Car Rental Wichita Falls, TX

If you want to visit Sheppard AFB, you'll need a valid government photo ID. We recommend a REAL ID driver's license or a passport, because federal bases will require a REAL ID after May 7, 2025. If you're not in the military, you'll also need to get a visitor's pass from the Visitor Control Center near the main gate. The guards might ask to see your car's registration and proof of insurance, which is part of your rental agreement. To get the most up-to-date rules, you should check the Sheppard AFB website or call the Visitor Control Center before you go.

A standard sedan works well for most attractions and city roads in Wichita Falls. If you plan to take trips to lakes or country areas, a small SUV can give you more comfort and storage space. You usually won't need four-wheel drive, but it can be helpful if there's ice or snow in the winter.

If you're flying into Wichita Falls, picking up your car at the airport is often easier, even if it costs a little more. If you get to town some other way or are staying for a while, you can find lower rates at locations in the city that don't charge airport fees. Enterprise also offers a free pickup service from hotels or local addresses. This gives you the lower city price and makes getting your car easy.

The Wichita Falls Municipal Airport is small, so things move quickly. You should plan to get there 60 to 90 minutes before your flight. The rental return lot is right next to the terminal and handing off the car usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You should give yourself a little extra time if you're returning the car early in the morning, because there might be fewer staff members working.

No, there are no toll roads right around Wichita Falls. All the major highways like US-287, US-277 and US-281 are free for you to use. If you drive southeast toward Dallas–Fort Worth, you will start to see clearly marked toll roads about 100 miles (160 km) away from Wichita Falls.

Some popular day trips you can take are: Lawton, Oklahoma (about 50 miles/80 km north), where you can visit Fort Sill and the Museum of the Great Plains; Graham, Texas (roughly 70 miles/113 km south), where you can see its historic downtown and get to Possum Kingdom Lake; Nocona (about 50 miles/80 km east), where you can find leather goods and take tours of boot factories; and Quanah (around 90 miles/145 km west), which is a great starting point for visiting the Texas Plains and Copper Breaks State Park. You can drive to each of these places in about an hour and a half.

No, you'll find lots of free street parking and small public lots in downtown Wichita Falls. The city doesn't use parking meters, but some spots have a two-hour limit on weekdays. Once you park your car, the downtown area is small and easy to walk around, so you can easily visit several museums, restaurants and shops. Even when big events are happening, like the Hotter'N Hell Hundred bicycle race, you can usually find parking a block or two away from the main locations.