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Compare car rentals from leading suppliers in Clarksville, Indiana with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Compare on-airport pickups at Louisville Muhammad Ali International with lower-fee downtown Clarksville branches and get on the road to Louisville, the Bourbon Trail or I-65 in minutes.
Most visitors arrive via Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), about 15 minutes from Clarksville. Compare your rental options:
| Feature | Louisville Airport (SDF) | Clarksville Town Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Walk from terminal to on-site rental facility (no shuttle needed) | Requires taxi/rideshare from airport (around $20) |
| Hours | Extended hours (some open 6AM-midnight or later) | Business hours (often 8AM-5PM weekdays, limited Saturday hours, closed Sunday) |
| Vehicle Selection | Larger inventory, including specialty vehicles | Standard vehicles, more limited selection |
| Cost | Higher due to airport fees and surcharges | May be $5-10/day cheaper but factor in transport costs |
| Wait Times | Up to 20 minutes during peak times (4-7PM) | Minimal except Monday mornings |
| After-Hours Return | 24-hour drop-off available | Limited or unavailable (verify at booking) |
Transport Options: For off-airport rentals, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is readily available from SDF to Clarksville (10-15 minute ride). Some rental companies like Enterprise offer local pickup service from hotels or homes in Clarksville, but they won't cross state lines to pick up at SDF.
On average, car rentals in Clarksville (IN) cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $27 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Off-airport Clarksville locations can run about $5-10/day cheaper than Louisville Airport. Factor in the $20 Uber from SDF—if you're in town for more than a couple of days the math usually favors the Indiana side.
Fuel up in Indiana: Gas is consistently cheaper north of the river. Top off before crossing into Kentucky and before returning the car to dodge higher Louisville pump prices.
Dodge toll fees: Use the free Second Street or Sherman Minton bridges instead of the tolled I-65 spans. Avoids both RiverLink charges and the rental company's daily "convenience" fee.
Play the calendar: Business-area branches often slash prices on weekends while airport rates stay flat. Flip that strategy on weekdays if you're arriving for work.
Parking in Clarksville/Southern Indiana
Parking in Louisville
Local Driving Rules
Toll System
The RiverLink system operates on Ohio River bridges:
Get a car so you can get to:
Downtown Louisville – museums, restaurants
Falls of the Ohio State Park – fossil beds
Bourbon Trail distilleries
Mammoth Cave National Park – cave tours
Madison, Indiana – riverfront, shops
Ohio River Scenic Byway towns
Can I drive a rental car from Indiana to Kentucky?
Yes, you can drive a rental car from Indiana into Kentucky without any problem. Most rental companies let you travel to any U.S. state and Canada.
How do I handle tolls on the Ohio River bridges?
The rental company will bill you for any tolls and add a service fee. This fee is usually $3.95–$5.95 each day you drive on a toll road, with a maximum charge around $30. To avoid this charge, you can use the free bridges (Second Street Bridge or Sherman Minton Bridge) or buy your own RiverLink transponder.
What happens if my flight arrives after the rental office closes?
The rental counters at the airport will stay open for late arrivals, but the rental offices in Clarksville do not offer after-hours pickup. If your flight gets in late, you should rent at the airport or wait until the next business day.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
You can use your foreign driver's license while visiting Indiana. We recommend you get an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English, though it's not required by law. You should always carry your passport as an extra form of ID.
What are my options if all rental cars are sold out during Derby weekend?
You should book your car as far in advance as possible for Derby weekend. If the usual rental companies are sold out, you could try Turo (a car sharing service), look for rentals in nearby cities like Indianapolis or Cincinnati or rent a car only for the days you really need it.
What should I do in case of severe weather while driving?
Southern Indiana sometimes gets severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings, especially in the spring. If you hear sirens or get an alert on your phone, you should find shelter in a strong building. When it's raining hard, you should slow down or pull over somewhere safe until the weather gets better.
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