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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Delaware, Ohio. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Simple. View real-time prices from John Glenn Columbus International Airport and local Delaware branches, then lock in everything from compact cars to SUVs with free cancellation. Book early to avoid airport mark-ups and secure the ride you need for trips to Columbus downtown, Hocking Hills or Amish Country.
Delaware visitors choose between airport rentals at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or city locations in Delaware.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) | • Wide vehicle selection • Extended hours • All major brands available • Free shuttle from terminal to rental center |
• Around 18% higher costs due to airport fees • 30 miles (48 km) from Delaware • May have longer wait times during peak hours |
| Delaware City Locations | • Lower rates without airport fees • Closer if staying in Delaware • Shorter wait times |
• Limited selection of vehicles • Restricted hours (most close by 6 PM) • Need transport from airport if flying in |
Local Rental Providers: Delaware hosts Enterprise and Hertz branches on Columbus Pike.
On average, car rentals in Delaware cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $41 per day.
Compare CMH airport vs Delaware city pick-ups. Airport counters add about 18% in fees. If a friend can drop you the 30 miles (48 km) to Delaware or you grab a $35 rideshare, the math usually favors the city branch.
Avoid holiday peaks like July 4th and Labor Day. Shifting your pick-up by even 24 hours can slash rates when central Ohio demand surges.
Quote a full week, even for a 4-5-day trip. Weekly pricing in this market often beats shorter rentals, so run both options before you click "book."
Stick to the smallest car that fits your plans. An economy sedan handles US-23, Columbus runs and Amish Country just fine while saving on fuel.
Downtown Delaware Parking:
Driving Rules to Know:
Tolls: No toll roads in the immediate Delaware area. If driving north to Cleveland or west toward Chicago, you may encounter the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90), which accepts cash, credit cards or E-ZPass.
Book a rental car so you can easily:
Columbus downtown & Short North Arts District – dining, galleries
Hocking Hills State Park – caves, waterfalls
Amish Country (Holmes County) – farms, markets
Alum Creek State Park – beach, boating
When is the best time to visit Delaware, Ohio? For nice weather and good rental prices, we suggest visiting in May and September-October. The fall colors are best in October, making it a perfect time for scenic drives. You can find the lowest rental prices from January to March, but be prepared for winter driving conditions.
Is it better to rent at the airport or in Delaware city? If you fly into Columbus, you'll find renting at the airport is easy and gives you more cars to choose from, but you'll pay about 18% more. You can save money renting in Delaware city if you have a ride from the airport. Just know that these rental places often have shorter hours and fewer cars.
Do I need a special vehicle for winter driving in Delaware? You don't need one, but we find an AWD or 4WD vehicle is helpful during the winter months (December-February). Most rental cars have all-season tires, but you should know the roads can be slippery after it snows. Always make sure you clear all snow and ice from your car before you drive.
What are the must-see attractions accessible by car from Delaware? For a short drive, you can visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Alum Creek State Park and Highbanks Metro Park. About 1-2 hours away, you can find Hocking Hills State Park, Amish Country (Holmes County) and Columbus city attractions like the COSI Science Center and the Short North Arts District.
Are there any local driving quirks I should know about? You should watch for school zones, where the speed limit drops to 20 mph when lights are flashing. You can turn right on a red light after you come to a complete stop. Be sure to watch out for people walking in downtown Delaware. The crosswalks are clearly marked, and drivers must stop for them.
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