Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX). Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Pick up your ride from on-airport counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National and reach downtown Lexington in less than 15 minutes. A rental car gives you the freedom to roam Kentucky horse country, tour nearby bourbon distilleries and tackle drives like Red River Gorge on your own schedule.
LEX Airport offers a streamlined car rental experience:
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Blue Grass Airport (LEX) |
|
|
Downtown Lexington |
|
|
Available Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National maintain counters in the baggage claim area.
On average, car rentals at Lexington Airport cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare pickup spots: check LEX airport vs downtown Lexington. Downtown often skips airport surcharges, even after a quick rideshare ride.
Avoid surge dates: Keeneland races (April & October) and big UK events inflate prices. Shifting your rental by a day can cut the rate.
Test weekly quotes: trips of 5+ days often price lower on a weekly plan than the same days at the daily rate.
Grab the free loyalty membership for the brand with the best quote; it can unlock upgrades and faster pick-ups at no cost.
Airport Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Lexington Parking:
Get a car so you can get to:
Kentucky Horse Park
Bourbon distilleries – Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace
Red River Gorge
Keeneland Race Course
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
How far is Blue Grass Airport from downtown Lexington?
Blue Grass Airport is about 4 miles (around 6 km) from downtown Lexington. The drive usually takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
What documents do I need to rent a car at LEX?
You need a valid driver's license from your home country. If your license is not in English, you should also have an International Driving Permit. Rental companies usually require you to be at least 21 years old and have a credit card in your name. They charge an extra fee if you are under 25. Some companies accept debit cards, but they have extra rules.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Lexington area?
A compact or midsize car is a good choice for driving in the city and on scenic country roads. If you visit during the winter or plan to explore rougher areas like Red River Gorge, consider an SUV because it's higher off the ground. Families and groups will be more comfortable in a midsize SUV or minivan when they tour 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 charge tolls, but those roads are now free.
What are the must-visit attractions within easy driving distance of LEX Airport?
Here are some places you can drive to in about 30 minutes: Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Race Course, University of Kentucky campus, Woodford Reserve Distillery and historic downtown Lexington.
And here are some that are about an hour away: Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Red River Gorge, Fort Boonesborough State Park and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.