Finding a rental car in Toledo is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around Ohio with no reservation fees. Check real-time deals at Toledo Express Airport, downtown branches and even Detroit Metro Airport, then lock in a low price on everything from compact sedans to winter-ready SUVs.
Location Type | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Toledo Express Airport (TOL) | • Immediate availability upon landing • Multiple rental agencies on-site • Most convenient for air travelers |
• Limited flight arrivals mean limited hours • Located 30 minutes from downtown • Higher rates due to airport fees |
Downtown Toledo | • Avoids airport fees • Convenient if staying downtown • Close to hotels and business centers |
• Standard business hours only • Limited selection, especially on weekends • Requires transportation from airport if flying in |
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) | • Larger selection of vehicles • More competitive rates due to higher volume • 24-hour service available |
• 1 hour drive from Toledo • Cross-state rental may incur fees • Inconvenient unless already flying into DTW |
On average, car rentals in Toledo cost around $71 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Shop around on location: Downtown Toledo desks usually skip the airport surcharge and can be 10-20 % cheaper than TOL. If you're already landing at Detroit Metro, compare DTW vs Toledo pickup before booking—sometimes the bigger fleet at DTW offsets the extra drive.
Tweak your dates & times: In Toledo summer weekends are prime Lake-Erie season, so prices jump. Slide your pickup to a Monday-Thursday window or shorten that Saturday to Saturday rental and watch the rate drop.
Leverage the slow season: January to March is icy but cheap. If your trip is flexible, a winter visit can cost half of a July rental.
Stack memberships and coupons: AAA, AARP and many corporate codes work in Ohio. Plug them into the comparison tool and let the software show the hidden discounts.
Parking Type | Availability | Tips |
---|---|---|
Downtown Meters | Abundant | Affordable rates, often free on evenings and weekends |
Downtown Garages | Plentiful | Many city-owned lots have low daily rates |
Attraction Parking | Available | Toledo Museum of Art and Toledo Zoo offer free parking in their lots |
Street Parking | Good | Free in many areas outside the immediate downtown |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental car to reach:
Cedar Point in Sandusky – roller coasters, Lake Erie shore
Ann Arbor, Michigan – university campus, arts districts
Can I take my Toledo rental car to Michigan or Canada?
Most rental companies will let you drive to Michigan without any extra steps. If you want to go to Canada, you need to tell the rental company beforehand so they can give you the right insurance papers.
What kind of vehicle is best for visiting Toledo and surrounding areas?
A standard sedan works well for driving in the city and on the highway. You might want to get an SUV that has all-wheel drive for winter visits or if you plan to drive in the countryside.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Toledo?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card with your name on it and your reservation confirmation. If you're visiting from another country, you should also bring your passport and an International Driving Permit if you need one.
Is it better to rent from Toledo Express Airport or from downtown?
If you're flying into Toledo, renting at the airport is the easiest option, even though it costs a little more. If you get to the city another way or are already downtown, you'll find better prices at city locations because they don't have airport fees.
Are there any attractions in Toledo accessible without a car?
You can walk to downtown attractions like the Toledo Museum of Art, Imagination Station and Fifth Third Field. However, you will need a ride to get to most other places, like the Toledo Zoo and the Metroparks.