Golf cart rentals are available through resort courses, dedicated rental shops, and some vacation property managers, with daily rates typically ranging from $50 to $150 depending on location and cart type.
Golf cart rentals work differently than car rentals because most are tied to a specific location — a golf course, resort, or gated community — rather than a fleet you can pick up and drop off anywhere. You reserve through the course or rental operator directly, show up with a valid driver's license, and drive the cart within their permitted area. Some vacation destinations and retirement communities also rent carts to visitors who want short-term transportation around town.
The rental period is usually measured in hours or days rather than weeks. A nine-hole round might include cart rental in the green fee, while a full day's rental (typically eight hours) costs $40 to $100 depending on whether it's a basic two-seater or a newer model with upgraded features. Peak season, location, and cart condition all affect the price.
Key Takeaways
- Golf courses almost always include cart rental in the green fee for 18 holes, so you pay one price for both the round and the cart.
- Standalone cart rentals outside a golf setting are most common in resort towns and retirement communities, where you rent by the hour or day for local transportation.
- You need a valid driver's license to rent, and most operators require you to stay on designated paths and return the cart by a set time.
- Damage deposits or damage waivers are standard; read the terms carefully because you may be charged for dents, battery issues, or mechanical problems.
Golf course cart rentals included in your green fee
When you pay to play 18 holes at a public or semi-private course, the cart rental is almost always built into the green fee. You do not pay separately. The course assigns you a cart when you check in, you drive it for your round, and you return it to the cart barn when you finish. If you want to walk instead, some courses offer a walking rate that is $10 to $20 lower than the riding rate.
Nine-hole courses sometimes let you rent a cart without playing golf — typically for $20 to $40 for a few hours — if you want to ride around the property or use it to reach a restaurant or pro shop. Call ahead to ask whether this is an option, because not all courses allow it.
Hourly and daily rentals in resort and retirement communities
In vacation destinations like Florida, Arizona, and the Carolinas, and in large retirement communities, you can rent a golf cart by the hour or day for general transportation around town or the property. These rentals are usually arranged through a dedicated rental shop, the resort's front desk, or a property management office. Rates run $30 to $60 per hour or $60 to $150 per day, depending on the cart model and how busy the location is.
Most of these rentals come with a designated service area — you can drive within the community or a defined neighborhood, but not on highways or outside city limits. The operator will explain the boundaries when you pick up the cart. You typically need to return it by evening or by a set time the next day, and you pay extra if you keep it longer.
What you need to bring and what deposits cost
You will need a valid driver's license — a state ID, passport, or international driving permit works if you are visiting from abroad. Some operators ask for a credit card to hold on file in case of damage or late return, though they do not charge it unless something goes wrong. A few require a cash deposit upfront, usually $50 to $200, which you get back when you return the cart undamaged.
Ask about damage waivers when you rent. For $10 to $20 extra per day, you can buy coverage that caps your liability for dents, scratches, or mechanical issues. Without it, you could be charged $100 to $500 for damage that seems minor to you but counts as wear-and-tear the operator has to fix. Read the damage terms before you sign — some operators charge for any damage at all, while others only charge for damage that affects how the cart runs.
Battery charge, fuel, and mechanical issues
Most golf carts run on rechargeable batteries that last eight to ten hours of normal driving. If you rent for a full day, the operator will deliver it to you with a full charge. If the battery dies during your rental, call the rental shop and they will either bring you a replacement cart or come charge yours. You do not pay extra for this — it is part of the rental agreement.
Some older carts run on gasoline instead of batteries. If you rent a gas cart, it will come with a full tank and you return it full. If you return it empty or nearly empty, you will be charged for fuel at a rate higher than what you would pay at a pump — usually $5 to $10 per gallon. Check the fuel level when you pick up the cart and note it on the rental agreement so you are not charged for fuel that was already used.
If the cart breaks down while you are using it — steering problem, brake issue, or electrical failure — stop using it when ready and call the rental operator. They are responsible for mechanical problems that happen during normal use. Do not try to fix it yourself or keep driving it.
Insurance and liability when renting
Golf cart rentals are not covered by your car insurance because carts are not street-legal vehicles. The rental operator carries liability insurance that covers injury or property damage you cause while driving their cart, as long as you follow their rules and stay in the permitted area. If you hit a parked car, damage someone's property, or cause an accident, the operator's insurance handles it — you are not personally liable.
However, if you damage the cart itself, you are responsible for the repair cost unless you bought a damage waiver. This is why reading the damage terms matters. Some operators are strict about charging for any dent or scratch, while others only charge if the damage prevents the cart from running safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a golf cart if I do not have a driver's license?
No. A valid driver's license is required by law in every state. If you do not have one, you cannot rent. Some courses or rental shops may allow a licensed adult to rent the cart and let you ride as a passenger, but you cannot be the driver.
What happens if I return the cart late?
Most operators charge an hourly late fee, usually $15 to $30 per hour or a flat fee of $25 to $50 for being late. Call ahead if you think you will be late — some will extend your rental time at no charge if you ask in advance, while others will not. Check your rental agreement for the exact late policy.
Can I take a rented golf cart off the property or onto the highway?
No. Golf carts are not street-legal and cannot be driven on public roads or highways. Your rental agreement will specify the area where you can drive — usually a golf course, resort, or gated community. Driving outside that area voids your rental agreement and may result in extra charges or legal trouble.
Do I need to pay for gas or charging?
No. Battery-powered carts come fully charged and you return them charged. Gas carts come with a full tank and you return them full. If you return a gas cart on empty, you will be charged for fuel at the rental shop's rate, which is higher than pump prices. Battery carts that die during your rental are replaced or recharged at no cost to you.
What if the cart has a mechanical problem when I pick it up?
Tell the rental operator when ready before you drive it. They will note the problem on your agreement and either fix it, give you a different cart, or cancel the rental. Do not drive a cart with brake problems, steering issues, or electrical failures — report it right away.