How to find a cheap car hire deal in Chattanooga
Searching for a cheap rental car in Chattanooga? With an average price of $148 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're wanting a small ride, a large SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the best deals to land you a bargain.
$75 is the cheapest daily price offered for a home in Chattanooga.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $525 is the lowest rate for a weekly home.
If you like to plan with precision, book around three weeks ahead to land the best price on a Chattanooga car hire.
Find your perfect ride with Avis, Enterprise or Hertz. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Avis or another supplier offers for your Chattanooga car hire can differ, so remember to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider booking a one-way home. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Search for homes with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $112 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $116.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $154 a day with this supplier.
The Compact home category is a dependable choice if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Chattanooga.
Flying to Chattanooga? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Chattanooga, start exploring sooner by picking up a car hire at Chattanooga Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 14 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Chattanooga
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Chattanooga gives you the freedom to explore for less. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are good for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Chattanooga car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Chattanooga that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group excursions, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Chattanooga car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Chattanooga by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
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 be ready for a few added rules or costs. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your Chattanooga car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the 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 travel.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in the United States, be aware that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you think you'll be drinking, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everyday expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you always have a backup option.
Best hotels in Chattanooga for drivers
Offering valet parking, The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Chattanooga and also comes with bicycle homes and car hire options.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chattanooga Downtown/South also works well for a trip built around driving. It features valet parking, plus Wi-Fi and a bar. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 0.64 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Chattanooga and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Chattanooga and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Ruby Falls, Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga Whisky Experimental Distillery are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Chattanooga
Around 40 kilometres east of central Chattanooga, Cleveland belongs on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Museum Centre at 5ive Points and First Presbyterian Church.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Cleveland include Douglas Inn & Suites and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland TN.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Chattanooga and then set out for Rome. Around 88 kilometres south of Chattanooga, Rome Braves and Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum are major attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Rome at Comfort Inn & Suites Rome South or Quality Inn Rome South. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Ready to go the extra mile? Birmingham is a top road trip destination that's about 225 kilometres southwest of Chattanooga. Plan to make a few pit stops at 16th Street Baptist Church and Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler and Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Birmingham.
