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Car rental in Dayton - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Dayton

Dayton

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Dayton

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Dayton

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Dayton

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Dayton?

Dayton is a city with diverse attractions and activities, from aviation history to vibrant arts and culture. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.

Explore Aviation History. Dayton is the birthplace of aviation, and a rental car allows you to easily visit the National Museum of the US Air Force and other aviation-related sites without being tied to bus schedules.

Access to Regional Attractions. With a rental car, you can take day trips to nearby attractions like Carillon Historical Park, the Dayton Art Institute, and various parks and natural areas.

Convenience for Business Travelers. If you're in Dayton for business, a rental car provides the flexibility to attend meetings, visit clients, and explore the city during your downtime without relying on taxis or ride-sharing services.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Dayton

Before booking a rental car in Dayton, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, have a valid driver's license, and understand the rental company's policies regarding insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel.

Area

Approximately 56 square miles

Population

Approximately 140,000 residents

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (EST)

Ideal for

Business and leisure travel

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic between 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM

Rating

4.0/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.

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 & DepositsRentals typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, but most 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 optional extras like GPS navigation systems and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Dayton – How Much Does It Cost?

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 £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £8 / $10 / €9 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from summer travelers.

Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts as demand decreases during the colder months.

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 Dayton?

Compare prices, select the right car, and understand rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early ensures better rates, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website 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 countryside.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak travel times.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.

General Information About Dayton

Dayton is a city known for its contributions to aviation and manufacturing. Exploring Dayton and its surrounding areas is easier with a rental car, allowing you to discover historical sites, parks, and local attractions.

Dayton, Ohio offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, making a rental car a convenient option for getting around. While downtown Dayton is accessible, many attractions are spread throughout the metropolitan area, requiring a vehicle for easy access. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • National Museum of the US Air Force

    One of the world's largest aviation museums, featuring a vast collection of aircraft and exhibits.

  • Carillon Historical Park

    An open-air museum showcasing Dayton's history through exhibits and historical buildings.

  • Dayton Art Institute

    A fine arts museum with a diverse collection spanning various periods and styles.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several parking garages are available downtown, providing secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available on many streets, but time limits and rates vary.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city center to avoid downtown traffic and parking costs.

Gas Stations in Dayton

  • Major Brands Available

    Gas stations from major brands like Speedway, Shell, and Marathon are readily available throughout the city.

  • Easy Access on Major Roads

    Fuel stations are conveniently located along major roads and highways.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby gas stations in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Dayton

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Avoid driving during peak rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) to minimize traffic delays.

  • Watch for Pedestrians

    Be aware of pedestrians, especially in downtown areas and near attractions.

  • Use GPS Navigation

    Use a GPS navigation system to navigate unfamiliar roads and find the most efficient routes.

  • Check Local Events

    Check local event schedules to avoid road closures and increased traffic.

Key Transportation Hubs in Dayton

Major Bus Stations

Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Hub

Serves as the main bus station in downtown Dayton, connecting various routes throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Railway Stations

Dayton Amtrak Station

Provides limited Amtrak service to and from Dayton.

Airports

Dayton International Airport (DAY)

Located approximately 10 miles north of downtown Dayton, serving both domestic and international flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Dayton?

Renting a car in the United States is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before getting behind the wheel. 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 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, although there may be additional fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may prefer or require a credit card.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Dayton as

4.6

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.

Relaxing, pretty decent.

AM

Ashley Miller

Reviewed: 29.03.2025

Pretty chill vibe

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 25.06.2025

Dayton was surprisingly efficient for a quick business trip. Having a car made getting around so easy!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 18.05.2025

Low-key cool place

CE

Chris Evans

Reviewed: 13.09.2024

Solid, pretty chill

KB

Kevin Brown

Reviewed: 14.08.2025

Needed a quick weekend escape, and Dayton delivered! Exploring the city with a rental car was so easy and fun. Highly recommend!

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 07.06.2025

Having a car made exploring Dayton easy. The Air Force Museum was amazing, though the downtown area felt a little quiet.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 31.10.2024

Dayton was a pleasant surprise! Exploring with my rental car was so convenient and fun.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 17.12.2024

Dayton exceeded expectations! My quick business trip was surprisingly smooth, thanks to having a car. Easy to navigate, and I even found time to explore a bit.

BR

Brenda Rodriguez

Reviewed: 11.05.2025

Pretty chill, overall.

TH

Thomas Hill

Reviewed: 19.11.2024

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