EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find competitive car rental prices in Corvallis with Road Genius. Check rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no reservation fees. Compare downtown pickups near Oregon State University with airport deals from Portland or Eugene and be road ready for coast runs, Cascade hikes or Willamette Valley wine tours.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Corvallis City Locations | • Lower rates without airport fees • Several agencies (Enterprise on Mission St, Hertz/Budget/Avis on 9th St) • Close to OSU campus and downtown |
• Limited hours (8am-5pm weekdays, shorter Saturday, closed Sunday) • Smaller inventory and fewer specialty vehicles • Must reserve ahead during university events |
| Portland Airport (PDX) | • Widest selection of vehicles • 24-hour operations • Immediate availability after landing |
• 90 miles (145 km) from Corvallis (2-hour drive) • Higher rates plus airport fees • Long transfer time to reach Corvallis |
| Eugene Airport (EUG) | • Closer to Corvallis (50 miles / 80 km) • On-site rental car counters • Smaller airport and less congestion |
• Limited flight options • Still requires 1-hour drive to Corvallis • Smaller vehicle selection than PDX |
Transportation Options to Rental Locations:
On average, car rentals in Corvallis cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $21 per day.
Skip the airport fees: Pick up in Corvallis city instead of PDX/EUG. No airport surcharges and often $10-15/day cheaper. Shuttle or rideshare down from the airport.
Watch OSU calendars: Graduation, move-in and home games = price spikes. Lock in early for those weekends, but feel free to compare last-minute rates in the quieter summer months.
Compare Albany quotes: Check rates 10 mi up the road in Albany. Even with a rideshare there and back, the total can beat Corvallis prices.
Go weekly if you'll stay 5+ days: Agencies often drop the per-day cost once you cross the 7-day mark. Run both daily and weekly options through the comparison tool.
Rent only for road-trip days: Campus and downtown are walkable and buses run often. Grab a 24-hour rental for that coast or Cascades day instead of paying for idle days.
Use member or student discounts: Plug in AAA or OSU visitor codes to shave off under-25 and additional-driver fees before you click "confirm."
Where to Park:
Driving Rules:
Rent a car to easily:
Oregon Coast – Newport
Cascade Mountains – Santiam Pass
Willamette Valley wine country – McMinnville
Mary's Peak – summit trails
Silver Falls State Park – Ten Falls area
Portland – museums and dining
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Corvallis area?
For driving around town and taking short trips, a compact or midsize car will work just fine. If you plan to visit outdoor recreation areas, a small SUV or crossover can handle gravel roads to trailheads better. For winter trips to the Cascades, you might want a vehicle with all-wheel drive.
Do I need a special vehicle to reach hiking trails around Corvallis?
You can reach most popular trails near Corvallis in a standard car. However, some forest service roads to distant trailheads can be rough or have potholes, so a car that sits higher off the ground is helpful. For example, the road to the Mary's Peak trailhead is paved all the way to the top. Only the final hiking part is a dirt path, so a regular sedan usually works just fine.
When is the best time to rent a car in Corvallis?
You'll find the best driving conditions from late spring to early fall. The weather is driest from May to September, which is great for exploring outdoors. The summer is quieter because there are fewer students, but more people rent cars for graduation in June and move-in during late August and early September.
How does Oregon State University affect car rentals in Corvallis?
OSU makes it much harder to find a rental car during big events. It's very busy during home football games from September to November, graduation weekend in June and move-in weekend in September. You should book your car far ahead of time if you plan to visit then.
Is it possible to find parking in downtown Corvallis and near campus?
Yes, you can find free street parking in downtown Corvallis, but it has time limits, usually 2 to 3 hours. To park on campus on weekdays, you need a visitor permit, which you can get at an info booth or online. The parking rules on campus are more relaxed in the evenings and on weekends.
What's the most scenic drive from Corvallis?
The drive to Mary's Peak gives you spectacular views from the highest point in the Coast Range. The roughly 25-mile drive from Corvallis takes you through forests to a parking area near the top. From there, you can see the Cascade mountains. On clear days, you might even spot the Pacific Ocean.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support