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Find low car rental prices in Redmond, Oregon with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare real-time deals from Avis, Hertz, Enterprise and more at Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) or downtown sites, then pick a compact or AWD SUV for your Central Oregon road trip in just a few clicks.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) | • On-site rental counters • Major companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) • Immediate availability after landing • Extended hours for flight arrivals | • Higher rates due to airport fees • Limited inventory of specialty vehicles • Possible lines during peak flight arrivals |
| Redmond City Locations | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Several agencies have in-town branches • Convenient for those already in Redmond | • Restricted business hours • Transportation needed from airport • Limited weekend availability |
| Bend City Locations | • Larger selection of vehicles • Better rates due to more competition • More specialty vehicle options | • 17 miles from Redmond (27 km) (25-minute drive) • Requires transportation between cities • Less convenient for Redmond-based stays |
Transportation Options
- Taxi and rideshare services available at RDM Airport
- Some hotels offer airport shuttles
- Local rental agencies may provide customer pickup service
- Limited public transportation in the area
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Compare airport vs in-town pickup – RDM rentals carry 11-13 % airport fees. City branches in Redmond or Bend can be 10-15 % cheaper even after a $20 rideshare from the terminal.
- Book early only for peak periods – Summer (Jun-Sep) and ski season (Dec-Mar) sell out fast, so reserve ahead. In shoulder months watch for last-minute drops instead of locking in months out.
- Stretch to a full-week rental – In Central Oregon weekly deals often beat 5-6 day rates. Adding an extra day can lower the per-day price.
- Right-size the car – Most local roads are paved and snow-free outside winter passes, so an economy model usually works and costs far less than an AWD SUV.
- Check both Redmond and Bend inventories – Bend (17 mi south) has more agencies and cars; a quick comparison can uncover cheaper or niche options.
Car rental prices at Redmond Airport 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Where to Park
- Free parking throughout most of Redmond
- Downtown has 2-3 hour limits on some streets during business hours
- Shopping centers and restaurants offer plenty of free spaces
- No meters or paid lots in the city
Driving Rules
- Speed limits: 25 mph in residential areas, 35-45 mph on major roads
- School zones enforced at 20 mph during designated hours
- US-97 through Redmond has 45 mph limit along with traffic signals
- Right turn on red allowed after complete stop unless posted otherwise
- No toll roads in Central Oregon
- Wildlife crossings marked in rural areas, so pay close attention
Why rent a car in Redmond
Redmond's sparse transit and wide-open surroundings make a rental car the easiest way to reach Central Oregon highlights.
Get a car to see:
- Smith Rock State Park – rock climbing, river canyon
- Mt. Bachelor – skiing, snowboarding
- Cascade Lakes – lakes, viewpoints
- Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds) – fossil beds, overlooks
- Bend – breweries, shopping, dining
Local Rental Locations
- Beaverton, OR
- Bend, OR
- Car Rental Eugene Airport (EUG)
- Car Rental Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Car Rental Portland, OR
- Corvallis, OR
- Eugene, OR
- Gresham, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Medford, OR
- MFR Airport
- Oregon
- Salem, OR
FAQs
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Redmond area?
In summer, you can use any type of vehicle to see most sights. In winter (November–March), we highly recommend an AWD or 4WD vehicle, especially if you plan to visit mountain areas or drive over passes. SUVs also give you better clearance on some unpaved Forest Service roads.
Do I need chains or special equipment in winter?
When you travel in winter, you may need chains or traction tires. This is especially true for mountain passes like US-26 (Mt. Hood) or OR-22/US-20 (Santiam Pass). Look for posted signs, which usually appear from November 1 to April 1. In Oregon, all-season M+S-rated tires count as traction tires, but they are not the same as real snow tires. Most rental SUVs have M+S tires. You should check with the rental company before you leave. Always check ODOT's TripCheck before you drive in the mountains in winter, since conditions change quickly.
What's the best time of year to visit Redmond?
In summer (June–September), you'll find warm and dry weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. Spring (April–May) and fall (October) have milder temperatures and fewer crowds. People often visit in winter to ski at nearby Mt. Bachelor, but you'll need to prepare more for your trip.
Is it possible to visit Crater Lake as a day trip from Redmond?
You can, but it makes for a very long day. Crater Lake is about 140–150 miles (225–241 km) from Redmond, which is a 2.5–3 hour drive each way. We recommend staying overnight so you can fully enjoy the park. In winter, the Rim Drive is closed and the North Entrance is usually shut. You can only get in through the South/West Entrance on OR-62.
How does elevation affect driving in Central Oregon?
Redmond is at 3,077 feet (938 m), and many nearby sights are even higher. You might notice your car doesn't perform as well at high elevations. The high-desert climate means big temperature swings between day and night, which can change your tire pressure. You should always carry water because the dry air will make you dehydrated faster.
