Top tips for renting a car from Budget in Columbus
When you decide to book Budget car rentals in Columbus, a convertible car can add a touch of fun and excitement to your trip if you plan to explore scenic routes in the area. If you have specific hauling needs or plan to engage in outdoor activities like camping or fishing, a truck rental might be more suitable. Columbus is becoming more environmentally conscious, so renting an electric or hybrid car can be an environmentally friendly choice while also saving on fuel costs.
Travelers who book Budget car rentals in Columbus during the winter should consider renting a car with winter tires or snow chains, especially if you’re planning to drive in areas with heavy snowfall or icy conditions. Renting a vehicle with 4WD or AWD can provide better stability, traction, and control on snowy or icy roads. You’ll also want to ensure that the rental car has adequate antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.
When you pick up your Budget car rentals in Columbus, be mindful of weekday rush hours. Morning rush hour is usually from 7:30 am–9 am, and afternoon rush hour typically occurs from 4:30 pm–6 pm. I-270 is the outer beltway that encircles Columbus. During rush hours and peak travel times, sections of I-270 can become congested, particularly on the north and west sides of the city.
The Budget Car Rental loyalty program, known as Budget Fastbreak, offers several benefits and highlights for its members. Fastbreak members can expedite the reservation and rental process, allowing you to skip the rental counter and go directly to your rental car. Members enjoy access to dedicated Fastbreak counters at select locations, providing a more streamlined and convenient experience. As a Fastbreak member, you can earn Budget Bucks, which are reward points that can be redeemed for free rentals or other services.
Compact rental cars from Budget in Columbus are around 19% cheaper than other car types, on average.
FAQs about renting a car from Budget in Columbus
Where are some good spots in Columbus to get a Budget rental car?
If flying, a popular spot for travelers to pick up their rental car is the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). If you happen to already be in the center of Columbus and don't want to make your way back to the airport, a better option is the location at 104 East Long St., in the heart of downtown Columbus. If you are farther to the north in a suburb like Worthington, the location at 6060 Busch Blvd is closer. Visitors that are west of the city center in the Lincoln Village area might select the location at 4621 W. Broad Street.
What are some reasons to choose Budget over other brands?
Budget is known for offering budget-friendly rental rates, making it an economical choice for travelers. Budget provides a variety of vehicles to select from to cater to different travel needs and group sizes. They offer compact cars, SUVs, and trucks. Budget aims for transparent pricing to reduce the likelihood of unexpected fees or charges. With Fastbreak membership you can enjoy express return services that allow you to return your rental car more quickly. The Budget mobile app makes it easy to manage reservations and access your Fastbreak profile from your smartphone or tablet.
What are some tips for parking a rental car in Columbus?
Columbus has numerous parking garages, and lots located in and around the downtown area. Popular garages include the Columbus Commons Garage, North Market Garage, and the Convention Center Garage. The cost for these spots is around $5.00 to $15.00 to park for 2 hours. On-street parking is available in many areas of Columbus. Be sure to check for parking signs and regulations. Please use meters or mobile apps where required. In some areas, street parking is free, but there can also be spots that cost from $0.80 to $1.50 to park for 2 hours.
What is the most popular rental car from Budget in Columbus?
Standard (Ford Edge or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type from Budget in Columbus.
How many car rental locations does Budget have in Columbus?
Budget has 8 rental locations in Columbus. Take a look at our Budget rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
Does Budget have a car rental location at the airport: Columbus airport (CMH)?
Yes
Does Budget offer shuttle or airport pick-up services from Columbus airport (CMH)?
Yes
Reviews for Budget in Columbus
Pros
" off was simple and easy."(in 1485 reviews)
"Friendly , great low mileage car, clean."(in 1394 reviews)
" was new and clean only 37 miles on it"(in 3683 reviews)
Cons
"In short: PRICE FOR VALUE SUCKED SUCKED"(in 355 reviews)
"Doesn’t give me confidence that they cleaned the s well between customers."(in 3893 reviews)
Overall Rating6.3 OkayBased on 152 reviews
Cleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.8
Overall
6.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
6.2
Recent reviews
Traveler rating
25
14
3
10
1
0
41
Find reviews that mention:
8.0
The Nissan Sentra I was given ran very smoothly for my trip, and I enjoyed most of my experience. However, when I returned from my trip, I went home first to drop off my luggage. After about 7 minutes of the car being off, I started it again, and suddenly all the warning lights were on. Brake light, engine light, oil light, and the steering wheel locked. None of these lights had come on at any point during the previous drives. When I called Budget to explain why I was not going to return on time, instead of telling me at once that there was an option to have the car towed since it could not be driven, their representative had me extend my reservation another day. They claimed this would cost less than returning the car late. I made efforts to fix the car and ascertain the issues its lights indicated, but nothing I did seemed to help or change the car's condition. Since I was parked on the side of the road, I put the car in reverse to get it into my driveway for safety, at which point the car would only go forwards. I immediately parked it, called Budget back, and explained in greater detail that I needed them to pick up the car. At that point, they did send a tow truck within an hour and a half. I have little experience renting cars, but friends have told me that the first Budget representative's actions were wrong, and I concur. I believe that I made it clear that the car could not be driven during this call, but the representative did not say anything about helping me get it towed, and I had no idea it was a potential service of the company until my second call. The tow truck driver also told me that Nissan cars suddenly locking up and breaking early in their life is very common. I would likely not use Budget again despite my good experience with the car up to that point, based solely on the poor handling of this situation at the end.Reviewed 2025 May 23
review from
10.0
Branch staff were nice, car was very good. Thanks!Reviewed 2025 Apr 10
review from
2.0
When I got there, they took it up charge me for fuel that was for an electric car at about $50. I refused and then they told me I could upgrade to a standard vehicle for $10 more. I declined and I went online and canceled my reservation on the phone before hand Reserving a vehicle to rent from Columbus airport to Cleveland airport. It was totaled $49 and then I got the bill and it was $447 and I filled out the gas right before I dropped it off and then on my bill it shows that the tank was not full and they charged me $9.99.a gallon Now I must also mention that they gave me a dirty car inside and out and it smelled like marijuana, but I didn’t have time to deal with that. I must also say that they charge me a $300 one-way fee that was not disclosed at the time of purchase and I went over all the aspects of the contract that the size of the vehicle, the price insurance and everything with the agent at the gate before I picked up the car so they basically switched everything in the contract and said that that’s what I reserved and then I do a chargeback and I’m LosingReviewed 2025 Mar 14
review from
2.0
Completely rude, hire new people.Reviewed 2025 Feb 15
review from
8.0
Slow line at checkoutReviewed 2025 Feb 02
review from
2.0
There was one agent for Avis, Budget, and Payless, and even though I was #2 in line, it took me 20 minutes to see her. Then she told me the van I had reserved was not at that location, and that they would have to go get it. I didn't end up renting the van.Reviewed 2024 Dec 31
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4.0
They gave me a huge van which had terrible gas mileage of course. Not similar to what I had booked. The agent didn’t mention what car and by the time I arrived at the lot to find it, I didn’t want to go back in, up the stairs with luggage and try to complain. It was a waste of money and I didn’t want to drive this mini bus around for my rental purposes.Reviewed 2024 Sept 26
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10.0
Car was really clean and comfortable 👌Reviewed 2024 Sept 06
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6.0
The car was dirty had garbage inside the Drivers door. The windows were all dusty and not clear. It was hard to see for nighttime pick up.Reviewed 2024 Aug 28
review from
10.0
Good serviceReviewed 2024 Aug 11
review from
8.0
It’s was good selection of vehicles. But the only thing was I have to say they didn’t clean the car. We had a dirty car to ride in.Reviewed 2024 Jul 16
review from
4.0
They gave me a broken car the first time. I didn't realize it until I was on the highway 20 miles out of town. The second car they gave me smelled awful like smoke and was filthy dirty.Reviewed 2024 Jul 11
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