How much does it cost to rent a car in Altoona?

On average, car rentals in Altoona cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $52 per day.

Car Rental Altoona, PA

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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.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Key Rental Locations and OptionsLocationAdvantagesConsiderations
Downtown AltoonaNo airport fees
Convenient for business district
Central to local attractions
Limited hours (usually 8AM-5PM)
Closed Sundays at most locations
Smaller selection
Logan Valley Mall AreaNear major shopping
Free parking
Easy highway access
Limited hours
May require advance reservation
Fewer premium vehicle options
Altoona-Blair County AirportClose to I-99
Less congested
Very limited selection
Call ahead to confirm hours
May not have counter staff
Johnstown AirportMore vehicle options
Airport rental facilities
45 miles (72 km) from Altoona
Limited flight schedule
Advance reservation essential

Location	Advantages	Considerations
Downtown Altoona	No airport fees Convenient for business district Central to local attractions	Limited hours (usually 8AM-5PM) Closed Sundays at most locations Smaller selection
Logan Valley Mall Area	Near major shopping Free parking Easy highway access	Limited hours May require advance reservation Fewer premium vehicle options
Altoona-Blair County Airport	Close to I-99 Less congested	Very limited selection Call ahead to confirm hours May not have counter staff
Johnstown Airport	More vehicle options Airport rental facilities	45 miles (72 km) from Altoona Limited flight schedule Advance reservation essential

Car Rental Prices

Average: $61/day
From: $52/day

Low-cost rental tips

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.
Pickup Monday-Thursday if you can. Rates dip mid-week and you avoid the limited Sunday hours that can force an extra day's charge.

Car rental prices in Altoona 2025/2026

Local Parking and Driving

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

Downtown Altoona has several one-way streets
Interstate 99 runs north-south through the eastern side of the city
Route 22 (Plank Road) is the major east-west thoroughfare
Mountainous terrain requires careful driving, especially in winter conditions
School zones are strictly enforced during school hours

Why rent a car in Altoona

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
State College – Penn State campus

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

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.