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Finding a car rental in Cookeville is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Tennessee with no reservation fees. Whether you pick up downtown or at Nashville International Airport, a rental car makes it simple to cruise I-40 and reach Burgess Falls, Cummins Falls and the rest of the Upper Cumberland on your own timetable.
Cookeville is a smaller market offering limited but adequate rental options:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cookeville City Locations | • Convenient if already in Cookeville • No airport fees |
• Limited hours (usually 8 AM-5/6 PM weekdays, shorter Saturday, closed Sunday) • Smaller vehicle selection |
• Enterprise on South Jefferson Ave • Some providers offer local pickup service • Advance reservation highly recommended |
| Upper Cumberland Regional Airport | • Convenient if flying private aircraft | • Very limited commercial service • Small operation • Reservation required |
• Must coordinate in advance • Not staffed full-time for rentals • Generally arranged through city locations |
| Nashville International Airport (BNA) | • Larger selection • More competitive rates • Extended hours |
• 80 miles (129 km) from Cookeville • 1 hour 15 minute drive |
• Most visitors to Cookeville rent in Nashville • I-40 connects Nashville to Cookeville |
Practical Approach: Most travelers flying into Tennessee will rent a car at Nashville International Airport and drive to Cookeville. If you're already in Cookeville or arriving by bus or other means, the local agencies can provide rental service when booked in advance.
On average, car rentals in Cookeville cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Compare pickup spots: price out Cookeville city branches vs. Nashville Airport. City pickups dodge airport surcharges, but BNA's bigger fleet can run cheaper on base rate. Check both before you click "book."
Peak season ≠ last-minute: summer waterfall crowds and October leaf-peepers wipe out inventory fast. Grab a car 1-2 weeks ahead, then keep an eye on rates—you can usually cancel and re-book if the price slides.
Weekend deals: local desks often slash rates for Fri-Mon rentals. If your schedule's flexible, start the trip Friday afternoon and pocket the savings.
Right-size the ride: almost every waterfall trailhead is on pavement. A compact or midsize is plenty and costs less to rent and fuel than an SUV.
Parking in Cookeville:
Tennessee Tech University: Visitor areas require permits during weekdays. Some designated visitor lots available.
Shopping Areas: Free spots at Cookeville malls and retail centers along Interstate Drive and Jefferson Avenue.
Important Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
Rent a car so you can visit:
Burgess Falls State Park – waterfalls, trail
Cummins Falls State Park – waterfall, swimming hole
Fall Creek Falls State Park – waterfall, hiking trails
Rock Island State Park – river gorge, boating
What's the best vehicle type for visiting waterfalls around Cookeville?
You can reach most waterfall parking areas in a regular car, but an SUV sits higher off the ground which is helpful on some dirt roads, especially after it rains. We suggest an SUV if you're visiting Cummins Falls or other remote spots.
Is winter driving difficult around Cookeville?
Cookeville gets more snow than Nashville because it's higher up on the Cumberland Plateau. The steep hill on I-40 near Monterey, just east of Cookeville, can be tricky during winter storms. Crews clear the main roads quickly, but country roads to waterfalls might stay closed after a big snowstorm.
Can I rent a car in Cookeville and drop it off in another city?
Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip, but it might be harder to find one in a smaller town like Cookeville. People often drop cars off in Nashville and Knoxville. You should call the local rental places directly to check on one-way options, since they don't always show up when you book online.
What's the best time to visit the waterfalls around Cookeville?
In late spring (April–May), the waterfalls are strongest because of all the rain. Summer (June–August) is the best time for swimming at places like Cummins Falls. In the fall, you can see beautiful leaves and the water flow is still good. Winter has the fewest visitors, but some roads to the falls might be closed.
Are there any scenic alternatives to I-40 between Nashville and Cookeville?
Yes, you can take US-70 for a prettier drive than I-40. It's about 30 minutes slower but takes you through nice small towns like Lebanon and Smithville. You can also follow local roads that run alongside the old Tennessee Central railway tracks for a relaxing, small-town drive. The Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail itself is a path for bikes and people walking, not for cars.
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