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Finding a rental car in Elizabethtown is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Kentucky with no booking fees. Pick up downtown or at Louisville International Airport (SDF), then cruise I-65 to Mammoth Cave, Bardstown's bourbon trail and Abraham Lincoln's birthplace in under an hour. Free cancellation and real customer reviews make scoring low-price Elizabethtown car rental deals quick and stress-free.
Elizabethtown does not have a commercial airport, so visitors arrive via Louisville or by car:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Elizabethtown Local Offices |
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| Louisville Airport (SDF) |
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Transportation to Elizabethtown: Many visitors to Elizabethtown rent a car at Louisville International Airport (SDF) and drive approximately 45 minutes south via I-65 rather than arranging transportation to a local rental office.
On average, car rentals in Elizabethtown cost around $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare pick-up spots. Local E'town offices often beat Louisville Airport by $10-$20 a day because they skip airport fees. If your flight lands at SDF, price out an Uber or friend ride to E'town versus renting at the terminal.
Peak vs off-peak timing. Summer weekends and holiday bourbon events book up fast so locking in a rate early can save you cash. Winter and mid-week dates can drop in price last minute, so keep checking.
Check weekly rates even for 5–6 days. A seven-day deal is regularly cheaper than six stand-alone days in Kentucky. Always toggle between daily and weekly before you pay.
Fill up in town. Go with a full-to-full policy and top off at stations along US-31W where gas is usually cheaper than the I-65 stops.
Round-trip = fewer fees. Dropping the car at a different city, like back at SDF, often adds a one-way charge that eats savings. Plan a loop through Mammoth Cave and Bardstown and return to E'town when you can.
Stack local discounts. Military, AAA and even some bourbon trail hotel codes can shave 5–15% off. Plug every code you qualify for into the comparison tool and let the math decide.
Local Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Regional Considerations:
Book a rental car to get to:
Mammoth Cave National Park – cave system
Bardstown – bourbon distilleries
Louisville – Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby Museum
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park – memorial, farm site
Is a car rental necessary if staying in Elizabethtown?
Yes, you will almost certainly need a rental car when you visit Elizabethtown. The city has very little public transportation and most attractions are too far to walk to. You can only get to major tourist spots like Mammoth Cave National Park and bourbon distilleries by car.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Elizabethtown?
You need a valid driver's license from your home country. If your license isn't in English, we recommend getting an International Driving Permit. Most major rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old and have a credit card in your name. They often add an extra fee for drivers under 25.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring Elizabethtown and surrounding areas?
A compact or midsize car works well for general sightseeing and highway driving. You might prefer an SUV if you're visiting in the winter or plan to drive on unpaved country roads. Families and groups will find midsize SUVs or minivans are the most comfortable for visiting several attractions.
How far is Elizabethtown from major attractions?
Elizabethtown is in a central spot. Mammoth Cave National Park is about 45 miles (72 km) southwest, Louisville is 45 miles (72 km) north and Bardstown (bourbon country) is 35 miles (56 km) east. You can find Abraham Lincoln's birthplace just 15 miles (24 km) away in Hodgenville.
Are there any toll roads around Elizabethtown?
No, you won't find any toll roads right around Elizabethtown. The Western Kentucky Parkway, which connects to the city, used to have tolls but they have been removed. If you drive north to Louisville, know that some Ohio River bridges connecting Louisville to Indiana use electronic tolls.
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