Save up to 38%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.
Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.
Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
Pick-up location | Columbus |
---|---|
Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Premium, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
Rental locations | 44 |
Airport locations | 11 |
Popular agencies | Budget, Turo, Avis, Payless, Thrifty |
With regular rain and ice on the streets, a 4-wheel drive car is certainly a wise choice to make in Columbus. Depending on how much storage is needed, a smaller SUV or minivan are an appropriate choice which provide essential road grip while still being small enough to navigate through the city without problems.
Adhering to the posted speed limit is paramount when driving through Columbus. If there is no sign posted, the general speed limits are as follows: 15 mph in alleys, 20 mph in school areas, 25 mph in residential areas, up to 65 mph on interstates, and up to 70 mph on rural freeways. Don’t forget to adapt the speed to the weather and road conditions.
Street parking as well as garages and public parking lots are available in Columbus. Street parking, especially in the downtown area, is usually metered, so check the time and weekday restrictions at the posted sign. Parking garages such as Lot 005 or LeVeque Tower Garage, for example, offer daily or even monthly parking opportunities for a reasonable charge and are centrally located.
On average a rental car in Columbus costs $66 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Columbus found in the last 2 weeks is $45.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Columbus are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.5, 74 reviews), Hertz (7.5, 83 reviews), and Thrifty (7.0, 57 reviews).
The average gas price in Columbus is $3.93 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $63, depending on the car size.
Economy (Chevrolet Sonic Sedan or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Columbus.
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
An Economy car rental in Columbus costs $34 per day, on average.
A Mini car rental in Columbus costs $35 per day, on average.
A Standard car rental in Columbus costs $36 per day, on average.
On average a rental car in Columbus costs $461 per week ($66 per day).
On average a rental car in Columbus costs $1,975 per month ($66 per day).
Most car rental providers in Columbus offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Columbus, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 12 car rental agencies in Columbus.
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Columbus so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
While driving your cheap rental car in Columbus, you must keep an eye out for school, work, hospital zones, and residential areas. When driving in the first three zones, you must maintain a speed not more than20mph, while in residential areas, you must maintain a speed not more than 25mph. If you're caught speeding in any of these zones, you'll be fined upwards of $150.
If you'd like to park your rental car in downtown Columbus, you can do so with ease, given that this part of the city is home to several parking garages. Some notable parking spots in Downtown Columbus include LeVeque Tower Garage on North Front Street, Blue Garage on South 6th Street, and Columbus Commons Garage, on East Rich Street.
11 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1026 Goodale Blvd
+1 614 297 7353
1733 W 5th Ave
+1 614 488 7996
2160 W Case Rd
+1 614 798 9696
3161 W Broad St
+1 614 279 2577
3245 Morse Rd
+1 614 476 1111
4106 International Gateway
+1 844 913 0741
4233 Eastland Square Dr
+1 614 836 2500
475 East Livingston
+1 614 621 8899
57 Lazelle Rd E
+1 614 880 1198
5801 Karl Rd
+1 614 781 5400
6841 Flags Center Dr
+1 614 895 0000
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
I booked a car rental for the Columbus Airport. When I arrived at the Enterprise desk, they told me my rental was across town. I asked for help to get across town or get the car to me (no longer an enterprise offering), but the desk clerk basically said "nope, you're on your own". Kayak also provided no additional help. I rented from Avis desk, don't know why I would use Kayak againCons:
Having the car available where I landed9.2 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
The tahoe we reserved was not available. The assistant manager Chris offered us a minivan for much less than the tahoe. It worked great for our trip.Cons:
The windshield was not clean. Had smears on it2.0 Poor
Oct 2020
Pros:
No. I was sent back and forth and one manager openly derided one of his coworkers.Cons:
They could work as a single unit. It seemed like I was dealing with two separate companies.6.4 Okay
Aug 2020
Pros:
People were nice, even if not Covid-19 safe.Cons:
Had to check at three different rental car checkpoints before finding someone with the Enterprise group that could give us our rental car. Person who got our car wasn’t wearing a Covid-19 mask over her nose, and I had to touch the computer to finish. Lastly, the Ford we rented had a terrible navigation and audio interface, both of which were dangerous to use.4.0 Mediocre
Jul 2020
Pros:
Car was filthy with a horrible cigarette smell. Could not even drive it.One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 844 913 0739
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Apr 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
6.0 Okay
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff did a very nice jobCons:
Car had been smoked in The odor became overwhelming during the rental10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
Pick up and drop off were very easy.6.0 Okay
Oct 2020
Pros:
I was not given clear direction to where to go pick up. I was in the garage for over 20min looking. After locating a person he pointed me to a vehicle that didnt have any keys... frustrated at this point i walk back to the booth and demand they get the van and bring it. That took forever.Cons:
Have an attendant on hand. It SHOULD NEVER BE THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND THE VEHICLE9 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1090 A South Hamilton Rd
+1 614 238 1623
1355 W Mound St
+1 614 221 3000
1535 Georgesville Road
+1 614 351 1570
2361 Morse Road
+1 614 476 6847
2455 Billingsley Rd
+1 614 793 3100
2496 Scarborough Blvd
+1 614 759 7285
4106 International Gateway
+1 614 239 1084
4430 Westerville Rd
+1 614 476 6847
8832 Commerce Loop Drive
+1 614 840 1758
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Dec 2021
4.0 Mediocre
Dec 2021
8.0 Very good
Nov 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2021
8.0 Very good
Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff didn't seem overly friendly but were helpful enough. They failed to mention their return method at this location which caused a little confusion when I returned the car.Cons:
I felt that they should have clearly explained their return method (or at least mentioned it).10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Ended up getting a very nice upgrade for no additional charge due to limited availabilityOne location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 614 239 1084
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was not there at the time of my pick up no help on the phone when I called dollar corporate services. Staff was late opening on the second day when I went back to get my car. Not wearing facemask. Very bad experience!Cons:
Communications between dollar rental and carrentals.com, through who I made my reservation. More punctual and professional help both at the counter in person as well as online is needed.2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nothing. They closed before 6 pm, my flight was late. No car to pick up. Rip-off.Cons:
They could make provisions for early evening pickup. Ie 6 pm2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
We made a “reservation” for a Suburban. When we got there all they had left was a little 4 door car. We have 7 people in our family so that wouldn’t work. The man working was nice enough, but he told us when you reserve with a lower cost rental company it’s hit or miss. Sometimes you get what you want, and sometimes you don’t. He showed us a long list of people he had to call to tell them they didn’t have any cars available. I would not recommend renting from Dollar because there NO GUARANTEE that you’ll get what you reserve, or any car for that matter!2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
They should have notified us that they close at 2pm and that, they would not be able to rent us a car. Their sign says go upstairs to the 2nd floor and someone will help you. Then upstairs it says we close at 2pm. So we had to pay double what our original reservation was and book with Hertz there on the spot.2.0 Poor
Feb 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
I booked a car at 7 pm. I reached at 7:30pm. Noone was there .2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Pros:
didn't pick up car - mom got corona 2 days before christmas and was unable to cancel. thanks priceline, won't be going through you anymore.Cons:
not going through pricelineOne location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 614 239 1084
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Whole process smoothCons:
Line at desk to check car out10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
easiest/fastest rental and return I have ever had!Cons:
nothing2.0 Poor
Oct 2020
Cons:
There was no refund on the rental, even though the charge was fraudulent. It caused me to have to manage the situation with my bank.5.2 Fair
Sep 2020
Pros:
Car was ok----Ford Eco SportCons:
The Thrifty location was farthest from terminal. The staff was occupied with one customer. The wait was long. The attendant did not know how to open the back of SUV. Therebwas no one there when the car was returned---not a single person and they were aware fo when I was returning. Thrify is cheap for a reason!2.0 Poor
Aug 2020
Cons:
If I would hv got my car. Putting my money back in my account. Trying to get them back on the phone.2.0 Poor
Aug 2020
Cons:
I never got the rental. I got to the airport and they stated I needed a major credit card. I canceled the rental car and You still kept my money. I want that taken off my debit card asap7 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1030 West 3rd Avenue
+1 614 737 5400
104 East Long Street
+1 614 228 1058
240 South Hamilton Road
+1 614 863 7500
4106 International Gateway
+1 380 867 0247
4621 West Broad Street
+1 614 870 2200
4810 Sawmill Road
+1 614 451 7699
6060 Busch Boulevard
+1 614 431 2025
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
8.0 Very good
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
Mar 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
7 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1030 West 3rd Avenue
+1 614 299 0964
104 East Long Street
+1 614 224 4259
240 South Hamilton Road
+1 614 577 0657
4106 International Gateway
+1 380 867 0002
4621 West Broad Street
+1 614 851 0508
4810 Sawmill Road
+1 614 538 0488
6060 Busch Boulevard
+1 614 436 3218
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Mar 2024
8.0 Very good
Jan 2024
2.0 Poor
Nov 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
4.4 Mediocre
Oct 2019
Pros:
Drop off was easy.Cons:
It took a long time to pick up the car (40 minutes) even though there was only one person in front of me in line. The cars weren't ready. I had absolutely no choice, and the car was not what I had ordered. It was really flashy--something I did not want at all as a woman travelling alone.10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
I made a reservation for a big car but it wasn’t quite large enough for what I needed, when I went back to see if I could upgrade to a bigger one, they changed the paperwork and within a few minutes for no charge, I had a bigger car ready to go! Thanks again!!Cons:
Directions into the rental car pickup/dropoff locations in the airport. It was a little confusing and took us a while for figure outOne location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 380 867 0978
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Mar 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
1.9 Poor
Jul 2021
8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
The drop off went very smoothly and efficiently.Cons:
It was extremely difficult to find the Payless pick up counter. There was no signage for Payless indicating where I should go. I had to ask a family member to do some research while I wandered around. She discovered that Avis bought Budget and Payless so I went to the Avis/Budget counter. There was a small Payless sign behind the Budget counter. Definitely frustrating.One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 844 913 0740
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Aug 2020
Cons:
Poorest management and the stuff needs more training3.2 Poor
Jun 2020
Cons:
I reserved a Tahoe or equivalent but they gave me a Tacome truck with less space. The wait to check in and get vehicle was over an hour wait. The truck was dirty: the previous user had a dog in it and there was hair everywhere. The window have finger smudges on all of them and there was fish scales in the tail bed. I was definitely a lack luster experience.10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and the drop off super easy6.0 Okay
Jul 2019
Pros:
Staff was definitely friendly and welcoming and made the entire process effortlessCons:
The car absolutely reeked of cigarette smoke. When choosing the SUV, I had only a few options, and I entered two different ones, both reeking. I just had to choose one and go with it, clearly keeping the windows down during all three days (despite the heatwave). The smell did not go away!5.6 Fair
Apr 2019
Pros:
Friendly staff, easy pickup/ drop offCons:
Smoky car! Gross.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2016
Pros:
No wait, clean car, easy access coming and going.One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1629, Lockbourne Rd
+1 844 543 7332
1749, E Columbus St
+1 844 543 7332
20, S Third street Suite 210
+1 844 543 7332
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
Filters
No reviews available