$55 Car Rental Carbondale, IL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Carbondale

Renting a car in Carbondale gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions like the African American Museum of Southern Illinois, located within the city, or venture to Giant City State Park, just 9 miles away, for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Cedar Lake, another beautiful site, is conveniently located 7 miles from Carbondale, providing a perfect spot for relaxation or recreation. Moreover, a rental car allows you to discover nearby cities such as Murphysboro, featuring Lake Murphysboro State Park and General John A. Logan Museum, only 7 miles away, or Makanda and Carterville, both about 8 miles from Carbondale, where you can enjoy additional outdoor experiences. Having a rental car makes managing luggage easy and allows for flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families, adventure seekers, or anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural offerings of the region. Explore the sights of Carbondale and beyond with the convenience of your own vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Most popular car rental in Carbondale

• Midsize SUV: This car type is the most booked option in Carbondale, accommodating up to 5 travelers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. It's ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and flexibility while exploring the area. With a midsize SUV, you can manage your luggage easily and enjoy your travels at your own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in Carbondale

• Enterprise: With one rental location in Carbondale, Enterprise is a top choice for travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. They offer a diverse selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Standard cars being the most popular options. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore Carbondale and nearby attractions at your own pace, making it an ideal option for your trip.

Where to stay around Carbondale

• Makanda: Located 8 miles from Carbondale, Makanda is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery. You can explore attractions like Giant City State Park, ideal for hiking and nature experiences, and Cedar Lake, a stunning water feature. For relaxation, Campground Beach offers a delightful beach vacation spot. Dining options include local wineries and restaurants, making it a charming choice for travelers wanting to connect with nature while enjoying good food.
• Carterville: Also situated 8 miles from Carbondale, Carterville is known for its romantic and adventurous atmosphere. The Lake of Egypt is an excellent spot for outdoor activities and offers picturesque views, while Giant City State Park provides further opportunities for exploration. For a cultural touch, visit the Marion Carnegie Library. Enjoy dining at various local restaurants and wineries, ensuring a delightful stay in this quaint city.
• Cobden: Positioned 14 miles from Carbondale, Cobden caters to outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The area is home to the renowned Giant City State Park, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Cedar Lake and Anna City Park provide additional recreational options. The city features nearby wineries and restaurants, offering a taste of local flavors. Cobden's scenic landscapes make it a great choice for a refreshing getaway.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Carbondale

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you can often secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a great balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work; just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but this added convenience may be worth 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 you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a simple process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 Carbondale

The best value period to rent a car in and around Carbondale is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January and February are generally quieter months, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Moving into March, prices and demand become average, while April tends to see slightly higher demand and prices. The most expensive time to rent a car is July, when demand peaks and prices are typically high, though June also experiences higher demand and costs.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	33.4°F (0.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	36.7°F (2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	47.5°F (8.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	75.9°F (24.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	46.6°F (8.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Carbondale

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Carbondale

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Carbondale. 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 Carbondale

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $55.

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.

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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