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Road Genius makes it easy to find car rental deals in Lexington. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. Pick up your car at Blue Grass Airport or a downtown branch, then explore horse farms, bourbon distilleries and Bluegrass byways on your own schedule. We list offers from Avis, Hertz, Enterprise and other major brands so you can lock in low prices before Keeneland race weeks drive demand up.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 537474

Lexington offers several convenient rental locations to suit different travel needs:

Location Pros Cons
Blue Grass Airport (LEX)
  • On-site rental facility adjacent to terminal
  • Covered pick-up/drop-off garage
  • All major rental companies available
  • Counters located in baggage claim area
  • Higher rates than off-airport locations
  • Airport surcharges and fees
Downtown Lexington
  • Lower base rates than airport
  • No airport surcharges
  • Convenient for city-based travelers
  • Requires transportation from airport
  • More limited hours
  • Smaller vehicle selection at some locations
Suburban Locations
  • Potential for lowest rates
  • Less busy than airport locations
  • Limited hours (often business hours only)
  • Requires transportation to reach
  • May have more limited selection

Available Companies: Major rental companies in Lexington include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National at the airport and throughout the city.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Lexington?

On average, car rentals in Lexington cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.

How to save?
  • Skip the airport mark-ups: Blue Grass Airport is convenient but adds surcharges. Compare the same dates for a downtown pick-up—an $18 rideshare can be cheaper than paying airport fees on a 3-day rental.

  • Play with pick-up locations and times: Suburban Lexington counters often post the lowest base rates. Use our search filters to mix "airport pick-up, city drop-off" or shift the collection time by a few hours to see if it unlocks a lower bracket.

  • Watch the horse-crazy weeks: Rates spike during Keeneland meets (April and Oct) and UK graduation. If your trip is flexible, sliding arrival a day or two before or after the rush usually drops prices.

  • Weekly deals beat daily math: Staying 5+ days? Toggle to a 7-day quote—weekly pricing in Lexington often undercuts six separate daily rates.

  • Mind the fuel game: Choose the full-to-full option and refill at a city station (Versailles Rd is handy) instead of the pricey airport pump to dodge refueling charges.

Parking and Driving

Downtown Parking:

  • Street parking: Metered in most downtown areas
  • Public garages: Several available (Transit Center garage, Helix garage) charging hourly rates
  • University area: Strictly enforced permit zones; avoid leaving your car on campus without proper authorization

Local Driving Rules:

  • Right turn on red is permitted after a complete stop, unless signed otherwise
  • University of Kentucky campus area has specific traffic patterns and restrictions
  • Downtown Lexington has some one-way streets; pay attention to signage
  • No toll roads in the Lexington area (all parkways are now toll-free)

Special Considerations:

  • Keeneland race meets (April and October) create significant traffic on Versailles Road
  • University of Kentucky basketball games cause congestion around Rupp Arena
  • Horse farm routes may include narrow, winding roads; drive cautiously
Why rent a car in Lexington

Book a rental to drive to:

  • Kentucky Horse Park – museum, live horses

  • Historic horse farms – Old Frankfort Pike, Paris Pike

  • Bourbon Trail distilleries – Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace

  • Red River Gorge – trails, rock climbing

  • Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – 19th-century community, farm

Driving Distances from Lexington

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in Lexington?

You will need a valid driver's license from your home country. If your license is not in English, getting an International Driving Permit is a good idea. Major rental companies usually ask you to be at least 21 years old and have a credit card in your name. They add an extra fee for drivers under 25.

What type of vehicle is best for exploring Lexington and the Bluegrass Region?

A compact or midsize car works well for driving in the city and on scenic country roads. If you are visiting in the winter or plan to explore more rural areas like Red River Gorge, you should consider an SUV for better ground clearance. Families or groups will find midsize SUVs or minivans are the most comfortable for touring horse farms and distilleries.

Are there any toll roads around Lexington?

No, there are no toll roads around Lexington. The Bluegrass Parkway and Mountain Parkway used to collect tolls, but they don't anymore. All major routes in the region are now toll-free.

How far is downtown Lexington from Blue Grass Airport?

Downtown Lexington is about 6 miles (10 km) from Blue Grass Airport. The drive usually takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

What are the must-visit attractions within easy driving distance of Lexington?

Within a 30-minute drive: Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Race Course, several horse farms (many require reservations) and bourbon distilleries such as Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace.

Within a 45-minute drive: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and historic downtown Lexington.

Within a 1-hour drive: Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Park, Fort Boonesborough State Park and charming small towns like Paris and Midway.