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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rentals from leading brands in Lubbock with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up your car quickly at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport or downtown, then cruise the easy grid roads to Texas Tech, Buddy Holly Center and day-trip spots like Palo Duro Canyon or the High Plains wineries.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport (LBB) | • Major companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise/Alamo/National, Hertz) • Widest selection of vehicles • Open for all flight arrivals • Convenient for arriving flights |
• Car pickup requires shuttle to off-site lot • Slightly higher rates due to airport fees • May have wait times during university events |
| Downtown/City | • Often lower rates than airport • Good option if already in city • Enterprise on Buddy Holly Ave • Less busy than airport |
• Limited hours (usually 8am-6pm) • Fewer vehicle choices • Requires transportation if arriving by air |
| Texas Tech Area | • Convenient for university visitors • Accessible via rideshare from airport |
• Limited company options • Restricted hours • Smaller fleets |
On average, car rentals in Lubbock cost around $65 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $37 per day.
Compare airport vs. downtown pickups. Airport adds extra fees. If you can rideshare 10 min into town, downtown branches often beat LBB prices.
Watch Texas Tech calendars. Rates jump on football, graduation and move-in weekends. Either book early for those dates or shift your trip a day or two to dodge the surge.
Re-shop 7–10 days before arrival. Lubbock inventory is usually healthy; if prices drop you can cancel the original free-cancellation booking and pocket the difference.
Mid-week pickups are cheaper. Grabbing the car Tues–Thurs and returning before the weekend avoids the Friday/Sunday bump common in Lubbock.
Skip pricey add-ons. Use your phone's GPS, pack your own child seat and confirm if a spouse counts as the free extra driver—easy savings of $10–$30 per day.
Refuel off Loop 289, not at the airport. Stations along Slide Rd or 50th St are usually 20-30 ¢/gal lower than the pumps nearest LBB.
Finding a place to park in Lubbock is generally easy and accessible compared to larger Texas cities.
| Area | Parking Options | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | • Street parking • Public lots |
• Most street parking is free • Downtown rarely experiences shortages |
| Texas Tech Campus | • Visitor lots • Garages |
• Visitor permits required in most areas • Special event restrictions during games |
| South Plains Mall | • Large open lots | • Ample free parking even during busy shopping periods |
| Entertainment District | • Street parking • Dedicated lots |
• Free but can fill during popular events |
| Medical District | • Hospital garages • Surface lots |
• Some areas require payment or validation |
Local Driving Regulations:
Navigation Tips:
Get a rental car so you can get to:
Texas Tech University – campus facilities
Buddy Holly Center – Depot District
Lubbock Lake Landmark – archaeological site
High Plains Winery Trail – tasting rooms
Caprock Canyons State Park – bison herd
Palo Duro Canyon – canyon vistas
Is a car necessary to get around Lubbock?
Yes, you'll really want a car. Lubbock is a spread-out city and public transportation doesn't cover much. The main attractions, restaurants and shopping areas are all over the city, so a rental car is the easiest way to see everything.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring Lubbock and surrounding areas?
A regular sedan is fine for driving in the city and for most day trips. If you plan to visit more remote places like Caprock Canyons or explore the rural wine country, a small SUV might be more comfortable on country roads, but it isn't necessary.
How is driving in winter in Lubbock?
Lubbock sometimes gets winter storms that bring ice and snow. The city doesn't have a lot of snowplows like northern cities do. Crews clear the main roads pretty fast, but bad weather can make driving tricky for a short time. Most rental cars have all-season tires, which are good enough for the usual weather you'll see.
Are there toll roads in Lubbock?
No, Lubbock and the area around it do not have toll roads. You won't need to worry about toll fees or transponders when you visit.
Can I find parking easily in downtown Lubbock?
Yes, you can usually find plenty of parking downtown, and it's often free. Unlike bigger Texas cities, Lubbock doesn't really have parking shortages, even when it's busy. The only exception is during special events near certain venues.
What should I know about driving near Texas Tech University?
The roads around Texas Tech can get crowded when classes change, which is usually on the hour on weekdays. They get very busy during special events like football games. You'll need a permit for many campus parking lots, so be sure to look for spots marked for visitors. Traffic patterns also change during home football games, and some streets may become one-way or get closed off.
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