Columbus car hire reviews and directory
Enterprise![agency]()
Best rated
8.6 Excellent (434 reviews)
11 locations in Columbus
Enterprise
Locations in Columbus
1026 Goodale Blvd+1 614 297 7353
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
1733 W 5th Ave+1 614 488 7996
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
2160 W Case Rd+1 614 798 9696
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
3161 W Broad St+1 614 279 2577
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
3245 Morse Rd+1 614 476 1111
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
4233 Eastland Square Dr+1 614 836 2500
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
4600 International Gateway+1 614 239 3200
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
475 East Livingston+1 614 621 8899
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
5466 North High Street+1 614 781 5400
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
68 Dillmont Dr+1 614 880 1198
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
6841 Flags Center Dr+1 614 895 0000
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
9.2 Excellent1 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 it
2.0 Mediocre10 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 Good26 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 Okay12 Jul. 2020
Pros: Car was filthy with a horrible cigarette smell. Could not even drive it.
10.0 Excellent15 Jun. 2020
Pros: YesCons: Nothing
8.8 Excellent29 May 2020
Cons: If they had paid more attention to what I was reserving to rent and had it available as they said it would be
10.0 Excellent14 Feb. 2020
Pros: Friendly staff. Clean car.
6.8 Good4 Jan. 2020
Cons: They could have my car cleaned before I head to pick it up. They make me wait for 20 minutes until they cleaned inside and outside. At the end, they just perform a very quick and light clean on the outside and inside. A very bad impresión.
10.0 Excellent13 Nov. 2019
Pros: Yes
6.0 Good17 Oct. 2019
Pros: Was closed when we arrived
Alamo![agency]()
8.6 Excellent (205 reviews)
1 location in Columbus
Alamo
Locations in Columbus
4600 International Gateway+1 614 239 3245
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
10.0 Excellent5 Dec. 2020
Pros: Pick up and drop off were very easy.
6.0 Good28 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 VEHICLE
2.0 Mediocre29 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 Good10 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 Excellent17 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.
9.2 Excellent3 Aug. 2020
Cons: Less expensive would be appreciated
2.0 Mediocre23 Jul. 2020
Cons: Local hours were changed due to covid and the counter was closed upon my arrival. This left me stranded at 930pm with no car.
4.4 Okay25 Jun. 2020
Cons: Car was dirty/wheels misaligned. As stated, car delivered had wrong mileage and did not have a full tank of gas. Just glad I took a picture of the fuel gauge before departure. Long wait for pickup. Drop off was only positive experience.
8.0 Excellent13 Apr. 2020
Pros: Yes and yes
2.0 Mediocre1 Dec. 2019
Pros: Car was new, drove well, and enjoyed driving it.Cons: Service at pickup was extremely poor. Staff needs training on customer service and communication skills.
Dollar![agency]()
7.5 Good (242 reviews)
1 location in Columbus
Dollar
Locations in Columbus
4600 International Gateway+1 866 434 2226
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
2.0 Mediocre30 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 priceline
4.8 Okay5 Nov. 2020
Pros: Staff was niceCons: Car smelled and was not the one I signed up for
8.8 Excellent26 Oct. 2020
Pros: The size of the car was good, and the mileage was excellentCons: Pick up was a little strange when adding a second driver. A little surprised that fee was $13,50 per day for another driver. My most recent experience prior to this rental was with Alamo who allowed the second driver at no additional cost.
8.0 Excellent12 Oct. 2020
Pros: The staff was overwhelmed, but polite. The drop off was super easy.Cons: Add more support staff at Columbus International Airport to assist customers.
10.0 Excellent12 Oct. 2020
Cons: Nothing.. it was perfect!
10.0 Excellent11 Aug. 2020
Pros: The transaction could not have gone more smoothly on either end.
9.2 Excellent28 Jul. 2020
Cons: The interior cleaning could have been better. There was a lot of dirt and crumbs in the cup holders and door pockets. The pick-up and drop off was excellent. Abdi did an excellent job making sure i had the right SUV for our trip and was very helpful on both ends of the trip. In the past I had mixed experiences with Dollar but they and Abdi made this a 5 star experience.
10.0 Excellent21 Jul. 2020
Pros: The staff was very friendly and helpful! Drop off was super easy.Cons: Everything was fine.
3.2 Mediocre13 Apr. 2020
Pros: Ease of pick-up.Cons: Just about everything. No available cars nor the car I requested. $15 service fee for a $2 toll. Goodbye dollar
2.0 Mediocre20 Oct. 2019
Cons: Car was not available
Hertz
Locations in Columbus
1090 A South Hamilton Rd+1 614 238 1623
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
1355 W Mound St+1 614 221 3000
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
1535 Georgesville Road+1 614 351 1570
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
2455 Billingsley Rd+1 614 793 3100
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
2496 Scarborough Blvd+1 614 759 7285
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
4430 Westerville Rd+1 614 476 6847
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
4600 International Gateway+1 614 239 3254
| Monday | 05:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 05:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 05:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 05:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 05:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 05:00 - 23:59 |
8832 Commerce Loop Drive+1 614 840 1758
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
10.0 Excellent27 Oct. 2020
Pros: Very friendly literally in and out very attentive!
2.0 Mediocre13 Oct. 2020
Pros: I want my money back I never rented oneCons: I keep telling you that cancelled it and I never got to rent a car and can’t get refunded because you guys aren’t human.
10.0 Excellent10 Oct. 2020
Cons: Satisfied customer.
2.0 Mediocre25 Aug. 2020
Cons: I missed my scheduled meeting because of you guys. After I drove 30 miles, I see the maintenance required sign. I had to drive from Columbus(OH) to Providence(RI). Called the customer, to report and they said another car will be ready at Cleveland airport. But they refused for an exchange. After wasting 2-3 hours - explaining about the situation, I had to reserve another car at Cleveland and take it from there on .
7.2 Good10 Aug. 2020
Pros: YesCons: Wash car
2.0 Mediocre26 Jul. 2020
Pros: NothingCons: They wouldn't accept debit cards just credit cards. Would have liked to have known this before I drove all the way to the airport. Not gonna be a slave to the credit card companies to rent a car. You deserve to have them stolen.
10.0 Excellent22 Jul. 2020
Pros: Drop off was, Pull up unload and get going. Very easyCons: Have insurance policy collected prior to arrival would be great. I could not find mine and it was frustrating. It was my fault thinking it would be ok to just use company insurance.
2.0 Mediocre12 Jun. 2020
Cons: I didn't know I had to have a credit card in order to rent. The lady was very impractical and not understanding that I didn't know I needed a credit card. She said it's on their website but the reservation said no where I was required to pay with a credit card.
2.4 Mediocre2 Jun. 2020
Pros: Car was dirty, got a flat tire. Service was patheticCons: Getting Hertz to work the issue and refund our costs dealing with their broken car was like pulling teeth. Not worth it, I'll rent elsewhere from now on
8.0 Excellent27 May 2020
Cons: We were charged $254.85 and it was supposed to be $102. I noticed the charge on my credit card but thought maybe it was a “hold”. Now reviewing my credit card I see that we were more than double charged.
Thrifty![agency]()
7.3 Good (128 reviews)
1 location in Columbus
Thrifty
Locations in Columbus
4600 International Gateway+1 877 283 0898
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
10.0 Excellent25 Oct. 2020
Pros: easiest/fastest rental and return I have ever had!Cons: nothing
2.0 Mediocre12 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 Okay17 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 Mediocre22 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 Mediocre18 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 asap
2.8 Mediocre17 Aug. 2020
Pros: The staff was unfriendly not helpful and kinda terrible . I didnt like anything about this experience and 10/10 do not recommendCons: They could have been more helpful. I was $10.00 short on a hidden deposit I was unaware of until my arrival. Therefore I had to call my grandmother so she could come use her card. Since it was a different card they charged me an extra 50 dollars because she was a driver. Obviously she wasn't a driver she was just helping me out. They didnt care about the dilemma and made no attempt to help me out. The process that should have been 5 mins took an extra hour l after already being on the plane for 8 hours. The staff was unfriendly and unhelpful through the whole process.
4.0 Okay13 Jul. 2020
Pros: The car i got after not getting the car bracket i chape was niceCons: The type of car i got was a compact suv not mid size like i chose . I ended up trading for a car instead. The price was crazy plus i got charged an extra $120 for being 24
2.8 Mediocre30 Jan. 2020
Pros: Got a replacement car easilyCons: The car I was given had a corroded battery. I left the airport and once I got to the next destination, the car died. I was on a time schedule and could not wait there for AAA so I had to Uber to my destination that was an hour away. Costing me over $120. Then when I Uber we back to the vehicle, I had to wait for AAA at 11 pm by myself in the cold. Then I had to take the car back to the rental and get a new car. Extremely inconvenient as I was in town for my grandmothers funeral and was almost late. Why was the battery not part of the vehicle inspection?!? The corrosion was leaking all over the battery. If someone had just lifted up the hood they would have seen it.
10.0 Excellent30 Dec. 2019
Pros: Friendly and helpful staff.Cons: All was well.
9.2 Excellent18 Dec. 2019
Pros: Staff were great, friendly, etc.
Budget![agency]()
7.2 Good (179 reviews)
7 locations in Columbus
Budget
Locations in Columbus
1030 West 3rd Avenue+1 614 737 5400
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 13:00 - 17:00 |
104 East Long Street+1 614 228 1058
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 14:00 |
1400 Bethel Road+1 614 451 7699
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
240 South Hamilton Road+1 614 863 7500
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 16:00 |
4600 International Gateway+1 380 867 0247
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
4621 West Broad Street+1 614 870 2200
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
6060 Busch Boulevard+1 614 431 2025
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
2.0 Mediocre7 Jan. 2021
Pros: They tried to remedy the mistakes they madeCons: Understaffed and overwhelmed location. Car was not ready till half an hour after the pick up time. Agent made 3 mistake on my rental contract: wrong check out time, wrong fuel level and wrong check in time.
2.0 Mediocre4 Jan. 2021
Pros: drop off was easy.Cons: The budget in at this location is the worst! No one was there at my scheduled pickup time. When someone finally arrived, no cars were clean. Had to wait 40 minutes for my rental to be cleaned. They gave me a car that smelled like cigarettes. Also, only 1/3 employees were wearing masks. Also, the car was surprisingly kinda old. The employee told me not to worry about the sensors claiming a problem with the air pressure. idk. awful.
4.0 Okay28 Dec. 2020
Pros: Drop off was questionable - we get to the location almost an hour prior to their closing (Christmas Eve close at 12 noon - and had to go back home (10 minutes away) because left credit card - but was told they have 6 reservations and only 4 cars - so first come first serve as to who will get the rental. I thought that was absurd - never experienced that before - luckily did not leave to far away but feel sorry for those who got there and did not get a car for Christmas Eve travel.Cons: The company should have ensured based on reservations they had all vehicles to accommodate. Luckily this site was not one where you pay in advance - wonder if that is one reason the company may be lax in ensuring they have what they need for all of the reservations - since they are not paid upfront they think it is okay to deliver that type of experience where you say "sorry" we don't have enough cars??
2.0 Mediocre5 Nov. 2020
Cons: Budget did NOT accept my debit card. I had to instead go to another rental car company who did accept a debit card (Alamo), and they even gave me a free upgrade for my inconvenience with Budget.
2.0 Mediocre24 Oct. 2020
Pros: They did not have my vehicle nor could find me one elsewhere in the city. Attendant didn’t seem to care nor apologize for not being able to honor my reservation. I ended up having to go to Airport and rent a vehicle from Hertz.Cons: Having my vehicle as reserved would have been a place to startz
2.0 Mediocre17 Oct. 2020
Pros: They didn’t have a vehicle to honor my reservation.Cons: They could of had the vehicle I reserved as a start
4.0 Okay19 Aug. 2020
Pros: Car was new and clean only 37 miles on it.Cons: Staff was horrible. Pre ordered online with a quoted price of $59.00 for a pickup time of 6:30pm for a mid size car at the Columbus airport. Needed to drive to Dayton airport. Had selected an 8:30 pm drop off the same day which it's only an hour drive. There was only one person to help the line of people. As I'm waiting a lady came back into the lobby and asked if it was normal to be still waiting for her car (half hour she said). The representative did not seem phased or concerned. Just said that it would be coming. For my turn she didn't smile at all. Didn't greet me at all; just asked for I.d. Didn't tell me what was available or ask if I would like this car over that. Just ran through the available extra coverage. I opted for the no filling of gas because I was short on time and didn't want to bother finding a gas station near the drop off airport. Flat fee of $15 if under 75 miles. Rep told me to wait in the garage and they would bring car around. The lady waiting for her car is still there. So are 4 other customers. The drivers just drive a car down turn on flashers and run away. Nobody out there to tell you if this is your car or not. My paperwork did not have a licence plate on it to verify the car. I had to stop on of the drivers before he ran away to ask how to distinguish which car is for whom. Still waiting for my car at 7:20 I had to go back to the rep and question about my drop off time of 8:30 in Dayton. Will they charge me? She just changed time to 11:00. No apologies for the wait. Mind you I pre ordered the car online. Finally got car and paperwork said 3 miles on odometer. I wrote that it was 37 and tried to get gate keeper to initial or write it down he just said you have unlimited miles your alright. I was like ok. Forgetting about the mileage on fuel refilling. No directions on where to leave car in the Dayton drop off area. No signage. Of course it turn out to be 77 miles and did not give me a break on that from the representative in the Dayton airport. "It's a contract." Ended up paying over $90.00 for an hours drive after all the fees and taxes. No help from him with directions to where short term parking was in relation to their garage area. In short: PRICE FOR VALUE SUCKED CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKED
9.2 Excellent12 Aug. 2020
Pros: Friendly staff, great low mileage car, cleanCons: Later drop off time
6.8 Good26 Jul. 2020
Pros: Drop off was simple and easyCons: The service person at the counter was unhelpful and very standoffish. The car was also not cleaned well, we found medication under a seat and garbage under the other one. Doesn’t give me confidence that they cleaned the cars well between customers.
2.0 Mediocre18 Jun. 2020
Pros: Nothing.Cons: Give the entire booking details so people aren’t put out when they get to the counter.
Avis![agency]()
7.8 Good (41 reviews)
7 locations in Columbus
Avis
Locations in Columbus
1030 West 3rd Avenue+1 614 299 0964
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 13:00 - 17:00 |
104 East Long Street+1 614 224 4259
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 14:00 |
1400 Bethel Road+1 614 538 0488
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
240 South Hamilton Road (Highway 317)+1 614 577 0657
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 16:00 |
4600 International Gateway+1 380 867 0002
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 00:00 - 00:00 |
4621 West Broad Street+1 614 851 0508
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
6060 Busch Boulevard+1 614 436 3218
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
4.4 Okay21 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 Excellent12 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 out
5.6 Okay25 Nov. 2018
Watch for added chargesCons: 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 again
2.0 Mediocre16 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 Excellent5 Jul. 2018
Great servicePros: Professional and courteous.Cons: Nothing
2.0 Mediocre28 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.
4.4 Okay16 Oct. 2017
Bad carPros: The car was old, high mileage, bad electronics--crappy.
6.8 Good5 Sep. 2017
Pros: The pick up and return process is pretty simple.Cons: The price was $391 at the rental counter. The price on Kayak was $152. The rep corrected it. Still waiting for the charge to post to my credit card so I can verify the correct price was charged.
2.0 Mediocre13 Jul. 2017
Avis was terrible!!Cons: My reservation time was 3pm for a mini van. I did not get my SUV until 5:30pm. Apparently reservation means nothing to Avis I not only got the wrong kind of vehicle I got it 2 1/2 hrs late! As for Kayak the contract was not very clear on the LIMITED millage and apparently do not really partner with Avis on the insurance, which is also not clear when booking!
8.0 Excellent10 Jun. 2017
Good rentalPros: The car was newer and ran smooth.Cons: The car was not cleaned on the inside or outside. The customer service representative just pointed the direction to look for the vehicle at pick up.
National![agency]()
7.3 Good (12 reviews)
1 location in Columbus
National
Locations in Columbus
4600 International Gateway+1 614 239 3270
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
4.8 Okay21 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 Mediocre6 Aug. 2020
Cons: Poorest management and the stuff needs more training
3.2 Mediocre2 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 Excellent2 Dec. 2019
Pros: Staff was very friendly and the drop off super easy
6.0 Good21 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 Okay1 Apr. 2019
Pros: Friendly staff, easy pickup/ drop offCons: Smoky car! Gross.
10.0 Excellent27 Nov. 2016
Pros: No wait, clean car, easy access coming and going.
10.0 Excellent4 Aug. 2016
Great deal, no troublesPros: I got a great deal through Kayak for a bigger size then I'd ever normally rent (standard) and was able to go from CMH to drop off at CLE which was really convenient and didn't get hit with exorbitant fees. I had a very early AM flight and the after hours drop off worked perfectly.Cons: Really all went smoothly-nothing to complain about.
8.8 Excellent26 Jun. 2016
Very quick pick up and drop offPros: I liked the efficiency of the customer service. Great experience. I would definitely use this company again.Cons: The car did have an odor on the inside that was not enjoyable. I understand they check them quickly and probably would not notice it at that time.
8.0 Excellent26 Jan. 2016
A lot of this could have been done ahead of time.Pros: Super easy drop off!Cons: Picking up the car was an ordeal. Flight got in late at night and I stood at the counter for 20 minutes while someone typed in all my info by hand... then I had to go to another counter on another floor to actually get the car. Took way too long, especially when I easily could have completed all this online earlier.
Payless![Payless]()
4.9 Okay (3 reviews)
1 location in Columbus
Payless
Locations in Columbus
4600 International Gateway+1 380 867 0978
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
6.8 Good7 Sep. 2020
Cons: There was a 2.5 hour wait to pick up my car
6.0 Good18 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 Mediocre29 Dec. 2019
Cons: Rental agency overbooked and didn’t have enough cars. Had to wait for a few hours to get a car.
Easirent![Easirent]()
1 location in Columbus
Easirent
Locations in Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport
| Monday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Thursday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Friday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Saturday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
Recent reviews
Sunnycars![Sunnycars]()
1 location in Columbus
Sunnycars
Locations in Columbus
4600 International Gateway
Recent reviews
1452 travellers who hired a car in Columbus gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.9
Car hire locations in or near Columbus
Good to know
Most popular agency | Hertz |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Compact |
Average price | $425/day |
Good deal | $237/day |
When to book a car hire in Columbus
Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches
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 a car hire in Columbus for $237 or less
- Book your car hire in Columbus at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about hiring a car in Columbus
One car hire company which has updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected is Hertz
On average a car hire in Columbus costs $425 per day.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Columbus are Alamo (8.6, 211 reviews), Enterprise (8.5, 503 reviews), and Dollar (7.4, 251 reviews).
The average price of fuel in Columbus is $1.18 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between $14 and $19, depending on the car size.
Compact (Ford Focus or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Columbus.
The only car hire company onsite at Columbus airport is Hertz.
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Columbus airport to off-airport locations is Hertz.
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
A Compact car hire in Columbus costs $55 per day, on average.
A Economy car hire in Columbus costs $54 per day, on average.
A Intermediate car hire in Columbus costs $48 per day, on average.
In Columbus, cars are most frequently hired at Hertz 4600 International Gateway (10 km from city centre ).
On average hiring a car in Columbus costs $2,978 per week ($425 per day).
On average a car hire in Columbus costs $12,763 per month ($425 per day).
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.
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.
The average petrol price in Columbus lies around $2.60 per gallon, but petrol stations like Sam’s Club or Costco are usually on the slightly cheaper side at around $2.20 per gallon. Petrolstations around the airport and the highway are often more expensive than stations inside the city, so bear that in mind before refueling the tank.
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.