Columbus car hire
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Cheap car hire in Columbus
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Columbus
- Make the most out of your trip to Columbus and rent a car to explore everything from Lincoln Village in the west of the city to Blacklick Woods Metro Park or Pickerington Ponds Metro Park in the east. Columbus has a lot on offer and, with a car, you can conveniently reach all your destinations within your own timeframe.
- For travelers landing at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, rent a car directly from the on-site car hire center to be in the city in less than 15 minutes. The airport sports eight agencies, including Alamo, Avis, and Hertz, who can be found on the ground level of the parking garage where the cars are also parked. Posted signs help drivers out of the airport to the I-670, which directly leads into the heart of Columbus.
- Columbus is definitely not as challenging to drive in as Boston, for example, but hire car drivers should double-check before venturing into an intersection, as right of way is not always followed. Also, Columbus drivers tend to drive slower on the left lane, which is nonetheless discouraged. When it rains, make sure to adapt the speed, as full downpours commonly happen in Columbus.
- The winters in Ohio can be harsh and cold, so winter travelers should ensure the hire car is properly equipped for the cold season. If parked overnight, make sure the tank is always half-full or more; otherwise, the risk of a frozen petrol line increases. Also bear in mind that the posted speed limits are intended for dry roads, so, when snow and sleet are coating the streets, speed must be reduced and adapted to the road conditions.
- Book your car hire in Columbus at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini car hire in Columbus are around -36% cheaper than other car types, on average
Columbus car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in Columbus
What type of car is recommended for driving in Columbus?
With regular rain and ice on the streets, a 4-wheel drive car is certainly a wise choice to make in Columbus. Depending on how much storage is needed, a smaller SUV or minivan are an appropriate choice which provide essential road grip while still being small enough to navigate through the city without problems.
What’s the speed limit in Columbus?
Adhering to the posted speed limit is paramount when driving through Columbus. If there is no sign posted, the general speed limits are as follows: 15 mph in alleys, 20 mph in school areas, 25 mph in residential areas, up to 65 mph on interstates, and up to 70 mph on rural freeways. Don’t forget to adapt the speed to the weather and road conditions.
Where are the best places to park in Columbus?
Street parking as well as garages and public parking lots are available in Columbus. Street parking, especially in the downtown area, is usually metered, so check the time and weekday restrictions at the posted sign. Parking garages such as Lot 005 or LeVeque Tower Garage, for example, offer daily or even monthly parking opportunities for a reasonable charge and are centrally located.
What is the best car hire company in Columbus?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Columbus are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8,5, 78 reviews), Alamo (8,2, 55 reviews), and Hertz (7,4, 89 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Columbus?
The average price of fuel in Columbus is R73,53 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R882 and R1 176, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Columbus?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Columbus.
How can I find car hires near me in Columbus?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Columbus?
A Mini car hire in Columbus costs R1 940 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Columbus?
A Standard car hire in Columbus costs R1 360 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Columbus?
An Intermediate car hire in Columbus costs R1 402 per day, on average.
Columbus car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8,5
Very Good
464 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.4
Value for money
8.4
11 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1026 Goodale Blvd
+1 614 297 7353
1733 W 5th Ave
+1 614 488 7996
2160 W Case Rd
+1 614 798 9696
3161 W Broad St
+1 614 279 2577
3245 Morse Rd
+1 614 476 1111
4106 International Gateway
+1 844 913 0741
4233 Eastland Square Dr
+1 614 836 2500
475 East Livingston
+1 614 621 8899
57 Lazelle Rd E
+1 614 880 1198
5801 Karl Rd
+1 614 781 5400
6841 Flags Center Dr
+1 614 895 0000
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
I booked a car rental for the Columbus Airport. When I arrived at the Enterprise desk, they told me my rental was across town. I asked for help to get across town or get the car to me (no longer an enterprise offering), but the desk clerk basically said "nope, you're on your own". Kayak also provided no additional help. I rented from Avis desk, don't know why I would use Kayak againCons:
Having the car available where I landed9,2 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
The tahoe we reserved was not available. The assistant manager Chris offered us a minivan for much less than the tahoe. It worked great for our trip.Cons:
The windshield was not clean. Had smears on it2,0 Poor
Oct 2020
Pros:
No. I was sent back and forth and one manager openly derided one of his coworkers.Cons:
They could work as a single unit. It seemed like I was dealing with two separate companies.6,4 Okay
Aug 2020
Pros:
People were nice, even if not Covid-19 safe.Cons:
Had to check at three different rental car checkpoints before finding someone with the Enterprise group that could give us our rental car. Person who got our car wasn’t wearing a Covid-19 mask over her nose, and I had to touch the computer to finish. Lastly, the Ford we rented had a terrible navigation and audio interface, both of which were dangerous to use.4,0 Mediocre
Jul 2020
Pros:
Car was filthy with a horrible cigarette smell. Could not even drive it.Alamo
8,1
Very Good
217 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
8.1
One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 844 913 0739
Filters
Reviews
6,0 Okay
Apr 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
6,0 Okay
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff did a very nice jobCons:
Car had been smoked in The odor became overwhelming during the rental10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
Pick up and drop off were very easy.6,0 Okay
Oct 2020
Pros:
I was not given clear direction to where to go pick up. I was in the garage for over 20min looking. After locating a person he pointed me to a vehicle that didnt have any keys... frustrated at this point i walk back to the booth and demand they get the van and bring it. That took forever.Cons:
Have an attendant on hand. It SHOULD NEVER BE THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND THE VEHICLEHertz
7,4
Good
230 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.4
Value for money
7.0
9 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1090 A South Hamilton Rd
+1 614 238 1623
1355 W Mound St
+1 614 221 3000
1535 Georgesville Road
+1 614 351 1570
2361 Morse Road
+1 614 476 6847
2455 Billingsley Rd
+1 614 793 3100
2496 Scarborough Blvd
+1 614 759 7285
4106 International Gateway
+1 614 239 1084
4430 Westerville Rd
+1 614 476 6847
8832 Commerce Loop Drive
+1 614 840 1758
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Dec 2021
4,0 Mediocre
Dec 2021
8,0 Very Good
Nov 2021
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2021
8,0 Very Good
Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff didn't seem overly friendly but were helpful enough. They failed to mention their return method at this location which caused a little confusion when I returned the car.Cons:
I felt that they should have clearly explained their return method (or at least mentioned it).10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Ended up getting a very nice upgrade for no additional charge due to limited availabilityThrifty
7,1
Good
131 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
6.9
One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 614 239 1084
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Whole process smoothCons:
Line at desk to check car out10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
easiest/fastest rental and return I have ever had!Cons:
nothing2,0 Poor
Oct 2020
Cons:
There was no refund on the rental, even though the charge was fraudulent. It caused me to have to manage the situation with my bank.5,2 Fair
Sep 2020
Pros:
Car was ok----Ford Eco SportCons:
The Thrifty location was farthest from terminal. The staff was occupied with one customer. The wait was long. The attendant did not know how to open the back of SUV. Therebwas no one there when the car was returned---not a single person and they were aware fo when I was returning. Thrify is cheap for a reason!2,0 Poor
Aug 2020
Cons:
If I would hv got my car. Putting my money back in my account. Trying to get them back on the phone.2,0 Poor
Aug 2020
Cons:
I never got the rental. I got to the airport and they stated I needed a major credit card. I canceled the rental car and You still kept my money. I want that taken off my debit card asapDollar
7,0
Good
250 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
6.9
One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 614 239 1084
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was not there at the time of my pick up no help on the phone when I called dollar corporate services. Staff was late opening on the second day when I went back to get my car. Not wearing facemask. Very bad experience!Cons:
Communications between dollar rental and carrentals.com, through who I made my reservation. More punctual and professional help both at the counter in person as well as online is needed.2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nothing. They closed before 6 pm, my flight was late. No car to pick up. Rip-off.Cons:
They could make provisions for early evening pickup. Ie 6 pm2,0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
We made a “reservation” for a Suburban. When we got there all they had left was a little 4 door car. We have 7 people in our family so that wouldn’t work. The man working was nice enough, but he told us when you reserve with a lower cost rental company it’s hit or miss. Sometimes you get what you want, and sometimes you don’t. He showed us a long list of people he had to call to tell them they didn’t have any cars available. I would not recommend renting from Dollar because there NO GUARANTEE that you’ll get what you reserve, or any car for that matter!2,0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
They should have notified us that they close at 2pm and that, they would not be able to rent us a car. Their sign says go upstairs to the 2nd floor and someone will help you. Then upstairs it says we close at 2pm. So we had to pay double what our original reservation was and book with Hertz there on the spot.2,0 Poor
Feb 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
I booked a car at 7 pm. I reached at 7:30pm. Noone was there .2,0 Poor
Dec 2020
Pros:
didn't pick up car - mom got corona 2 days before christmas and was unable to cancel. thanks priceline, won't be going through you anymore.Cons:
not going through pricelineBudget
6,3
Okay
297 reviewsCleanliness
6.7
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.2
7 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1030 West 3rd Avenue
+1 614 737 5400
104 East Long Street
+1 614 228 1058
240 South Hamilton Road
+1 614 863 7500
4106 International Gateway
+1 380 867 0247
4621 West Broad Street
+1 614 870 2200
4810 Sawmill Road
+1 614 451 7699
6060 Busch Boulevard
+1 614 431 2025
Filters
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Apr 2024
2,0 Poor
Mar 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
Avis
7,1
Good
85 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
7.1
7 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1030 West 3rd Avenue
+1 614 299 0964
104 East Long Street
+1 614 224 4259
240 South Hamilton Road
+1 614 577 0657
4106 International Gateway
+1 380 867 0002
4621 West Broad Street
+1 614 851 0508
4810 Sawmill Road
+1 614 538 0488
6060 Busch Boulevard
+1 614 436 3218
Filters
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Mar 2024
8,0 Very Good
Jan 2024
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
4,4 Mediocre
Oct 2019
Pros:
Drop off was easy.Cons:
It took a long time to pick up the car (40 minutes) even though there was only one person in front of me in line. The cars weren't ready. I had absolutely no choice, and the car was not what I had ordered. It was really flashy--something I did not want at all as a woman travelling alone.10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
I made a reservation for a big car but it wasn’t quite large enough for what I needed, when I went back to see if I could upgrade to a bigger one, they changed the paperwork and within a few minutes for no charge, I had a bigger car ready to go! Thanks again!!Cons:
Directions into the rental car pickup/dropoff locations in the airport. It was a little confusing and took us a while for figure outPayless
6,0
Okay
47 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.6
One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 380 867 0978
Filters
Reviews
6,0 Okay
Mar 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
1,9 Poor
Jul 2021
8,0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
The drop off went very smoothly and efficiently.Cons:
It was extremely difficult to find the Payless pick up counter. There was no signage for Payless indicating where I should go. I had to ask a family member to do some research while I wandered around. She discovered that Avis bought Budget and Payless so I went to the Avis/Budget counter. There was a small Payless sign behind the Budget counter. Definitely frustrating.National
7,9
Good
17 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
7.4
One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
4106 International Gateway
+1 844 913 0740
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Aug 2020
Cons:
Poorest management and the stuff needs more training3,2 Poor
Jun 2020
Cons:
I reserved a Tahoe or equivalent but they gave me a Tacome truck with less space. The wait to check in and get vehicle was over an hour wait. The truck was dirty: the previous user had a dog in it and there was hair everywhere. The window have finger smudges on all of them and there was fish scales in the tail bed. I was definitely a lack luster experience.10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and the drop off super easy6,0 Okay
Jul 2019
Pros:
Staff was definitely friendly and welcoming and made the entire process effortlessCons:
The car absolutely reeked of cigarette smoke. When choosing the SUV, I had only a few options, and I entered two different ones, both reeking. I just had to choose one and go with it, clearly keeping the windows down during all three days (despite the heatwave). The smell did not go away!5,6 Fair
Apr 2019
Pros:
Friendly staff, easy pickup/ drop offCons:
Smoky car! Gross.10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2016
Pros:
No wait, clean car, easy access coming and going.Easirent
4,6
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
Filters
No reviews available
Free2Move
No score available yet
3 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
1629, Lockbourne Rd
+1 844 543 7332
1749, E Columbus St
+1 844 543 7332
20, S Third street Suite 210
+1 844 543 7332
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Columbus
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
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