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Finding a rental car in Chattanooga is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across Tennessee with no booking fees. Check live rates for Chattanooga Airport (CHA) and downtown agencies, book early to avoid event-week sellouts and be on your way to Lookout Mountain or the Tennessee River Gorge in minutes.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Chattanooga provides several options for renting a car:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) |
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| Downtown/City Locations |
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Transportation Tip: The airport is only about 5 miles (8 km) from downtown (around 15-20 minutes by taxi/rideshare), making it efficient to rent directly at the airport for most visitors.
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- Compare airport vs. downtown pick-ups on our site. Downtown locations skip airport fees; even with a $15-$20 rideshare from CHA you can come out ahead, especially on weekdays.
- Watch the calendar. Ironman races, Riverbend Festival and college graduations push prices up fast. If you're traveling those weekends, lock in a deal 4-8 weeks out, then keep checking and re-book if you spot a drop.
- Tinker with rental length. Weekly rates in Chattanooga often beat 4-5 separate daily rates. Shift pick-up or drop-off times a few hours to avoid paying for an extra "calendar day."
- Fuel up off-site. Stations on Lee Hwy and Shallowford Rd (both 5 minutes from the airport) are usually 20-40¢/gal cheaper than the prepaid option. Return full and skip the refueling fee.
- Use the free CARTA electric shuttle. Park in a downtown garage (first hour free) and ride the shuttle between attractions. You'll burn less gas, avoid meter fees and can rent a smaller, cheaper car without the parking hassle.
Car rental prices in Chattanooga 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Chattanooga offers convenient options throughout the city:
| Type | Cost | Hours | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Meters | Paid hourly | Mon–Sat daytime enforcement |
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| CARTA North Garage (3rd St) | First hour free, then paid hourly | 24/7 |
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| CARTA South Garage (by Choo Choo) | First hour free, then paid hourly | 24/7 |
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| North Shore Garages | Paid daily | 24/7 |
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| Renaissance Park Lot | Free on weekends | 24/7 |
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| Location | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rock City | Free for patrons |
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| Ruby Falls | Free for patrons |
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| Tennessee Aquarium | Nearby garages (paid) |
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| Lookout Mountain Point Park | Some paid or free street parking |
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| Incline Railway | Free at lower station |
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- Tennessee is a hands-free state; no handheld cell phone use while driving
- Right turn on red permitted after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
- Speed limits: 70 mph (113 km) on interstates, 55 mph (89 km) on highways, 25–45 mph (40–72 km) in the city
- School zones have reduced speeds when flashing
- Seatbelts required for all occupants
- Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles
Helpful Tip: Use the free CARTA electric shuttle that loops downtown. Park once in a garage and use the shuttle to access major downtown attractions without moving your car.
Why rent a car in Chattanooga
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
- Lookout Mountain – Rock City, Ruby Falls, Point Park
- Tennessee River Gorge – Suck Creek Rd pullouts
- Cloudland Canyon State Park – trails, canyon overlooks
- Signal Mountain – Signal Point, mountain roads
- Great Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg, national park
Local Rental Locations
- Car Rental Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
- Car Rental McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Car Rental Memphis International Airport (MEM)
- Car Rental Nashville International Airport (BNA)
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- Tennessee
FAQs
How far is Chattanooga Airport from downtown?
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is about 5 miles (8 km), or a 15-minute drive, from downtown.
Is a car necessary to visit Chattanooga?
You can walk around downtown Chattanooga and use a free shuttle service, but you'll need a car to get to most major attractions like Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls and outdoor recreation areas. Renting a car gives you the most freedom.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting Chattanooga?
A standard sedan works fine for most visitors. If you plan on a lot of mountain driving or are visiting in the winter, an SUV will give you better grip. You'll find it's easier to park a smaller car downtown.
Are there any toll roads in Chattanooga?
There are no toll roads in Chattanooga or anywhere in Tennessee, so you won't need a toll transponder.
Where should I park to explore downtown Chattanooga?
You can find convenient parking in the CARTA garages, and your first hour is free. Park your car there and use the free electric shuttle to explore downtown attractions.
How difficult is the drive up Lookout Mountain?
The roads to Lookout Mountain are well-kept, but they're steep and have sharp turns. You should drive carefully, especially downhill, and it helps to use a lower gear. Any standard car can make the trip in good weather.
