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Kentucky car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Kentucky

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Mini car
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Economy car
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Compact car
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Intermediate car
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Standard car
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Full-size car
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Luxury car
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People carrier car
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Passenger van car
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SUV car
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Top tips for hiring a car in Kentucky

  • The state of Kentucky has unique terrain, and careful consideration should go into deciding the best car rental vehicle to choose when you visit the state. Kentucky has many hills and rocky terrain, so a good option is a full-size truck or SUV with four-wheel drive. This is especially true if your road trip includes outdoor adventures like fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Many mountainous trails cannot be reached with a traditional vehicle, but a smaller version of an SUV would probably be just right. It’s also worth noting that many small- and full-size vehicles include utility racks to easily transport sporting items.
  • Kentucky enforces child-restraint laws throughout the state, and this includes at all airports and car-rental agencies. Children up to one year old must be secured in an infant seat and positioned facing the rear of the vehicle. Children weighing 20 pounds or more can face the front but must have the proper strap system securing them. Older children ages eight to ten should still use booster seats with the proper straps and should remain in them if possible. Be sure to check your rental agency to make certain they provide child seats when you’re ready to rent a car.
  • Travelers renting a car in Kentucky may want to cross borders. Most car-rental agencies will allow travel to Canada or Mexico, but keep in mind there might be higher fees or additional insurance required. Most companies charge extra insurance to take a rental car into Mexico. Some companies don’t permit certain vehicles like specialty cars or full-size trucks to cross borders. Be sure to check for all the fees and procedures before taking your trip, and let the car agency know that you intend to cross the border.
  • When considering renting a car in Kentucky, it’s good to look carefully at the area you plan to explore to see if there are any toll roads. Most car-rental companies give you an option to get a toll pass card with the rental, so it’s a good idea if your trip is extensive. If you’re planning to camp in state parks, check on information like costs of entry and for costs of staying at a campsite or cabin. If you’re thinking about renting an electric car, ask the agency where charging stations are located throughout the state and whether they are available in the state parks or other remote areas.
  • Book your rental car in Kentucky at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Full-size rental cars in Kentucky are around 4% more expensive than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Kentucky

  • Should I hire a car in Kentucky?

    Kentucky is an ideal place to rent a car and plan a road trip, and a rental car will take you to destinations not accessible any other way. The Bourbon Trail is an excellent route to see by car, as it will showcase the beauty of Kentucky and and inform you about the state’s rich bourbon-making history. Kentucky has an organized road system that reaches all across the state, and although there are some tolls, these are easy to navigate and well organized.

  • What is driving like in Kentucky?

    Driving in Kentucky is mostly laid-back and easygoing, and although not in the Deep South, the state still has its share of Southern charm. If you decide to explore the larger cities like Louisville, the driving style might change to a quicker pace, but folks are still friendly. The roads are well maintained, and the signs are clear and easy to read. The state has some challenging, hilly routes, so it’s best to pay attention to the signs. During the winters, Kentucky can get icy and can accumulate snow, so plan your trip carefully.

  • How old do you have to be to hire a car in Kentucky?

    For car rentals in Kentucky, drivers must be twenty one years old and must present a current driver’s license. Keep in mind that drivers twenty one to tweny four will be charged a young driver surcharge, which is a daily fee that’s added to the rental agreement. When looking for a car, check with different agencies, because the young driver’s fee varies from place to place. To save money, designate an adult twenty five or older as the driver.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Kentucky?

    Full-size (GMC Yukon or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Kentucky.

  • What is the best car hire company in Kentucky?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Kentucky are Alamo (8.3, 109 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.5, 114 reviews), and Budget (6.4, 191 reviews).

  • How can I find car hires near me in Kentucky?

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

Car rental locations in Kentucky

Car rental directory

  • enterprise

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Kentucky

    48 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car hire locations in Kentucky

    17 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car hire locations in Kentucky

    10 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in Kentucky

    9 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car hire locations in Kentucky

    7 Locations

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car hire locations in Kentucky

    6 Locations

  • alamo

    Alamo car hire locations in Kentucky

    3 Locations

  • national

    National car hire locations in Kentucky

    3 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car hire locations in Kentucky

    3 Locations

  • easirent

    Easirent car hire locations in Kentucky

    2 Locations

  • payless

    Payless car hire locations in Kentucky

    2 Locations

  • vipcarsrec

    VIPCars Recommendation car hire locations in Kentucky

    2 Locations

Good to know

Most popular car type

Full-size

When to book a rental car in Kentucky

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Kentucky

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