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Find competitive car rental prices in Hays, Kansas with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare offers at Hays Regional Airport HYS and downtown spots, then hop on Interstate 70 for drives to Fort Hays State University, Denver or Kansas City. Free parking and light traffic around town keep driving stress low.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hays Regional Airport (HYS) | • Convenient for air travelers • No shuttle needed • Direct access to I-70 |
• Limited vehicle selection • Counter staffed only during flight times • Higher rates than off-airport locations |
| Downtown Hays | • More competitive rates • Longer business hours |
• Transportation needed from airport • May have limited inventory |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Hays cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups. Downtown Hays usually runs cheaper than HYS airport. Even after a short cab or rideshare, the total bill can still come out lower. Price-check both spots before locking anything in.
Aim for "quiet" dates if you're flexible. November and non-event weekdays see the lowest rates. For summer or big Fort Hays State weekends (orientation, graduation, big games) cars sell out fast, so book earlier for those peak windows only.
Toggle between daily and weekly pricing. In Hays a 5-day trip often costs less under a 7-day "weekly" rate. Run both options in the search box to see which math wins.
Plan around limited counter hours. Airport desks open only for flight arrivals. Schedule pickup/return inside those windows or use the free after-hours drop box so you don't pay an extra day just to wait for staff.
| Area | Parking Information | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Hays | • Free street parking • Public lots available |
• 2-hour limits in some areas • More crowded during FHSU events |
| Fort Hays State University | • Permit required on weekdays • Free parking in designated visitor areas |
• Avoid reserved spaces • Pay attention to visitor designated areas |
| Hays Regional Airport | • Free short and long-term parking | • Ample parking available close to terminal |
| Shopping Areas | • Free parking at all major shopping centers | • The Mall and Walmart offer generous parking |
Local Driving Rules:
Rent a car so you can get to:
Historic Fort Hays – museum, artifacts
Sternberg Museum of Natural History – dinosaur fossils, exhibits
Fort Hays State University – campus, sports events
Dodge City – heritage sites, history museums
When is the rental counter staffed at Hays Regional Airport? Rental companies staff their counters at Hays Regional Airport when flights are scheduled to arrive. If you get there at other times, you need to make arrangements in advance.
What is the best time to rent a car in Hays for lower rates? November usually has the lowest rental rates at Hays Regional Airport. Renting on a weekday is also cheaper, as long as there are no big university events.
Is there a fee for returning a rental car after hours? Most rental companies in Hays provide after-hours drop boxes for free. It's a good idea to ask about this when you book your car to be sure.
Are there toll roads around Hays? There are no toll roads right in the Hays area. But if you drive east to Kansas City on I-70, you will get to the Kansas Turnpike and have to pay tolls.
What should international visitors know about renting cars in Hays? If you are visiting from another country and your license is not in English, you should get an International Driving Permit before you arrive. Keep in mind that rental agents in Hays usually only speak English.
Do I need an SUV or four-wheel drive vehicle in Hays? A standard car is fine for most of the year. In the winter months, from November to March, we recommend an SUV or a vehicle that has all-wheel drive because of possible snow and ice.
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