The cost to rent a golf cart changes a lot based on where you rent it, how long you need it, and the type of cart. You might pay as little as \$30 for a short hourly rental or up to \$400 or more for a full week.
Golf carts are super handy for beach towns, big resorts, retirement communities, and special events. Knowing the golf cart rental rates ahead of time helps you plan your fun budget. This guide breaks down all the costs so you know exactly what to expect when you look for golf cart hire cost.
Factors That Shape Golf Cart Rental Prices
Several things make the final price tag go up or down. Think of these as the main levers that control the golf cart rental pricing structure.
Location, Location, Location
Where you rent matters a lot. High-demand areas charge more.
- Tourist Hotspots: Beach towns or places near big theme parks see much higher prices. More people want carts, so companies charge more.
- Off-Season vs. Peak Season: Renting during summer or holidays costs much more than renting in the quiet winter months. This is basic supply and demand.
- Rural vs. Urban: A small shop in a quiet town might offer better deals than a major rental company near a busy convention center.
Duration of Rental
The length of time you keep the cart has the biggest effect on the total golf cart rental rates.
- Hourly Rates: Good for quick trips. The golf cart hourly rental rate is usually the highest per hour, but the total cost stays low.
- Daily Rates: This is very common. The daily golf cart rental price is often a better deal than paying hourly for a full day.
- Weekly Rates: Renting for a week or more usually offers the best per-day savings. The weekly golf cart rental fee often gives you a big discount compared to booking seven single days.
Type and Size of the Cart
Not all golf carts are the same. Bigger, fancier carts cost more to rent.
- Standard 4-Seater Carts: These are the most common. Expect the 4 seater golf cart rental cost to be the baseline for comparison.
- 6-Seater Carts or Stretch Carts: These larger models cost more because they are harder to store and use more energy.
- Utility Carts: Carts with beds for carrying things might have a slightly higher rate than passenger carts.
- Electric vs. Gas: Most modern rentals are electric. The electric golf cart rental price is usually predictable, but if you find a gas-powered cart, fuel costs might be separate.
Cart Features and Age
Newer carts with better features (like fancy sound systems, lifted suspension, or better batteries) will push the price up. Older, basic models are usually cheaper.
Deciphering Daily Golf Cart Rental Price Structures
Most rental companies focus on daily, multi-day, and weekly rates. Here is a typical breakdown of what you might see when asking about the cost to rent a golf cart for a day.
Hourly Rentals (Short Term)
If you only need the cart for a few hours, hourly rates apply.
| Duration | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | \$25 – \$45 | Good for quick errands. |
| 2 Hours | \$40 – \$65 | Standard short-term rate. |
| 3 Hours | \$55 – \$85 | Usually caps out before the daily rate becomes cheaper. |
Tip: Always check if the rental company offers a “half-day” rate, as that might be cheaper than three hours.
Daily Rentals
The daily golf cart rental price is often the most flexible option.
- Standard Day Rate (e.g., 8 or 24 hours): \$75 to \$150 per day for a basic 4-seater.
- Peak Season Surge: During busy holidays, this rate can jump by 20% to 40%.
If you rent for two days, the company might offer a small discount, making the second day slightly cheaper than the first.
Multi-Day and Weekly Fees
This is where you find the real savings on your golf cart hire cost.
- 3-Day Rental: You might save 10% off the total daily price.
- Weekly Rental: Expect discounts of 20% to 30% off the standard daily rate multiplied by seven. This brings the effective per-day cost much lower. A standard \$100/day cart might cost only \$450 for the week.
The Role of Cart Type in Pricing
The size of your group directly impacts the 4 seater golf cart rental cost versus a six-seater.
4-Seater Electric Cart Pricing
This is the benchmark. These carts are easy to charge and operate.
- Average Daily Cost: \$80 – \$120
- Average Weekly Cost: \$400 – \$600
6-Seater (Stretch) Cart Pricing
These are heavier and require more battery power. They are perfect for large families but come at a premium.
- Average Daily Cost: \$110 – \$175
- Average Weekly Cost: \$550 – \$850
Specialty Carts (Lifted, Custom, or Utility)
If you want a cart that looks cool or can haul equipment, expect higher golf cart rental rates. These often carry insurance risks for the rental company, justifying a higher price.
Grasping Rental Inclusions and Hidden Fees
The initial quote you see is rarely the final price. Several extra costs can quickly increase your golf cart rental pricing structure.
Insurance and Liability Waivers
Most rental companies require you to purchase insurance or sign a liability waiver.
- Waiver Cost: Usually \$5 to \$15 per day. This limits your financial responsibility if the cart is damaged or stolen. Read this part carefully!
The Golf Cart Rental Deposit
A golf cart rental deposit is standard practice. This is a hold placed on your credit card, not a fee you pay upfront (unless you cause damage).
- Typical Deposit Amount: \$100 to \$500.
- When It’s Returned: This amount is released back to you once the cart is returned undamaged and on time. If you are late or cause damage, the company keeps some or all of the deposit.
Delivery and Pickup Fees
If you are staying at a private home or a resort far from the rental shop, they might charge a fee to bring the cart to you and pick it up later.
- Delivery Fee: Can range from \$20 to \$75 depending on distance.
Charging Considerations (Electric Carts)
When renting an electric golf cart rental price, make sure you know about charging.
- Standard: The cart usually comes fully charged, and you are responsible for charging it daily.
- Extra Batteries: Some long-term rentals might charge extra if you want an extra battery pack included.
Comparing Costs: Daily vs. Weekly Rentals
To really save money, you must look at the long-term costs. Short trips should be charged hourly or daily, but longer trips demand a weekly rate.
Let’s compare hypothetical costs for a standard 4-seater cart:
| Rental Period | Calculation Example | Estimated Total Cost | Savings Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days (Daily Rate) | 5 days @ \$100/day | \$500 | Less flexible pricing. |
| 1 Week (Weekly Rate) | 1 week @ \$550 flat | \$550 | Higher initial cost, but allows use for 7 days. |
| 4 Days (Daily Rate) | 4 days @ \$100/day | \$400 | Best for short, fixed trips. |
If you need the cart for exactly four days, stick to the daily rate. If you might need it for an extra day, booking the weekly rate upfront might be cheaper than paying the fifth day at the higher daily price.
Tips for Getting the Best Golf Cart Hire Cost
Finding a good deal requires smart planning and a bit of negotiation, especially in slower seasons.
Book in Advance, Especially for Peak Times
Popular rental areas sell out quickly during spring break or summer weekends. Booking weeks or months early locks in the current golf cart rental rates before any potential price hikes.
Inquire About Package Deals
Some companies bundle services to make the deal look better. Ask if they offer discounts for:
- Extended Rentals: A 5-day rental might be priced the same as a 4-day rental.
- Multi-Cart Rentals: If your whole family needs two or three carts, ask for a volume discount.
- Bundled with Accommodations: If you rent the cart through your hotel or condo association, they often have a pre-negotiated, lower rate.
Check Out Local, Independent Shops
Large national chains might have fixed, high prices. Small, local operators often have more flexibility in their golf cart rental pricing structure and may negotiate better deals, especially if you pay cash.
Inspect the Cart Before Accepting It
Thoroughly check the cart’s condition—brakes, lights, tires, and battery level—before you sign the paperwork. Note any existing scratches or damage. This protects your golf cart rental deposit.
Ask About Mileage Limits
Some long-term rentals place limits on how far you can drive the cart. Exceeding this limit can incur a per-mile surcharge, suddenly increasing your total weekly golf cart rental fee.
Fathoming the Costs of Different Power Sources
While most modern rentals use batteries, it is useful to know the general comparison between electric golf cart rental price options.
Electric Carts (The Standard)
- Pros: Quiet, zero emissions, cheap to run (electricity is cheap).
- Cons: Limited range (usually 20-40 miles per charge), requires overnight charging time.
- Cost Impact: Predictable pricing; fuel costs are nonexistent for the renter.
Gas Carts (Less Common for Rentals)
- Pros: Longer range, quick refueling time.
- Cons: Noisier, require gas, require more maintenance.
- Cost Impact: The rental price might be slightly lower, but you will almost certainly be responsible for buying the fuel you use. Ensure you know the tank size and current gas prices.
Rental Requirements and Legal Aspects
Before you worry too much about the golf cart hourly rental rate, make sure you meet the legal criteria to rent one.
Driver’s License Requirements
In almost every state or municipality that allows golf cart road use, the driver must have a valid driver’s license. Companies will check this first. If you are under 21, some companies may refuse to rent to you, regardless of your ability to pay the daily golf cart rental price.
Age Restrictions
Most companies set a minimum age for the primary renter, usually 21 or 25 years old.
Registration and Permits
In areas where golf carts can drive on public roads (like certain beach communities), the rental company is usually responsible for ensuring the cart is properly registered and insured for road use. Always confirm that the cart you rent is street-legal if you plan to leave the resort property.
Detailed Comparison of 4 Seater Golf Cart Rental Cost Scenarios
To illustrate how the golf cart rental rates fluctuate, here are three common rental scenarios based on location type:
Scenario 1: Quiet Beach Town (Off-Season Rental)
- Goal: Renting a 4-seater for 3 days of sightseeing.
- Base Daily Rate: \$80
- Insurance Waiver: \$10/day
- Total Daily Cost: \$90
- Total Cost (3 Days): \$270 + Deposit
Scenario 2: Major Tourist Destination (Peak Season Rental)
- Goal: Renting a 4-seater for a full week.
- Base Weekly Rate: \$650 (reflecting high demand)
- Insurance Waiver: Included in the package rate (or \$15/day = \$105 total)
- Delivery Fee: \$30 (Resort location)
- Total Cost: \$650 + \$105 + \$30 = \$785 + Deposit
This shows how peak season can push the weekly golf cart rental fee significantly higher than the off-season rate.
Scenario 3: Corporate Event Rental (Short Term, Multiple Carts)
- Goal: Renting two 6-seater carts for an 8-hour event day.
- Hourly Rate (per cart): \$35/hour (x 8 hours = \$280 per cart)
- Total for Two Carts: \$560
- Volume Discount: 10% off total.
- Total Cost: \$504 + Deposit
When renting for specific events, the golf cart hourly rental structure is often the most practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Cart Rentals
What is the standard golf cart rental deposit?
The typical golf cart rental deposit ranges from \$100 to \$500. This is usually held on your credit card and returned once the cart is checked back in without damage.
Can I rent a golf cart without a driver’s license?
In most places that permit golf carts on public roads, the primary driver must possess a valid driver’s license. Rental companies strictly enforce this for insurance and legal reasons.
Is the electric golf cart rental price all-inclusive?
No. Always check what is included. Often, insurance waivers, delivery fees, and taxes are separate from the base electric golf cart rental price.
How much does it cost to rent a golf cart for a day during a holiday weekend?
During high-demand holidays, expect the cost to rent a golf cart for a day to be 25% to 50% higher than the standard weekday rate, often pushing a \$100 cart closer to \$150 per day.
Are there better deals for a weekly golf cart rental fee?
Yes. Weekly rates almost always provide the lowest cost per day compared to daily or hourly bookings. This is the best way to reduce your overall golf cart hire cost for longer stays.
What affects the 4 seater golf cart rental cost most?
Location (tourist zone vs. local area) and the season (peak vs. off-peak) have the largest impact on the 4 seater golf cart rental cost, followed by the required duration of the rental.