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Finding a rental car in Emporia is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in Kansas with no reservation fees. Pick up a car at Kansas City International, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower or Manhattan Regional and cruise I-35 straight into the Flint Hills. Unlimited mileage deals and flexible one-way rentals give you the freedom to reach Emporia events, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the rest of central Kansas.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City International Airport (MCI) | • Wider selection of vehicles • More competitive pricing • Extended hours |
• Around 127 miles (204 km) from Emporia • 2+ hour drive required |
| Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport (ICT) | • Good vehicle selection • Multiple rental companies |
• Around 90 miles (145 km) from Emporia • 1.5 hour drive required |
| Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) | • Closest major airport • Less busy than larger airports |
• Limited selection • Fewer rental companies • Potential for higher rates |
Additional Notes: Rentals from these airports usually include unlimited mileage, which is essential given the distances involved.
On average, car rentals in Emporia (KS) cost around $66 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare pickup airports (MCI, ICT, MHK): rates at Kansas City and Wichita are usually lower thanks to more competition, but Manhattan can be cheaper overall once you factor in fuel and zero tolls. Run the numbers on our site before you lock it in.
Avoid peak-event dates: prices spike during Dirty Kanza (late May/early June) and ESU graduation weekends. Shifting your rental by a day or two can keep cash in your pocket.
Look for weekend deals: many suppliers drop prices Friday–Sunday. If your trip is flexible, pick up on a Saturday and return Monday instead of mid-week.
Verify unlimited mileage: most Kansas airport rentals include it, which you'll need for the 60–130-mile drive to Emporia. Paying per mile wipes out any headline savings.
| Area | Details | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Emporia | • Free street parking • 2-hour limit in most areas • Free public lots |
• Avoid parking on Commercial Street during parades and events • ESU game days can make finding a spot difficult near campus |
| Emporia State University | • Permit required on weekdays • Free on weekends in most lots |
• Check visitor areas at the Memorial Union |
| Shopping Areas | • Free at most stores and malls | • Plenty of space available at Flinthills Mall |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a car rental to get to:
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Flint Hills Scenic Byway
Topeka – Kansas State Capitol
Wichita – museums, Old Town district
Where can I find the cheapest gas in Emporia?
You can usually find cheaper gas at stations away from I-35. The Casey's and QuikTrip stations on the east side of town often have good prices.
Is there a drop-off location in Emporia if I rent from Kansas City or Wichita?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a small office in Emporia, but they have limited hours and don't offer all types of cars. If you want to return a car there, you need to book a one-way rental ahead of time and pay an extra fee. Other big rental companies don't have offices in Emporia, so you'll most likely have to return the car to where you picked it up.
How are the roads during winter in Emporia?
Road crews keep the main roads and highways in good shape and plow them quickly after it snows. However, smaller country roads might stay icy or covered in snow for longer. You might want to rent an SUV or an all-wheel-drive car during winter months.
Are there any scenic drives near Emporia?
The Flint Hills Scenic Byway (K-177) north of Emporia gives you beautiful views of the tallgrass prairie. It's best in the spring and early summer when the prairie is green or in the fall when the grasses change color.
Do I need a special permit to drive in Kansas as an international visitor?
We recommend you get an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your driver's license isn't in English. You need to get the IDP before you come to the United States, because rental car companies in Kansas don't give them out.
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