This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in Columbus with a pick-up date of 6/9 and drop-off date of 20/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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How far in advance should you book car hire in Columbus?
You should book your car hire in Columbus around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular car to hire in Columbus?
Hires in the Medium category (Toyota RAV4 or similar) are the most popular option in Columbus, costing $87/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $84/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Columbus?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Columbus is January at an average cost of $75/day. May is the most expensive month to hire a car in Columbus when prices are $103/day on average, which tends to be 63% above the yearly average hire price for Columbus.
Which car hire company in Columbus has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 15 locations in Columbus, more than any other car hire company.
Columbus car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Columbus by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$62 - $77
All Car Types
$97 - $128
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Columbus?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Columbus?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Columbus?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Columbus?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Columbus?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Columbus?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Columbus?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Columbus?
Small car hire in Columbus typically costs around $70 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $62 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 39% cheaper than the average car hire in Columbus, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Columbus typically costs around $91 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $78 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 21% cheaper than the average car hire in Columbus, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Columbus typically cost around $94 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $80 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 18% cheaper than the average car hire in Columbus, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Columbus typically costs around $113 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $97 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 1% cheaper than the average car hire in Columbus, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Columbus typically costs around $142 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $110 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 20% more expensive than the average car hire in Columbus but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Columbus typically costs around $105 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $93 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 8% cheaper than the average car hire in Columbus, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Columbus typically costs around $151 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $109 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 25% more expensive than the average car hire in Columbus but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Columbus typically costs around $127 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average $77 per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 11% more expensive than the average car hire in Columbus but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Alamo
Medium
$86/day
$83/day
Columbus car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Columbus
Outside the airport is most likely more affordable
Verified travelerSept 2025
Allow yourself some extra time for ground travel as Columbus has several major road construction projects currently.
Verified travelerMar 2025
Make sure you book your appointment for the day of pick up with extra time, especially during busy travel dates.
Verified travelerApr 2025
Be mindful of office opening and closing times
Verified travelerDec 2024
Do anything you can to avoid talking with a person. Check in on an app or website if possible. If you can bypass the counter you will have a much better experience.
Verified travelerJuly 2024
Make your reservation prior to needing a rental, don’t just show up when you get off your plane. Get to your pick up location early to have the best choice of vehicles.
Verified travelerJuly 2024
Usually busy in the morning. Plan ahead.
MaryJMar 2024
Give yourself an extra hour for the rerun and catching the shuttle back to the airport. It’s a huge purple bus. It’s easy to find it also as the airport has purple signs to follow for both pickups and return.
TiffanyMay 2024
always have credit card, not bank/debit card ready
JoelDec 2023
Columbus is a relatively easy big city to drive through.
Verified travelerDec 2023
Thoroughly inspect your vehicle and take pictures of damage, or even have all damage annotated by a representative.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Very stress free setup and service.
JenniferSept 2023
Driving in Columbus is very easy.
Verified travelerNov 2023
Make sure to double or even triple check each step in the rental process and take pictures and videos! It’s a shame but you quite possibly will end up needing them to protect yourself!
AudreyJuly 2023
Having our paperwork ready and using the pre-check QR code made things run very smooth.
LaverneAug 2023
Go to Enterprise they are the best.
Verified travelerJuly 2023
Watch out for truck tires
Victoria KochMay 2023
Car rentals are all offsite. But a shuttle picks you up at the terminal and takes you to a centrally located car rental pick up/drop off site. Which seems very efficient for everyone.
BryanMay 2023
Freeway merges are long to give one time to change lanes and follow GPS instructions. Drove in rush hour traffic. It was very manageable. Maybe I was just lucky.
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.
25% of our users found a car hire in Columbus for $83 or less
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.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Columbus?
On average a car hire in Columbus costs $86 per day.
Which car hire agencies are at Columbus airport (CMH)?
Car hire companies onsite at Columbus airport include Alamo, Avis and Thrifty.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Columbus airport (CMH)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Columbus airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Avis and Thrifty.
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 Medium car hire cost in Columbus?
A Medium car hire in Columbus costs $86 per day, on average.
Reserved the van months in advance. Enterprise did not have a van for me at pick up time. What's the point of a reservation???? We had to make alternate arrangements.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, July 2025
Premium
There were no cars available even though it was listed online as such. We called to verify, they said yes we have one. 35 minutes later we got an email stating our reservation was canceled, so we called again & they claimed they never spoke to us. Won't recommend or be back.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Supplier choice
They gave me the smallest car in the lot. Constant text and email about car and returning it. The messages were annoying and unnecessary.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, July 2024
Pick-up truck
Convenient location, friendly and supportive staff, good selection of vehicles.
Everything went smoothly only complaint I got is you guys don't take chime
6.0 Okay
Mike, Aug 2024
Full-size
Pickup (CMH) staff did not apologize for giving me a car with a dead battery and made it seem like it was my fault. Drop off (PHL) shuttle bus drivers did their best to avoid picking up passengers - a few of us had to walk to the terminal. Hertz used to be a premium brand - now they are just average.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Full-size
You should remove the option for Ft Wayne airport return. Hertz is not at the airport - I had to ask the protocol from the other car rental companies that basically said “ this is hertz MO” to charge the extra fee. Thankfully I didn’t have a flight - just a return. Had to drive to a downtown location (closed) to return on time.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2021
I did not rent the car from this location. Upon arrival, attendant required proof of own car insurance. I do not have own car or insurance, which is why I was renting the car. The alternative provided was $40/day for complete insurance from the location itself. I rent cars very often - this has never been a requirement before as my credit card offers great insurance coverage.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Dec 2021
Hertz still charges an extra daily fee to add a spouse as an authorized driver. Luckily it looks like a lot of car rental companies are moving away from this, but it's ridiculous
8.0 Very Good
Ellen, Nov 2021
There was an extra charge for a second (spouse) driver which I don’t think we have ever had from another company. When I looked back at the agreement it did mention additional charges for another driver but didn’t say what they were (13$/day). I would have looked at another rental company if I had been aware upfront (like, the info not buried in the middle of the rental agreement) as it did push the price much past the competition’s price. The car was nice, clean, etc.
My rental was worry free accept for the debit card hold. That’s annoying, also my husband gives me. Card to make most purchases and I couldn’t use that. However, the car and service were great.
2.0 Poor
Elizabeth, Dec 2024
Intermediate SUV
Ran out of cars despite having a reservation. Had to wait over an hour. Staff were not very polite and car had dirt all over back seat. Drop off was simple which was the best part of the whole experience.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate SUV
Trying to submit lost & found report and no way to contact them and link sent from phone logic tree is invalid when selecting my return location.. calling the location directly results in being put on hold for 10 minutes and hung up on. Caling the corporate customer service live agent directed me to Avis website.. They are unreachable and it seems like its intentional.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Intermediate
Definitely a car that used by a smoker in the past.
10.0 Wonderful
Craig, Nov 2023
Economy
Easy to use!
2.0 Poor
John, Oct 2023
Standard SUV
The car smelled like stale cigarette smoke and didn’t seem very clean. I felt like I was borrowing somebodies car and not renting. The battery died while I was out with my family. Would not recommend Payless car rentals
Small, Medium, Large, Pickup truck, SUV, Van, Luxury
Hire locations
59
Airport locations
11
Popular agencies
National, Alamo, Budget
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