Do Hertz or Dollar have cars outside of baggage claim at Tampa airport?
 

I want to rent either through Hertz or Dollar at the Tampa airport and want to make sure the one I choose has cars close by, no shuttle, no delays, etc. Does anyone have experience with this? Past threads are a couple of years old and I want current information as I know in some locations car rentals have been moving more off-site in recent years.

These are the numbers to car rentals in the Tampa airport. Hopefully it will help.
http://www.tampaairport.com/ground_t...on/rental.html

I think all rentals have been moved away from the terminals for security reasons. Some companies might have a desk in the terminal, but then they shuttle you to the car. The whole deal takes about 5 minutes and isn't much of a hassle. If you're in a real hurry, join the car companies fastbreak club and just get in your car and go, with no paperwork to fill out since you've already done that online.

The last time I landed at Tampa there were no cars at the terminal. There were a couple of desks but for security cars are not allowed to be parked directly at terminals for any reason - at least at any airport I'm aware of.

FYI, I just called Hertz using the phone number No name gave -- the agent said Hertz DOES have cars at the airport, outside of baggage claim, no shuttle involved.

As I remember it, there are cars at the airport, but depending on the company, someone either drives around and brings the car to you, or they tell you to wait for a few minutes until the car is ready. So, you'll probably be standing there for 5-10 minutes after your paperwork is done before you can actually get into the car. I rented with Budget, and we stood there waiting until it "was ready", and then walked out to the lot, got in and drove off. I don't have any idea why the cars aren't sitting there ready to go immediately.

I've rented thru Dollar at TPA about 2+yrs ago and Hertz last year. As I recall, both had counters near baggage claim area, and the cars were a short walk to the airport parking garage. No shuttles involved either time. I find TPA to have one of the more convenient car rental set ups compared to many other airports I've rented from.

Hertz USED to have them just at the top of the escalator at the far door of baggage claim.