How to find a cheap car hire deal in Lakeland (LAL)
Just touched down? Pick up a cheap Lakeland rental car and start your adventure for around R 3,021 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
The cheapest daily rental price at Lakeland is R 770.
Planning an extended stay in Lakeland and want to go further than the usual stops? R 5,390 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a LAL car hire.
Rent your wheels from Avis, Budget or Enterprise, some of the most well-known providers at Lakeland.
Whether you book with Avis or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Lakeland car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in LAL by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Lakeland with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value deal with this company, with average prices coming in at R 1,543 a day.
Up next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around R 1,318.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 1,319 a day with this provider.
If you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Fullsize rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type at LAL.
Compare car hire types from Lakeland (LAL)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Lakeland rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Long drives fly by in this LAL car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Lakeland handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, functional, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your LAL car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Lakeland.
Good to know
You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you should add a car seat to your LAL car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you collect the keys. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Driving in the United States may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so along highways. Always check the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay by card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've grabbed the keys to your LAL car hire, it's time to write your own itinerary. Central Lakeland is about 11 kilometres northeast and a drive of around 15 minutes if you choose to head that way.
Driving from Lakeland to the centre during peak hour can take up to 25 minutes.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels immediately? Consider picking up a car hire in Lakeland instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Lakeland (LAL)
Check out some of the leading attractions in Lakeland before doing anything else. Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Centre and Annie Pfeiffer Chapel,Lakeland.FL set you up for a memorable trip.
Navigate your way to Tampa. Around 40 kilometres west of LAL, you'll find must-see sights like Busch Gardens Tampa and The Florida Aquarium.
Or jump in your Lakeland car hire and head out to Orlando. Roughly 88 kilometres northeast of the airport, Hogwarts and Universal's Islands of Adventure are highlights that make the drive more than worth it.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Fort Lauderdale is another fun destination that's about 274 kilometres southeast of LAL. Las Olas Beach and Ft Lauderdale Beach (Playa las Olas) are the perfect pit stops.
