Knoxville Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Knoxville

Renting a car in Knoxville provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This convenience is especially beneficial for families or those with lots of luggage, as it allows for easy management of your belongings while travelling. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as Market Square, where you can immerse yourself in local culture, or spend a day at World's Fair Park for enjoyable outdoor experiences. The Sunsphere Tower also offers modern city views that are worth the drive.

Additionally, having a car allows you to explore various neighbourhoods in Knoxville, including Downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville, and Fort Sanders. In East Knoxville, you can discover the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum or visit the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. A rental car makes it easy to navigate these destinations efficiently, ensuring you can make the most of your trip while enjoying the scenic beauty and adventure that the area has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Knoxville

• Midsize: This car type is a popular choice among renters in Knoxville, accommodating up to 5 travellers with ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. It's ideal for couples and families looking to explore the area comfortably. With a midsize vehicle, you can enjoy the flexibility of travel plans while ensuring everyone has room to relax during your journey.
• Compact: A compact car is another frequently booked option in Knoxville, perfectly suited for 5 travellers with capacity for up to 3 medium suitcases. This car type offers great manoeuvrability and is an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or families wanting a balance between comfort and efficiency. Compact cars are perfect for navigating city streets or venturing out on scenic drives.
• Economy: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the economy car is a top pick among visitors to Knoxville. Accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases, this car type is highly efficient and economical. Ideal for solo travellers or couples, an economy car allows you to enjoy your travels without overspending, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness.

Top rated car suppliers in Knoxville

• Avis: Avis is a popular choice among travellers in Knoxville, boasting 3 rental locations throughout the area. Known for its reliable service, Avis offers a variety of vehicles, with Midsize and Economy being the most booked options. This flexibility allows you to choose the perfect car for your travel needs, making it easy to explore Knoxville and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget also has 3 rental locations in Knoxville, providing convenient access for travellers. This supplier is well-regarded for offering competitive rates, particularly for Compact and Fullsize vehicles, which are popular among customers. Budget's efficient service ensures a smooth rental experience, allowing you to manage your luggage easily and adjust your itinerary as desired during your trip.
• Hertz: With 2 rental locations in Knoxville, Hertz is a strong contender for those looking to rent a car. This supplier is particularly favoured for its Compact and Fullsize SUV options, ideal for families or groups needing extra space. Hertz is recognized for its quality vehicles and customer service, ensuring a positive rental experience as you navigate the attractions in and around Knoxville.

Where to stay in Knoxville

• Knoxville West: This neighbourhood is perfect for families and business travellers alike, offering a mix of cultural and recreational experiences. Visitors can explore attractions like Topgolf Knoxville, which is a great spot for golf enthusiasts, and the scenic Dead Horse Lake Golf Course. For outdoor enjoyment, the nearby World's Fair Park is ideal for families looking to unwind. In addition, food and drink options abound, with wineries and distilleries providing delightful local flavours. Knoxville West is a great base for those seeking both leisure and education.
• Downtown Knoxville: Known for its vibrant culture, Downtown Knoxville is an excellent choice for family and business trips. The area features Market Square, a lively piazza perfect for soaking in local culture, and the iconic Sunsphere Tower, offering stunning views of the city. Visitors can also enjoy the historic college university and nearby event conference venues. With numerous restaurants and wineries in the vicinity, Downtown Knoxville provides a rich culinary experience, making it a lively hub for both work and play.
• Inskip: Inskip is a charming neighbourhood appealing to families and culture seekers. It boasts attractions such as the historic college university and event conference venue, making it suitable for both leisure and business. Market Square serves as a cultural hotspot, while the nearby World's Fair Park offers outdoor fun for families. With a variety of shopping centres and a dog park, Inskip is great for those looking to enjoy local amenities while exploring the cultural richness of the area.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Knoxville

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for those summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary with demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller vehicles are more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in busy areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable—just remember to return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport usually comes with a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning to embark on long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Knoxville

The best value period to rent a car in and around Knoxville is February, when prices are moderately low and demand remains steady. March tends to be quieter but can see higher prices. April also offers average pricing with lower demand. As summer approaches, May brings higher demand and average prices, while June through August see moderately high prices and consistent demand. August is particularly expensive, making it a less ideal month for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	37.4°F (3.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
March	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
April	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
May	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	74.3°F (23.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
August	75.9°F (24.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately Low
October	59.5°F (15.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
November	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
December	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average