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Finding a rental car at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Kentucky and Ohio with no booking fees. Pick up your car in the airport's Rental Car Center and be driving to downtown Cincinnati, the Bourbon Trail or the Ark Encounter within minutes.
CVG Airport offers an integrated rental experience at its consolidated Rental Car Center:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| CVG Airport Rental Car Center |
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| Downtown Cincinnati |
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| Covington/Newport (KY) |
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Terminal Layout: The rental center is located in Ground Transport West, one level down from baggage claim. Counters are organized by floor:
On average, car rentals at Cincinnati International Airport cost around $55 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown locations – Airport pickups include extra fees. Price-check Covington or downtown Cincinnati branches and see if the Lyft/Uber to get there still leaves you ahead.
Shift your dates/times – Business travelers drive weekday demand at CVG. A Friday noon pickup with Monday drop-off can unlock cheaper weekend rates than a Thursday start.
Book early only for big events – Reds Opening Day, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati and summer festivals send prices sky-high. Reserve sooner for those windows, but keep monitoring and re-book if rates dip.
Test weekly vs daily pricing – At 5+ days a "weekly" plan often beats the sum of daily rates. Run both options in the comparison tool before clicking pay.
Airport Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Bridges:
Get a car to see:
Downtown Cincinnati – sports venues, museums, riverfront
Covington & Newport, KY – aquarium, riverwalk, dining districts
Creation Museum, Petersburg – biblical exhibits, botanical gardens
Ark Encounter, Williamstown – Noah's Ark replica
Lexington – horse farms, bourbon distilleries
Louisville – Churchill Downs, Slugger Museum
How far is CVG Airport from downtown Cincinnati?
It's about a 13-mile (21 km) drive from CVG Airport to downtown Cincinnati. It will usually take you 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Are there any toll roads between CVG Airport and Cincinnati?
No, you won't find any toll roads or bridges on your drive between CVG Airport and Cincinnati. You can cross all the major bridges over the Ohio River from Northern Kentucky to Cincinnati for free.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area?
A compact or midsize car is a good choice for driving in the city and on the highway. If you visit during the winter, you should consider an SUV for better handling on slippery roads. If you're traveling as a family or a group, a midsize SUV or minivan will give everyone more space and a comfortable ride.
Is it worth renting a car if I'm only staying in downtown Cincinnati?
If you're only staying in downtown Cincinnati, you might not need a rental car. You can walk to many places, and public transportation is also available. However, a car gives you the freedom to explore places in the wider Cincinnati area.
Can I take my rental car across the Ohio River into Cincinnati?
Yes, you can drive your rental car from CVG into Ohio. There are no rules against it. When you cross the Ohio River, you won't run into any checkpoints or tolls.
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