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Book Cheap Car Rentals in Columbus, Ohio

Ready to say, “Oh, hi, Ohio”? Then Columbus is the spot to Ohi-go. You’ll find this city is jam-packed with art, breweries, eclectic neighborhoods, an outdoorsy scene, and plenty of stellar stuff to taste.

You picked up your rental car in Columbus, Ohio, and it’s time to hit the gas. Where to first? Everything you add to your Cbus itinerary is a plus. So slide behind the wheel of that rental and do it up big-time in the Buckeye State’s capital of cool.

No Need to Take the (Colum)Bus

More Like Col-yum-bus: Whatever you packed for your Columbus getaway, you better have brought your appetite with it. Start your feast at Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, where craft beer isn’t just on the menu, it’s part of meals like pickled herring and glazed donuts. Marcella’s is another sweet spot to stop—a bustling Italian restaurant with perfectly paired wines and cocktails. If you want to go all-out fancy, Lindey’s is a local’s fine-dining favorite with copper-topped bars and dishes like Ohio Amish chicken and spiced duck. Finish things off at the world-famous Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in North Market. These scoops have been called “the best in America” and were handcrafted here. Talk about local flavor.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhoods: There are a variety of unique neighborhoods in Columbus you have to experience for yourself. Start at Short North, the artsy haven that’s also brimming with plenty of food and drink to dip into. If you want loads of charm, take a stroll through German Village, full of storybook architecture, cobblestone streets, and some great German food. Then mosey on downtown and have some fun on the Scioto Mile, a 175-acre greenspace and promenade. Ohi-oh what a city.

What a Trip: You’ve got that car rental in Columbus, Ohio; now it’s time to use it. Get outdoorsy just southeast of the city at Hocking Hills State Park, where you’ll find caves, cliffs, hiking, and even ziplining. Newark is 40 miles away and home to some unusual attractions—like the world’s largest basket. Around this area, you’ll also find ancient earthworks mounds and even the conical Miamisburg Mound, a 65-foot-tall grassy pyramid with stairs. Get even more outside time at Salt Fork State Park, the largest park in Ohio and alleged home to Big Foot. Yes, that Big Foot.

Gotta-see-‘um Museums: There are a lot of museums in Columbus, so you’ll have plenty to peruse. You can get out of this world at Otherworld, an immersive art installation enhanced by VR where you can insert yourself in cartoons and arcade games. Or take in contemporary art at the Wexner Center and Picassos at the Columbus Museum of Art. After the sun goes down, geek out with an adult edge at COSI After Dark, mixing the Center of Science and Industry’s exhibits with drinks that are shaken and stirred.

Frequently Asked Questions About Columbus

How to get last-minute hotel deals in Columbus, Ohio?

Your cheap car rental in Columbus, Ohio is booked and ready to roll, but now you’ve got to keep saving stacks with your hotel deal. No need to just grab whatever cheap hotel in Columbus. Get the most bang for your buck and scoop up a Hotwire Hot Rate hotel. No time to spare? No problem. In fact, the longer you wait to book your last-minute hotel in Columbus, the more you’ll save. You could save up to 60% off on your hotel versus booking a listed rate two weeks earlier. You can score your sweet spot for as low as  and keep your cash for Ohio fun and games.

How to get last-minute car rental deals in Columbus, Ohio?

When you want the best car rental deals in Columbus, Ohio, there’s one road to major savings—booking a Hotwire Hot Rate car deal. You can get your last-minute car rental in Columbus for as low as $49, and that’s the wheel deal.

What types of cars can I rent in Columbus?

Cruising around Columbus is just your style. So if you want to keep it economy? Go for it. Want a luxury car rental in Columbus, Ohio? Do it up. No matter what you go with, when you book a Hotwire Hot Rate car deal, you’ll be cashing in on a ride full of savings.

Where are the best places to rent a car in Columbus, Ohio?

When you get to town, you’re ready to hit the road, wheels on pavement. So pick up your ride from any of the conveniently located car rental places in Columbus, Ohio from all over the city and get going on your getaway.

What are the cheapest car rental companies in Columbus?

You’ll find all the most popular rental car companies in Columbus, Ohio on Hotwire, including Budget Car Rental Columbus and Avis Car Rental Columbus. But if you skip the brands and go straight to booking a Hotwire Hot Rate, you could save up to 60% off your car and keep your wallet full.

Is it safe to travel to Columbus Ohio now?

With recent COVID-19 closures and reopenings, many people are wondering, “Is it safe to travel to Columbus right now?” When it’s time to book your getaway, be sure to check out the most up-to-date information on all safety measures, any restrictions, and guidance on traveling during the coronavirus pandemic.

*Savings are based on actual Hot Rate® car rentals made from airport pick-up locations as compared with the lowest published rates found on leading retail travel sites. Prices are dynamic and vary based on the booking date and length of the car rental. There is no guarantee these savings or rates will be in effect at the time of your search. Availability is limited. Hot Rate® cars are different from retail rates. With Hot Rate® cars you enter the location, date, and car class. The car rental company is revealed only after booking. All bookings are final.