Cheap car rentals in Columbus
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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.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Columbus for $82 or less
- Book your rental car in Columbus at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Columbus are around 62% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Columbus
Columbus car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.4
Good
453 reviewsBest rated
11 locations in Columbus
Locations in Columbus
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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.10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Pros:
YesCons:
NothingHertz
7.4
Good
229 reviews9 locations in Columbus
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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 availabilityBudget
7.4
Good
274 reviews7 locations in Columbus
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6.0 Okay
Aug 2022
1.9 Poor
Jun 2021
6.0 Okay
May 2021
Cons:
The car had a bad smell where you could tell previous driver had probably smoked in it. The dash was dirty. I had to clean it with disinfectant wipes and spray the entire car down with Lysol.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
I could not change my reservation pick up time to the next day. So I had to cancel it and when I tried to reschedule it was not available anymore.Cons:
Allow people to push back a pick up or drop off date.8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
Friendly staff.Cons:
The van smelled like smoke.8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
staff was excellent. She replaced the class of vehicle I was supposed to receive due to the fact that Budget overbooked.Alamo
7.4
Good
214 reviewsOne location in Columbus
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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 VEHICLE2.0 Poor
Sep 2020
Cons:
The staff refused to rent me a car. My license expired last month because I turned 25. I am unable to renew it because of the corona virus. Prior to renting the car I called the Ohio BMV and double checked with them. The let me know that because of the pandemic everybody’s licenses and registrations that expired since March were automatically extended until December 31, 2020. They assured me I’d have no issue using my ID to do anything including renting a car and buying alcohol. I double checked the BMV website and on the front page it confirms that everything is automatically extended until the end of the year. The woman at the counter said she couldn’t rent me a car because they already did a one time extension for me for having an expired license. I don’t know what she was talking about because I’ve only ever rented a car one other time and that was in July. My license expired August 4 so when I rented the car in July no special extension would have been made for me. I explained this to her and then she said it’s their policy that they can only rent a car to a person with an expired license if it had expired during the pandemic. And according to her it is no longer a pandemic. Clearly we are still in a worldwide pandemic so that makes absolutely no sense. I tried to explain that the law in Ohio extended all ID/registration until the end of the year because we are in fact still in a pandemic. She then brings her manager out and her manager says it is illegal to rent me a car with an expired license. I tell her I understand but I do not have an expired license since the expiration date was extended. She suggests to me I try to renew online and says if I’m able to do that I could show her that and see if that was sufficient enough to prove I don’t have an expired license. Obviously you cannot receive a driver’s license online so I was unable to do that. I’m really disappointed in the entire experience and also the fact that Alamo thinks that the pandemic has magically disappeared when in fact it’s worse now than it was before. Still not sure what “one time extension” was mentioned to me either. Truly a waste of my morning.6.4 Okay
Sep 2020
Pros:
Pick up was easy from Columbus Airport.Cons:
Drop off was cumbersome. No one in the garage to check you in. Filled the tank up before returning but the gas gauge didn’t move. Check engine light came on about 20 miles from Huntsville.9.2 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff were very good and helpful. They gave me choices on vehicles and helped me hook up my phone to the blue tooth which really helped me make calls easier.Dollar
7.4
Good
250 reviewsCheapest deal
Most popular
One location in Columbus
from $82/day
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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 2021
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 pricelineThrifty
7.4
Good
131 reviewsOne location in Columbus
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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 asapAvis
7.4
Good
70 reviews7 locations in Columbus
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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 out5.6 Fair
Nov 2018
Cons:
Billled me $50 extra for fuel (I returned it full) and added insurance that I did not buy with the reservation. avis removed fuel charge but only 1/2 of the insurance charge after I complained. Not renting from again2.0 Poor
Sep 2018
Cons:
I didn’t like that they ended up not even having a car for me that I reserved 3 days in advance. Terrible service. I will never rent a car from Avis again!!! Their solution was for me to do a round trip rental when I needed a one way. Obviously that was not going to work for me.10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2018
Pros:
Professional and courteous.Cons:
Nothing2.0 Poor
Dec 2017
Cons:
Terrible! Avis sales person at the counter kept trying to sell me things and get me to upgrade for big $ when I was checking in. Wouldn't honor my Preferred status. The car was cheap, dirty, and wouldn't start on occasion. Customer service at Avis was terrible. Never did assist when I tried to fix the problems while enroute to my destination. Maybe that's their new sales technique if you just go with a standard car rather than allowing them to "up" your rental agreement at check-in.Payless
7.4
Good
35 reviewsOne location in Columbus
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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.6.8 Okay
Sep 2020
Cons:
There was a 2.5 hour wait to pick up my car6.0 Okay
May 2020
Pros:
Staffer was friendly, area was cleanCons:
I specifically requested a mini-van and reserved it nearly a week in advance (i.e. Grand Caravan, Odyssey) because we needed the space for a long trip with several people. When I went to pick up my vehicle I was told Payless had "oversold" their mini-vans and didn't have any left and my only other option was a Pathfinder which wouldn't work. So, I cancelled my reservation and gave my business to another rental car company.2.0 Poor
Dec 2019
Cons:
Rental agency overbooked and didn’t have enough cars. Had to wait for a few hours to get a car.2.0 Poor
Jun 2023
National
7.4
Good
17 reviewsOne location in Columbus
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4.8 Mediocre
Sep 2020
Pros:
I waited two hours to pick up a van . They didn’t even appreciate my time saying thank you so much or didn’t even give me discount for it. I didn’t the reservation and still they didn’t have a car ready for me . Not happy with service at all . Please let me know if you want to talk to me . My email address is puspadhital92@gmail.comCons:
At least give a customer discount if they waited couple hours . Oh also , car condition was poor . Looks like they didn’t do an alignment in while and brakes were making a wired sound .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.Easirent
6.1
Okay
No reviews available
One location in Columbus
Sunnycars
7.2
Good
No reviews available
One location in Columbus
Free2Move
No score available yet
3 locations in Columbus
1673 travellers who rented a car in Columbus gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.3
Car hire locations in or near Columbus
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