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Find competitive rental car prices in Waco, Texas with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare Waco Regional Airport car rentals with downtown pickup spots along Valley Mills Drive to find a low rate, then drive to Magnolia Market at the Silos, Baylor University or farther down I-35 to Dallas or Austin.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waco Regional Airport (ACT) |
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Counters located in terminal; small airport means quick pickup process |
| Downtown/City Locations |
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Multiple locations along Valley Mills Dr, Franklin Ave and near Baylor University |
| Flying into DFW/Austin |
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Consider for wider flight options or specific vehicle needs |
Enterprise Pickup Service: Enterprise locations in Waco offer complimentary pickup from hotels and local addresses. Call ahead to schedule pickup.
On average, car rentals in Waco cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Skip the airport markup: City branches along Valley Mills Dr and Franklin Ave are about 10-15 % cheaper than Waco Regional Airport, and many will pick you up from your hotel for free.
Check the Baylor calendar: Rates spike on football weekends, graduations and Magnolia events. If you can slide your rental by a day, you'll dodge the surge.
Compare rental lengths: In Waco a weekly rate can beat 4-5 daily rates. Run both options in the search box and grab whichever total is lower.
Use the free trolley & parking: Park in the free Silos lot or downtown lots, then ride the no-cost trolley to Magnolia Market and back—no $10 overflow lots, no extra fuel.
Fill up locally: Gas in Waco is usually cheaper than Dallas or Austin. Top off in town before you return the car to avoid rental refill prices.
No nearby toll roads: Staying around Waco means you can skip the optional toll tag add-on and keep a few bucks per day in your pocket.
| Area | Options | Cost | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnolia Market | Silos parking lot, nearby lots | Silos lot generally free; nearby paid lots available | Main lot fills early on weekends; free trolley from downtown; street parking is limited |
| Downtown Waco | Street parking, public lots | Generally free | 2-hour limit for some street spots; public lots without time limits; most abundant near City Hall |
| Baylor University | Visitor lots, garages | Varies by lot | Visitor passes required in some areas; special event parking differs; follow campus signage |
| Restaurants/Shopping | Dedicated lots | Generally free | Plenty of spaces at most locations; Valley Mills Dr businesses have ample parking; downtown more limited |
| Hotels | On-site parking | Generally free | All major hotels offer parking; RV and larger vehicle spaces at some locations |
A car unlocks both Waco's must-see spots and rewarding day trips across central Texas.
Magnolia Market at the Silos – shopping, food trucks
Waco Mammoth National Monument – fossils, dig site
Cameron Park and Zoo – river bluffs, trails, animals
Homestead Heritage – craft village, farm market
Lake Waco – boating, fishing, sunsets
Dallas or Austin – museums, sports stadiums, live music
What's the best way to visit Magnolia Market at the Silos? For the best experience and to avoid big crowds, try to get there early (before 10 AM) on a weekday. They have a free parking lot right there, but it fills up fast on weekends. You can find nearby paid lots ($5–10) for extra parking on busy days. Or, you can park downtown and ride the free trolley service that runs between downtown and the Silos. Just remember, Magnolia Market is closed on Sundays.
Do I need a rental car if I'm just visiting Magnolia Market? If you're staying at a downtown hotel and only plan to see Magnolia and other nearby downtown spots, you probably don't need a rental car. Many downtown hotels are close enough to walk, or they offer a shuttle service to Magnolia. However, you should get a rental car if you're staying outside downtown. You'll also want one to visit other Waco attractions like Cameron Park, Waco Mammoth Monument or Homestead Heritage.
Is it better to rent a car at Waco Regional Airport or from a city location? If you're flying into Waco Regional Airport (ACT), it's easiest to rent a car right there, but the rates might be a little higher. If you're getting to Waco another way or don't need a car right away, you can find cheaper rentals in the city. Look for places along Valley Mills Drive or Franklin Avenue to avoid airport fees. Enterprise will also pick you up from your hotel or another address in Waco.
What kind of car is best for getting around Waco? A standard sedan is fine for most Waco attractions. The roads are in good shape, and all major sites are easy to get to on paved roads. You don't need an SUV for the usual tourist spots. It might be more comfortable for larger groups or if you plan to explore country areas outside the city.
How early should I get to the Waco airport to return my rental car? Waco Regional Airport is small, so returning your car is quick and easy. You should plan to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before your flight. The rental return areas are very close to the terminal, and the whole process usually takes just 5 to 10 minutes.
Are there any toll roads around Waco? No, there are no toll roads in or near Waco. I-35 and all the main roads around the city are free highways. You won't run into toll roads until you get much farther north toward Dallas or south toward Austin.
What are the parking options for Baylor game days? For Baylor football games at McLane Stadium, you can expect to pay $10–20 for parking, and the lots open 5 hours before kickoff. For basketball and other sports at the Ferrell Center, they have free parking lots. If you're not going to a game, be aware of the heavy traffic and closed-off areas around the stadiums. It's a good idea to plan a different route on game days.
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