Bradenton is conveniently located around one hour’s drive, or less, from a handful of other popular cities along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, which makes it a great launching point for day trips. Visitors to the area will benefit from securing a car rental in Bradenton, which affords access to cities like Tampa, Sarasota, and Lakeland. More than just facilitating day trips outside Bradenton city limits, car rentals give visitors the autonomy to explore the many parks and attractions without the need to wait on taxis or rideshares, and without having to waste valuable vacation time on public transportation, which often doubles commute time for tourists visiting these locations.
Travelers flying into the area will land at the Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport, where they can find desks for several car rental companies, such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty, among others. Counters for these companies can easily be located in the baggage claim area. From there, Bradenton car rentals can be picked up in the parking lot directly across the street from the airport exit in the baggage claim area. This is also where they can be dropped off.
With its agreeable weather year-round, Florida is an attractive location for motorcyclists. There are many in the area so, for visitors who are renting vehicles and are driving a car they are less familiar with, it’s recommended that you pay close attention to the roadway and that you are cognizant of your rental vehicle’s blind spots. Motorcycle accidents tend to occur frequently around the Manatee County roads, so drivers should keep an eye out for their fellow motorists there.
When the late autumn and winter months usher in colder weather, especially between October and April, people from northern climates tend to flock to Florida—and this includes Bradenton. Roadways will become more congested during these months, so, if feasible, rental car drivers will want to plan their days to avoid rush hour periods. In Bradenton, visitors can expect weekday rush hours roughly between 6am and 8am and again in the late afternoon to early evening between about 4pm and 6pm.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is about nine miles from Bradenton, a drive of about 25min in normal traffic. Exit the airport and drive west on University Parkway, heading to Airport Circle. Turn right to US Highway 41 N after less than half a mile. Drive about six miles, then continue on 14th Street W for another two and a half miles. Turn right, and you will enter Bradenton. Cheap car rentals in Bradenton can also use the US-301 route, but it covers a longer distance hence more time spent on the road.
Escape to other cities and attractions in Florida with day trips in cheap car rentals in Bradenton. Tarpon Springs is about 55 miles north with a drive duration of about 1h. Lake Placid, the Caladium capital, is about 132 miles away, just under 2h via the FL-64 E. A day trip to the home of the Florida Southern College, Lakeland, is just over 1h away via the I-75 N. Tour attractions like Lake Morton and Circle B Bar Reserve during your time in the area. Lakeland also gives you diversion trips to cities like Orlando and Tampa since it is located between the two. Ocala is also easily accessible, just over 2h away by car.
Avoid drinking in social gatherings if you’re driving since the BAC limit for drivers in Bradenton is 0.08%. The streets of Bradenton are full of pedestrians, drivers, and motorcyclists, so you need to be alert while driving. Bradenton drivers often engage in aggressive driving, such as speeding and distracted driving. You are more likely to encounter aggressive drivers on the streets of the I-75. On the other hand, pedestrians j-walk at night, especially after happy hours, increasing the risk of accidents. Some road intersections are dangerous, and drivers should drive keenly while on these roads. These include the Tamiyami Trail, US 301, and 14th Street West.
Book your rental car in Bradenton at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Standard rental cars in Bradenton are around 56% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Bradenton
What type of car is recommended for driving in Bradenton?
City streets, highways, and warm weather make economy vehicles and sedans suitable options for car rentals in Bradenton. The agility of a smaller automotive makes navigating busy roads a bit more seamless, and the closed interior allows you to crank up the air conditioning when the temperatures spike.
What’s the speed limit in Bradenton?
Speed limits in and around Bradenton are similar to those posted in other large cities in the United States. On the major highways, drivers will see speed limits roughly around 65mph. Urban areas will typically post speed limits between 35mph and 45mph. Speeds are lower in residential areas, where posted limits are around 30mph, while near hospitals and schools, they’re reduced to around 15mph to 25mph.
Where are the best places to park in Bradenton?
There are a few public parking options in the center of the city of Bradenton, including Manatee County Public Parking Garage, which is on 10th Street West between 4th Ave West and Manatee Ave West. On the other side of the major road, 9th Street West, there is also the Manatee Performing Arts Center Parking Lot, which is on 7th Street West between 3rd Ave West and Manatee Ave West. Parking prices cost roughly $1 for 2h, and up to about $4 for a full day.
How much is gas price in Bradenton?
The average gas price in Bradenton is C$ 4.70 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 56 and C$ 75, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Bradenton?
Full-size (Ford Transit or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Bradenton.
Which car rental companies are at Tampa airport (TPA)?
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Bradenton?
A Full Size car rental in Bradenton costs C$ 217 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Bradenton?
A Standard car rental in Bradenton costs C$ 48 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Bradenton?
An Intermediate car rental in Bradenton costs C$ 56 per day, on average.
Are car rentals available in downtown Bradenton?
Yes. Renters not flying into the city can find cheap car rentals in Bradenton around the downtown area. The car rental center is located along 1st Street with Payless Car Rental and Enterprise as providers. AAA Auto rentals has offices along 9th Street West. Avis is also close to downtown, with offices on 14th Street West.
Does Bradenton have toll roads?
Fortunately, Bradenton car rentals don’t need to worry about paying for tolls while driving within the city. The entire Sarasota-Bradenton area is free of toll roads. However, you will come across toll roads while driving around the rest of Florida, so acquire a Florida Sun Pass that allows convenient toll payments.
Easy and pleasant! One drawback: Did not realize my car didn’t have Apple car play until I’d left already. All cars should have it standard!
8.0 Very good
Gigi Bechir, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
It was good. People were very nice. Surprised how you have to wait for cars. Overall good experience.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2021
Pros:
Staff was good at pickup
Cons:
The car stunk from cigarette smoke. I tried to get the smell out of the car but it never got better. This location only has a limited number of cars for rent.
7.6 Good
Anonymous, Nov 2020
Pros:
Rachel was very good at the drop off since unfortunately I had some damage to my vehicle.
Staff was helpful with quick, efficient pick up and drop off.
Cons:
This rental was for a body shop repair on our regular car. The shop estimated two weeks for the repair with the rental running from Tuesday 10AM. The shop owner did us a favor and worked the weekend to get our car done in 10 days, so we returned the rental car 4 DAYS EARLY. Agent said no problem, he'll adjust it then handed us the bill. The first week cost $38.50/day at the weekly rate. For the "extra" days they increased the price to $67.25/day. In other words, they charged us the same rate as the original two week rental. So don't ever expect a credit on an early return. Keep the car.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Dec 2020
Pros:
Great gas mileage
Cons:
Kayak said “unlimited mileage” Payless said 2500. I had to make a big round trip in the car and Payless called me the next day and said daily is 200 miles. No continuity between the two companies or even internal to Payless. I rented because my car would not make this round trip....seems pointless if I’m getting restrictions.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2020
Pros:
very satisfied with everbody and the car
Cons:
maybe an extra day as a bonus for 3-4 days rental
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Pros:
the staff was friendly
Cons:
you could've sent me to a place that has unlimited travel not just in Florida was traveling to Iowa so had to change plans at the last minute very stressful
confusion/ lack of transparency regarding extra fees
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
THERE WAS NO CAR !!!!!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2021
Pros:
I was refused service after arriving their from across the country due to them not accepting my credit card (MasterCard through apple) despite paying for the reservation with the card ahead of time
Cons:
Being given service and not left stranded by rude staff that were unhelpful and unsympathetic
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Cons:
Nothing
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2020
Pros:
Very efficient and friendly!
Cons:
Only one car that met my criteria on the lot! Wish there had been an option on vehicles...but, the car got the job done for me!
Staff at pickup was wonderful as was staff at drop off. We received a free upgrade, due to lack of availability of smaller cars. This was appreciated.
Cons:
The pickup location was in an almost abandoned mall in Bradenton. It appeared to me that the rental was not well cleaned or properly disinfected. There was some junk left in the trunk from a previous customer. The low tire pressure light was lit up. I just had the feeling that the car was not properly inspected or cleaned before it was re-rented.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2020
Pros:
The staff lady, Hendra, at picking up was very courteous and helpful. That is the only part of the experience that was good. The rest was a mess. The car had an "emergency" light showing some sort of issue all the way making me feel unsecure. It went on at the pick up location and all suddenly shut off two hours later. The car was filthy and with strong offensive smell. I had to place three towels on the seats saved I could place my hand bag and sit on the driver seat. The stearing wheel was disgusting as well. The air conditioning would work on and off. And to close, the drop off was a nightmare. There were basically NO clear signs at the drop off location to advise where was the entrance to the Avis drop off parking. Other car rental companies clerk's said this was a regular problem and that they had Avis customers coming to them for instructions on where to go and the Avis vehicle drop off. The other companies clerk's mentioned that confused (Avis) customers had drop off their Avis rental at the other companies lots and those customers were being charged for not having dropped off the vehicle (when indeed they had, just that they did following the poor signaling by Avis.
Cons:
It would have been better to not have the experience explained in the previous question. This makes me reconsider renting from Avis in the future. I am a lawyer who travels a lot for business. I cannot risk my business for this type of mess.
1 out of 1
55 travellers who rented a car in Bradenton gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.2
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