Where to rent a golf cart and what it costs
Golf cart rentals come from three main sources: golf courses themselves, dedicated rental shops in resort or vacation areas, and peer-to-peer platforms like Turo (which lists golf carts alongside cars). Golf courses typically rent carts by the hour or round—usually $15 to $25 per round or $8 to $15 per hour—but only if you're playing on their course. Standalone rental shops in tourist destinations charge $40 to $100 per day, depending on the cart model and location. Peer-to-peer rentals vary widely but often run $50 to $150 per day in popular areas.
The type of cart affects price. A basic four-seat cart costs less than a six-seat model or a lifted cart with custom wheels. Electric carts rent cheaper than gas-powered ones in most places, partly because they have lower operating costs. Some rental shops charge extra for delivery to your hotel or rental property, typically $25 to $50 each way.
Insurance and damage deposits are separate from the rental rate. Most shops require a credit card hold of $200 to $500 as a damage deposit, which they release if you return the cart in good condition. Damage waivers—which cover minor dents and scratches—cost $10 to $25 per day and are optional but worth considering if you're unfamiliar with driving a cart.
Key Takeaways
- Golf courses rent carts only to players on their course, while rental shops and peer-to-peer platforms rent to anyone and charge by the day or hour.
- Daily rates range from $40 to $100 at dedicated rental shops, with gas carts costing more than electric ones in most markets.
- You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card for a damage deposit, which typically ranges from $200 to $500.
- Damage waivers cost $10 to $25 per day and cover minor wear; without one, you pay for any dents, scratches, or mechanical damage out of pocket.
- Delivery fees, mileage limits, and fuel charges vary by rental shop, so confirm all costs before you book.
What you need to bring and what rental shops will ask
Every rental shop requires a valid driver's license—most accept U.S., Canadian, or international licenses. You'll also need a credit card in your name to place the damage deposit hold. Some shops ask for a second form of ID, particularly if you're renting from a peer-to-peer platform.
Rental shops will ask your age (some have minimum age requirements, typically 18 or 21), where you plan to drive the cart, and how many people will be riding. Be honest about the number of passengers—overloading a cart can damage it and may void your rental agreement. If you're renting through a peer-to-peer platform, the owner may ask about your driving experience or request references from previous rentals.
You won't need a special license to drive a golf cart on private property or golf courses. On public roads, the rules vary by state and county. Some places allow golf carts on roads with speed limits under 35 mph; others restrict them to designated paths. Ask the rental shop which roads are legal in your area—they know the local rules and won't rent you a cart you can't legally drive.
How to book a golf cart rental
Start by searching "golf cart rental near [your location]" to find shops within a reasonable distance. Call or visit their website to check availability for your dates, confirm the daily rate, and ask about any add-on fees. Many shops require a deposit or prepayment to hold your reservation, especially during peak season (summer and holidays).
When you book, confirm the pickup and drop-off times, whether fuel is included, and what happens if you return the cart late. Some shops charge an hourly overage fee ($10 to $20 per hour) if you miss the return window. Ask whether the rate includes a full tank of gas or if you pay for fuel separately—some shops charge you for a full tank upfront, while others ask you to return it full.
If you're booking through a peer-to-peer platform, read the owner's cancellation policy and damage terms carefully. These vary widely and are harder to negotiate than rental shop policies. Check whether the quoted price includes insurance or if you need to purchase it separately through the platform.
Fuel, mileage, and operating costs you should know about
Most rental shops include fuel in the daily rate for electric carts, since charging is cheap. For gas carts, policies vary: some include a full tank and ask you to return it full; others charge you for fuel separately at a per-gallon rate, usually $4 to $6 per gallon (higher than pump prices because it's a convenience charge).
Mileage limits are common with peer-to-peer rentals but rare with rental shops. If there is a mileage cap—say, 50 miles per day—overage charges typically run $0.25 to $0.50 per mile. Ask about this before you book if you plan to drive more than a few miles.
Golf carts are slow and inefficient on long drives. An electric cart travels 30 to 40 miles on a full charge; a gas cart gets 40 to 60 miles per tank. If you need to cover more than 20 miles in a day, confirm the cart can make the trip and ask where you can refuel or recharge. In remote areas, this may not be possible.
Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if something breaks
Your personal auto insurance almost certainly does not cover a rented golf cart. Rental shops offer damage waivers—typically $10 to $25 per day—that cover dents, scratches, and minor mechanical damage. Without a waiver, you pay for repairs out of pocket, which can run $500 to $2,000 for serious damage like a cracked frame or engine failure.
Damage waivers usually have a deductible of $250 to $500, meaning you still pay that amount if damage occurs. Some waivers exclude certain damage—like windshield cracks or tire punctures—so read the fine print. If you're renting through a peer-to-peer platform, the owner's insurance may or may not cover damage; check the platform's policy before you book.
If the cart breaks down during your rental, call the rental shop when ready. Most shops will send a replacement or arrange a pickup at no extra charge if the breakdown is not your fault. If you caused the damage—say, by driving into a ditch—you'll pay for repairs whether or not you bought a damage waiver.
Rules for where you can drive a golf cart
Golf carts are legal on private property without restriction. On public roads, the rules depend on your state and county. Most states allow golf carts on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower, but some require a special license plate or registration. A few states ban them from public roads entirely.
Rental shops in areas where carts are legal on public roads will tell you which roads are safe and which are off-limits. In resort areas like Hilton Head or Scottsdale, golf carts are common on public streets and have designated lanes. In other places, they're restricted to private roads and golf courses. Driving a cart illegally can result in a fine and impoundment.
Always wear a seatbelt if the cart has one, and never exceed the cart's speed limit—most top out at 12 to 14 mph. Carts have poor visibility and no airbags, so defensive driving matters more than with a car. If you're unfamiliar with the area, ask the rental shop for a map of legal routes.
Comparing rental shops, peer-to-peer platforms, and golf courses
| Rental Source | Best For | Typical Daily Cost | Booking Process | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf course | Playing a round | $15–$25 per round | Call or book online | Only available to course players |
| Rental shop | Day or weekend trips | $40–$100 per day | Call or website | Limited availability in off-season |
| Peer-to-peer (Turo, etc.) | Flexible scheduling | $50–$150 per day | Online platform | Variable insurance and damage terms |
Rental shops are the most straightforward option if you're in a tourist area with established cart rental businesses. They have standard policies, clear pricing, and staff who know local rules. Peer-to-peer platforms offer more flexibility and sometimes lower prices, but you're dealing with individual owners whose policies vary widely.
Golf courses are the cheapest option if you're playing, but they won't rent to non-players. If you want to explore a resort or neighborhood by cart without golfing, a rental shop or peer-to-peer platform is your only choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to drive a golf cart?
No special license is required on private property or golf courses. On public roads, it depends on your state and county—some allow carts on roads with speed limits under 35 mph, while others ban them entirely. Ask the rental shop which roads are legal in your area before you pick up the cart.
What happens if I return the cart late?
Most rental shops charge an hourly overage fee, typically $10 to $20 per hour, if you miss the return window. Some shops charge a flat fee for being a few minutes late. Confirm the late-return policy when you book so you know what to expect.
Can I rent a golf cart if I don't have a credit card?
Most rental shops require a credit card for the damage deposit hold. Some may accept a debit card or cash deposit, but this is rare. Call ahead to ask about payment options if you don't have a credit card.
Is the damage waiver worth buying?
A damage waiver costs $10 to $25 per day and covers dents, scratches, and minor repairs. If you're unfamiliar with driving a cart or renting in a crowded area, it's worth the cost. If you're confident in your driving and renting in a quiet area, you might skip it and take the risk.
What if the rental cart runs out of battery or fuel during my trip?
Electric carts travel 30 to 40 miles per charge; gas carts get 40 to 60 miles per tank. Plan your route accordingly and ask the rental shop where you can recharge or refuel. If you run out, call the shop and they'll usually send a replacement or arrange a pickup at no extra charge.