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Knoxville car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Knoxville

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Economy car
Economy
Compact car
Compact
Intermediate car
Intermediate
Standard car
Standard
Full-size car
Full-size
Luxury car
Luxury
People carrier car
People carrier
Passenger van car
Passenger van
Commercial car
Commercial
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Knoxville

  • There is much to explore in and around Knoxville, so why not make the most out of your holiday and rent a car to gain the most flexibility? It will not only be easier to whizz through the city of Knoxville and visit the zoo, the Memorial Park, or the local golf club, but travelers also get the opportunity to venture out and discover the hidden secrets of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for instance, which is just under an hour away.
  • McGhee Tyson Airport is about 14 miles from Knoxville center, and the easiest way is to rent a car directly from their on-site agencies, including Hertz, Avis, or Alamo. This way you can start your time in Knoxville hassle-free and will be in the heart of the city in less than half an hour via the US-129 N.
  • Whoever is visiting Knoxville in the winter time should be prepared to drive on ice, as snow is a regular companion of the cold months here. Ensure the hire car has winter tires on and adjust your speed, as snow and rain can turn the streets into icy slides. Sudden braking or accelerating should also be avoided; but with the proper preparation, even the winter in Knoxville is nothing to worry about.
  • Even though the city is not as clogged up as other major US cities, rush hour can still mean congested roads, and it is advised to avoid driving through the city between 8-9am and 4-6pm. Especially the interstates 40 and 640 can be congested during peak times and should be avoided if possible.
  • Book your car hire in Knoxville at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard hire cars in Knoxville are around 12% cheaper than other car types, on average

Knoxville car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Knoxville 
Verified travelerOct 2023
Do not let them rush you on look over. Look at vehicle outside and make them look with you on inside under seats if you renting a large vehicle..
Verified travelerNov 2023
Driving in Knoxville... If you've lived in Atlanta and drove into the city every day, you can drive in Knoxville.
Verified travelerSept 2023
Get a drop box for the keys at this location.
ErinJul 2023
We discovered that it was cheaper to rent a car for a month than 3 weeks. Do show up with some flexibility regarding the cars that are available.

FAQs about hiring a car in Knoxville

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

    When visiting in the winter, a 4-wheel-drive car is a wise choice to make to ensure maximal road grip and a smoother driving experience. An SUV or a minivan provide a good deal of space for luggage or families, are good for driving even in bad weather, and are not too bulky to navigate through the city.

  • What’s the speed limit in Knoxville?

    Speed limits are posted on the right-hand side of the road. If no clearly posted sign is visible, the general regulations permit 30 mph in residential areas, 55 mph on two-lane roads, and up to 70 mph on interstates and freeways. Always adjust your speed to the prevailing weather and road conditions.

  • Where are the best places to park in Knoxville?

    As in most US cities, on-street parking is metered in Knoxville and is free on Sundays and holidays in most areas -- simply check the designated sign. There are also many parking lots and garages available in downtown and around, such as the Dwight Kessel Garage, which costs around $7 per day, or the Promenade Garage with its daily rate of about $5.

  • What is the best car hire company in Knoxville?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Knoxville are Hertz (6,4, 111 reviews), and Budget (6,3, 54 reviews).

  • How much is the price of fuel in Knoxville?

    The average price of fuel in Knoxville is R62,07 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R745 and R993, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Knoxville?

    Standard (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Knoxville.

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

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

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Knoxville?

    A Standard car hire in Knoxville costs R1 225 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car hire cost in Knoxville?

    A Special car hire in Knoxville costs R1 116 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car hire cost in Knoxville?

    A Mini car hire in Knoxville costs R1 480 per day, on average.

Knoxville car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

Best rated

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

6.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

6.5

5 locations in Knoxville

Show locations

Locations in Knoxville

201 North Seven Oaks Drive

+1 865 444 3561

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

2055 Alcoa Highway

+1 865 342 3232

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

525 Henley Street

+1 865 971 3021

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

540 Frank Gardner

+1 865 444 3561

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

6285 Clinton Highway

+1 865 219 5240

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jul 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Car was dirty. Eaten sunflower seeds, drinks, and trash all in it. Sticky stuff everywhere. Car was NOT full of gas. Started with 50 miles less than I returned it with, AT LEAST. Rip off for sure. Not using Hertz again.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Wouldn’t accept affirm as form of payment for rental that was offered even with an additional credit card and debit card on hand even though it was offered on the website

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2023

Compact

KAYAK
2023 Toyota Camry. Wow! The technology! Great gas mileage. ECO mode, cruising at 62 mph, we were getting 44.9 MPG! The staff both pick up and return (TY2 ?) were fabulous! Only negative, the Camry 24000+/- was soiled. Someone we believe had smoked in the car. The interior windshield was dirty. Dash had been wiped, but not cleaned. Did I tell you we got 44.9 MPG!!! Who cares if the interior windshield was dirty! We'll be back!

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
We reserved a premium car. None were available (I understand) and we were given a Ford Ecosport. The smallest of SUV's. When we asked for a rate adjustment, they refused. Also the two drivers side tires were extremely low on pressure and missing valve stem caps. It is extremely difficult to find a source for airing up tires. When we returned to Sarasota, the pickup return location was chaotic. No one present to help, we didn't receive a final receipt, and the service overall was extremely poor. I guess the public are at the rental car companies mercy these days. Very disappointing.

6,0 Okay

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
Was given a "Supplier's Choice" car which meant the smallest, dirtiest car in their inventory. I can only imagine few people want a Ford Fiesta that was not only tiny but also still dirty. Both the mirrors and side windows were obstructed by what looked like water stains and finger prints. My partner and I were too tired and in a hurry to go back and change the vehicle at the time of pickup but should I ever use Hertz in Knoxville again I will be double checking the vehicle quality and size before driving off. Book "Supplier's Choice" at your own risk. The cost was only slightly reduced at the time of booking for the inconvenience that the vehicle provided.

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
I picked up the car an hour early and was charged an extra $10 for the privilege. Never mind that I asked if it was okay to pick it up an hour early and nothing was said about being charged for an extra hour - or the fact that I returned it 16 hours early - which was also mentioned at the time of pick-up. It's bad enough that rental car prices are extremely high right now, but to gouge the customers even more is pretty crappy. Nice car and - aside from the price gouging - great customer service.

1 out of 23

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.6

6 locations in Knoxville

Show locations

Locations in Knoxville

2055 Alcoa Hwy

+1 314 863 6886

Opening times not available

4411 Clinton Hwy

+1 865 687 8411

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday13:00 - 16:00

530 Summer Pl

+1 865 579 5559

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

6339 Clinton Hwy

+1 865 922 0709

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

8314 Kingston Pike

+1 865 694 8526

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

9616 Parkside Dr

+1 865 690 8448

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday13:00 - 16:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Amazing customer service at this location.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Kienan was great.

8,0 Very Good

Drew, Sept 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
I've never been impressed by how clean their cars are, they usually aren't very clean, so it met my expectations, it was OK...

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Night drop to return car

10,0 Wonderful

Charlene, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Everyone at this location are very helpful and professional.

Cons:

I would really like it if Enterprise put floor mats back into cars. It is much easier to clean a rubber floor mat than a carpet before returning the rental.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Not much too like other than car was fairly new.

Cons:

Car was not clean. Had to drive with windows down the entire time due to extreme smoke smell. Trash left in glove box. We were originally scheduled to have an SUV that we booked months ago and location gave it away to another costumer forcing us to either take a mini van or a small car. Location did not inform us that they were closed on Sunday when we were scheduled to drop off either.

1 out of 8

Budget

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

6.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

6.6

3 locations in Knoxville

Show locations

Locations in Knoxville

4742 Centerline Drive

+1 865 544 4335

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 13:00

5535 Clinton Highway

+1 865 281 8880

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

8014 Kingston Pike

+1 865 531 2198

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Specific car I had (Malibu) is such an uncomfortable car. Drove fine, just super cramped, shoulda asked for a Kia or a midsize. Oh well

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
The office people very rude. Car was disgusting tar all over it car smelled of smoke. The people lie at the office.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
I received a van that had not been serviced and was left stranded waiting for a tow truck that never arrived resulting in a call back to Budget. 9 hours later I had a replacement vehicle but Budget tried to "hold my personal property hostage" at the hanger where the tow truck was taking the broken down vehicle and it took over an hour to get my belongings transferred from the broken down vehicle to the new vehicle. When I arrived to pick up initially, I was told that it showed a 10:00 am pick up in their computer, but my paperwork showed 12:00 p.m. While on my trip, I had to trade vehicles 4 more times due to issues with the replacements given. As a corporate, the business practices were challenging to navigate and I got the run around numerous times and often was unable to understand the Budget phone workers due to broken English. To say the least, I will never rent from Budget again, but likely the last vacation my mother will be able to take was impeded by the repetitive issues with rentals through Budget.

6,0 Okay

Jake, Apr 2024

Economy

KAYAK
When a tire has a big chunk out of it, don't have your associates say it's ok to drive.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Compact

KAYAK
The process was quick and easy.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
There was several cars in the lot and was told no availability. Kayak services didn't no change my pick up. Regardless if you have cars in the lot but he offered me to pick up one the next day. Want use that budget in the future..

1 out of 13

Avis

Cleanliness

6.1

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

6.2

3 locations in Knoxville

Locations in Knoxville

4742 Centerline Drive

+1 865 544 5815

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 13:00

5535 Clinton Highway

+1 865 687 5722

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

8014 Kingston Pike

+1 865 560 5188

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

6,0 Okay

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
I was in Knoxville Tennessee. My truck is broke down so I need to rental car from Knoxville TN to Virginia. I booked the truck Toyota Tacoma online on July 23, when I come to the property for pick up, The guy is there he said all sold out, what a joke, even I talk to someone the lady was talking to me after I booked online. I also called them to I booked the truck which is a Toyota Tacoma, I need to confirm, she’s said you all confirmed and pick up around 12 o’clock. Then I got Chrysler passenger van white color it is so dirty. It’s dog here inside a lot, no clean no vacuum anything. Please take care of your Avis website, if you don’t have vehicle available, it’s not supposed to show online. Thank you

2,0 Poor

Philip, Jul 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Called me 8a before a noon reservation to say they had no cars and they were canceling my reservation. Had to make alternate plans.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Nothing as after I paid for rental, and was going to go pick up my car andwas told they didn’t have a car for me they were all out.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Closed early on a Saturday and offered no help with reservation. Not even suggestion of other location or number to call.

6,0 Okay

Anonymous, Jan 2023

KAYAK
Picked up car for AMDrive to Nashville airport to flight. Flight canceled after picking up car. Returned car when roads were some what safe.. Had to make different plans !!’

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
They canceled the reservation and I had to pay twice as much
213 travellers who hired a car in Knoxville gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.6

Car hire locations in or near Knoxville

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Knoxville

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Knoxville car hire information

Pick-up locationKnoxville
Car types
Hire locations17
Airport locations1