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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Carbondale
Carbondale
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Carbondale
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Carbondale
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Carbondale
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Carbondale?
Carbondale, Illinois, nestled in the heart of Southern Illinois, offers a blend of natural beauty and local attractions best explored with the freedom of a rental car. While public transport is available, a car allows you to experience the region at your own pace.
Explore Giant City State Park. A rental car provides easy access to the stunning hiking trails and unique rock formations of Giant City State Park, a must-see natural attraction just a short drive from Carbondale.
Discover Local Wineries. Southern Illinois is home to several award-winning wineries. With a rental car, you can enjoy wine tasting tours without worrying about transportation.
Visit SIU Carbondale. If you're visiting Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a rental car simplifies getting to and from campus, local restaurants, and other attractions.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Carbondale
Before booking a rental car in Carbondale, it’s important to understand the rental terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
36.25 square kilometres (14 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 25,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT)
Ideal for
Exploring Southern Illinois attractions
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during weekday mornings and evenings
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Carbondale require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with the same amount of fuel as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems.
Car Rental Prices in Carbondale – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $32 / €28
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €70
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €33
SUV:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Carbondale?
Booking a car in Carbondale involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth rental experience. From comparing prices to understanding the rental terms, here’s what you need to do.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Carbondale.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the surrounding areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Carbondale
Carbondale is a vibrant city in Southern Illinois, offering a mix of cultural and natural attractions. Having a car allows you to experience the region fully.
Carbondale is known for its proximity to Southern Illinois University and its access to outdoor adventures. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore nearby state parks, wineries, and scenic routes. While the city is relatively easy to navigate, understanding local traffic and parking regulations ensures a hassle-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Giant City State Park
Explore the unique rock formations and scenic hiking trails.
Shawnee National Forest
Discover the natural beauty of Southern Illinois with hiking and camping.
Local Wineries
Enjoy wine tasting tours at nearby vineyards.
Where to Find Parking
SIU Arena Parking
Ample parking available, especially during events.
Downtown Carbondale
Metered parking is available on the streets.
Public Parking Lots
Several public parking lots offer hourly and daily rates.
Gas Stations in Carbondale
Major Brands
Find petrol stations from brands like Shell, Mobil, and Marathon along Route 13 and Main Street.
24-Hour Stations
Some petrol stations are open 24 hours for your convenience.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or GasBuddy to find the nearest and cheapest petrol stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Carbondale
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of potential traffic during university events and rush hours.
Check Weather
Southern Illinois weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before heading out.
Explore Local Eateries
Discover a variety of local restaurants and cafes in downtown Carbondale.
Respect Local Laws
Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and regulations.
Key Transportation Hubs in Carbondale
Major Bus Stations
Carbondale Train and Bus Station
Serves as a hub for Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses, connecting Carbondale to various destinations.
Railway Stations
Carbondale Amtrak Station
Located downtown, providing rail services to Chicago and other major cities.
Airports
Williamson County Regional Airport (PWG)
Located about 15 miles southeast of Carbondale, offering regional flight services.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Carbondale?
Renting a car in Carbondale is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need.
If you're from the United States, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Carbondale as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Low-key, kinda chill
Jessica Jones
Reviewed: 27.09.2024
Relaxing, pretty chill.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 14.08.2025
Carbondale charmed me! Having a car made getting around so easy; I explored everything from the Redstone Castle to the local breweries. Such a fun trip!
Ashley Davis
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Summer in Carbondale was perfect! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful scenery.
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 26.10.2024
Loved Carbondale! Getting a car there was a breeze, and it made exploring the area so much easier. Beautiful scenery and charming town.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 09.04.2025
Carbondale was a great base for my coastal relaxation, though the coffee was underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 17.04.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Ethan Clark
Reviewed: 23.08.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Carbondale exceeded expectations! Cruising around in my rental was so convenient, exploring hidden gems was a breeze.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 29.08.2024
Exploring Carbondale with a rental car was effortless. Scenic drives and easy access to everything made it a perfect trip!
David Lee
Reviewed: 28.08.2024