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Compare rental cars from leading suppliers in Lima, Ohio with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Book early to lock in your Lima Ohio car rental, as city center branches carry smaller fleets, or pick up at Columbus, Dayton or Fort Wayne airports for a wider selection.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lima City Center | • Convenient pickup in town • Less traffic and easy in/out • No airport fees |
• Very limited hours (weekday business hours, half-day Saturday) • Small fleet and limited selection • Advance reservation strongly recommended |
| Nearest Airports | • Dayton (DAY): 75 miles (121 km) • Columbus (CMH): 90 miles (145 km) • Fort Wayne, IN (FWA): 65 miles (105 km) |
• Significant distance from Lima • Would need one-way rental or other transportation to Lima • Additional time and expense |
On average, car rentals in Lima cost around $89 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $45 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Lima's in-town branches skip airport surcharges, but if you're already landing at Dayton, Columbus or Fort Wayne run the numbers on a same-airport return vs a one-way into Lima. Sometimes the shuttle plus local pickup is still cheaper.
Reserve 1–2 weeks out: Fleets here are tiny and sell out during fairs or college events. Booking a bit early locks in a car without the "book-six-months-early" price gamble.
Test different rental lengths: Weekly rates in Lima often undercut 4–5 single days. Toggle your dates by a day or two and watch the total drop.
Phone the branch after you click "confirm": Staff can note your late arrival, suggest a lockbox drop or even bump you up a class for free—perks that rarely show online in small markets.
| Parking Type | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Lima | Abundant | Mix of free and low-cost metered spots. Most meters enforced Monday-Friday business hours. |
| Shopping Areas | Plentiful | Free parking at Lima Mall and other retail areas |
| Attractions | Sufficient | Allen County Museum and most local attractions offer free parking |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to visit:
Wapakoneta – Armstrong Air & Space Museum
Dayton – National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Toledo – Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art
Columbus – Short North Arts District, Ohio Statehouse
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Lima?
You should book your rental car at least 1–2 weeks ahead of time, especially if you want a certain kind of car. Rental companies in Lima have fewer cars, so they can run out when it's busy.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Lima?
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and your reservation confirmation. If you are visiting from another country, you should also bring your passport. You will also need an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
Can I pick up in Lima and drop off in another city?
Yes, most companies offer one-way rentals, but you may need to arrange it in advance. You'll find it's easier to drop off the car in a big city like Columbus or Cincinnati than in a smaller town.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Lima and surrounding areas?
A standard sedan will work just fine for driving in the city and on the highway. The area is pretty flat and the roads are in good shape. You should only get an SUV if you are visiting in the winter or plan to spend a lot of time on country roads.
Are there any major events in Lima that might affect car rental availability?
Yes, when there are events at the Allen County Fairgrounds, the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center and the University of Northwestern Ohio, more people rent cars. The yearly Star Spangled Spectacular around July 4th can also make it harder to find a car.
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