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Cheapest Car Rental 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 rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Columbus?
Columbus is a vibrant city with diverse neighborhoods, a thriving arts scene, and numerous attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore everything the city and surrounding areas have to offer.
Explore Beyond Downtown. While downtown Columbus is easily walkable, many of the city's unique neighborhoods and attractions, such as the Short North Arts District, German Village, and the Franklin Park Conservatory, are more easily accessible by car.
Day Trips to Nearby Attractions. With a rental car, you can easily take day trips to nearby attractions like the Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio State University, or the historic city of Lancaster.
Convenience and Comfort. Renting a car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you're traveling with family, have a lot of luggage, or are planning on doing a lot of shopping.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Columbus
Before renting a car in Columbus, familiarize yourself with the standard terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies. Understanding these terms will ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 570 square kilometers (220 square miles)
Population
Around 900,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Visiting attractions, business trips, and day trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Columbus require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional young driver surcharges.
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 & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage, but additional options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Unlimited mileage is common, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras like GPS navigation systems, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Columbus – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Classic:
from £16 / $20 / €18 per day
Executive:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £36 / $45 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season.
*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?
Booking a car in Columbus involves comparing prices, selecting a suitable vehicle, reviewing rental terms, booking early, and collecting the car with the necessary documents.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
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 well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documentation when collecting your rental.
General Information About Columbus
Columbus is a vibrant city with a mix of urban and suburban areas. Renting a car can be particularly useful for exploring attractions outside the downtown core. Understanding local traffic laws and parking regulations will help ensure a smooth driving experience.
Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is a growing metropolis with diverse neighborhoods, a thriving arts scene, and numerous attractions. While the city has public transportation options, a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the greater Columbus area and surrounding regions. Be aware of rush-hour traffic and parking regulations to make the most of your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Ohio Statehouse
Visit the historic capitol building and learn about Ohio's history.
Short North Arts District
Explore art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in this vibrant neighborhood.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Discover diverse plant collections and beautiful gardens in this iconic conservatory.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages located throughout downtown and other commercial areas.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be sure to pay attention to time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located near public transportation hubs.
Gas Stations in Columbus
Major Chains Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Speedway, Shell, and BP throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are generally easy to find, particularly along major roadways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Columbus
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect traffic congestion during rush hours, especially on major highways.
Be Aware of Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking meters and restrictions to avoid tickets.
Utilize Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to navigate traffic and find the best routes.
Explore Different Neighborhoods
Columbus has diverse neighborhoods with unique character and attractions.
Key Transportation Hubs in Columbus
Bus Stations
Greyhound Bus Station
Located downtown, serving intercity bus routes.
Railway Stations
Columbus Union Station
Amtrak station providing passenger rail service.
Airports
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Main airport serving the Columbus metropolitan area.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Columbus?
Renting a car in Columbus is generally straightforward, but it's essential to have the necessary documents and meet certain requirements.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is typically required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be requested, especially for international renters.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Columbus as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Perfect Columbus getaway! Easy car rental, beautiful coastal drives, and relaxed sightseeing. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
So glad I returned to Columbus after all these years! Getting around with a car was a breeze, and the city's charm is undeniable.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 05.09.2024
Needed a quick weekend escape, and Columbus was perfect! Exploring with my rental car was so convenient; I loved the easy access to all the attractions.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 16.08.2024
Family fun in Columbus! Exploring with our car was effortless.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 17.12.2024
Pretty chill vibes
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 12.12.2024
Columbus exceeded expectations! Having a car made getting around so easy, especially with my coastal day trip. Relaxing and fun!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 03.04.2025
Columbus was surprisingly relaxing. My coastal getaway was lovely, though the airport food options were limited.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, really
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 17.05.2025
Efficient business trip; Columbus was great. Easy car access helped.
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Low-key enjoyable trip
Oliver King
Reviewed: 08.07.2025
Loved exploring Columbus! Cruising around in my rental car, I easily found all the best spots, from the museums to the charming neighborhoods. Such a memorable trip!
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 15.08.2025
Columbus was a fantastic road trip! Having a car made exploring German Village and the Short North so easy. We loved the vibrant arts scene and the delicious food. Definitely recommend a visit!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 13.05.2025