Car hire in Columbus, United States

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Columbus car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Find the best car rental locations in Columbus

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The most popular car rental companies in Columbus

Hiring a car in Columbus: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEnterprise
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily price£61
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Columbus

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Columbus car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Columbus

Finding cheap car hire deals in Columbus is easy with Skyscanner. With over 50 pickup locations across the city, you will have plenty of options to choose from. We highlight car hire selections that come with free cancellation, giving you the flexibility to change your plans without any hassle. To save money, look for 'full to full' deals where you return the car with a full tank of petrol. This can help you to avoid extra charges for refuelling. To get on the road quickly, consider our keyless pick-up options which let you skip the queues. Use our search feature to find the best deals that match your needs in Columbus.

The best time to book a car in Columbus

Car hire in Columbus is best booked about a week before your trip to secure good deals. Keep in mind that during special events and festivals, options may become more limited. Planning ahead is particularly useful in this case. Booking early ensures you'll have the convenience of exploring Columbus at your own pace without any last-minute issues.

What you'll need when hiring a car in Columbus

Different car hire providers in Columbus might have various rules and conditions, so it is crucial to check specifics before booking. While the minimum driving age in Ohio, where Columbus is located, is 16, some car rental companies may have a higher minimum rental age. It is important to verify if the provider enforces young driver surcharges for those under a certain age.

When hiring a car, a valid driver's licence is required. An international driving permit may also be needed, depending on where the licence was issued. By comparing options on Skyscanner, it is possible to find the best deal that meets your requirements and makes your trip to Columbus smooth and hassle-free.

Car hire in Columbus: top tips for driving in the United States

Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Columbus. Speed limits typically range from 65-75 mph on highways and 15-35 mph in the city, so keep an eye out for signs. Google Maps has comprehensive coverage here, making navigation straightforward. Cleveland is approximately 140 miles away, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Cincinnati is a 110-mile drive, usually taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Indianapolis is roughly 175 miles from Columbus and generally takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Columbus will set you back around £61 per day or £261 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Columbus is an intermediate crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Columbus is currently July.
On average, around £261. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Columbus is £181.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Columbus for a whole month is £1,232. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Columbus, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Columbus that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Columbus.
Most places – Columbus included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is £39 per day. The average price per day is around £39.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Enterprise, Alamo and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Columbus.
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