Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Altoona
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Altoona
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Altoona
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Altoona
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.
Altoona offers a mix of attractions and natural beauty, but getting around efficiently requires a car. While public transport is available, it may not reach all the destinations you want to visit, especially outside the city centre.
Explore the Allegheny Mountains. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore scenic drives and hiking trails in the nearby Allegheny Mountains, which are difficult to access without personal transportation.
Visit Historic Sites. Altoona is home to various historic sites and museums. Having a car allows you to easily visit these attractions, such as the Railroaders Memorial Museum, without relying on public transport schedules.
Convenience for Families. If you're traveling with family or a group, a rental car provides the convenience of traveling together and carrying luggage and equipment without hassle.
Before booking a rental car in Altoona, be aware of the standard terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposits, and other essential information for a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 25.6 square kilometres (9.9 square miles)
Population
Around 44,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (ET)
Ideal for
Long-distance travel
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Altoona require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually held on a credit card and refunded upon vehicle return, provided the car is undamaged.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer vacations and events.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the colder months when tourism decreases.
*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, 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 the Allegheny Mountains.
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.
Altoona is a city with a rich history and access to scenic landscapes. Driving around Altoona is straightforward, but understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations will help you navigate the area more easily.
Altoona is a city with a rich railroad history and access to the beautiful Allegheny Mountains. While Altoona is relatively small, renting a car is a practical option if you plan to explore the surrounding region. Driving within Altoona is generally easy, but it's important to be aware of local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Railroaders Memorial Museum
Learn about the history of railroads in Altoona.
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Explore the historic inclined planes and learn about the transportation system.
Baker Mansion History Museum
Visit a historic mansion showcasing local history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use local parking garages for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but may be time-limited, especially in the downtown area.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride options if available, especially during peak hours.
Gas Stations in Altoona
Availability
Fuel stations are readily available throughout Altoona.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Sheetz, Exxon, and Sunoco.
Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Altoona
Watch for Pedestrians
Stay alert! Altoona has pedestrian traffic, especially in the downtown area.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (07:00–09:00 / 16:00–18:00) when roads are often congested.
Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits, which vary depending on the area.
Major Bus Stations
Altoona Transportation Center
Serves as the primary hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Altoona Amtrak Station
Provides Amtrak services connecting Altoona to major cities.
Airports
Altoona-Blair County Airport (AOO)
Offers limited regional flights.
Renting a car in the United States 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 licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for a limited time, 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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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 Altoona 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 pleasant.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 18.11.2024
Exploring Altoona was a breeze! Getting around with a rental car was so convenient. Loved the charming town.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
Altoona surprised me! Road-tripping around was effortless, and I found some charming spots.
David Lee
Reviewed: 30.08.2024
Quick stop in Altoona on our road trip; renting a car made it easy. The museum was interesting, though the cafe was a bit pricey.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 08.07.2025
Relaxing, pretty chill
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 19.12.2024
Family vacation in Altoona was fantastic! Having a car made everything so much easier. We explored so many hidden gems.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 15.05.2025
Pretty chill place
Jake Wilson
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
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Altoona was even better than I'd heard! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful scenery and friendly people.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 16.02.2025