$38 Car Rental Columbus, IN

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Columbus

Renting a car in Columbus provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families or groups with luggage, as managing your belongings becomes easier. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions like the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds and Mill Race Park, both ideal for outdoor family experiences. For those interested in culture, the First Christian Church offers a glimpse into the local heritage. Beyond the city, destinations such as Stone Head, located nearby, feature Brown County State Park and Sweetwater Lake, perfect for adventure seekers. A short drive of 6 miles takes you to Clifford, where you can find the Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark, and Taylorsville, just 7 miles away, also has Mill Race Park and Bartholomew County Fairgrounds. Whether you're looking for outdoor activities, scenic views, or cultural experiences, having a rental car allows you to easily navigate Columbus and its surrounding attractions without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Columbus

• Midsize SUV: This car option accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. It is an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups who need a comfortable and spacious vehicle. With a Midsize SUV, you can enjoy the freedom to explore Columbus and its surroundings without feeling cramped.
• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is well-suited for up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a versatile vehicle. The Compact SUV strikes a balance between size and maneuverability, making it an excellent choice for navigating both urban and rural areas around Columbus.
• Compact: Accommodating up to 5 travelers and offering space for up to 3 medium suitcases, the Compact car is a popular choice for solo adventurers, couples, and small families. Its smaller size makes it easy to park and navigate through the city while still providing enough room for your luggage. The Compact car is a practical option for those wanting to explore Columbus with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Columbus

• Enterprise: Enterprise operates one rental location in Columbus and is highly regarded for its customer service. Travelers frequently choose this supplier for its Midsize and Standard SUVs, which provide ample space for luggage and passengers. Customers appreciate the friendly staff and the ease of the rental process, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the area comfortably.
• Hertz: With two rental locations in Columbus, Hertz is a popular option for travelers seeking flexibility and a variety of vehicle choices. Customers often book Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, which are perfect for families or groups. Hertz is noted for its efficient service and well-maintained fleet, ensuring that your trip around Columbus can be both enjoyable and stress-free.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has one location in Columbus and offers competitive options for those in need of reliable transportation. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize Pickups are the most booked vehicles with this supplier, appealing to travelers who prefer a bit more space or utility. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process, making Thrifty a solid choice for those planning to explore the attractions in and around Columbus.

Where to stay in and around Columbus

• Edinburgh: Located 11 miles from Columbus, Edinburgh offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy shopping at the local mall and recreational areas. Key attractions include Sweetwater Lake and Tousley Lake, both perfect for outdoor and romantic outings. For those interested in dining, Edinburgh features several restaurants and distilleries, making it an excellent choice for a comfortable stay.
• Taylorsville: Just 7 miles away from Columbus, Taylorsville is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking scenic experiences. The city provides access to recreational areas and shopping centers. Notable attractions include Sweetwater Lake, Mill Race Park, and the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds, offering a mix of adventure and family-friendly activities. Taylorsville also has nearby breweries for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration.
• Stone Head: Nestled in the Columbus area, Stone Head is perfect for travelers seeking a romantic and scenic getaway. With attractions like Brown County State Park and Sweetwater Lake, visitors can immerse themselves in nature. The village offers a peaceful environment with access to recreational areas and cultural experiences at the Brown County Playhouse, making it a charming option for a relaxing stay.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your needs.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to find lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a balanced option in terms of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. 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 companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Other companies may have full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, 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 incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might 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 goes wrong during your trip. It's easy to add rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 Columbus

The best value period to rent a car in and around Columbus is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. August and September can also be good options, with slightly low prices and average to moderately low demand. In contrast, February tends to be the most expensive month, with rental prices rising and demand remaining moderately low. March also sees slightly high prices, making it a less ideal time for budget-conscious travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	29.8°F (-1.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly High
March	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	67.8°F (19.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
October	56.1°F (13.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	36.0°F (2.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	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 $38.

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