Finding a car rental in Tulsa is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across Oklahoma with no reservation fees. Pick up at Tulsa International Airport for maximum convenience or choose a downtown branch to dodge airport surcharges, then roll straight onto Route 66, the Gathering Place or anywhere the Sooner State takes you.
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Tulsa International Airport | • Rental counters inside terminal • Larger vehicle selection • Extended hours (approximately 8am-midnight) • Walk to vehicle lot or use shuttle |
• Higher airport fees and taxes • Potential lines during peak arrival times |
Downtown/City Locations | • Lower rates (no airport surcharges) • Convenient if already in the city • Neighborhood branches throughout Tulsa |
• Limited hours (usually 8/9am-5/6pm) • Closed or limited hours on weekends • Smaller inventory • May need to fetch specific car classes |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Tulsa cost around $66 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Airport counters have longer hours but about 10-15 % in extra fees. If you're already downtown, grab a neighborhood branch and skip the surcharges—just check their tighter 8-5 opening hours.
Time your booking to Tulsa's seasons: For summer festivals and college football weekends, locking in 2-4 weeks out usually beats walk-up prices. Winter and early spring are slower, so last-minute deals pop up.
Play with dates: Rates often drop on Fri-Mon weekend specials. Shift your itinerary by a day or two in the search box and you'll see the difference instantly.
Mind one-way math: Dropping in Oklahoma City or Dallas is handy, but compare multiple suppliers—fees swing wildly depending on direction and season.
Downtown Parking: Metered street parking is usually enforced Monday-Friday during business hours
Free Parking: Street spots are generally free after 5 pm and on weekends
Tolls: Several turnpikes connect Tulsa to other cities
Speed Limits:
Traffic Considerations:
Rent a car so you can visit:
Gathering Place – park
Philbrook Museum of Art – museum, gardens
Route 66 corridor – landmarks, diners
Oxley Nature Center – trails, wildlife
How do I return my rental car at Tulsa International Airport? When you get close to the airport, just follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." You'll find the rental car center right next to the terminal. After you drop off your car, you can walk to the departures area.
Are there rules about where I can drive my rental car in the Tulsa area? Most rental companies let you drive in Oklahoma and nearby states, but they don't let you drive into Mexico. Driving off-road is never allowed. You should check your rental agreement to see any other rules.
What's the best way to pay for tolls around Tulsa? Oklahoma is changing its turnpikes to a cashless system, but some roads still take cash. Some turnpikes, like the Creek and Kickapoo, only use PlatePay. Others, like the Turner and Will Rogers, still let you pay using cash, PlatePay or a PikePass. If you drive on a cashless road without a pass, the toll company will bill your rental car company. Then, the rental company will charge you for the toll plus a service fee. Many rental companies sell a daily toll pass. This can be cheaper than paying for each toll separately if you plan to drive on turnpikes a lot.
Do I need a special type of car to see sights outside Tulsa? A regular car will be fine for most sights around Tulsa. The main roads are in good shape. You should only think about getting an SUV if you plan to go to faraway places or drive in the winter when there might be ice or snow.
Is it better to rent a car in the city instead of at the airport? If you are already in Tulsa or don't need a car right when you arrive, you can often find lower prices at city locations because they don't have airport fees. But, remember to think about how much it will cost you to get to the rental office and that they usually have shorter business hours.
How far ahead should I book my rental car in Tulsa? For the best prices and choice of cars, try to book 2 to 4 weeks before your trip. This is extra important during the summer or when big events are happening. If you wait until the last minute, you will likely pay more and have fewer cars to choose from.