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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low rental car prices in Erie, Pennsylvania with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Grab your ride inside Erie International Airport or pick up downtown to dodge airport surcharges, then drive to Presque Isle, Lake Erie Wine Country, Buffalo or Cleveland. Book early for summer weekends and consider an AWD if you are coming during snow season.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport (ERI) |
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| Downtown/Peach St. |
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Additional Location Notes:
On average, car rentals in Erie cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $60 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup: City branches skip the airport facility fee ($5-10 a day). A $15 rideshare from ERI is cheaper than that fee on rentals of 3+ days.
Tweak pickup/return times: Shifting by a few hours or choosing a mid-week drop can knock off weekend surcharges that sneak into Erie quotes.
Book early only for peak summer events: June–August rates jump during beach season and festivals, so grab a free-cancel reservation early, then keep re-checking and rebooking if prices dip.
Leverage off-season slack: From November to March cars sit idle. Last-minute searches 24-48 hrs out often uncover markdowns, especially on economy models.
Punch in member codes: AAA, frequent-flyer or corporate IDs typically shave 5-15 %—stack them while you compare deals side-by-side.
Refuel in town, not at the airport or I-90 exits: Stations a mile or two inland are usually 20¢/gal cheaper and avoid the rental company's flat refuel charge.
During events at Erie Insurance Arena, arrive early as nearby spots fill quickly
Winter driving in Erie requires extra caution due to lake-effect snow
Get a rental to visit:
Buffalo & Niagara Falls – waterfront, falls viewpoints
Cleveland – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, lakefront district
Presque Isle State Park – beaches, peninsula loop
Lake Erie Wine Country – vineyards, tasting rooms
Waldameer Park & Water World – amusement rides, water slides
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park – wave pool, lazy river
What documents do I need to rent a car in Erie?
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card and a passport if you are an international visitor. We recommend getting an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
Are there any age restrictions for renting in Erie?
Most major rental companies rent to drivers who are 21 and older. Drivers between 21 and 24 usually pay an extra young driver fee of about $25–$30 per day. Drivers 25 and older don't have to pay this fee.
Can I drive to Canada with my rental car?
Most rental companies let you drive to Canada. Make sure your rental agreement says it's "OK to cross border" and you bring the right documents, like your passport and a visa if you need one.
What type of vehicle is best during winter in Erie?
Erie gets heavy lake-effect snow, so we recommend an SUV or an AWD/4WD vehicle from November through March.
How far is downtown Erie from the airport?
Downtown Erie is about 6 miles (10 km) from Erie International Airport. The drive usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Is it necessary to get a toll transponder for my rental?
If you plan to drive on the Ohio Turnpike, New York Thruway or other toll roads, a transponder can make it easier. You should ask the rental company about its options for paying tolls and any extra fees.
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