$48 Car Rental Elkhart, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Elkhart

Renting a car in Elkhart provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its attractions at your own pace. This option is particularly appealing for families and those traveling with luggage, as a rental car allows for easy management of belongings while providing comfortable travel. With a car, you can conveniently visit nearby attractions such as Adventureland, located 10 miles away, and Prairie Ridge Sports Complex, just 6 miles from Elkhart. For those interested in cultural experiences, Haunting at Farrar is a historic site situated 8 miles away. Additionally, you can easily explore popular destinations like Ankeny, which is 6 miles away and features Saylorville Lake, or the neighborhood of Enterprise, located 4 miles away, known for the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Renting a car ensures that you can enjoy a family-friendly outing or a business-themed trip without the constraints of public transportation. With the diverse range of experiences available around Elkhart, having your own vehicle makes it convenient to discover all that the area has to offer.

Where to stay around Elkhart

• Ankeny: Located 6 miles from Elkhart, Ankeny is a family-friendly destination offering outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore attractions like the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex, ideal for outdoor activities, and Adventureland amusement park, perfect for family fun. Saylorville Lake provides beautiful scenery and opportunities for relaxation. Ankeny also features a variety of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
• Altoona: Situated 11 miles from Elkhart, Altoona is known for its vibrant family and outdoor experiences. Adventureland is a highlight, providing thrilling rides for all ages. Additionally, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is a popular spot for events, while the Iowa State Capitol Building offers a glimpse into local history. Altoona's selection of restaurants and wineries ensures a delightful culinary experience after a day of exploration.
• Alleman: Just 5 miles from Elkhart, Alleman attracts visitors seeking outdoor and recreational activities. Key points of interest include the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and Big Creek State Park, both ideal for enjoying nature. Georgetown Park offers a pleasant urban setting for relaxation and family outings. Alleman features local wineries and distilleries, providing unique options for food and drink enthusiasts.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types 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 find the perfect fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to lock in lower rates and have a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars tend to be more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before completing your reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, look for rental options that offer 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.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Elkhart

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Elkhart

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $48.

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