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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Fort Wayne. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Simple. Pick up your ride at Fort Wayne International Airport or downtown and be on I-69 in minutes. A car lets you visit the zoo, riverside parks and nearby cities like Indianapolis or Toledo without waiting on limited public transit.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 534044
Location Pros Cons
Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA)
  • Counters near baggage claim
  • Cars in nearby outdoor lot
  • Major providers available
  • Extended hours for flight arrivals
  • Airport fees added to rental cost
  • Higher rates than off-airport locations
  • Limited selection of specialty vehicles
Downtown/City Locations
  • No airport surcharges
  • Potentially lower rates
  • Close to downtown hotels
  • Limited hours (often business hours only)
  • Fewer vehicle choices
  • Closed on Sundays at many locations
Suburban Locations
  • Convenient to shopping centers
  • Easier parking and access
  • No airport fees
  • Limited hours
  • Transport needed to reach location
  • May be closed weekends

Available Rental Companies:

  • At FWA Airport: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo/National
  • City locations: Enterprise (multiple locations), Hertz, Avis/Budget

Transportation to Rental Locations:

  • Limited public transportation to and from airport
  • Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) available throughout Fort Wayne
  • Some agencies offer customer pickup inside city limits
  • Taxi service available at airport

Car Rental Prices

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

On average, car rentals in Fort Wayne cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $35 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare pickup spots: Airport counters are handy but carry extra fees. If your schedule fits business hours, grabbing the car at a downtown or suburban branch can shave off 10-15% even after a quick Uber ride.

  • Time it with demand: Rates jump during summer and big events like the Three Rivers Festival. Visit in winter or shoulder months and you can often lock in a cheaper last-minute deal instead of booking months ahead.

  • Go for a weekly rate: Staying 5+ days? A flat weekly price in Fort Wayne almost always beats stacking daily rates.

  • Stick to economy/compact: They're the lowest priced, easy to park downtown and still cruise I-69 at 70 mph without guzzling gas.

  • Ditch the extras: Use your phone for navigation, bring your own charger and child seat if possible. That avoids add-on fees and keeps the total clean when you compare options.

  • Refuel smart: Top off at the Bluffton Road stations 2 miles before the airport—local prices are below the national average and cheaper than any rental-company refill charge.

Parking Tips

Finding a Spot:

  • Downtown Fort Wayne has metered street spaces and public garages
  • Meters are enforced Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
  • Free spots available in designated lots on evenings and weekends
  • Shopping malls and most attractions offer free spaces
  • Special event lots available near Memorial Coliseum and downtown venues

Local Driving Rules:

  • Right turn on red permitted after complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • School zones have reduced speed limits when flashing
  • One-way streets common in downtown area
  • Four-way stops frequent in residential neighborhoods

Speed Limits:

  • Downtown/residential streets: 25-30 mph
  • Main city arteries: 35-45 mph
  • Highways outside city: 55 mph
  • Interstate highways: 70 mph

Traffic Considerations:

  • Morning rush hour (7-9am) and evening rush hour (4-6pm) on weekdays
  • Coliseum Boulevard (US-30) can experience congestion during peak hours
  • Downtown traffic increases during festivals and events
  • Construction projects common during summer months
Why rent a car in Fort Wayne

Rent a car so you can visit:

  • Fort Wayne Children's Zoo – animal exhibits

  • Science Central – science exhibits

  • Parkview Field – minor league baseball games

  • Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum – car collections (20 miles)

  • Pokagon State Park – lake recreation (50 miles)

  • Jefferson Pointe and Glenbrook Square – shopping districts

Driving Distances from Fort Wayne

FAQs

Is a car necessary when visiting Fort Wayne?
Yes, most visitors will need a car. You can walk around downtown Fort Wayne, but the city has limited public transportation and many attractions are spread out. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore easily.

How far is Fort Wayne International Airport from downtown?
The airport is about 8 miles southwest of downtown Fort Wayne. The drive usually takes 15 minutes using Bluffton Road and Jefferson Boulevard.

Are there any toll roads in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne does not have any toll roads. However, if you travel to Chicago, Detroit or Toledo, you might use the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) that runs across northern Indiana.

Where can I find parking near downtown attractions?
In downtown Fort Wayne, you can find both street parking and several public garages. The Harrison Square Garage, Civic Center Garage and Barr Street Lot are good places to park for most downtown attractions. You can also park for free on many streets during evenings and weekends.

What's the best time to pick up a rental car to avoid wait times?
Since Fort Wayne International is a smaller airport, you usually won't wait long at any time. For the quickest service, try to arrive in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. If you can, avoid the busy late afternoon arrival times.

Do rental companies offer one-way rentals from Fort Wayne?
Yes, you can get a one-way rental from most major companies at FWA. They often rent cars for trips to other cities like Indianapolis, Chicago and Detroit. Be aware that companies usually add a one-way fee. This fee can cost from $50–$150, depending on where you're going.