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Finding a rental car in Johnson City is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around Tennessee with no booking fees. Pick up at Tri-Cities Airport or a downtown branch and hit I-26 toward Kingsport, Bristol or the Blue Ridge Parkway in minutes. Choose anything from an economy runabout to an AWD SUV for Appalachian mountain drives, with free cancellation on most deals.
Johnson City itself doesn't have a commercial airport, but there are several rental options in the area:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) | • Most convenient if flying into region • All major providers • Rental counters in terminal |
• Airport is in Blountville (approximately 20 miles / 32 km from Johnson City) • Airport fees increase rental cost |
• Airport is midway between Johnson City and Kingsport • Counters open for all scheduled flights • After-hours returns available |
| Johnson City Locations | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Locations across the city |
• Limited hours (8 AM-5/6 PM weekdays, shorter Saturday, closed Sunday) • Limited vehicle selection compared to airport |
• Enterprise on West Market Street • Some offer pickup service from hotels or East Tennessee State University • Call ahead if you need specialty vehicles |
| Nearby City Options | • Additional options if Johnson City locations are booked • May offer different vehicle selection |
• Requires transportation to reach • Similar business hour limitations as Johnson City |
• Consider if staying near one of these cities • Part of same metro area, so not a significant detour |
Practical Approach: Most visitors flying into the region rent at Tri-Cities Airport, while those arriving by other means (or already in Johnson City) use the in-town locations.
On average, car rentals in Johnson City cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $54 per day.
Compare airport vs in-town pickups: Tri-Cities Airport adds ~10 % in concession fees. If your schedule fits the shorter desk hours, an in-city branch can save real cash.
Peak vs off-peak strategy: Lock something in 2-3 weeks early for October foliage or NASCAR race weekends. Otherwise, last-minute winter and mid-spring dates often drop in price—keep refreshing our comparison tool.
Play with pickup times: Shifting your reservation by a few hours, or grabbing a Fri-Mon "weekend special," can knock dollars off the daily rate in Johnson City branches.
Stick to economy: Compact cars climb I-26 and Roan Mountain just fine and sip gas—helpful when you're covering three states in a day trip.
Finding a Spot in Johnson City:
East Tennessee State University (ETSU): Visitor areas require permits during weekdays. Designated visitor lots are available.
Shopping Areas: Free spots at Johnson City Mall and retail centers along North Roan Street.
Parks and Recreation Areas: Free spots at most parks, including Winged Deer Park and Founders Park.
Medical District: Some restricted areas near Johnson City Medical Center; follow posted signs for visitor areas.
Important Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
Get a rental so you can drive to:
Bristol – Motor Speedway, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Blue Ridge Parkway
Roan Mountain – Rhododendron Gardens
Asheville – Biltmore Estate
Watauga Lake
What's the best kind of car for driving in the mountains near Johnson City? A standard car can get you to most places, but we recommend an SUV or a vehicle that sits higher off the ground if you plan to explore gravel forest roads or travel in the winter. The extra height and having all-wheel drive helps you handle mountain roads better.
Are there any toll roads around Johnson City? No, you won't find any toll roads in Tennessee. If you drive east or north on the main highways like I-26, I-40 and I-81, you also won't run into any tolls. But Virginia and North Carolina do have a few toll roads in other areas, like near Raleigh-Durham or Charlotte. So you should check your route if you plan to drive far into those states.
How does winter weather change driving in the mountains? Mountain roads, especially higher up like on Roan Mountain, can get snow and ice even when the weather is clear in Johnson City. Officials close some scenic routes for the winter and you might need snow chains or an all-wheel drive car for other roads after it snows a lot. You should always check the road conditions before you drive into the mountains in winter.
Can I rent a car in Johnson City and leave it in another city? Yes, you can do one-way rentals. People often drop cars off in Knoxville, Asheville or Charlotte (NC). It's usually cheaper to drop the car off somewhere else in Tennessee than in another state. You should always ask if one-way rentals are available when you book, because smaller rental places might have limits.
When is the best time to visit Johnson City for a scenic drive? Mid-to-late October is the most popular time for scenic drives because you'll find the best fall colors and comfortable driving weather. In spring, from April to May, you can see beautiful wildflowers and the roads are less crowded. During summer, the mountains are lush and green and you'll find all roads and attractions are open.
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