$45 Car Rental Columbia, TN

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia, Tennessee, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area's attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit notable sites such as the historic James K. Polk House and the recreational Ridley Sports Complex, both conveniently located within Columbia. If you’re looking for outdoor experiences, Tates Island provides a great spot for beach activities. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations like Spring Hill, just 11 miles away, where you can explore the Spring Hill Battlefield and the Tennessee Museum of Early Farm Life. Culleoka, located 10 miles from Columbia, features its own attractions, including the Columbia Athenaeum. Having a rental car simplifies luggage management, making it easier for families to travel with kids or outdoor gear. Whether you’re interested in culture, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities, a rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and enjoy the beautiful landscapes around Columbia without the limitations of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Columbia

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for those exploring Columbia. Accommodating up to 5 travelers and 3 medium suitcases, it is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small families. The compact design makes it easy to navigate tight streets and find parking, providing a hassle-free experience while enjoying the local attractions at your own pace.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is perfect for families and groups, offering ample space for up to 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option ensures comfortable travel with enough room for everyone and their luggage. With its generous interior, the Fullsize car is well-suited for longer journeys around Columbia, making it a favored choice among renters.

Top rated car suppliers in Columbia

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travelers in Columbia, offering a convenient rental location in the area. Known for its reliable service, Hertz provides a selection of well-maintained vehicles. The most booked options include Midsize and Fullsize cars, making it an excellent choice for individuals or families who seek comfort and space during their travels. Customers appreciate the ease of the rental process and the quality of vehicles available.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out in Columbia for its exceptional customer service and flexible rental options. With a single location in the area, they cater to a wide range of needs, particularly with their popular Midsize and Mini Van choices. Travelers often commend Enterprise for its helpful staff and smooth check-in experience, making it a reliable option for families and groups looking for a spacious ride. The focus on customer satisfaction makes Enterprise a favorite among many renters.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental is another excellent option for visitors in Columbia, featuring one rental location. They are particularly favored for their Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, which are ideal for those who want a comfortable driving experience. Customers have noted the efficient service and quality of the cars, making Thrifty a solid choice for those seeking value without compromising on reliability. Travelers appreciate the straightforward rental process and the competitive pricing offered by Thrifty.

Where to stay around Columbia

• Spring Hill: Located 11 miles away from Columbia, Spring Hill offers a delightful blend of family-friendly and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the historic Spring Hill Battlefield, enjoy the greenery at Autumn Ridge Park, or delve into local history at the Tennessee Museum of Early Farm Life. Spring Hill also has various shopping centers and nearby wineries for food and drink enthusiasts, making it a great option for a vibrant stay.
• Culleoka: Situated 10 miles from Columbia, Culleoka is a hidden gem for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. The Ridley Sports Complex provides opportunities for recreation, while the James K. Polk House and Columbia Athenaeum offer cultural insights into the area’s history. With its proximity to national state parks and lakes, Culleoka is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
• Mount Pleasant: Just 11 miles from Columbia, Mount Pleasant is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a visit to the Mt. Pleasant/Maury Museum of Local History or relax at the Mt. Pleasant Country Club & 9 Hole Golf Course. The city boasts urban parks and a shopping center, alongside nearby wineries and distilleries for those looking to unwind with local beverages.

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

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 drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary with demand, so it's advisable to secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Typically, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver 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—like SUVs or premium models—might not be available. Renters over 70 may also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work; just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
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 offers peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your travels. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that include unlimited mileage to prevent 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 Columbia

The best time to rent a car in and around Columbia is January and February, when prices and demand are both slightly low. This period offers great value for those looking to save. March can also be a reasonable choice, with prices remaining low while demand rises to average. However, July typically sees the highest demand and slightly higher prices. Following this peak, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	75.6°F (24.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	49.1°F (9.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Columbia

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Columbia

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $45.

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