Car hire in Columbus, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Columbus

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Columbus car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Columbus pick-up location

There are 42 car hire locations in Columbus. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Columbus

Hiring a car in Columbus: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAvis
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily priceRs27,034
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Columbus

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Columbus car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Columbus

  • Travel at your own pace with a cheap rental car in Columbus. With prices averaging Rs27,034 a day, you're on the road to better value. From city cars to family movers, we'll match you with the right rental for less.

  • Reserve your ride in December and watch the savings roll in. It's the cheapest time of year to rent a car in Columbus, with average daily rates of Rs12,555.

  • To land a cheap rental car in Columbus, book in advance. Prices generally rise as your travel dates approach, and last-minute availability isn't always guaranteed.

  • Browse car hire deals in Columbus from leading providers like Budget, Alamo and Avis.

  • Whether you book with Budget or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Columbus car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover the best available rates for a car for rent in Columbus by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a car hire in Columbus with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.

  • Explore without limits by looking for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.

  • If your itinerary includes jetting into Columbus, you might like to skip the city pickup and choose one of the car rentals in John Glenn Columbus International Airport instead. Or browse the lineup of car rentals in Rickenbacker International Airport if that's where you're arriving.

Compare car hire types in Columbus

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Columbus puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this Columbus car hire option includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're after a car for rent in Columbus that can handle a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group excursions, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Columbus car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Columbus by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may offer rentals to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always check the terms before securing your wheels.

  • If the kids are tagging along, see if you need to add a child car seat to your Columbus car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Columbus

  • Don't leave town without discovering some of the city's best attractions, like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Whetstone Park / Park of Roses. Snap up a car hire deal in Columbus and then start mapping out your sightseeing hit list.

  • Take your time getting to know Columbus with a stay at Hilton Columbus Downtown or La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area.

  • Shift gears and make tracks to Springfield. Around 72 kilometres west of central Columbus, it's home to must-do sights like Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House and Hollandia Botanical Gardens.

  • They know how to treat guests at Red Roof Inn Springfield, OH and Comfort Suites, two comfortable accommodation options in Springfield.

  • Add Newark to your journey too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Columbus and drive about 48 kilometres east to explore major highlights such as National Heisey Glass Museum and TJ Evans Trail.

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark and Courtyard Newark Granville are comfortable places to stay in Newark if you're in town for a while.

  • Extend your journey and road-trip it to Cleveland, roughly 209 kilometres north-east of Columbus. First, visit Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, then head to Cleveland Museum of Art.

  • The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. Hilton Cleveland Downtown and Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown have rooms ready in Cleveland.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Columbus will set you back around Rs27,034 per day or Rs180,093 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Columbus is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.
The cheapest car hire companies in Columbus are currently Turo and Dollar.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Columbus is currently December.
On average, around Rs180,093. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Columbus is Rs64,100.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Columbus, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Columbus that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Columbus.
Most places – Columbus included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs15,423 per day. The average price per day is around Rs23,103.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Avis, Turo and Budget offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Avis as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Columbus.