$51 Car Rental Columbus, MS

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Columbus

Renting a car in Columbus, Mississippi, offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travel adventures. With a rental vehicle, you can explore the city's key attractions and surrounding areas at your own pace. For instance, you can easily visit the Mississippi University for Women and the Columbus Arts Council - Rosenzweig Arts Center, both located within the city. If you're interested in culture, the historic Waverly Mansion is only 7 miles away, making it a convenient stop on your journey. Families and countryside explorers alike will appreciate the ease of managing luggage and the ability to create flexible travel plans without the constraints of public transportation. Beyond Columbus, you can venture to nearby cities like West Point, just 15 miles away, where you can discover more local sights including the Barton Ferry Recreation Area. Additionally, Artesia and Whitebury are close by, featuring attractions such as Mississippi State University and Lake Lowndes State Park. Whether you're seeking outdoor experiences or rich cultural encounters, renting a car in Columbus is an ideal choice for a memorable trip.

Most popular car rentals in Columbus

• Standard SUV: This vehicle comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and has room for up to 2 medium suitcases. It’s an excellent choice for couples, families, or groups looking to explore the outdoors or culture in and around Columbus. With its spacious interior, a Standard SUV provides the flexibility and comfort needed for both city drives and country excursions.
• Midsize: Ideal for couples and families, this midsize car fits 5 passengers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. Its balance of space and maneuverability makes it suitable for navigating the city while still offering enough room for your luggage. This option is perfect for those who want to enjoy the freedom of the road without compromising on comfort.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is perfect for families or groups, accommodating 5 travelers with the capacity to carry either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a great option for those planning longer trips or needing extra space for their belongings. With its generous interior, you’ll find it easy to manage luggage while enjoying the sights and attractions near Columbus.

Top rated car suppliers in Columbus

• Budget: Budget operates 1 rental location in Columbus, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Known for its competitive rates, Budget specializes in Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, providing options suitable for various travel needs. Customers appreciate the flexibility of managing their itinerary and luggage with Budget’s offerings, allowing for a customizable travel experience in and around Columbus.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in Columbus, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers seeking reliable car rentals. This supplier is recognized for its excellent customer service and a diverse selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize and Compact options. Many travelers value the ease of pickup and drop-off, making Enterprise a strong contender for those wanting a smooth rental experience while exploring the area.
• Avis: Avis features 1 rental location in Columbus and is well-regarded for its Midsize and Standard SUV offerings. Travelers often highlight the convenience of Avis’s services, which allow for easy navigation of the city and surrounding attractions. Avis provides a comfortable option for those needing extra space, making it an excellent choice for families or groups traveling together.

Where to go in and around Columbus

• West Point: Located 15 miles away from Columbus, West Point offers a mix of outdoor and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the historic Waverly Mansion for a glimpse into the area’s heritage or enjoy family time at Barton Ferry Recreation Area, which is ideal for outdoor activities. The town also features the local West Point City Hall, perfect for business or civic interest. Peak travel months are April, July, and September, making it a vibrant destination during these times.
• Artesia: Situated within the Columbus area, Artesia is a charming village that attracts visitors year-round. Notable attractions include the Mississippi State University, a modern college that adds a cultural touch to the village. Families can enjoy a visit to the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, which offers educational experiences. The village’s peak visitor months are June, September, and November, making these times particularly lively for exploration.
• Whitebury: Also located in the Columbus area, Whitebury is a delightful village for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. The Lake Lowndes State Park is a major highlight, offering opportunities for hiking and picnicking amidst beautiful landscapes. Additionally, the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center provides cultural insights into the region’s literary heritage. Peak visitor numbers are seen in June, September, and November, making these months ideal for enjoying the village's offerings.

10 tips to save on your Columbus car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and specific features you need. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save money, utilize filters on Expedia to identify the best options for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to make your reservation well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between 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 available. This could also impact renters over 70 years old. Always review 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 car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often comes with a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Columbus

The best time to rent a car in and around Columbus is September, offering the lowest prices and demand levels. August and February also provide slightly low prices with average demand, making them good alternatives. March stands out as the most expensive month, with both high prices and demand, while July experiences peak demand, leading to elevated rental costs. April is a quieter month, but prices remain slightly high, making it less ideal compared to the fall options.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
February	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
May	71.1°F (21.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	75.6°F (24.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Columbus

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Columbus

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $51.

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