How much does it cost to rent a car in Fort Smith?

On average, car rentals in **Fort Smith** cost around **$62** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at **$42** per day.

Car Rental Fort Smith, AR

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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Choose pickups at Fort Smith Regional Airport or downtown offices from Avis, Budget, Enterprise and more, then head out on US-71 or I-40 to explore the Ozark Mountains, downtown sights and nearby Fayetteville with ease.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Avis · Budget · Hertz · Hertz · National

Fort Smith has a regional airport (FSM) where rental car counters are located inside the terminal, making pickup convenient for air travelers. City rental locations are also available for those arriving by other means.

Location	Pros	Cons
Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM)	All major rental companies inside terminal No shuttle needed Quick pickup process (just minutes) Convenient return area	Slightly higher rates due to airport fees Limited hours based on flight schedule
City Locations	Lower rates possible Some offer customer pickup from hotels	Limited business hours Closed Sundays or limited weekend hours Transport to location required

Available Rental Companies at FSM: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National

Car Rental Prices

Average: $62/day
From: $42/day

Low-cost rental tips

Compare airport vs city pick-ups. FSM counters add ~10 % in concession fees. If you can grab an Uber or hotel shuttle downtown, a city branch can beat airport rates—just watch for shorter business hours.
Match booking timing to the season. For summer and holiday weekends inventory is thin, so lock something in early. Visiting December-February? Prices dip and cars sit idle, so last-minute deals often pop up.
Skip the big ride unless you need it. Fort Smith roads are smooth and parking is free almost everywhere. A compact or midsize sedan usually does the job and costs less in rental price and fuel.
Aim for weekday pick-up and drop-off. Many city locations close Sunday and charge after-hours fees at the airport. Shifting your rental by a day can dodge those extras.
Play with rental length in the search box. A seven-day "weekly" rate can be cheaper than five days, and sometimes a Friday-Monday weekend special undercuts a two-day midweek quote—run a few date combos before you click pay.

Car rental prices in Fort Smith 2025/2026

Parking and Local Driving

Fort Smith offers plenty of places to park throughout the city, making it easy to explore by car.

Where to Park

Downtown Fort Smith: On-street spots are mostly free or time-limited (not heavily enforced in many areas)
Fort Smith National Historic Site: Dedicated lot for visitors
Shopping Areas: Free spots at malls and shopping centers
Hotels: Free at virtually all Fort Smith hotels

Local Driving Rules

Speed limits: 25-35 mph in city areas, 65-70 mph on highways
Right turn on red is legal after coming to a complete stop, unless prohibited by signage
School zones have reduced speed limits (usually 15-25 mph) when flashing
Arkansas law requires headlights on when windshield wipers are in use

Toll Roads: There are currently no toll roads in Arkansas, including the Fort Smith area.

Why rent a car in Fort Smith

A rental car unlocks historic sites and wide-open nature across western Arkansas and nearby Oklahoma.

Fort Smith National Historic Site – courthouse, gallows
Lake Fort Smith State Park – boating, picnic areas
Mount Magazine State Park – trails, lodge
Ozark National Forest – Pig Trail Byway, waterfalls
Hot Springs – bathhouses, park

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Fort Smith?

If your license is in English, you usually don't need an International Driving Permit. Just bring your valid foreign driver's license and your passport. If your license isn't in English, we strongly suggest you get an IDP or a certified translation.

What type of vehicle is best for exploring Fort Smith?

A standard sedan will work well for city driving and visiting most area attractions. You should consider an SUV if you plan to explore rural areas or travel in winter.

Is it difficult to drive in Fort Smith for international visitors?

No, Fort Smith is a small city that has pretty light traffic. You'll find the roads are well-marked, so getting around is easy. Remember to drive on the right side of the road.

Where can I find the cheapest gas prices in Fort Smith?

Gas stations near Walmart or Sam's Club usually have lower prices. You can also use apps like GasBuddy to find the best deals right now.

Can I drive my rental car into Oklahoma?

Yes, all major rental companies let you drive into neighboring states without any problems. Oklahoma is just across the river from Fort Smith.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Fort Smith?

Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old, and they add a fee for drivers under 25. Some companies may rent to drivers as young as 20 for an extra charge.