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Compare car rentals from leading companies in Jackson, Mississippi with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. See real-time deals at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport JAN and downtown branches from Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and more. Book early to avoid airport fees and hit I-55 or the Natchez Trace Parkway without hassle.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 535814

Jackson offers multiple car rental locations, including the airport and city centers.

Location Pros Cons
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
  • Immediate access upon arrival
  • Extended hours (usually 7am-11pm or later)
  • All major rental companies present
  • No shuttle needed, walk to cars
  • Higher costs (airport fees add 10-15%)
  • Potential lines during peak arrival times
Downtown/City Locations
  • Lower rates without airport surcharges
  • Less waiting during peak travel times
  • Often near hotels and business districts
  • Limited hours (many close by 5-6pm)
  • Requires transportation from airport
  • Smaller selection of vehicles

Available Rental Companies: Major providers at JAN Airport and city locations include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, National, Dollar, Thrifty and Payless.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Jackson, MS?

On average, car rentals in Jackson (MS) cost around $93 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $28 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Skip the airport markup: Downtown Jackson and neighborhood branches often run 10-15 % cheaper than JAN Airport. Grab a rideshare (≈ $25) and pocket the savings.

  • Shift your pickup day: Rates in Jackson usually dip Monday-Thursday. Moving your start date by even 24 hours can beat the busy Friday/Saturday spike.

  • Time it right: January–February is about 20 % cheaper than summer. If your trip is flexible, winter or shoulder seasons are bargain months here.

  • Test weekly pricing: A 5-6-day rental can price lower than a 4-day because of "weekly" deals. Always compare both lengths before you click pay.

  • Book-switch for peak weeks: Hold a cancelable reservation for big events (legislative sessions, graduations, summer). Re-check a week out and rebook if rates slide.

Parking and Driving Tips

Finding a Spot in Jackson:

  • Downtown has metered street spots (enforced 8am-5pm weekdays)
  • Rates are moderate
  • Mississippi State Capitol and museums often have free visitor spaces
  • Fondren district has free lots and street spots, but fills quickly during evenings and weekends
  • Several garages available downtown for longer stays
  • For safety, avoid leaving valuables visible in your car and use well-lit areas at night

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 70 mph on interstates, 65 mph on four-lane highways, 55 mph on rural roads, 25-35 mph in city
  • No toll roads in Mississippi
  • Right turn on red allowed after complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • Seat belts mandatory for all front-seat passengers
  • Texting and social media use while driving is prohibited
  • Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles and road work crews
Why rent a car in Jackson, Mississippi

Rent a car so you can visit:

  • Mississippi Civil Rights Museum & State Capitol – museums, government buildings

  • Vicksburg National Military Park – battlefield, visitor center

  • Natchez – homes, river bluff

  • Gulfport & Mississippi Gulf Coast – beaches, seafood markets

  • Oxford – university campus, Square bookstores

Driving Distances from Jackson

FAQs

What type of car is best for exploring Jackson and central Mississippi? Most people find that a mid-size sedan is comfortable and gets good gas mileage for driving in the city and taking day trips. If you're traveling as a family or group, you might like an SUV or minivan for extra room, but you don't need one for the local road conditions.

Are there any major events that affect car rental availability in Jackson? Yes, you might find it harder to rent a car when the state legislature is in session, during major sporting events and graduation ceremonies at local universities. More people also rent cars during the Christmas holiday season and Thanksgiving. You should book your car a few weeks early during these times.

How does weather impact driving in Jackson throughout the year? In the summer, you can expect heavy rain showers that sometimes flood the streets for a short time. Spring can bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. In the winter, we occasionally get light ice on bridges and overpasses, but it usually melts within a day.

What should I know about parking in downtown Jackson? You have to pay for most downtown street parking from Monday to Friday until 5 p.m. You can find several parking garages if you need to park for a longer time. The area near the state capitol has some free parking for visitors. To be safe, you should park in bright, well-lit areas and keep your valuables out of sight.

Can I use my international driver's license in Jackson? Yes, if you're visiting from another country, you can drive in Mississippi for up to 60 days using a valid license from your home country. If your license isn't in English, we recommend getting an International Driving Permit to use as a translation. You should also carry your passport or a copy of it for identification.