Paying for Toll Roads arriving Tampa International Airport

Question

Hi all, our first trip to Florida landing at Tampa International Airport.

We are hiring a car for the full 2 weeks From Dollar who offer a full inclusive toll payment scheme for $69.95 per week is this the best option ?

We will be driving up to Orlando and back and around Tampa and Venice etc.

Many Thanks

Stephen

Answer

When driving in Florida, toll roads are common, especially on routes between Tampa, Orlando, and down the Gulf Coast. Renting a car with a full-inclusive toll payment plan from Dollar for $69.95 per week is one convenient option, but whether it’s the best depends on your itinerary and preferences.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Full-inclusive toll plan: This plan allows you to drive through all electronic toll roads without worrying about cash or individual toll payments. It’s convenient, especially if you plan to use toll roads frequently, like between Tampa and Orlando (via Florida’s Turnpike) or other highways around Tampa and Venice.
Pay-as-you-go or cash tolls: Some rental car companies offer a pay-per-use option, which may be cheaper if you only use toll roads sparingly. However, Florida has many cashless toll lanes, and you could face fines if you try to avoid them or don’t have a compatible pass.
SunPass: Florida’s electronic toll system, SunPass, is another option. Some rental companies provide temporary SunPass transponders, but the fees and setup can be slightly more complicated than a full-inclusive plan.

For your trip:

Since you’re driving up to Orlando and back, plus exploring around Tampa and Venice, you’ll likely use toll roads multiple times. The full-inclusive plan simplifies everything and avoids unexpected charges.
Cost comparison: $69.95 per week for 2 weeks totals roughly $140, which can be cheaper than paying individual tolls if using multiple toll roads daily.
Peace of mind: With a full-inclusive plan, you don’t have to track receipts, worry about missed tolls, or risk fines—especially useful for first-time visitors.

Conclusion: For your itinerary involving multiple long drives across Florida toll roads, the Dollar full-inclusive toll plan is likely the most stress-free and practical option. If you were only staying in one city or avoiding toll roads, a pay-per-use or SunPass approach might be cheaper.