Car hire in Columbus, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Columbus

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

Select your Columbus pick-up location

There are 8 car hire providers in Columbus. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

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 companyBudget
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, Pickup Regular Cab
Average daily priceR 1,255
Best time to book1 week 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

  • Whether you need a compact for cruising around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Columbus. Choose from options averaging R 1,255 a day and hit the road for less.

  • Drive smart from the start by reserving your ride in November. With average daily rates of R 863, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Columbus.

  • Book early to secure a cheap rental car in Columbus. Besides saving money, you're more likely to find a car that fits your style or needs.

  • Be clear on the details when it comes to the coverage on your Columbus car hire. A collision damage waiver (CDW) might be included in the policy or cost extra, depending on the supplier.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Columbus.

  • Save money on fuel by picking a car hire in Columbus that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Roam without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.

  • Flying into Columbus? Consider booking one of the car rentals in Golden Triangle Regional Airport. That way, you can get going shortly after landing.

Compare car hire types in Columbus

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Columbus may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and perfect for city driving or short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most plans.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this Columbus car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're looking for a car for rent in Columbus that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group trips, moving or business use.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Columbus car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Columbus.

Good to know

  • You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.

  • Add a car seat to your Columbus car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to go.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Columbus

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Columbus will set you back around R 1,255 per day or R 7,164 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Columbus is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Premium/Luxury, Pickup Regular Cab.
The cheapest car hire companies in Columbus are currently Enterprise and Avis.
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 November.
On average, around R 7,164. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Columbus is R 4,753.
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 R 1,019 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,037.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Avis and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Turo as the best overall in terms of experience.
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.