Carbondale car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Carbondale

Medium car
Medium
Luxury car
Luxury
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Carbondale car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Carbondale with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Carbondale?

You should book your car hire in Carbondale around 67 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Carbondale?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Carbondale is August at an average cost of R749/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Carbondale when prices are R1 173/day on average, which tends to be 19% above the yearly average hire price for Carbondale.

Which car hire company in Carbondale has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Carbondale, more than any other car hire company.

Carbondale car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Carbondale by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

R578 - R2 361

All Car Types

R765 - R1 525

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Carbondale?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Carbondale?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Carbondale?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Carbondale?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Carbondale?

Small car hire in Carbondale typically costs around R1 161 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R578 per day, which is about 51% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 4% cheaper than the average car hire in Carbondale, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Carbondale typically costs around R914 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R700 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 24% cheaper than the average car hire in Carbondale, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Carbondale typically costs around R1 324 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R732 per day, which is about 45% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 10% more expensive than the average car hire in Carbondale but offer more comfort for longer trips.

SUV hire in Carbondale typically costs around R1 252 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R749 per day, which is about 41% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 5% more expensive than the average car hire in Carbondale but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Carbondale typically costs around R1 396 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average R863 per day, which is about 39% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 15% more expensive than the average car hire in Carbondale but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Medium

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Carbondale

  • There are several advantages of renting cheap car rentals in Carbondale. One of the main advantages is the freedom and flexibility it gives you to explore the entire region at your own pace and schedule. Carbondale is located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, which is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest. With Carbondale car rentals, you can easily access popular attractions like the Garden of the Gods, the Little Grand Canyon, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which winds through the hills and valleys of Southern Illinois.
  • Getting a rental car at Lambert-St. Louis Airport (STL) is fairly straightforward. The rental car offices are located in a separate building adjacent to the terminal. Passengers can take a free shuttle bus from the terminal to the rental car center. STL is about 112 miles from Carbondale. Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) is about 72 miles west of Carbondale. The car rental offices are located inside the airport terminal near the baggage claim area. Paducah Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) is about 40 miles southeast of Carbondale. All the rental offices are conveniently located within the airport terminal, making it easy for travelers to rent Carbondale car rentals upon arrival. It's worth noting that while these airports are relatively close to Carbondale, the most convenient airport to fly into for visitors to the city is usually Lambert-St. Louis Airport.
  • Driving in Carbondale is generally quite easy and straightforward. The city has a well-developed road network that is both well-maintained and well-signposted. Expect to encounter a lot of pedestrians and cyclists when driving cheap car rentals in Carbondale, especially in and around the university area. Drivers should remain vigilant and watch for pedestrians crossing the street, especially at crosswalks and near intersections. Additionally, the common vehicles on the road in Carbondale are cars and pickup trucks, with fewer motorcycles and bicycles.
  • Rush hour traffic in Carbondale is relatively light compared to larger cities. The busiest times of day to be driving are typically in the morning between 7:30 am and 9:00 am and in the evening between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. During these times, the main roads in town, including Route 13 and Route 51, can become congested. Spring can also bring flooding to some low-lying areas of town, particularly in the areas around Grassy Lake and Cedar Creek. If you are driving cheap car rentals in Carbondale during a heavy rainstorm, it is important to be aware of the potential for flash flooding and to avoid driving through standing water on the road.
  • Medium hire cars in Carbondale are around 56% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Carbondale

  • How can I find car hires near me in Carbondale?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Medium car hire cost in Carbondale?

    A Medium car hire in Carbondale costs R597 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Small car hire cost in Carbondale?

    A Small car hire in Carbondale costs R1 628 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Carbondale?

    Carbondale is a small city located in southern Illinois, known for its hilly terrain and winding roads. Therefore, a car with good handling and stability on hills would be recommended for driving in this area. A mid-sized or compact car with good steering and traction control would be suitable for navigating city streets and any potential detours due to construction.

  • What’s the speed limit in Carbondale?

    The speed limit in Carbondale varies depending on the road type and zone. In residential areas and school zones, the speed limit is typically 25 mph. In commercial areas and major roads, the speed limit can range from 30-45 mph. On the highways and freeways surrounding Carbondale, the speed limit is typically 65 mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Carbondale?

    The best places to park in Carbondale depend on your purpose of visit and location. For those visiting Southern Illinois University, the best parking option is on-campus parking lots, which require a parking permit from the university. For visitors looking to explore the downtown area, there are several on-street metered parking spaces available, as well as several paid parking lots. The hourly rate for parking in these lots ranges from $0.50 to $1.50, depending on the location.

Carbondale car rental reviews and directory

 

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

6,0

Okay

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

3 locations in Carbondale

Locations in Carbondale

2008 N Kingshighway

+1 573 339 7800

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday10:00 - 13:00

219 South Lewis Lane

+1 618 549 6995

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
Sunday

2705 W Deyoung St

+1 618 997 9151

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday10:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
They never have anything available

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jun 2025

People carrier

KAYAK
We were not informed of $300 deposit or info for proof of residency needed before we picked up. Rep insured me it was relayed to us but clearly it was not. Had to use credit card instead of bank card which is only minor inconvenience. 2nd rep who showed vehicle was outstanding! 2nd rep also handled check in and did fantastic job. Overall experience was very good. Will rent from Enterprise again if need arises.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
They did not have the pick-up truck that I requested and would not let me get a car

1 out of 1

Avis

6,4

Okay

One location in Carbondale

Locations in Carbondale

1733 N Kingshighway

+1 573 381 3369

Monday07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday07:00 - 18:00
Wednesday07:00 - 18:00
Thursday07:00 - 18:00
Friday07:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4,5

Mediocre

Cleanliness

5.2

Comfort

5.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.5

Value for money

5.1

One location in Carbondale

Locations in Carbondale

Williamson County Regional Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

No score available yet

3 locations in Carbondale

Locations in Carbondale

10 S Walnut St

6185422174

Opening times not available

10400 Terminal Drive Ste 105

+1 618 993 5151

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

7700 Aviation Drive

+1 618 993 5151

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Adam, Nov 2023

KAYAK
Paid for an economy car, got surprised with a Tesla 3. Very nice

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Nov 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
They cancelled without warning. Said they did not have a car. Did not try to make it right with replacement lower value vehicle. Did nothing to fix the situation.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Very nice vehice for a fair price made my trip a plasent experience easy pickup and return

1 out of 3

Arow Enterprises Corp.

No score available yet

One location in Carbondale

Locations in Carbondale

2705 W Deyoung St, Marion

+1 618 997 9151

Monday00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 23:59
Friday00:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Carbondale

Locations in Carbondale

1733 N Kingshighway

+1 573 381 3373

Monday07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday07:00 - 18:00
Wednesday07:00 - 18:00
Thursday07:00 - 18:00
Friday07:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2025

Passenger van

KAYAK
I had the van rented for months and the day before supposed to pick up the van they called and said Ford was recalling all vans. They were not able to find another van or anything to compensate. When I would call the location in town or the one in St. Louis they acted like they didn’t care that it affected the vacation we had planned. They did not call to try and make it right. Went on vacation and saw the same type of van we had rented all over. They were not recalled. Since it was planned for months and had a good rate believe that lied to have it rented to someone else to pay more for it. Horrible customer service!!!!!!

1 out of 1

2 travellers who hired a car in Carbondale gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4,7

Car hire locations in or near Carbondale

Carbondale car hire information

Pick-up locationCarbondale
Car types
Hire locations1
Airport locations0