Dayton car rentals from $26/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Dayton with a pick-up date of 5/3 and drop-off date of 6/2. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Dayton

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
Economy$26/day
Compact$28/day
Intermediate$26/day
Standard$26/day
Full-size$26/day
Minivan$42/day
Full-size SUV$37/day
Premium$32/day
Supplier choice$26/day
Intermediate SUV$29/day
Standard SUV$31/day
Compact SUV$39/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Dayton

  • Depending on your point of origin, you will most likely arrive in the city from Dayton airport or other airports that serve Dayton, such as Columbus, Cincinnati, or Kentucky airport. Reserving a cheap car rental in Dayton from the airport ensures a hustle-free transfer to your hotel. However, if you haven’t made any arrangements with an airport car hire company, you can do so in one of the 12 off-site Dayton car rentals in and around the city center. There is an Enterprise Rent-A-Car agency on 500 N Main Street, an Avis on 33 E 1st Street, and a Budget car rental location along 1323 Wilmington Avenue.
  • Dayton is home to a vast collection of aircraft displays from the 1900s era exhibited at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The city also hosts numerous annual festivals from June to September like the hot-air balloon festival, the three-day Celtic carnival, the strawberries harvest celebration and many more. If you want to participate in the city’s eclectic holidays, staying within walking distance of the festivities will be best. Having a cheap car rental in Dayton at your disposal is ideal; however, it will be near impossible to drive through streets full of people attending the annual festivals.
  • As the “Birthplace of Aviation,” Dayton boasts numerous historic and archaeological sites, diverse neighborhoods, a thriving art and culture scene, and more. While Dayton is among the most walkable cities in the U.S., there are attraction sights within driving distance of Dayton that are a must-see. About 30 minutes from Dayton is the famous Yellow Springs, whose 25 miles of trails are worth exploring. If you’re up for the idea of mining for gemstones and fossils, you can take an hour’s drive to the 35-acre Ohio Caverns or visit an 800-year-old SunWatch Indian village and archaeological park at 2301 W. River Road.
  • Dayton is like the majority of cities in the U.S. in that it was designed for automobiles. Public transportation in the city is severely lacking, especially during evenings and on weekends. If you want to make the most out of your time in the city, it is highly recommended that you rent a vehicle. For instance, if you would like to visit the National Museum of the US Air Force, it is just an 11-minute drive from downtown Dayton. However, on public transport, it would take up to 30 minutes to get there.
  • For travelers looking to pick up a rental car after landing at Dayton International Airport, you can find the rental car desk in the airport’s Baggage Claim Area.
  • Though most don’t associate Dayton with wintery weather, it certainly has its fair share of snowstorms in the winter. Travelers visiting the city in winter should make sure to keep the rough weather in mind when planning any itineraries, especially if you aren’t from a snowy climate. However, with a bit of planning and caution, the snow is no hazard and it may even add a nice touch to your trip.
  • Rush hour traffic is a mixed bag in Dayton, especially if you plan on heading to Cincinnati or other neighboring cities. Morning rush hour traffic can start as early as 6:30 a.m. some mornings and slows down by around 9:00 a.m. on a typical day. The afternoon and evening peak usually goes from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Dayton for $49 or less
  • Book your rental car in Dayton at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy rental cars in Dayton are around 59% cheaper than other car types, on average

Dayton car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Dayton 
MSep 2023
Sometimes being patient pays off.
KathleenJun 2023
If you have a question ask because the representatives are very helpful.

FAQs about renting a car in Dayton

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Dayton?

    Like most cities in the U.S., Dayton is perfectly suited for all sizes of vehicles. In fact, larger cars are some of the most popular vehicles on the road in Dayton. As such, visitors looking to rent a vehicle during their time in the city are recommended to choose their vehicle with their group in mind. This is partly because the city’s streets really are large enough to accomodate any vehicle so whether you choose a minivan, coupe, or anything in between, the vehicle will have no problems on the road in Dayton.

  • What’s the speed limit in Dayton?

    On the bottom end, Dayton’s speed limits start out as low as 25 to 30 mph in residential areas. From there, they range from 30 to 50 mph on urban roads and roads in built-up areas. In rural areas, though, the speed limit goes from 45 to 70 mph, while on highways and interstates the speed limit is 70 mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Dayton?

    If you heading downtown, the best option for parking, aside from parking at the actual businesses themselves, is to park at one of the many garages. There are plenty of parking garages and private parking lots in Dayton and many are conveniently located right by points of interest. Parking rates typically start as low as $3 per hour and go up to $10 in the most popular garages.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Dayton?

    On average a rental car in Dayton costs $62 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Dayton found in the last 2 weeks is $36.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Dayton?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget ($26/day), Avis ($26/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($39/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Budget 33 East 1st Street 45402 (1 miles from city center).

  • How much is gas price in Dayton?

    The average gas price in Dayton is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Dayton?

    Economy (Chevrolet Sonic Sedan or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Dayton.

  • Which car rental companies are at Dayton airport (DAY)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Dayton airport include Thrifty, Hertz and Dollar.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Dayton airport (DAY)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Dayton airport to off-airport locations include Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Alamo, Avis, Dollar, and National.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Dayton?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Dayton?

    An Economy car rental in Dayton costs $31 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Dayton?

    A Full Size car rental in Dayton costs $32 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car rental cost in Dayton?

    A Mini car rental in Dayton costs $33 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Dayton?

    In Dayton, cars are most frequently rented at Budget 1323 Wilmington Avenue (3 miles from city center).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Dayton?

    On average a rental car in Dayton costs $434 per week ($62 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Dayton?

    On average a rental car in Dayton costs $1,862 per month ($62 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Dayton?

    Most car rental providers in Dayton offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Dayton, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Dayton?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 6 car rental agencies in Dayton.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Dayton?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Dayton?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Dayton so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • What is the distance from the airport to downtown Dayton?

    Once you pick up a Dayton car rental at the airport’s baggage claim area, you will drive a 20.2km distance, which takes approximately 16-minutes depending on traffic conditions.

  • Do I need to drive in winter wheels in Dayton?

    While Dayton is known for experiencing snowstorms, you don’t necessarily require snow tires, but you can confirm with rental companies if they provide them for extreme weather situations. You will still need an ice scraper to scrape off the windows of your Dayton car rental if you park outside.

Dayton car rental reviews and directory

Dollar

10.0

Wonderful

67 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Dayton

Show locations

Locations in Dayton

3789 Terminal Drive

+1 937 898 5806

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Pick-up area was easy to find, and overall the staff I interacted with were professional and friendly.

Cons:

The signage about which drop-off area to use was apparently incorrect, which made things confusing and tiring after my trip.

7.6 Good

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

It would have been helpful to have the drop off procedures for when an attendant wasn't present explained during the pickup.

5.2 Fair

Jan 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

The employees on the phone...both times, at the desk, and at pick up and drop off. Very rude.

2.0 Poor

Oct 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

I had to cancel my rental based on not having a major credit card. I went with Avis whom was more accommodating. I will not be renting with Dollar in the future.

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Customer service was outstanding both picking up the car and in returning. Will rent from dollar again.

4.4 Mediocre

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The car was nice, although it smelled pretty weird.

Cons:

The car cost more than advertised, by about $100, so it was almost double of what I expected. The insurance I bought online with the car (3rd party) I was told was useless, and they were known to not honor the purchase if something were to happen, so that's $30 I won't get back. All in all it was a lot of wasted money.

1 out of 13

Thrifty

7.6

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

6.6

One location in Dayton

Show locations

Locations in Dayton

3789 Terminal Drive

+1 937 898 5806

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Nov 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was terrible. As I was walking up to rent the vehicle they locked the door, looked at me, and left.

Cons:

The customer service. I was treated much better at Alamo where I ended up having to rent from because I was not able to get my rental when I needed it from Thrifty.

6.8 Okay

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Thrifty staff member was very pleasant and helpful. Vehicle was very clean and ready to go.

Cons:

If you rental agencies would offer something besides those cheap Chrysler products. I realize they practically give them to you (how else could they get rid of them), but they are very uncomfortable and noisy. Luckily I only need a van once in a great while. And thankfully you have better quality vehicles to rent when I need a sedan or coupe.

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Everything went very smooth. I really appreciated it

9.2 Wonderful

Jan 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

When the strip would not work on my credit card, the agent said it was impossible to enter it manually! Luckily I had another car, but NOT the one that I wished to use! Gotta be a better way!

2.0 Poor

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

The car smelt like weed and it was never cleaned out. The windows were filthy.

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff, super easy pick up and drop off.

1 out of 9

Budget

7.2

Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

7.4

2 locations in Dayton

Show locations

Locations in Dayton

1323 Wilmington Avenue

+1 937 294 8238

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday09:00 - 14:00

33 East 1st Street

+1 937 220 9206

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2023

KAYAK
Great service the ride was clean would highly recommend

2.0 Poor

Oct 2023

KAYAK
No car was available despite my booking

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2022

KAYAK
Well I got my dates mixed up, which had me showing up to pick up my rental a week earlier than I had reserved it for. Lol. My bad! But the professional at the counter was still able to get me a rental anyway. Which was important, as I was there in Dayton without a car and needed to get back home in Columbus. So drop off was different from where I picked up the rental. Personnel at the drop off location was just a friendly and helpful. Thanks so much!

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly well organized and knowledgeable staff! Knew the vehicle well enough to give a crash course so I didn’t need the manual lol

Cons:

I have no complaints great customer service and all around people

2.0 Poor

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Wow, ballsy to ask about my experience when you took my reservation but failed to provide me a car.

Cons:

See above

6.0 Okay

Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Quick and easy process at drop off and pick up. Rented a Yukon and it was great!

Cons:

Was not cleaned well if at all and smelled like smoke.

1 out of 11

Hertz

8.3

Very good

16 reviews

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Dayton

Show locations

Locations in Dayton

3789 Terminal Dr.

+1 937 898 5806

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

8012 Mcewen Rd

+1 937 438 0175

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

7.6 Good

Jul 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

Office closed when i got there. Had to wait

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Great service, Professional Staff ( Tim) was very helpful with my questions. Easy to work with .

2.0 Poor

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing. They wouldn't rent me a car.

Cons:

I had to rent from another agency at a much higher price.

8.8 Very good

Dec 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

They should check tire pressure

7.2 Good

Sep 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy in, Easy out. Gave us an upgrade at no extra charge, because they didn't have anymore small cars.

1 out of 2

Avis

7.9

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

7.7

2 locations in Dayton

Show locations

Locations in Dayton

1323 Wilmington Avenue

+1 937 294 5129

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday09:00 - 14:00

33 East 1st Street

+1 937 222 6705

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was super helpful, and really helped make the experience worthwhile.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

the car, assistance with the car and politeness of the clerk

Cons:

I'm disappointed that they're requiring credit cards now instead of allowing debit, I've used them multiple times in the past because of the convenience and quickness....I don't carry credit cards for a the fact of staying away from the debt and crooked banks of today.

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2023

KAYAK
Everything was fine.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2022

KAYAK
All was great. Ease of making a reservation, counter staff experience was great. The vehicle was just what I needed and worked well. Vehicle was clean inside as well as outside.

4.0 Mediocre

Jul 2022

KAYAK
Telephone service beyond terrible - long long waits and trees to connect endless - roadside help non existent never answered phone - AAA responded immediately - as a president member and long time Avis customer- I will look else where to rent a car - what has happened to Avis!? George kohlrieser

1.9 Poor

Sep 2021

KAYAK
well - it was in Springfield, Ohio. First - they substituted a "similar" vehicle with 70% LESS cargo capacity. Then when I refused it, they assured me the proper vehicle would be there within 3 days; they'll call me when it's in. 11 days later, still waiting. Tried a SECOND time (yeah, yeah my bad) I can only hope that they come through THIS time. 1. substitute SIMILAR, not "what you've got" 2. CALL if you say you're going to, even if to say "oops" 3. If you know you can't meet expectations, at least TELL me and let me make other arrangements.

1 out of 2

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.1

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

7.3

4 locations in Dayton

Show locations

Locations in Dayton

3 Mackoil Ave

+1 937 252 7798

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

455 Miamisburg-centerville Rd

+1 937 291 6370

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

4806 N Main St

+1 937 274 4477

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

500 N Main St

+1 937 228 4555

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff were very friendly and professional!

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff were very friendly and professional!

8.0 Very good

Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff. Nice car

Cons:

A friendly call if they find your property left in a vehicle instead of just trashing it.

2.0 Poor

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Location was convenient.

Cons:

Service. It was terrible. Staff never called back about availability of a car. No reply. Nada. Zip.

6.4 Okay

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff is great, very nice people. There was some candy between the seat and console and a stick of old spice deodorant ( I guess a 90 year old man rented the car before me because who the hell uses old spice anymore!!!) Anyway one of the candy came out in thew floor board and I ended up stepping on it and crushing into the carpet which was a real pain to clean up but I did get it cleaned.

Cons:

Honestly the car could have been a little less expensive, almost $700 for a month is pretty high and as long as you are charging that much I mean would it be too much to ask for the car to actually be clean?

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

VERY friendly. Picked me up at home. Already made my next reservation with them.

1 out of 4

199 travelers who rented a car in Dayton gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.6

Car rental locations in or near Dayton

Good to know

Most popular agency

Budget

Most popular car type

Economy

Average price

$62/day

Good deal

$49/day

When to book a rental car in Dayton

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches