Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Oklahoma City. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. See real-time rates from trusted brands at Will Rogers World Airport and downtown branches, filter by vehicle size or mileage policy and lock in a ride that fits your trip in minutes.
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
OKC Airport Rental Center | • Larger selection of vehicles • Open until midnight • Multiple companies in one place • 24/7 shuttle service |
• Approximately 6-8 minute wait for shuttle • Higher airport fees and taxes • Distance from terminal (off-site facility) |
Downtown Oklahoma City | • Potentially lower rates (no airport fees) • Convenient if staying downtown • Good for train/bus arrivals |
• Limited hours (most close around 7:30am-6pm weekdays) • Smaller vehicle selection • Need transportation from airport |
On average, car rentals in Oklahoma City cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pick-up – Airport rentals add roughly 10-15 % in surcharges. A $20-25 rideshare to a downtown branch can cut the overall bill, especially on multi-day rentals.
Time your rental – Rates jump in summer, early fall football weekends and big conventions. Shifting to winter, early spring or mid-week dates often saves 20 % or more.
Book 2-4 weeks ahead for peak periods, watch and re-book off-peak – Early reservations lock in choice and price during busy months. In slower months keep an eye on rates and re-reserve if they drop.
Look for weekend specials – Many OKC locations discount Fri-Mon rentals. Sometimes a three-day weekend deal beats a shorter weekday reservation.
Fuel up yourself – Oklahoma's gas is cheap. Fill the tank at a city station (try spots along I-240 or South Western Ave) before drop-off to dodge hefty refueling fees.
Skip the daily toll package unless you'll hit turnpikes constantly – PlatePay bills each toll at a few bucks. Paying the rental company $10+ a day for a toll pass only makes sense if you're on I-44 or I-35 turnpikes several times a day.
Downtown: Metered street spots enforced Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Free Options: Street spots are generally free after 5pm and on weekends/holidays
Garages: Downtown garages are available throughout the area
Speed Limits:
Mobile Phones: Texting while driving is illegal in Oklahoma
Right on Red: Legal after coming to a complete stop, unless signage prohibits it
Left on Red: Not allowed except when turning from a one-way to another one-way street
Toll Roads: Oklahoma Turnpike system connects major cities. Cashless tolling is replacing traditional booths
A car lets you reach the metro's spread-out attractions and take straightforward day trips around central Oklahoma.
Do I need a 4WD/AWD vehicle in Oklahoma City?
For most visitors, no. Oklahoma City keeps its roads in good shape and the weather is usually mild. You can use a standard car for most travel. You should think about getting an SUV or AWD only if you plan to explore country areas or if you visit in the winter when there might be ice or snow.
How do tolls work with rental cars?
Oklahoma is changing all its turnpikes to a cashless toll system called PlatePay. Many roads are already cashless but some still have toll booths where you can pay cash. If you drive in a PlatePay lane and don't have a PikePass device, cameras will take a picture of your car's license plate. They send the bill to the rental company. The company will then charge your credit card for the toll and an extra service fee. Some rental companies let you buy a toll program for a daily fee. You should check the cost before you agree to it.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Oklahoma City?
You usually need to be 21 to rent a car. Some companies might rent to drivers who are 18 to 20 years old for special reasons, like if they are in the military or work for the government. If you are under 25, you will have to pay an extra "young driver" fee of about $25 per day.
Are there any driving restrictions with rental cars?
Most rental companies let you drive to nearby states but not into Mexico. You are never allowed to take the car off-road. Check your rental agreement for any other rules about where you can drive.
How far in advance should I book my rental car?
You should book your car 2 to 4 weeks early to get the best prices and choice of cars. This is very important during the summer, on holiday weekends and for major events. If you wait until the last minute, you will likely pay more and have fewer cars to choose from.