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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Columbus
Columbus
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Columbus
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Columbus
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Columbus
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 Columbus?
Columbus is a vibrant city with diverse neighbourhoods, cultural attractions, and exciting events. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore Columbus and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Diverse Neighbourhoods. Columbus has unique neighbourhoods like the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Italian Village, each with its own charm. A rental car lets you easily hop between these areas and discover hidden gems.
Visit Top Attractions. From the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, many attractions are more accessible with a car. You can maximise your time and see more sights.
Day Trips Made Easy. Columbus is close to other interesting destinations like Hocking Hills State Park and the Ohio Amish Country. A rental car allows you to take spontaneous day trips and experience the natural beauty of Ohio.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Columbus
Before booking a rental car in Columbus, be sure to check the minimum age requirements, driver's licence regulations, insurance options, and any potential fees. Understanding these terms will help ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
225 square miles (583 square kilometres)
Population
Approximately 900,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Business and leisure travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Columbus require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English or displays non-Roman characters. A passport may also be required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals typically include basic insurance coverage. Additional options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLI) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements may offer unlimited mileage or restrict the number of miles allowed per day. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid refuelling charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS navigation, child seats, additional drivers, or one-way rentals.
Car Rental Prices in Columbus – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €13 per day
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 Columbus?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
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 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 licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Columbus
Columbus is a thriving city known for its friendly atmosphere, diverse culture, and burgeoning food scene. Exploring Columbus by car allows you to navigate its various districts and attractions with ease.
As the state capital of Ohio, Columbus is a city that blends urban excitement with Midwestern charm. It offers a wide array of attractions, including museums, parks, and entertainment venues. Renting a car provides the flexibility to discover hidden gems and experience all that Columbus has to offer. However, driving within Columbus requires awareness of local traffic patterns, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Top Attractions to Discover
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
A renowned zoo with diverse animal exhibits and family-friendly activities.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A beautiful conservatory featuring exotic plant collections and stunning gardens.
Short North Arts District
A vibrant neighbourhood known for its art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city-owned garages or private parking facilities for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available in many areas, but be aware of time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city to avoid downtown traffic.
Gas Stations in Columbus
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Speedway, Shell, and BP throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are typically located along major roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Columbus
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect heavier traffic during rush hours and near major events.
Utilize GPS Navigation
Use GPS navigation to avoid getting lost and to find the most efficient routes.
Be Aware of Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions to avoid tickets or towing.
Check Event Schedules
Check the local event calendar to avoid traffic congestion and parking challenges during major events.
Key Transportation Hubs in Columbus
Major Bus Stations
Greyhound Bus Station
Located in downtown Columbus, it provides intercity bus services to various destinations.
Railway Stations
Columbus Union Station
Serves as a major transportation hub, connecting Amtrak services to various cities.
Airports
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
The primary airport serving Columbus, offering domestic and international flights.
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
A cargo and military airport, with limited passenger flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Columbus?
Renting a car in Columbus is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to have the necessary documents and meet the basic requirements.
A valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Columbus 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.
Exploring Columbus was effortless; having a car made it so easy!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 05.04.2025
Getting around Columbus was a breeze, thanks to my rental. The city's vibrant energy was infectious!
David Lee
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
Meh. Kinda bland.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Solid, chill vibes.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 10.06.2025
Relaxing, low-key trip
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 18.09.2024
Family vacation in Columbus was great! We saw so much, exploring easily with our rental car. The zoo was a highlight, though the gift shop felt a bit overpriced.
Brianna Wilson
Reviewed: 13.10.2024
Pretty chill, overall
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.11.2024
Honestly, Columbus surprised me! Renting a car was a smart move; it made getting around so much easier. The museums were fantastic, though the Short North's vibe felt a little too hipster for me. Overall, a great trip.
Katherine Martinez
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Pretty low-key, actually.
Ava Smith
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Pretty chill city
Maya Thompson
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Pretty laid-back, really
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
Columbus lived up to the hype! So much history. The German Village was charming, though the food options there felt a bit limited.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 07.05.2025