EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in Topeka is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands all around Kansas with no booking fees. Because the city lacks a commercial airport, most cars are picked up downtown or on the west side, so reserve early and use our filters for free cancellation, one-way rentals and after-hours drop-off.
Unlike larger cities, Topeka does not have a commercial airport offering regular passenger service. Your rental options are mainly city-based:
| Location | Rental Options | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Topeka | Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget |
|
|
|
| West Topeka | Enterprise (Topeka West) |
|
|
|
| Arriving via Air Travel | N/A | - | - |
|
Note: Since Topeka has no major airport, visitors often arrive by car, bus or Amtrak. If arriving by train or bus, you may need to use a taxi or rideshare to reach your rental location.
On average, car rentals in Topeka cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare Downtown vs West Topeka pickups. The two city depots often post different promos and hours. A quick quote check can shave $10-$15 a day.
Legislative session (Jan-May) = surge pricing. Visit in late spring, fall or mid-winter for the cheapest daily rates.
Punch in a 7-day search even for a 4-5 day trip. Weekly bundles in Topeka regularly beat the pay-by-day total. Return early if the contract allows.
Go small on the car size. Free parking is everywhere and the longest local hop is an hour. Economies sip less gas and rent for less.
| Area | Parking Options | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Capitol Area |
|
|
|
| Kansas ExpoCentre | Large surface lot |
|
|
| West Ridge Mall area | Surface lots | Free |
|
| Wanamaker Road Corridor | Surface lots at businesses | Free |
|
| Gage Park / Topeka Zoo | Surface lots | Free |
|
Speed Limits: 70 mph on highways, 35–45 mph on major city streets, 25 mph in residential areas
Traffic Enforcement: Regular police patrols throughout the city
School Zones: 20 mph when lights are flashing
Rush Hour: Moderate congestion 7:30–8:30 AM and 4:30–5:30 PM, especially near state government buildings
Key Thoroughfares: Topeka Boulevard, 10th Avenue, 21st Street and Wanamaker Road are major arteries
Toll Roads: I-70 east toward Lawrence and Kansas City and I-335 south toward Emporia are part of the Kansas Turnpike (now cashless)
With limited transit, a car lets you cover spread-out city sites and easy day trips across eastern Kansas.
Kansas State Capitol – downtown Topeka
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site – 15th & Monroe
Gage Park & Topeka Zoo – 6th & Gage
Lake Shawnee – southeast Topeka
Lawrence – 30 miles (48 km) east via I-70
Flint Hills – prairie landscapes along I-335 south
Is it necessary to rent a car in Topeka?
Yes, for most visitors. You'll find Topeka's attractions are spread out and the city offers limited public transportation. A rental car gives you the freedom to easily explore the capital city and nearby areas.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Topeka?
Since there aren't many rental car places in Topeka, we recommend you book 2–3 weeks ahead of time. If you're visiting when the state government is in session or for a special event, it's a good idea to book even earlier.
What's the best way to get to Topeka if flying to the region?
Most people fly into Kansas City International Airport (MCI, about 75 miles [121 km] away) or Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK, about 60 miles [97 km] away). You can rent a car at either airport, or you can take a shuttle to Topeka and get a car there.
Is winter driving difficult in Topeka?
On most winter days, a standard rental car will be fine. Crews clear snow quickly on the main roads. You might see some snow or ice storms from December to February, but bad weather usually clears up in a day or two. If you're driving in the winter, give yourself extra time and check the weather forecast.
How does the cashless toll system work on the Kansas Turnpike?
The Kansas Turnpike (I-70 east to Kansas City and I-335 south to Emporia/Wichita) is switching to a fully cashless toll system. They expect to finish this change by late 2024. Some toll booths already use cameras to read license plates or use electronic K-TAGs. Other booths still take cash until the switch is complete. When you're in a rental car, the rental company pays for any tolls from your license plate or a K-TAG. Then they charge that cost to you and often add a small service fee. You should ask your rental company ahead of time how they handle tolls so you know what to expect.
What's the best route to the Kansas Capitol from my hotel?
You can find the Capitol downtown at SW 8th & SW Van Buren. If you're staying at a hotel on the west side (near Wanamaker Road), you can take SW 10th or SW Huntoon east. If you're on I-70, take the Topeka Boulevard exit and go south. You can park on the streets around the Capitol or in a nearby garage.
Are there any scenic drives near Topeka worth taking?
Yes, you can drive east on K-4 Highway toward Lake Perry to see beautiful views of the countryside and the lake. You could also drive south on I-335 through the Flint Hills for about 30 minutes to see the rolling prairies.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support