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Jackson offers both airport and in-town rental options:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport (MKL) | • Convenience if flying into MKL • No transportation needed from airport |
• Very limited commercial service • Small fleet • Advance reservation required |
• Coordinate before arrival • Staff may meet flights by arrangement • Not staffed full-time |
| Jackson City Locations | • More inventory than airport • Multiple locations across city |
• Limited hours (often 8 AM-5/6 PM weekdays, shorter Sat, closed Sun) • Transportation needed to reach offices |
• Enterprise on Vann Drive in commercial area • Some offer pickup service from hotels • Book ahead to ensure availability |
| Memphis International Airport (MEM) | • Larger selection • More competitive rates • Extended hours |
• 90 miles (145 km) from Jackson • 1.5-hour drive |
• Most visitors traveling to Jackson fly into Memphis and drive east • I-40 connects Memphis to Jackson |
| Nashville International Airport (BNA) | • Larger selection • More competitive rates • Extended hours |
• 130 miles (209 km) from Jackson • 2-hour drive |
• I-40 connects Nashville to Jackson • Alternative arrival point if coming from east |
Practical Approach: Most visitors to Jackson either rent from a city location if already in town or rent at Memphis or Nashville airports when flying in. McKellar-Sipes Airport rentals are mainly for those arriving on private or charter flights.
On average, car rentals in Jackson (TN) cost around $55 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $38 per day.
Shop multiple pickup spots – compare Jackson city rates with Memphis (90 mi/145 km) or Nashville (130 mi/209 km) airports. Bigger fleets at the airports can mean lower daily prices if you're already flying in there.
Time your pickup smartly – in-town offices close early and often sit dark on Sundays. Shifting your rental to a weekday morning can shave off weekend days and any after-hours fees.
Book a compact or midsize – West Tennessee is flat, paved and speed-limit friendly. Cheaper fuel-savvy sedans do the job and cost less to rent and fill up.
Refuel in Jackson, not on I-40 – local gas prices are usually lower than interstate truck stops or airport stations. Topping off before drop-off helps dodge high per-gallon refuel charges.
Parking in Jackson:
Casey Jones Village: Free and plenty of space available for this popular tourist attraction
Old Hickory Mall and Shopping Areas: Plenty of free spots
The Ballpark at Jackson: Free parking for games and events
University Areas (Union University, Lane College): Visitor parking available, but some areas restricted to permits
Important Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:

What's the best approach for visiting Jackson if I'm flying in?
Most people fly into one of two airports. You can choose Memphis International Airport (MEM), about 86 miles (138 km) west of Jackson (a 1 hour 20 minute drive). Or you can pick Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 130 miles (209 km) east (a 2 hour drive). From either airport, you'll take I-40 to drive to Jackson.
Is a special vehicle needed for driving in West Tennessee?
No. West Tennessee is pretty flat, so you can reach all the main sights in a regular car. You don't need an SUV for extra height off the ground. In the winter, you'll be fine driving any car that has all-season tires for the light snow we sometimes get.
Can I rent a car in Jackson and return it in another city?
Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip, but the rental company might charge you an extra 'drop fee'. People often rent cars to drive from Jackson to Memphis or Nashville. You should ask your rental company about the fee. Sometimes they won't charge it for trips inside the state if they need to move their cars around.
Are there any scenic drives around Jackson?
West Tennessee doesn't have as many scenic drives as the eastern side of the state. But for a nice drive, you could head south on US-45 to Shiloh National Military Park. You'll see some history and get great views of the river. You could also drive northwest to Reelfoot Lake to see its special swamp landscape.
How does severe weather affect driving in West Tennessee?
In the spring, we can get bad thunderstorms and tornadoes. If you hear a tornado warning, you should find shelter right away instead of staying in your car. In the winter, we sometimes get ice storms, which can cause more problems for drivers than snow. It's a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially from March to May.