Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in College Station, Texas. Compare rates and book in one place. Grab a car right at Easterwood Airport for the fastest getaway or choose cheaper city pickups on Texas Avenue near Texas A&M. Book early for football weekends and graduations when cars go fast and prices jump.
Location | Pros | Cons | Wait Times |
---|---|---|---|
Easterwood Airport (CLL) | • On-site counters for Enterprise, Avis, Budget • No shuttle needed • Quick pickup process |
• Limited selection • Higher rates than city locations • Hours tied to flight schedules |
• 5-15 minutes (small airport) • Possible delays if arriving late evening |
City Locations (Texas Ave) | • Lower rates than airport • No airport fees • Major agencies represented |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited hours (7:30am-5:30pm weekdays) • Shorter hours or closed on weekends |
• 10-15 minutes during normal operations |
University Area | • Convenient if staying near campus • Some offer pickup service |
• Very limited weekend hours • Smaller fleet selection |
• Varies by location |
On average, car rentals in College Station cost around $81 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $28 per day.
Pick up in town, not at the airport – city spots on Texas Ave usually run 10-15 % cheaper. A quick rideshare from CLL can still save you money overall.
Dodge big Aggie dates – prices jump 40-80 % on football and graduation weekends. Shift your trip by a day or two if you can.
Book with free cancellation and keep stalking the rate – College Station prices often drop once event crowds clear; rebook if you spot a better deal.
Check "weekly" pricing for 5+ day trips – a 7-day quote can cost less than five separate daily rates.
Start your rental Mon-Thu – agencies chase business travelers early in the week, then slash rates for weekend pickups.
Ask for university or alumni discounts – many locations around campus quietly knock a few bucks off for anyone with an Aggie ID or email.
Location | Type | Cost | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Texas A&M Campus | Visitor lots/garages | Paid | Visitor permits required weekdays; some lots free evenings/weekends |
Northgate District | City garages/meters | Paid | Popular entertainment area; busiest evenings and game days |
Century Square | Shopping center | Free (time limits) | Modern mixed-use development with dining options |
Post Oak Mall | Mall parking | Free | Plenty of spots, but spaces near entrances fill quickly |
Downtown Bryan | Street parking | Free | Historic area with shops and restaurants, 10-minute drive from College Station |
Speed limits: 30 mph in residential areas, 35-45 mph on major streets like Texas Avenue, 75 mph on Highway 6 outside city limits
Game day traffic: Significant traffic pattern changes during home football games, including one-way roads after games
School zones: Speed limits drop to 20 mph around schools during designated hours, strictly enforced
Restrictions on game days: No parking on grass or curbs in neighborhoods during game days and special events
Right on red: Legal after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
Mobile phones: Texting while driving is prohibited throughout Texas; hands-free use is recommended
Alcohol: Legal BAC limit is 0.08%; open containers are prohibited in vehicles
Moving emergency vehicles: Texas law requires drivers to either vacate the lane nearest stopped emergency vehicles or slow to 20 mph below the posted speed
Are special permits needed to park on Texas A&M campus?
Yes, on weekdays you'll need a visitor permit for most campus lots. You can get one at a campus kiosk or buy it online. Some lots are free after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends, but be sure to check the signs.
How much extra time should I allow on football game days?
You should plan for at least 1–2 extra hours of travel on game days. Traffic starts to build up near Kyle Field 3–4 hours before the game and stays heavy for 1–2 hours after it ends.
Can I find car rentals during sold-out events?
During major events, you'll find that airport car rental places often run out of cars. If you really need a car, try booking from a place in Bryan or a nearby city and reserve it well in advance.
Is it easy to navigate between College Station and Bryan?
Yes, it's easy to travel between the two sister cities. You can take main roads like University Drive/Briarcrest Drive, Villa Maria Road and Harvey Mitchell Parkway. The drive usually takes 10–15 minutes.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting College Station?
A standard sedan will work for most of your needs. An SUV might be more comfortable for day trips to state parks or rural areas, but you don't need one just for driving around the city.