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| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Medford Airport (MFR) |
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| Medford City |
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On average, car rentals in Medford cost around $97 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup: Downtown Medford counters (3 mi / 5 km from MFR) skip airport concession fees, often saving $10-15 per day.
Summer crowds = higher prices: If you're visiting June-August for Crater Lake, lock in a free-cancellation booking early, then keep checking—inventory tightens fast.
Shift your dates: Mid-week pickups (Tue-Thu) typically price lower than weekend starts when Rogue Valley tourism peaks.
Travel in shoulder or off-peak months: Rates dip noticeably in Oct-Nov and Feb-Apr when visitor numbers drop but the weather is still road-trip friendly.
Downtown Parking:
Ashland: Near theaters, spots fill quickly during Shakespeare Festival season. Use designated festival lots.
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
Crater Lake National Park – viewpoints, trailheads
Ashland – Oregon Shakespeare Festival, theaters
Jacksonville – town center, dining
Rogue and Applegate Valley wineries – tasting rooms, vineyards
Table Rocks – trailheads, overlooks
Oregon Caves National Monument – cave tours, visitor center

How far is Crater Lake National Park from Medford?
Crater Lake National Park is about 80 miles (129 km) from Medford. It's around a 2-hour drive using Highway OR-62.
Are there restrictions on where I can drive my rental car?
Most rental companies let you travel all over Oregon and its neighboring states, and they often give you unlimited mileage. You should always check your rental agreement to see if there are places you can't go.
What is the best time of year to rent a car and visit Medford?
In May–June and September–October, you'll find pleasant weather, fewer tourists and often lower rental rates. July–August has the warmest weather but rental prices are higher, and you might have to deal with wildfire smoke.
Do I need a special vehicle for visiting Crater Lake?
In the summer, you can get to Crater Lake in any car. In the winter (from November to May), snow might mean you need a car with AWD/4WD or you might need to use chains. The park service also closes the North Entrance and Rim Drive for the season.
Can I take my rental car into California?
Yes, most rental companies let you drive into neighboring states. The California border is only 25 miles (40 km) south of Medford, and you can see attractions like the redwood forests nearby.
Is it necessary to carry chains in winter?
If you plan to travel over mountain passes or to higher places like Crater Lake between November and April, it's a good idea to carry chains. Sometimes the law requires you to have them. Most rental companies don't provide chains, so you might have to buy your own.