Car Rental - Ocala

 

Rent a car in Ocala to experience the timeless Florida charm of Marion County. Known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, the area is ideal for those who like exploring the outdoors – by car, on foot or on horseback.

Collect your Ocala rental car from one of our pick-up points across the city, including at Ocala Airport, and choose from a variety of vehicles to suit your needs. Stylish sedans are a great choice for solo or business car rental, while spacious SUVs are ideal car rentals for family days out to Orlando.

Soar across Lost Spring Lake on a zipline adventure or pay a visit to one of the numerous local horse farms. You’re also just a short drive from the Silver Springs State Park and Ocala National Forest. Hike or bike through the trees and tour the crystal clear waters in an original glass-bottom boat.

Reserve your Ocala rental car with Hertz today.

Ocala Locations

A Quick Guide to Ocala

ocala florida museum

Appleton Museum of Art

4333 East Silver Springs Boulevard, FL, 34470

Discover more than 18,000 works of art from across the globe at this museum, including bronze Buddhist statues, Tang Dynasty ceramics and West African masks. Admire artwork by local Florida artists alongside the iconic paintings of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, before exploring the world-class equine art collection, which spans more than 3,000 years.

ocala Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park

5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard, FL, 34488

Just a short drive from Ocala lies one of America’s largest springs. Take a tour on a historic glass-bottom boat for a unique view of the crystal-clear waters – look out for manatees and turtles along the way. Back on land, you can hike the four-mile looping trail through longleaf pine uplands to see native deer, armadillos and gopher tortoises. On-site parking is available for your Ocala rental car for a small fee.

Ocala Tuscawilla Park

Discovery Center

701 North-East Sanchez Avenue, Ocala, FL, 34470

Located in the old Armory at Ocala Tuscawilla Park, the interactive Discovery Center hosts four exhibitions each year where families can learn about science and technology. Kids can take part in weekly classes, conduct their own experiments and even meet the center’s friendly lizards, snakes and spiders.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ocala

4100 Southwest 40th Street, FL, 34474

Treat yourself to a stay at this modern hotel along the I-75. Elegant suites feature plush beds, workstations, mini fridges and in-room entertainment. Enjoy access to the indoor pool and fitness center for daily exercise, plus a free buffet breakfast every morning in the lobby. Enjoy complimentary on-site parking for your Ocala rental car, and an EV charging station should you choose to rent an electric vehicle.

Courtyard by Marriott Ocala

3712 Southwest 38th Avenue, FL, 34474

The relaxing rooms at this contemporary hotel let you rest and recharge after a busy day working or exploring – some even have balconies overlooking the stunning outdoor pool. Catch up with colleagues over dinner at The Bistro or settle down for an evening under the stars by the firepit. Complimentary parking is available for your Ocala rental car, with adjoining parking for boats, trucks, buses and RVs.

Hilton Garden Inn Ocala Downtown

120 East Silver Springs Boulevard, FL, 34470

With Downtown on your doorstep, this stylish hotel is a convenient base for your trip to Ocala. Head down to the lobby for a bite to eat at the Garden Grill Restaurant or catch up on your work in the on-site meeting rooms. Guests can also take advantage of self-parking or VIP parking on-site for a small daily fee, both with 24/7 in/out privileges so you can access your holiday car rental at any time of day or night.

Ivy on the Square

53 South Magnolia Avenue, FL, 34471

Sample southern classics on Ocala’s historic downtown square. The supper menu features juicy, marbled ribeye steaks, barbeque shrimp and grits, and fried Florida lobster tail, while homemade desserts include coconut cake and Key lime pie.

You can cozy up in the Ivy’s 1920s-style dining room or dine al fresco on the industrial-inspired patio.

La Cuisine Restaurant

48 Southwest 1st Avenue, FL, 34471

With an award-winning menu rooted in the timeless traditions of French cooking, this upscale bistro offers a romantic setting for brunch, lunch or dinner. Try delicacies like baked snails in garlic butter and pan-fried frogs’ legs or indulge in an exemplary beef bourguignon with a side of ratatouille.

Latinos Y Mas

2030 South Pine Avenue, FL, 34471

Since its opening in 1991, this family-owned restaurant has become a favorite of both locals and visitors to Ocala alike. Blending Latin flavors with Mediterranean flair, the menu offers everything from Colombian-style empanadas to signature Spanish rice dishes.

Driving In and Around Ocala

 

  • Downtown Parking Garage (34471) has more than 250 spaces and is moments from Downtown Square and the Marion Theatre.
  • On-street parking is available across Downtown and offers around 1,500 spaces. Check the relevant signage or meters, as some spaces have time limits.
  • Silver Springs State Park (34488) has an on-site parking lot at the main entrance for day visitors, while those sleeping overnight should head to the camping entrance.

 

 

  • Interstate 75 (I-75) is a major north-south highway that cuts along the eastern edge of Ocala to Gainesville in the north and Tampa in the south.
  • US Route 301 (US 301) starts in Sarasota and passes through the heart of Ocala, running north along the east coast – parallel to the I-95.
  •  Florida State Road 40 (FL 40) – or the Silver Springs Boulevard – connects Ocala to Silver Springs, before continuing through Ocala National Forest to Ormond Beach.

 

How to Get From Car Rental in Ocala to Orlando

The thrills and spills of Orlando’s theme parks are less than an hour-and-a-half’s drive from downtown Ocala in your rental car:

  1. Head west on Silver Springs Boulevard and turn left on to I-75 South.
  2. Follow I-75 for 23 miles and keep left at the fork to join Florida’s Turnpike toll road.
  3. Continue along Florida’s Turnpike for 49 miles.
  4. From here, you can take Exit 259 and head east along the I-4 into Downtown, or head west towards the Universal and Disney parks.

 

How to Get From Car Rental at Ocala International Airport to Downtown

Downtown Ocala is about a 15-minute drive from the local airport. Leaving the Hertz car rental parking lot at Ocala International Airport, head south and turn left on to Southwest 60th Avenue. After one mile, turn right on to Silver Springs Boulevard and continue for five miles into the historic Downtown district.