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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Altoona is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands all around Pennsylvania with no booking fees. Pick up a compact or SUV downtown, near Logan Valley Mall, or at Altoona-Blair County Airport and drive to the Allegheny Mountains in minutes. Reserve early to snag low rates and the right vehicle before Penn State game weekends and busy summer travel.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
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| Downtown Altoona |
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| Logan Valley Mall Area |
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| Altoona-Blair County Airport |
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| Johnstown Airport |
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On average, car rentals in Altoona cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $52 per day.
Shop multiple pick-up spots (Downtown, Logan Valley Mall, Altoona-Blair Co. Airport, Johnstown Airport) on our site. Downtown often skips airport fees while Johnstown can have bigger fleets.
Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead if your trip overlaps Penn State football weekends or summer. Cars vanish fast and last-minute prices spike. Off-peak weeks are usually fine to book closer to arrival.
Toggle "weekly" pricing even for 4–5 day trips. In Altoona the weekly tag can beat the daily total by 15-20 %.
Compare local vs national suppliers. Home-grown outfits sometimes run $5-10/day cheaper, but double-check hours and vehicle range.
| Parking Type | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Good | Metered Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM; free evenings and weekends |
| Downtown Garages | Moderate | Central Business District and Transportation Center garages |
| Shopping Centers | Abundant | Free parking at Logan Valley Mall and other retail centers |
| Recreational Areas | Ample | Free parking at most parks and trails |
| Penn State Altoona | Restricted | Visitor permits required; pay attention to signage |
Local Driving Rules:
A rental car opens up Altoona's railroad landmarks, mountain parks and nearby college town.
Horseshoe Curve
DelGrosso's Amusement Park – rides, water park
Raystown Lake – reservoir, boating, fishing
Blue Knob State Park – trails, skiing
Is it necessary to have a car in Altoona?
Yes, Altoona has limited public transportation, so you'll need a rental car to explore the city and nearby sights.
Where can I find car rentals in Altoona?
You can find most rental agencies downtown and near Logan Valley Mall. Altoona has fewer choices than bigger cities, so booking in advance is a good idea.
Do I need a special vehicle for mountain driving?
A standard car is fine in normal weather. But during the winter (November to March), you should consider renting an all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive car for better handling on mountain roads.
How far is Altoona from major airports?
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is about 120 miles (193 km) east (a 2-hour drive), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is about 120 miles (193 km) west (a 2-hour drive) and University Park Airport (SCE) in State College is about 45 miles (72 km) north (a 1-hour drive).
What's the best time to visit the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark?
The landmark is open from mid-April to early November but closes for the winter. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is nicer. Trains run all day, but you'll get the best light for photos around noon.
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