Find low rental car prices in Dayton, Ohio with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare Dayton International Airport and downtown pickups in one search, view offers from Hertz, Enterprise, Budget and more, and secure a flexible deal in minutes.
Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
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Dayton International Airport (DAY) |
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Downtown Dayton |
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At Dayton Airport: Alamo/National, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis and Dollar/Thrifty
On average, car rentals in Dayton cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $21 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: downtown branches skip the ~10 % airport surcharge. Even with a $20 rideshare from DAY, anything longer than a weekend can come out cheaper.
Shift your dates: Tuesday–Thursday pickups often beat weekend rates in Dayton. A one-day slide can knock off several bucks.
Avoid local surges: prices spike during the July Air Show and university move-in or graduation weekends. Travel a week earlier/later if you can.
Go small, pay small: a compact handles Dayton's streets just fine, rents for less, and sips fuel on drives to Cincinnati or Columbus.
Event parking: rates may increase during special events at Dayton Convention Center or UD Arena
Speed limits:
Rent a car so you can visit:
National Museum of the United States Air Force – 8 miles (13 km) east
Carillon Historical Park – 4 miles (6 km) south
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base – 10 miles (16 km) northeast
Cincinnati – 54 miles (87 km) south via I-75
Does Dayton have toll roads?
No, Dayton and southern Ohio do not have any toll roads. You can drive to Cincinnati, Columbus and other nearby cities without paying tolls.
Are there any driving restrictions for rental cars in Dayton?
Most rental companies give you unlimited mileage in Ohio and neighboring states. You can usually cross state lines to places like Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. But you should always check the company's policy when you book.
What fuel type do rental cars in Dayton use?
Most rental cars use regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). You should always check the sticker on the fuel door to be sure. It's rare to find a diesel rental, but some locations can get one for you if you ask in advance.
Can I pick up a car in Dayton and return it in another city?
Yes. All major rental companies in Dayton let you rent a car one-way to Cincinnati, Columbus or other cities. If you return the car somewhere else in Ohio, the company often lowers or waives the one-way fee. Be sure to check the cost before you confirm your booking.
What documentation do I need to rent a car in Dayton?
If you live in the U.S., you'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit or debit card. It's a good idea to have proof of your own auto insurance, but it's not always required. You can buy coverage at the counter or use insurance from your credit card if you have it. Visitors from other countries need to show a valid passport and either an International Driving Permit or a driver's license from their home country (if it's in English or comes with a certified translation).