Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is a vibrant and exciting city that attracts many visitors each year. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, one question that may come to mind is, “Should I rent a car in Indianapolis?” In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of renting a car in Indianapolis and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Should I Rent A Car In Indianapolis?
No, you don’t need to rent a car to explore the city’s main tourist attractions. If you plan on spending most of your time in downtown Indianapolis, you may not need a car. The city has a good public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Additionally, many of the city’s top attractions, such as the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo, are easily accessible by public transportation.
However, if you plan on exploring areas outside of downtown or want more flexibility in your schedule, renting a car can be a great option. This is especially true if you want to visit some of the more remote areas of Indianapolis or take day trips to nearby attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Brown County State Park.
Bottom line: Whether or not you should rent a car in Indianapolis depends on your itinerary and how much flexibility you want during your trip.
The Benefits Of Renting A Car In Indianapolis
There are several benefits to renting a car in Indianapolis. First and foremost, it provides more flexibility in your schedule. You won’t be tied to public transportation schedules or have to worry about finding a ride to more remote areas of the city.
Renting a car also allows you to explore areas outside of Indianapolis, such as the charming town of Carmel or the historic town of Franklin. Additionally, if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, a rental car can be more comfortable and convenient than public transportation.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Indianapolis provides flexibility, allows you to explore outside the city, and can be more comfortable for groups and those with a lot of luggage.
The Cons Of Renting A Car In Indianapolis
While there are benefits to renting a car in Indianapolis, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost. Indianapolis has some of the highest car rental rates in the country, and you may also have to pay for parking at your hotel or other attractions.
Indianapolis is also known for its traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. If you’re not used to driving in heavy traffic, it can be stressful and time-consuming. Additionally, parking can be a challenge in the city, especially in the downtown area.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Indianapolis can be expensive, and traffic and parking can be challenging.
Is It Better To Rent A Car At Indianapolis Airport?
While renting a car at the airport can be convenient, it’s often more expensive than renting a car at a location in the city. Additionally, you may have to pay extra fees, such as airport surcharges, that you wouldn’t have to pay if you rented a car at a location in the city.
However, renting a car at the airport can save you time and hassle, as you won’t have to worry about finding transportation to your hotel or rental car location.
Bottom line: Renting a car at Indianapolis airport can be convenient, but it’s often more expensive than renting a car at a location in the city.
The Cheapest Way to Rent A Car In Indianapolis
If you’re looking to save money on car rental in Indianapolis, there are a few things you can do. First, compare prices from different rental car companies to find the best deal. You can do this online or by calling the rental car companies directly.
Another way to save money is to rent a car outside of the airport. Rental car companies located in the city may have lower rates than those located at the airport, and you won’t have to pay airport surcharges.
Lastly, consider renting a smaller, more fuel-efficient car. This can save you money on gas and rental fees. Additionally, some rental car companies offer discounts for booking online or for booking in advance, so be sure to check for any available discounts before booking your rental car.
Bottom line: To save money on car rental in Indianapolis, compare prices from different rental car companies, rent a car outside of the airport, consider a smaller, more fuel-efficient car, and check for available discounts.
Rent A Car In Indianapolis
If you’re considering renting a car in Indianapolis, here are some rental car companies to choose from:
- Alamo: starts at $50 per day
- Avis: starts at $53 per day
- Budget: starts at $42 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $50 per day
- Hertz: starts at $50 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $44 per day
- Dollar: starts at $42 per day
Gas prices in Indianapolis are generally lower than the national average, and you can expect to spend around $40 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $2.67 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas. However, gas prices can vary depending on where you fill up, so it’s always a good idea to check before you hit the road.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Indianapolis can provide flexibility and convenience for exploring outside of the city, but it can also be expensive and traffic and parking can be challenging. Consider your itinerary and preferences before making a decision.
Tips For Driving In Indianapolis
If you decide to rent a car in Indianapolis, here are some tips to help you navigate the city:
- Be aware of rush hour traffic: Indianapolis can have heavy traffic during rush hour, so plan your driving accordingly to avoid getting stuck in congestion.
- Stay alert for pedestrians: Downtown Indianapolis is pedestrian-friendly, and there are many crosswalks and intersections. Be aware of pedestrians and yield to them when necessary.
- Follow parking rules: Indianapolis has strict parking regulations, and parking violations can result in fines or towing. Make sure to pay attention to signs and parking meters to avoid any issues.
- Use GPS or maps: If you’re not familiar with the city, use a GPS or maps to navigate. Indianapolis has many one-way streets and can be confusing to navigate without guidance.
- Be cautious in bad weather: Indianapolis can experience severe weather, including heavy rain and snow. Be cautious when driving in bad weather and adjust your driving accordingly.
- Keep your car secure: Like any city, Indianapolis has its share of car thefts and break-ins. Keep your car locked when parked, and don’t leave valuable items visible inside.
Bottom line: Follow traffic and parking rules, be aware of pedestrians, use GPS or maps, be cautious in bad weather, and keep your car secure when driving in Indianapolis.
Wrapping Up
Conclusion So, should you rent a car in Indianapolis? The answer is that it depends on your itinerary and preferences. If you plan on spending most of your time in downtown Indianapolis and don’t need a lot of flexibility in your schedule, you may be able to get around using public transportation or ride-sharing services. However, if you plan on exploring areas outside of downtown or want more flexibility in your schedule, renting a car can be a great option. Just be sure to consider the cost and traffic and parking challenges before making your decision, and look for ways to save money on your rental if possible.