Finding a car rental at Dayton International Airport is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Ohio with no booking fees. Pick up your ride steps from baggage claim and be on I-70 or I-75 in minutes, making it easy to reach downtown Dayton, Wright-Patterson AFB, Cincinnati or Columbus. Need an economy car or a spacious SUV? Our live inventory lets you lock in low rates before you land.
Facility Details | Description |
---|---|
Location | Next to terminal garage on airport property |
Access Method | Short walk from terminal or free shuttle service |
Facility Type | Dedicated rental car counters near terminal |
Hours | Most companies open for all scheduled arrivals |
Pickup Process Time | 10-20 minutes (usually shorter than larger airports) |
After-Hours Returns | Available through key drop at designated locations |
Alamo/National, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, Dollar/Thrifty
On average, car rentals at Dayton Airport cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $21 per day.
Compare DAY vs CVG/CMH: Dayton's rates are often 5-15 % lower than Cincinnati or Columbus, so starting or ending your trip at DAY can be cheaper.
Shift to a Fri–Mon rental: Weekend specials are common here; nudging your pickup or drop-off by a day can slash the price.
Test multiple vehicle classes: At slower times a midsize can be the same cost as an economy. Run a quick side-by-side before you book.
One-way within Ohio is usually low-fee: Dropping in Cincinnati or Columbus often costs little or nothing, so compare those options instead of backtracking.
Refuel on Dixie Dr: Gas stations right outside the airport beat the rental company's per-gallon price every time.
Stack member discounts: Add loyalty, AAA or corporate codes at checkout—many DAY suppliers let you layer a promo on top of weekend pricing.
Speed Limits: 70 mph on I-70/I-75, 65 mph closer to urban areas, 25-35 mph on city streets
Rush Hours: 7-9am and 4-6pm on weekdays, mainly on I-75 South toward Dayton
Airport Access: Direct access to I-70 for east/west travel and connections to I-75 for north/south
Speed Enforcement: Active in school zones and some high-crash areas, including automated cameras
Book a rental car to visit:
Downtown Dayton – Oregon District, RiverScape MetroPark
National Museum of the US Air Force – aviation exhibits
Yellow Springs – shops, Glen Helen Nature Preserve
Cincinnati – Over-the-Rhine, Great American Ball Park
How long does the rental process take at Dayton Airport?
You can get your rental car in about 10–20 minutes from the counter to the exit. This is much faster than at larger airports like Cincinnati or Columbus.
Can I return my rental car after hours?
Yes, all companies let you return your car after hours. Park in the designated area and place keys in the secure drop box. The company will process your return when the counter reopens.
Are there additional fees for renting at the airport versus in the city?
Yes, renting at the airport includes about a 10% concession fee that you won't pay at locations in the city. The company includes this fee in the rate they quote you.
Is there a gas station near the airport for refueling before return?
Yes, you can find several gas stations on Dixie Dr near the airport entrance, so it's easy to refuel before you return the car.
Can I pick up at Dayton Airport and return to another location?
Yes, most companies let you rent one-way to other cities. For drop-offs inside Ohio, one-way fees are often low and some companies might not charge one at all. You should always confirm the fee when you book. Many people rent one-way to larger cities like Cincinnati or Columbus.