EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Bend is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers all around Oregon with no reservation fees. Pick up a Bend car rental downtown for lower daily rates or grab the keys at Redmond Airport RDM after you land. Book early to lock in low prices on SUVs and AWD vehicles ready for Mt Bachelor, Smith Rock and the Cascade Lakes Byway.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bend City |
|
|
| Redmond Airport (RDM) |
|
|
On average, car rentals in Bend cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $50 per day.
Skip the airport markup: Fly into RDM, then rideshare 20 min to a Bend city branch. Downtown pick-ups avoid airport fees and can shave 10-15 % off the total.
Aim for shoulder season: Late April–early June and September–October bring roomy inventory and lower daily rates between the summer crowds and ski rush.
Book a free-cancel deal and stalk prices: Bend rates can wobble; re-quote a few times before the trip and rebook if the price drops—no penalty.
Start mid-week: Picking up Tue–Thu often dodges weekend demand spikes, especially during winter powder weekends at Mt. Bachelor.
Downtown Parking:
Trailhead Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car rental so you can visit:
Mt. Bachelor – ski resort, snow parks
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – Sparks Lake, Elk Lake
Smith Rock State Park – rock formations, trails
Crater Lake National Park – rim viewpoints
High Desert Museum – wildlife exhibits
Bend Ale Trail – breweries
Do I need a 4WD or AWD vehicle in Bend?
In the summer, any kind of car will work fine for most places you want to see. In the winter (from November to April), we recommend an AWD or 4WD car if you plan to visit Mt. Bachelor or drive over mountain passes. You can also use a 2WD car if you have chains for the tires.
Can I access all the lakes on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway with a regular car?
Yes, in the summer, you can get to all the lakes in a regular car. The road is paved but gets narrow in some spots. In the winter, officials close the highway past the Mt. Bachelor ski area.
What's the best time to visit Bend to avoid crowds and get better car rental rates?
You'll find nice weather, smaller crowds and often cheaper rental cars from May to June and September to October. Try not to visit on holidays or festival weekends, because prices go up when more people are in town.
Are there any road closures I should be aware of when planning my trip?
Yes, road crews close some mountain passes depending on the season. They close the Cascade Lakes Highway past Mt. Bachelor from November to late May. They also close McKenzie Pass (OR-242) from November to mid-June.
Is it difficult to find parking in downtown Bend?
You can usually find a parking spot downtown, but it can get full during the busy summer season and special events. In the main downtown area, you can park for free for 2 hours and officials will check. If you need to park longer, you can use a parking garage.
Can I take my rental car on unpaved forest roads?
Most rental car companies will let you drive on maintained gravel roads, but they don't allow off-roading. An SUV that sits higher off the ground is a better choice for forest service roads. Make sure you check your rental agreement to see what the rules are.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support