How to find a cheap car hire deal in Columbus
Take control of your trip with a cheap rental car in Columbus. With prices averaging RM427 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From fuel-savers to people movers, we'll help you pick your kind of ride at your kind of price.
The cheapest daily rental price in Columbus is RM232.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from RM859 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Here's your clue on when to book. Three weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Columbus car hire.
Explore the offers available from major providers like Alamo.
The coverage Alamo or another company includes with your Columbus car hire can differ, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average RM378 a day.
Offering daily rates of around RM391, this provider comes in next.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly RM414 a day with this supplier.
After a car that works for most trips? The Premium rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Columbus.
Flying to Columbus? Think about an airport pick-up
Start your Columbus trip sooner by picking up a car hire at Columbus Airport. The city centre is about 11 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Columbus
Small: These cheap rental cars in Columbus may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Columbus car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Columbus is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Columbus car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Columbus by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always read your rental company's policy to know where you stand.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat regulations vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Columbus car hire reservation.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in the United States, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. As well as your bank cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.
English is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Columbus for drivers
Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time enjoying your stay at Courtyard Columbus. About 6 kilometres from central Columbus, it comes with parking, a laundry and internet access.
Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, plus a pool and an indoor swimming pool. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Columbus and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Columbus and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Get things started with big attractions such as National Infantry Museum and Soldier Centre, Columbus Collective Museums and Lakebottom Park.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Columbus
Auburn has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Chewacla State Park and Chewacla Waterfall. This city is around 48 kilometres west of central Columbus.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Auburn include Sleep Inn & Suites Auburn Campus Area I-85 and Quality Inn University Area.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Columbus and head roughly 40 kilometres northwest to Opelika. Featuring RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National and The Opelika Centre for the Performing Arts, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Quality Inn University Area and Candlewood Suites Auburn are comfortable places to stay in Opelika if you're hanging out for a while. Book one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Montgomery, roughly 121 kilometres west of Columbus. Kick things off at National Memorial for Peace and Justice, then head to Civil Rights Memorial.
Drift off to sleep in Montgomery at either Red Roof Inn Montgomery - Midtown or Staybridge Suites Montgomery - Downtown by IHG. They have a room waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
