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Find lower car rental prices in Kingsport with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and make reservations with no booking fees. Pick up a rental downtown or at nearby Tri-Cities Airport and hit I-26 or I-81 for quick access to Johnson City, Bristol and the Great Smoky Mountains. Reserve early for Bristol NASCAR race weekends and October foliage to lock in better choices.
Kingsport is part of the Tri-Cities region, offering several rental options:
| 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 15 miles / 24 km from Kingsport) • Airport fees increase rental cost |
• Airport serves Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol • Counters open for all scheduled flights • After-hours returns available |
| Kingsport City Locations | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Convenient if already in Kingsport |
• Limited hours (often 8 AM-5/6 PM weekdays, shorter Saturday, closed Sunday) • Smaller selection of vehicles |
• Enterprise on East Stone Drive • Some provide pickup service from hotels • Advance reservation recommended |
| Nearby City Options | • Additional options if Kingsport locations are fully booked | • Requires transportation to reach • Similar business hour limitations |
• Consider if staying near 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 Kingsport) often use the in-town locations.
On average, car rentals in Kingsport cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Compare airport vs. city pickups: Tri-Cities Airport tacks on about 10 % in concession fees. If you're already in Kingsport, downtown counters usually cost less—as long as their limited hours work for you.
Avoid NASCAR surge pricing: Bristol race weeks (April and September) send rates through the roof. Shifting your trip by a couple of days or choosing a non-race weekend can slash your rental bill.
Use the 2–3-week "sweet spot" for busy seasons: Book a few weeks ahead for fall-foliage or summer crowds, but watch prices in quieter winter months—last-minute deals pop up often, and you can rebook if a cheaper rate appears.
Go small to save big: Kingsport streets and parking are easy on compact cars, and you won't pay SUV premiums or guzzle extra gas when cruising I-26 and I-81.
Where to Park in Kingsport:
Shopping Areas: Free spots at Kingsport Town Center (Fort Henry Mall) and retail centers along Stone Drive.
Parks and Recreation Areas: Free spots at most parks, including Warriors' Path State Park and Bays Mountain Park.
Important Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
A rental car lets you easily reach nature spots, neighboring cities and regional landmarks across the Appalachian Highlands.
Bays Mountain Park – planetarium, animal habitats, hiking trails
Warriors' Path State Park – Fort Patrick Henry Lake, recreation areas
Bristol – Bristol Motor Speedway, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Johnson City – shopping districts, East Tennessee State University campus
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Cades Cove
Asheville NC – Biltmore Estate, arts districts
What's the best kind of car for exploring around Kingsport?
A standard car is all you need for most places, like Bays Mountain Park and the downtown area. If you plan to visit Cherokee National Forest or travel in the winter, you should think about getting an SUV or a car that sits higher off the ground, maybe one that has all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
How much time should I leave for the drive to Bristol Motor Speedway on race weekends?
On NASCAR race days, the traffic gets very heavy. You should plan to leave at least 3 to 4 hours before the race starts, even though Bristol is only 20 miles (32 km) away. Officials will make many local roads one-way before and after the races.
Can I rent a car in Kingsport and return it in another city?
Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip. People often drop cars off in Knoxville, Asheville (NC) and Charlotte (NC). You'll usually pay less to return a car inside Tennessee than outside the state. Always ask if one-way rentals are available when you book, because smaller rental places might have limits.
Are there any toll roads around Kingsport?
No, Tennessee does not have any toll roads right now. You can drive all over Tennessee without paying tolls. If you travel into Virginia, some highways have tolls, especially around Richmond. However, the parts of I-81 in Virginia close to Kingsport are free.
What's the best time to visit Kingsport and the area?
In the fall (September–October), you'll get the most pleasant weather for driving and see spectacular fall colors. In the spring (April–May), you can enjoy beautiful wildflowers without big crowds. Summer is perfect for lake activities and playing outside. Winter can make it hard to get to some mountain areas, but you'll find lower prices and fewer tourists.
How does the Bristol NASCAR race affect car rentals in Kingsport?
Bristol Motor Speedway hosts NASCAR races, usually in April and September, which means lots of people need rental cars in the Tri-Cities area. Prices can double or triple and cars become very hard to find. If you visit on a race weekend, you should book 3 to 6 months ahead of time. Or, you could plan your visit for a time when there isn't a race.
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