Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Longview, Texas. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Pick up a car at East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) or a city spot near Longview Mall, then cruise US-259 or I-20 to Caddo Lake, Tyler and Jefferson. Book early for summer lake trips or the Great Texas Balloon Race and keep flexibility with free cancellation.
Longview offers several rental car options depending on your arrival method:
Location | Pros | Cons | Wait Times |
---|---|---|---|
East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) | • On-site counters for Avis and Budget • No shuttle needed • Quick pickup process |
• Limited selection • Fewer competing agencies • Hours tied to flight schedules |
• 5-10 minutes (small airport) • Counters may close by 10-11pm |
City Locations (Dealerships) | • Possibly lower rates • No airport fees • Some located on major roads |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited hours (8am-5pm weekdays) • May be closed Sundays |
• 10-15 minutes during normal operations |
Longview Mall Area | • Convenient if staying nearby • Major agencies represented |
• Limited weekend hours • Smaller fleet selection |
• Varies by location |
On average, car rentals in Longview cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Compare city vs airport pickup: Downtown or Longview Mall branches often run 10–15 % cheaper than East Texas Regional Airport. Factor in a quick rideshare from GGG to see if the math still wins.
Lock in a deal with free cancellation and keep checking—prices in Jan–Feb off-peak sometimes dip last minute, while June's Great Texas Balloon Race usually climbs the closer you get.
Aim for weekly rates if you need the car 5 days or more. A 7-day "weekend" deal can cost less than paying the daily rate for 4-5 days.
Scroll smaller, local agencies in your compare search. Longview has a few indie outfits that undercut the majors on compact and midsize cars.
Location | Type | Cost | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Downtown Longview | Street parking | Free | Plenty of angled spots, some 2-hour limits on weekdays |
Longview Mall | Mall parking | Free | Lots of spaces, no time limits |
Maude Cobb Convention Center | Lot parking | Free | Large lot for events |
Longview Public Library | City lot | Free | Central location, convenient for downtown access |
Gregg County Historical Museum | Street parking | Free | Located in the downtown area |
Speed limits: 30 mph in residential areas, 40-45 mph on major streets, 75 mph on I-20 outside city limits
School zones: 20 mph during designated hours, strictly enforced
Mobile phones: Texting while driving prohibited statewide; hands-free recommended
Right on red: Legal after complete stop unless signed otherwise
Move over law: Change lanes or slow down 20 mph below the limit when passing emergency vehicles
Alcohol: Legal BAC limit is 0.08%; open containers prohibited in vehicles
Get a car to see:
Caddo Lake – cypress swamp
Jefferson – riverport town
Tyler – rose gardens, museums
Lake O' the Pines – boat ramps, trails
What type of vehicle is best for exploring Longview and East Texas? A standard sedan will work for most things you want to do. If you plan to visit rural areas, lakes or state parks, you'll be more comfortable in an SUV, which has better clearance for country roads.
Is it easy to navigate around Longview without GPS? Longview is pretty easy to get around in. Loop 281 circles the city, and big roads like McCann Road and Eastman Road run north to south. Still, we suggest you use GPS if you're exploring outside the city or visiting small towns.
Are there any scenic drives near Longview? Yes, you can find several beautiful drives nearby. Roads like FM-729 and FM-726 around Lake O' The Pines have rolling hills and lake views. The drive to Jefferson takes you through pine forests and the route to Caddo Lake shows off the unique swamps of East Texas.
What's the best time of year to visit Longview by car? You'll find fall (October–November) is the best time for scenic drives, when the trees change color. In spring (March–May), you can enjoy nice weather and see wildflowers. Summer gets hot, but it's great for lake fun. Winter is mild, but it's not as pretty after the leaves fall.
How far in advance should I book a rental car for the Great Texas Balloon Race? You should book your rental car at least 3 to 4 weeks early. This popular event brings in a lot of visitors, so it gets busy. You'll find that larger vehicles like SUVs and vans are especially hard to find during the race.