Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Lexington
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Lexington
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Lexington
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Lexington
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.
Lexington offers a blend of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially for destinations outside the city centre.
Access Horse Country. Lexington is the 'Horse Capital of the World,' and many horse farms and attractions are best reached by car. A rental allows you to visit these iconic locations easily.
Explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. With distilleries scattered throughout the region, a car provides the flexibility to visit multiple locations on your own schedule.
Visit Historical Sites. Lexington is rich in history, with sites like Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, and the Mary Todd Lincoln House. A car makes it easy to explore these significant landmarks.
Flexibility and Convenience. A rental car offers comfort and convenience, especially for families or those with luggage. It allows you to travel on your own schedule and customise your itinerary.
Before renting a car in Lexington, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driver's license, and understand the rental company's policies on insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel. Be aware of potential additional fees for young drivers or extra services.
Area
285.5 square miles (739.4 square kilometres)
Population
Approximately 320,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Exploring horse farms and bourbon distilleries
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Lexington 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. A passport may also be required.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) are available. A security deposit is usually required, held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, optional add-ons like GPS navigation, and child safety seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $36 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (May to September): Demand increases, with prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Discounts are often available
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, select a vehicle, and review rental terms to avoid unexpected issues. Booking in advance can help secure better rates, particularly during peak seasons. Ensure you have your driver's license, credit card, and identification for vehicle pick-up.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals based on your dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, such as an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure 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 vehicle.
Lexington is a vibrant city known for its horse farms, bourbon distilleries, and historical sites. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the surrounding areas, but familiarity with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel access is essential, especially when venturing outside the city centre.
As the 'Horse Capital of the World,' Lexington offers unique attractions and experiences. While Lexington has public transport, a rental car is a practical option if you plan to visit attractions outside the city. However, driving within Lexington requires awareness of traffic, parking, and local regulations. Before you drive, review local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking to ensure a smooth and stress-free visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kentucky Horse Park
A working horse farm and equine theme park showcasing various breeds and disciplines.
Keeneland Race Course
A historic horse racing track known for its scenic beauty and significant races.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
The former home of statesman Henry Clay, offering tours and insights into 19th-century life.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use garages in downtown Lexington for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities and public transportation to access downtown Lexington.
Gas Stations in Lexington
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are readily available throughout Lexington and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Look for brands such as Shell, Marathon, and BP.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Lexington
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) when roads can be congested.
Be Aware of Pedestrians
Stay alert for pedestrians, especially in downtown Lexington and near the University of Kentucky.
Use GPS Navigation
Utilise GPS navigation to find the best routes and avoid traffic delays.
Check for Local Events
Be aware of local events and festivals that may affect traffic and parking.
Major Bus Stations
Lexington Transit Center
Located downtown, serves as the primary hub for the city's bus system, LexTran.
Airports
Blue Grass Airport (LEX)
Located a few miles west of Lexington, offering flights to various domestic destinations.
Renting a car in the United States is generally straightforward, but you'll need to meet several requirements. Here's what you'll need.
If you're from the United States, your standard driver’s license is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required, particularly for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Lexington 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.
Lexington was lovely, exploring the historic district was a highlight. The distillery tour was a bit underwhelming, though.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 28.06.2025
Wonderful weekend getaway! Having a car made getting around so easy. Loved the horse farms and downtown.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Lexington lived up to the hype, though the food scene was a bit underwhelming. Glad I had a car to explore though!
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
So glad I returned to Lexington after all these years! Exploring with my rental car was a breeze.
David Lee
Reviewed: 06.02.2025
Lexington exceeded expectations! Heard great things, and it was even better. Having a car made exploring so easy.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 31.05.2025
Lexington was fantastic! A perfect weekend exploring the city; having a car made everything so convenient.
Christopher Miller
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Low-key cool place
Kevin Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Lexington in summer was great, exploring the horse farms. The bourbon trail was busy though.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
Lexington was fun; the brewery scene was a little limited, but otherwise great.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 06.05.2025
Busy trip, but Lexington was efficient and charming. Having a car was perfect.
Ethan Clark
Reviewed: 09.03.2025
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Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 29.07.2025