How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cleveland
Whether you need a compact for zipping around town or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Cleveland. Pick from options averaging $130 a day and go where you want for less.
Daily home prices in Cleveland start from just $77.
Staying a while and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $533 is the best rate for a weekly home.
To land the best price on a Cleveland car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates tend to climb as your travel dates get closer, and leaving it too late could mean missing out.
Grab your wheels from Hertz, Thrifty or Budget. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
The coverage Hertz or another supplier offers for your Cleveland car hire can differ, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Cleveland.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Explore without limits by searching for homes with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at $132 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $142.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $458 a day for one of their homes.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Compact home category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Cleveland.
Flying to Cleveland? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Cleveland plans by booking a car hire at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The city centre is about 13 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Cleveland
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Cleveland gets you moving without breaking the bank. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this Cleveland car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Cleveland that can handle a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group excursions, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Cleveland car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Cleveland.
Good to know
Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Kids coming with you? Car seat regulations vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Find out if you need to add one to your Cleveland car rental booking.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the home counter. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Take a few moments to get used to your home. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Cleveland for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time making the most of Fidelity Hotel. Around 0.32 kilometres from central Cleveland, it comes with parking, Wi-Fi and internet access.
Hilton Cleveland Downtown also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features valet parking, along with wake-up call services and an indoor swimming pool. Check in here and you'll be roughly 0.32 kilometres from the city centre.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the lineup of hotels in Cleveland. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Cleveland and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Museum of Natural History are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cleveland
Around 48 kilometres south of central Cleveland, Akron should feature on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and Portage Lakes State Park.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Hilton Garden Inn Akron and Comfort Inn & Suites Cuyahoga Falls - Akron, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Akron.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Cleveland and then take off to Canton. Around 80 kilometres south of Cleveland, Pro Football Hall of Fame and Gervasi Vineyard are major attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Canton has some great accommodation options including Red Roof Inn Canton and Quality Inn Hall of Fame. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Looking to cover more ground? Pittsburgh is a popular road trip destination that's around 193 kilometres southeast of Cleveland. Plan to make a few pit stops at Carnegie Museum of Art and The Andy Warhol Museum.
Find a room at Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown or Courtyard Pittsburgh University Centre. Use one of them as your base and enjoy everything Pittsburgh has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
