Best car rental agencies if renting MCO returning TPA

[DanenRox]

I used to be sooo good at this...finding the best deals, knowing all the codes....now, I'm flapping in the breeze. Hoping to be directed re: car rentals. Picking up MCO, dropping off TPA, 12 days, 9/23-10/4. I'm not seeing the great deals others are for this time frame. Maybe because I'm looking for a minivan, maybe because of the different pick up/drop off. Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

One-way car rentals can be significantly more expensive. In the past, in-state one-ways were often no more expensive then round trip rentals, but over the past few years that has changed.

Depending on your itinerary, I'd look to split up your rental, keeping the one way rental as little as possible. If your intent is to stay most of the time in the Orlando area, I'd rent a round trip for that period and only take a one-way for the time period you are actually traveling to Tampa. It may be a little more inconvenient to do this, so you will need to way the cost/benefit.

 

[OKW Lover]

In general the car rental companies in FL do not charge extra for dropping off at a different location within the state. Check to be sure.

 

[Brian Noble]

In the past, in-state one-ways were often no more expensive then round trip rentals, but over the past few years that has changed.

FWIW, National still seems to allow different drop-offs that are 'close' to MCO without charging. That said, it could be worth it to price two separate rentals, though that will also require some time on your part. You can save money, or you can save time.

As for which is best---as far as I know, all of the TPA rental car locations require a shuttle, so it is probably six of one.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

FWIW, National still seems to allow different drop-offs that are 'close' to MCO without charging. That said, it could be worth it to price two separate rentals, though that will also require some time on your part. You can save money, or you can save time.

It varies depending on the time of the year, need for vehicles between locations, etc. I randomly priced a National rental just now, for MCO pick-up and MCO return without any discounts/coupons, the rate was $408, but a pick-up in MCO and a return to TPA was $170 for the same time period and car. Obviously, they were looking to move cars between locations during that time. Another try for a different period, resulted in somewhat opposite results.

Close locations are often "Orlando" area which would include Disney off-airport locations. Airport to airport often does not count.

As for which is best---as far as I know, all of the TPA rental car locations require a shuttle, so it is probably six of one.

TPA does not require a shuttle for the major companies, only the smaller, "value" companies require shuttle service, at least as of 2007.

EDIT: Checked TPA's website and you still don't need a shuttle for most companies (Hertz, National, Budget, etc.)

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We have gone to Florida 17 times and have never paid a drop off fee. As for getting a good deal I would go with Alamo. Sign up for their Insider program which is free. YOu will get 20% off and lately they have been offering a coupon for $40 off a weekly rental. The current $40 coupon expires at the end of Sept. Here is the code AD4027JDO I would wait till Sept 15 to book you car. 2 weeks before your trip is when you will find the best deals.


Alamo is onsite at TPA no shuttle needed

 

[jlewisinsyr]

We have gone to Florida 17 times and have never paid a drop off fee.

It may not be a drop fee, it could just be higher rates. If you book a one-way typically the drop fee is baked into the rates.

 

[Brian Noble]

Checked TPA's website and you still don't need a shuttle for most companies (Hertz, National, Budget, etc.)

Huh. Guess it's been a long time since I've flown into/out of TPA. At the time, National *did* have a shuttle unless I'm thinking of a completely different airport.

 

[kksmom92]

We are doing the same thing the last thing in Jan and for us it was actually way cheaper to rent it one way from MCO to TPA than to rent MCO to MCO or TPA to TPA. Of course I'm sure it's because it's the slow season and the busy season is right around the corner and need to start getting the over there.