Tampa (TPA) rental car, WWYD

[sam_gordon]

I've rented out of Tampa a couple times, but it's been three to four years. I know their rental facility is away from the terminal, and I *THINK* we had the deal where we were able to go right to the garage (can't remember who we rented with). So, I'm looking for advice/suggestions from people who have rented their recently...

Arrive Feb 3. Depart Feb 6, but out of Sarasota. I have a rental car w/National for Feb 3 - Feb 7 (original plan was depart Tampa the morning of Feb 7. That has since changed to depart Sarasota Feb 6).

National/Enterprise does not have one way cars available for that time frame. So my "base" plan is to pick up the car on the 3rd, return it the night of the 5th, then use Ubers/others (travelling with a group) for Transportation on 2/6 (between St Pete-Lakewood Ranch-SRQ).

But, I don't like relying on others. Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty all have one ways available between TPA-SRQ, but reading reviews about their operations at TPA have not been good. And, the one way rental cost for 2/3-2/6 is just a little more than what I had booked round trip to TPA 2/3-2/7. So, I figure the money I save by turning that car in early will go toward Ubers on the 2/6.

ETA: What happens if I pick up the car on 2/3, then call National on 2/4 saying my plans have changed and I want to return it to SRQ on 2/6?

Other ideas/suggestions?

 

[mikehn]

Call National now and tell them you want to return it in SRQ on the 6th, see what they say

 

[sam_gordon]

Call National now and tell them you want to return it in SRQ on the 6th, see what they say

Tried that a couple weeks ago and they said they couldn't modify the reservation because "there are no cars available". I tried changing it online and got the same thing. Yes, it doesn't make sense. They should have the car I have reserved.

 

[mikehn]

I rented Hertz in and out of TPA over thanksgiving, nothing out of the ordinary

 

[sam_gordon]

Thanks!

 

[dez1978]

Have you tried Avis? We are renting from them in May. Picking cars up at Hard Rock Hotel and dropping off 3 days later at Tampa airport.

 

[sam_gordon]

Have you tried Avis? We are renting from them in May. Picking cars up at Hard Rock Hotel and dropping off 3 days later at Tampa airport.

Thanks, I will. Any idea how the service is at TPA for them? I don't want to wait in a long line.

Yes, I'm spoiled. lol