KAYAK’s insights & trends for Chattanooga car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Chattanooga with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Chattanooga?
You should book your rental car in Chattanooga around 74 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Chattanooga?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Avis ($28.55/day), Budget ($28.55/day), and Alamo ($35.54/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Avis 1001 Airport Road (10.3 km from city centre).
What is the most popular rental car in Chattanooga?
Hires in the SUV category (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are the most popular option in Chattanooga, costing $139/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $97/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Chattanooga?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Chattanooga is January at an average cost of $93/day. June is the most expensive month to hire a car in Chattanooga when prices are $117/day on average, which tends to be 93% above the yearly average hire price for Chattanooga.
Which car hire company in Chattanooga has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 7 locations in Chattanooga, more than any other car hire company.
Chattanooga car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Chattanooga by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4WD
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$74 - $94
All Car Types
$114 - $145
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Chattanooga?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Chattanooga?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Chattanooga?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Chattanooga?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Chattanooga?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Chattanooga?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Chattanooga?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Chattanooga?
Small car hire in Chattanooga typically costs around $82 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $74 per day, which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 37% cheaper than the average car hire in Chattanooga, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Chattanooga typically costs around $109 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $93 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 16% cheaper than the average car hire in Chattanooga, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Chattanooga typically cost around $116 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average $103 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 11% cheaper than the average car hire in Chattanooga, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Chattanooga typically costs around $136 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $120 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 6% more expensive than the average car hire in Chattanooga but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Chattanooga typically costs around $185 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $110 per day, which is about 41% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 31% more expensive than the average car hire in Chattanooga but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Chattanooga typically costs around $127 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $104 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Chattanooga, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Chattanooga typically costs around $169 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $110 per day, which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 24% more expensive than the average car hire in Chattanooga but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Chattanooga typically costs around $98 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average $34 per day, which is about 66% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are surprisingly 25% cheaper than the average car hire in Chattanooga, providing a rare opportunity for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
Chattanooga car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Chattanooga
Only go through rental shops at the airport or out of town.
Verified travelerMay 2026
rental car insurance at the counter is a scam,had to use it last december,returned the car ,walked around before turning it back.I get a notice and photo of major crack in windshield,No way I could have missed, Comes to find out Avis counter insurance is a 3rd party,out of Australia.They don't take calls,I called the parking security to see if their camera had my car.Turns out the video had all ready been erased.Even though you get the insurance at Avis thinking it would be easy to use,it a MAJOR PAIN.After trying to use their insurance ,I turned it over to my credit card company,They handled it in no time,Check your car over when you rent it take photos,and when you return it,take photos
Verified travelerDec 2023
Don’t use budget. Always choose enterprise
Verified travelerJun 2023
Driving in Chatanooga is easy. Highways are well marked and there is plenty of everything within driving distance. At my time of travel (June 2023) gas prices were some of the lowest I’ve seen in the country.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Make sure car is cleaned
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Chattanooga
There are many attractions to explore in and around Chattanooga, including Ruby Falls, the aquarium, and the various parks dotting the area. In order to make the most of your trip to Chattanooga and also get the opportunity to explore the surroundings, rent a car for your time there. It is only a one-hour drive to the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and those who want to pay a visit to Tennessee’s capital can be there by car in two hours.
Chattanooga Airport is only 13 miles from the heart of the city, and the fastest way to reach your next destination is by picking up a hire car from one of the onsite agencies, such as Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. Head to the baggage claim area, where the agency desks are located, and choose from a wide variety of cars for your time in Chattanooga.
Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, traveling in and around Chattanooga can require mountain driving, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with driving on steep routes. It is essential to reduce your speed and shift into a lower gear when driving down a mountain so the brakes don’t overheat. Within the city limits, there are no unique requirements regarding driving and drivers should face no problems.
Rush hour hits Chattanooga between 7 and 9 am and 5 and 8 pm, and especially the I-24 can be clogged up during this time, with commuters going to Nashville or Birmingham. Also be careful when driving in Chattanooga during winter, as snow is a regular companion of the cold months -- and slow down considerably when the roads are icy.
Small rental cars in Chattanooga are around 29% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Chattanooga
What type of car is recommended for driving in Chattanooga?
With the mountains right, left, and center, as well as slippery road conditions in winter, a 4-wheel-drive car is definitely a wise choice to make in this area. The most popular vehicle is surely the truck, but those who want something a bit more compact can also opt for an SUV or minivan.
What’s the speed limit in Chattanooga?
Always adjust your speed to the prevailing weather conditions and obey the posted speed limits at all times. On unposted streets, the speed limit is 25 mph in built-up areas and 55 mph on secondary roads. Interstate highways permit up to 70 mph, but check regularly for posted signs on interstates, as they can change.
Where are the best places to park in Chattanooga?
Drivers have the choice between metered on-street parking, parking garages, and parking lots in Chattanooga. The average price for metered parking is $1 per hour. Alternatively, there are parking garages like Republic Parking or Riverfront Parking lots which cost about $1 per hour, or CARTA parking garages which are approximately $4 per day.
How can I find car hires near me in Chattanooga?
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 rental cost in Chattanooga?
A Medium car rental in Chattanooga costs $124 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car hire cost in Chattanooga?
A Special car hire in Chattanooga costs $101 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Chattanooga?
A Small car rental in Chattanooga costs $167 per day, on average.
Reserved a mini van months in advance. When I arrived to pick up my rental I was told there was no mini vans available and was forced to take an SUV. We drove 12.5 hours crammed in a rental I did not reserve. Absolutely the worst rental experience. Will never rent here again.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jan 2026
Compact SUV
Specified a compact suv , tried to give me a car. Said I didn’t want a car because I wanted an suv like I specifically ordered , best they could do was a Kia soul . And the bonus was a filthy exterior and dirty glass all around
10.0 Wonderful
Karolyn, Nov 2025
Standard SUV
Will Rent Again
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2025
People mover
Excelent
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2025
Supplier choice
When I arrived at the Budget counter, there were no cars available.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2025
People mover
Great customer service. Good price point. Vehicle was very suitable for our needs.
They called me morning of and said they had no cars. They offered me no work around to get the deal that I had reserved anywhere else. Instead of my rental costing $140 I had to get one day of somewhere else that cost $800.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2026
Full-size
check in was fast,been thinking of buying a camry hybrid,rented 1 for 1 week to visit Tennessee.went everywhere,Could not believe the gas mileage,1st tank 350 mile,6,7 gallons=52.2 2nd tank 460 miles 8.8 gallons=52.2,,LOVED the camry,returning the car also fast
10.0 Wonderful
Boone, Dec 2024
Full-size
Avis at CHA was so much better than the other airport car rental agencies we have used. Fantastic rides at a great price, and actually had the cars on hand and ready to go versus other agencies at CHA. Staff was great as well. We drove ~1,400 miles over Christmas and were genuinely thankful for the great ride and experience.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Full-size SUV
Great car, great rate, smooth experience!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Intermediate
The car was in need of an oil change and I kept getting a notification about the washer fluid being low.
The counter lady Nakia was awesome . I loved the fact i was only customer at 11 pm i loved the car i was given . I loved the whole experience… I didnt like the fact that there were no thrifty or Dollar Rental car signs in the rental area I had no idea i was supposed to to get my car from Hertz i got down there and looked around but I was calm enough to go ask at hertz counter and then i was told they handle those two companies also . A sign on counter would do wonders vi almost left to another car company .
Picked up the first rental car on my lunch break and while on the way I noticed a massive vibration under acceleration at highway speeds. I had to make another trip back to the rental location and fill that car up with gas so I could pick up another one. The second one was nicer and the lady that helped me was amazing. While the second vehicle was nicer the roof leaked on me every day that it rained (4 out of 5 days). My left shoulder was constantly getting wet as a result. I was not happy about that and no one offered to do anything about it when I dropped it off so overall it was just ok almost a thumbs down.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate SUV
Easy check in, car was exactly what we wanted, check was especially easy and fast.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Compact
Staff was gone from front counter for 30 minutes, car was not clean and smelled of cigerette smoke
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2022
Got to rental counter at 5:30 after my flight landed and they were closed. Had to rent a car from another company. They suck!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2021
Was told it would be $446 when I picked up the car. 20 min latter I received a second email saying the price was now $506 with no expiration of the price increase. When I called they couldn’t explain it or change it. Very dishonest
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2021
They did not have a pickup truck that I reserved
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Chattanooga
Locations in Chattanooga
Lovell Field
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Chattanooga
Locations in Chattanooga
Airport Rd 1001
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
129 travellers who rented a car in Chattanooga gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7
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