunedin, a gem.
29-11-2017

says:
Do not go to Tampa during spring break or baseball spring training. Traffic and each attraction were very crowded, with long lines. Also, Dollar was the only car rental company willing to even try to get a car for me.
28-11-2017

says:
Florida has, for the most, tropical weather, the airport has the best customer service in the nation, in my opinion
23-11-2017

says:
Get to the Gulf. Tama traffic is awful.
23-11-2017

says:
Take the toll pass with rental
21-11-2017

says:
A lot of nice beaches in the area
17-11-2017

says:
pre-season baseball! It's amazing! Steinbrener field is great.
16-11-2017

says:
Avoid the Tampa Bay bridges.
15-11-2017

says:
Good weather and carry lot of summer clothing
14-11-2017

says:
Just be patient with all the lights you seem to stop at !! But it beats the wind chill factor back in New England !!
14-11-2017

says:
I went to Sarasota.
13-11-2017

says:
Sarasota beaches are the best!
13-11-2017

says:
- If driving in the Orlando area, consider the option of purchasing the flat rate daily pass for 8.99/ day. - If you have one, bring your portable GPS with you.
10-11-2017

says:
Visit Siesta Key
07-11-2017

says:
Take the time to tour the whole state or at least as much as you can. No need to stay in only one place. Sarasota beaches are the best, Miami South Beach area for fun, most everywhere for golf, and plenty of great restaurants. Sassy's in Fort Meyers is a fair priced place.
03-11-2017

says:
If you travel south of Tampa coming back can be a driving standstill due to construction in Sarasota.
28-10-2017

says:
avoid rush hour traffic and construction.
28-10-2017

says:
St Pete Beach....Fort Desoto Park
22-10-2017

says:
Look over cars but great company and fast!
19-10-2017

says:
I was visiting family.
18-10-2017

says:
have a navigation app, like waze, will help with traffic
02-09-2017

says:
Actually visited Venice
18-08-2017

says:
Very fun area with lot's to do. Charlies steak house is great.
17-08-2017

says:
Go to Clearwater beaches and Sarasota ones. Really nice places.
07-08-2017

says:
need GPS if not on your phone then get it Tampa very confusing to drive around in. Visit Tarpon Springs, lots of shopping and great food. The Colombian Cafe in Tampa great food also
19-07-2017

says:
Tampa is beautiful and there is a lot to do within a short driving distance.
19-07-2017

says:
Visit Busch Gardens and Raymond James Stadium
19-07-2017

says:
Visit Clearwater. Amazing and fun.
18-07-2017

says:
Can't think of anything right now
12-07-2017

says:
Clearwater Beach is a beautiful place to play in the sun, eat and shop! Also, Ybor City has a fantastic night life with great food, plenty of cigars, and hysterical people-watching!
08-07-2017
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says:
We went deep sea fishing on our son's boat
06-07-2017
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says:
We have timeshare in Longboat Key and October is a great month for that.
10-03-2017
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says:
Go to Sand Key - you will love it there. You can park for $5/day and enjoy a great deal of marine life and even go shelling. While there, we got to swim with a group of CowNose Rays swimming in formation, saw some Manatees, and Dolphins. Truly enjoyed it.
24-02-2017
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says:
Go see some baseball