There are many attractions to explore in and around Chattanooga, including Ruby Falls, the aquarium, and the various parks dotting the area. In order to make the most of your trip to Chattanooga and also get the opportunity to explore the surroundings, rent a car for your time there. It is only a one-hour drive to the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and those who want to pay a visit to Tennessee’s capital can be there by car in two hours.
Chattanooga Airport is only 13 miles from the heart of the city, and the fastest way to reach your next destination is by picking up a rental car from one of the onsite agencies, such as Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. Head to the baggage claim area, where the agency desks are located, and choose from a wide variety of cars for your time in Chattanooga.
Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, traveling in and around Chattanooga can require mountain driving, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with driving on steep routes. It is essential to reduce your speed and shift into a lower gear when driving down a mountain so the brakes don’t overheat. Within the city limits, there are no unique requirements regarding driving and drivers should face no problems.
Rush hour hits Chattanooga between 7 and 9 am and 5 and 8 pm, and especially the I-24 can be clogged up during this time, with commuters going to Nashville or Birmingham. Also be careful when driving in Chattanooga during winter, as snow is a regular companion of the cold months -- and slow down considerably when the roads are icy.
25% of our users found rental cars in Chattanooga for C$ 60 or less
Book your rental car in Chattanooga at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Compact rental cars in Chattanooga are around 65% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Chattanooga
Some car rental companies in Chattanooga which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Hertz, Alamo and Enterprise
On average a rental car in Chattanooga costs C$ 67 per day.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Chattanooga are Alamo (8.5, 72 reviews), Hertz (8.2, 75 reviews), and Enterprise (8.0, 103 reviews).
The average gas price in Chattanooga is C$ 4.49 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 54 and C$ 72, depending on the car size.
Mini (Class Minivan or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Chattanooga.
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Lovell Field airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise and Budget.
A Mini car rental in Chattanooga costs C$ 103 per day, on average.
A Supplier choice car rental in Chattanooga costs C$ 39 per day, on average.
A Full-size car rental in Chattanooga costs C$ 133 per day, on average.
In Chattanooga, cars are most frequently rented at Alamo 1001 Airport Rd (11 km from city centre ).
On average a rental car in Chattanooga costs C$ 468 per week (C$ 67 per day).
On average a rental car in Chattanooga costs C$ 2,006 per month (C$ 67 per day).
With the mountains right, left, and center, as well as slippery road conditions in winter, a 4-wheel-drive car is definitely a wise choice to make in this area. The most popular vehicle is surely the truck, but those who want something a bit more compact can also opt for an SUV or minivan.
Always adjust your speed to the prevailing weather conditions and obey the posted speed limits at all times. On unposted streets, the speed limit is 25 mph in built-up areas and 55 mph on secondary roads. Interstate highways permit up to 70 mph, but check regularly for posted signs on interstates, as they can change.
Refilling the tank is not very expensive in Chattanooga, with an average price of $1.80 per gallon. Look for gas stations like Sam’s Club to pay cheaper rates and plan refilling the tank plenty of time in advance so that you can choose the station with the best offer. Refill the tank before venturing out into the mountains so there is no risk of running out of gas.
Drivers have the choice between metered on-street parking, parking garages, and parking lots in Chattanooga. The average price for metered parking is $1 per hour. Alternatively, there are parking garages like Republic Parking or Riverfront Parking lots which cost about $1 per hour, or CARTA parking garages which are approximately $4 per day.