$49 Car Rental Amherst, OH

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Amherst

Renting a car in and around Amherst, Ohio, offers travelers the ultimate freedom to explore at their own pace. This flexibility is particularly appealing to countryside explorers, family travelers, and weekend adventurers. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your needs. Not far from Amherst, key attractions such as Oberlin College and the Weltzheimer/Johnson House by Frank Lloyd Wright, both located 7 miles away, provide rich cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Lakeview Park, just 5 miles away, is perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. A car also allows you to venture into nearby cities like Lorain, only 4 miles from Amherst, where you can enjoy Lakeview Park and the Lorain Port Authority, or explore Vermilion, 8 miles away, featuring the scenic Main Street Beach and the historic Vermilion Lighthouse. For those looking to experience more, Avon Lake is a short 13-mile drive where Huntington Beach awaits. A rental car ensures you can easily discover these attractions and make the most of your visit without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Amherst

• Fullsize SUV: This option is perfect for families or groups of travelers. With seating for up to 6 people and room for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, a Fullsize SUV provides ample space for everyone and their luggage. Whether you are exploring the countryside or planning a weekend getaway, this vehicle ensures comfort and convenience during your travels around Amherst.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates up to 5 travelers and can carry up to 3 large suitcases. This option strikes a balance between space and maneuverability, making it a great choice for navigating both urban environments and rural roads. With a Midsize SUV, you can enjoy the freedom to explore the attractions around Amherst without feeling cramped.
• Compact SUV: For solo travelers, couples, or families, the Compact SUV fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle offers a practical solution for those looking to explore Amherst and its surroundings while maintaining flexibility. Compact SUVs are easier to handle and park, making them an excellent choice for both short trips and longer journeys in the area.

Top rated car suppliers in Amherst

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car rental supplier in Amherst, featuring one convenient rental location. Travelers appreciate their flexible options and the attentive customer service provided by the staff. Notably, the Midsize SUV and Fullsize SUV are the most booked vehicles, making them ideal choices for those seeking comfort and space. Whether you're exploring local attractions or managing luggage, Enterprise ensures a reliable experience for your journey.

Where to go in and around Amherst

• Vermilion: Located 8 miles from Amherst, Vermilion is a charming city known for its outdoor and scenic experiences. The best time to explore is during the summer months, particularly from June to August. Key attractions include Main Street Beach, perfect for a beach vacation, and the historic Oberlin College for culture enthusiasts. Don’t miss the Vermilion Lighthouse, a picturesque landmark that adds to the romantic allure of this coastal town.
• Lorain: Situated 4 miles from Amherst, Lorain offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and scenic views. Visitor numbers peak in April and June to July, making these months ideal for exploration. Visit Lakeview Park for family-friendly outdoor fun or the Lorain Port Authority for a taste of adventure by the marina. The Lorain County Community College adds a modern touch to the city, making it a great spot for a city vacation.
• Avon Lake: Approximately 13 miles away from Amherst, Avon Lake is a great destination for family-oriented outdoor experiences. The peak visitation period is from May to July, making it an ideal time to enjoy the local attractions. Huntington Beach offers a lovely spot for a beach vacation, while Miller Road Park provides a serene urban park experience suitable for families. The I-X Center is also nearby, hosting various events throughout the year.

10 tips to save on your Amherst car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, use Expedia's filters to identify the best fit for your travel needs.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your vehicle well in advance of your trip. Booking early often ensures lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a nice balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help prevent unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Amherst

The best value period to rent a car in and around Amherst is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is even lower. March also offers average pricing with steady demand, making it a reasonable choice. However, the summer months, particularly July, see prices rise significantly alongside increased demand. June and August maintain slightly high pricing, with August being the quietest month for rentals. April and May follow closely with high demand and average prices, making them busier times for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	27.3°F (-2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	28.6°F (-1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
September	65.8°F (18.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
December	34.5°F (1.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Amherst

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Amherst into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Amherst and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Amherst

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Amherst. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Amherst

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $49.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals