Car Rental at Tampa Airport [TPA], Florida [FL], USA

What car rentals are onsite at Tampa Airport? 

Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is home to endless sandy beaches and family-friendly amusement parks. It provides easy access to local natural highlights and other famous destinations in the state. What's more, the Tampa International Airport located within the area is a perfect starting point for your trip. 

Indeed, it’s a great idea to pick up a car rental at Tampa Airport and hit the road. Four wheels will take you to the most amazing sights - Busch Gardens, Clearwater Beach, Adventure Island, and other local gems all within a short drive. Also, you can expand your travel experience to nearby destinations, including Orlando, Fort Myers, or Lakeland. A vehicle at hand makes it easy. However, you need to pick it up first. 

Car rentals at Tampa Airport are situated at the Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC), accessible from the terminal via the SkyConnect train. Upon landing, collect your luggage and head to the arrivals hall on Level 1. Then, take the elevator or escalator to Level 4 and follow the signs to the people mover. After arriving at CONRAC, proceed to the main hall with all companies available within the facility. A garage with cars is also there. The following on-site agencies sit in CONRAC: 

• Alamo 
• AVIS
• Budget 
• Dollar 
• Easirent 
• Enterprise 
• Fox 
• Hertz 
• National 
• Payless 
• Thrifty 

Among these Tampa Airport car rental providers, Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, and National operate 24/7. However, other agencies provide pick-up/drop-off opportunities during non-business hours upon request.

How to pick up a car rental at Tampa Airport? 

Collecting your vehicle starts with getting to the Tampa International Airport Car Rental Center (CONRAC). The whole procedure is available in five simple steps: 

• Step 1. After landing, head to the Baggage Claim Area on the first floor, and follow the signage to Ground Transportation/Rental Cars. 
• Step 2. From the arrivals hall, take the escalator or elevator to the fourth floor where the Sky Train station is. 
• Step 3. Take the people mover and get off at the CONRAC station, within a 5-minute drive. 
• Step 4. Proceed to the lobby to find a particular Tampa Airport rental car counter. If the company is based off-airport, head to Remote Curbside where the shuttles leave. 
• Step 5. Sign the agreement, get the keys, and pick up your vehicle at the parking lot within the facility.

Where to return a rental car at Tampa Airport? 

At the end of your trip, drive a vehicle along I275 S or W Boy Scout Blvd towards the airport. Choose the appropriate exit and follow the signs to the CONRAC for the Tampa Airport rental car return. At the facility, take the ramp to Level 3 and head to your company's dedicated parking lot. Wait for the employee to accept your vehicle, and take the SkyTrain to the terminal.

Driving rules in Tampa 

Cheap car rentals at Tampa Airport have countless miles of pleasure. You can explore the beauty of Florida at your own pace and enjoy a smooth ride. However, following local traffic rules and driving behaviors is the key to a successful road trip. They are very similar to those in other places in the United States but carry some specifics. Consider the main points below: 

1. Turning right at a red light. When driving a rental car at Tampa Airport on state roads, you can make a right turn at a red traffic light. However, such an action is possible in the absence of appropriate prohibition signs. When approaching an intersection, stop and yield to vehicles on the crossing road. Continue the maneuver if it’s safe. 
2. Making U-Turns. If you need to make a U-Turn, go to the end of the intersection in the left lane and wait for all the vehicles in the oncoming lane to pass. Then, make a maneuver and keep moving. However, U-Turns may be prohibited at specific intersections by appropriate signs. 
3. Road signs. Driving at Tampa Airport with car rentals on US roads can be a little confusing if you are a foreigner. Traffic signs are often not on the right along the highway, but at the top in the middle of the road. Thus, you need to raise your head up rather than look to the right. 
4. Headlights. According to traffic regulations, you must drive with your headlights on at all times of the day. When it's foggy, turn on your fog lights. If driving up to the toll booth, turn off the wipers as well. 
5. Speed limits. It is forbidden to drive car rentals from Tampa Airport faster than state speed limits require. The maximum legal speed is 
   • 20 mph in school zones 
   • 30 mph in residential areas 
   • 60 mph on two-lane highways 
   • 70 mph on interstates unless another limit is posted 

The general limit on other roads is 55 mph, with no speed signs along the road. Pay attention to the signs as they take precedence over the set limits.