Compare Car Rental Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)

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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA). Compare prices and book in one place. Simple. Grab a car steps from baggage claim and be in downtown Chattanooga within 15 minutes or cruising along I-75 toward Atlanta. We show live rates from Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and other major brands so you can book with confidence.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 532144

Chattanooga's airport provides several rental options for travelers:

Location	Pros	Cons
CHA Airport Terminal	Inside terminal near baggage claim - no shuttle needed Cars parked in lot just outside terminal All major brands available (Alamo/National, Avis/Budget, Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise) Hours cover all incoming flights (approximately 7AM-11PM) Agencies stay open for delayed last flights After-hours key drop available Quick process at smaller airport	Higher rates due to airport fees Can be busy after multiple arrivals Limited specialty vehicle options Selection may be limited during peak periods Potential sell-out during major events (Ironman, graduations)
Chattanooga Downtown/Off-Airport	Lower rates without airport surcharges Several locations along major roads Potentially less crowded Some offer pickup service Often 15-20% cheaper base rates	Limited hours (business hours only in most cases) Restricted weekend availability Requires transportation from airport (taxi/rideshare takes 15-20 minutes) Smaller inventory Inconvenient for late arrivals

Transportation Note: The airport is only approximately 5 miles (8 km) from downtown (15-20 minute drive), making airport rentals convenient for most visitors without significant travel time to reach the city.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at Chattanooga Airport?

On average, car rentals at Chattanooga Airport cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.

Saving Tips

Compare on-airport vs downtown pickups: CHA terminal is super handy but off-airport spots often run 15-20 % cheaper. A $20 rideshare can still leave you ahead for multi-day rentals.
Watch the event calendar: Ironman weekend, Riverbend Festival and college graduations spike prices. If your dates are flexible, shift by a day or two or lock in 1-3 months early for those peak periods.
Play with rental length: Weekly rates at CHA sometimes beat a 5- or 6-day booking. Run the numbers on our site for both options before you click "Reserve".
Tweak pickup & drop-off times: Moving your pickup outside the 7-11 AM rush or returning late evening can open cheaper inventory. A few hours' difference can cut the total bill.
Skip prepaid fuel: Top off on Brainerd Rd or Shallowford Rd (5-10 minutes from the airport) where prices match city averages, then return full and pocket the difference.

Local Parking and Driving

When leaving the airport, be aware of Chattanooga options and regulations:

Type	Cost	Notes
Street Meters	Metered rates	Enforced Monday through Saturday, generally 8 AM–6 PM Free outside enforcement hours and on Sundays Time limits on many street spots
CARTA Garages	Hourly rates	Multiple downtown locations Connected to free electric shuttle route
North Shore Parking	Varies	Renaissance Park lot often free on weekends Access to Coolidge Park and riverfront

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
School zones have reduced speeds when flashing
Stop for school buses that have flashing red lights on undivided roads
Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles
Seatbelts required for all occupants

Parking Strategy: 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

Having a car lets you move quickly between mountain lookouts, riverfront sights and nearby cities.

Lookout Mountain – Rock City, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway
Downtown Chattanooga – Tennessee Aquarium, Walnut Street Bridge, Bluff View Art District
Tennessee River Gorge – Suck Creek Road overlooks, river access points
Hamilton Place Mall district – shops, dining, hotels
Regional highways I-24 and I-75 – day trips to Nashville or Atlanta

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Chattanooga Airport

FAQs

How early should I arrive to pick up my rental car?

You should plan for about 15-20 minutes to get your car during normal times and up to 30 minutes if it's busy or you don't have a reservation.

Is there a shuttle to the rental car center at Chattanooga Airport?

You don't need a shuttle. The rental counters are inside the terminal near baggage claim and the cars are parked right outside.

Can I return my rental car after hours?

Yes, all major companies at CHA let you return your car after hours using a key drop box. When you do, we suggest taking photos of the car's condition and fuel level for your records.

Are there electric vehicle (EV) rental options at Chattanooga Airport?

There are not many electric vehicle (EV) rental options, but more are becoming available. You should check with the rental companies directly to see what hybrid or electric vehicles they have.

What documents do I need to rent a car at Chattanooga Airport?

You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name and your flight details. International visitors should bring their passport and may also need an International Driving Permit if their license isn't in English.

Can I rent a car at Chattanooga Airport and drop it off in another city?

Yes, you can arrange a one-way rental to many destinations, like Nashville and Atlanta. The rental company might charge you a one-way fee depending on your drop-off city.

How difficult is the drive to Lookout Mountain attractions?

The roads to Lookout Mountain are well-kept but can be steep with sharp turns. You should drive carefully, especially on the way down and use a lower gear. Any standard rental car can make the trip in good weather.

Do I need a special pass for toll roads when renting at Chattanooga Airport?

No, you don't need one. Tennessee has no toll roads, so you can drive anywhere in the state without needing a toll pass.

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Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)