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Hire A Car In Indianapolis And Drive Indiana Your Way

Compare competitive prices, choose convenient airport or downtown pick-up, and use this practical guide to avoid hidden fees and get the right cover for a smooth trip from the UK.

UK-Friendly Essentials
Indianapolis Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers
Indianapolis is a car-oriented city with wide roads and easy access to day trips across Indiana and neighbouring states. Hiring a car is often the quickest way to reach suburban business parks, sports venues, and attractions beyond the limited central transit network. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the main adjustments are driving on the right, understanding US insurance add-ons, and planning for fuel and parking costs. Airport pick-up tends to offer the widest choice and longer opening hours, while downtown locations can be more convenient if you are staying central and only need a car for part of the trip.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) – Ground Transportation Centre
The principal arrival point for Indianapolis. Follow signs for Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Centre. Pros: widest vehicle choice, late hours, easy motorway access (I‑70/I‑465). Cons: daily airport concession fees may apply; queues can be longer at peak times.
Downtown / Wholesale District (Near Lucas Oil Stadium)
Good for travellers staying central and collecting after arrival. Pros: avoid airport surcharges; easy access to hotels and convention areas. Cons: limited fleet, restricted hours, and heavier traffic/event congestion on game days.
Mass Ave / Chatham Arch Area
Convenient for boutique hotels and nightlife areas. Pros: walkable pick-up if you are already in the city; easier to hire only for day trips. Cons: parking can be tight, and returns may be awkward during busy evening periods.
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Best Hire Cars for an Indianapolis Road Trip

Cruise the Crossroads of America in comfort and style. Discover our top picks and browse more popular car choices for your journey.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

City

Medium

Smooth, Nimble & Wallet-Friendly
5
2
Auto

Indianapolis features wide, grid-like streets and flat Midwestern terrain, making a medium saloon ideal for downtown parking and short escapes. Its compact size slips easily into car parks near Lucas Oil Stadium, while the efficient engine keeps fuel costs down. A smooth ride and roomy boot strike a fine balance between practicality and comfort.

Family

Van

Spacious, Practical & Group-Ready
7
4
Auto

Indianapolis is a haven for family attractions, from the world's largest Children's Museum to the Indianapolis Zoo, and group road trips to Chicago are popular. A people carrier offers seating for seven plus roomy luggage space for pushchairs, cool boxes and holiday essentials. Sliding doors ease tight supermarket car parks, and elevated seating keeps everyone comfortable on long motorway stretches.

Summer

Convertible

Open-Top, Stylish & Sun-Soaked
4
2
Auto

Summers in Indianapolis are warm and bright, with the legendary Indy 500 cementing the city's love for open-air motoring. A convertible lets you soak up sunshine on scenic drives through Brown County's rolling hills or along Indiana Dunes. Lightweight handling makes it ideal for boulevard cruising, adding a touch of glamour to any Midwest road trip.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport
Downtown

Why Choose IND Airport Pick-up

Ideal after a long flight from the UK: longer opening hours, straightforward signage to the Rental Car Centre, and the broadest range of cars (including SUVs for road trips). Airport locations can be pricier due to facility and concession fees, but you often gain better availability, easier same-day changes, and simpler returns when flying out.

logo
City RunaboutSmall
Kia Soul

Kia Soul

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$457.57 - $557.57
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City RunaboutSmall
Kia Soul

Kia Soul

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$474.34 - $574.34
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City RunaboutSmall
Honda Civic

Honda Civic

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$459.90 - $559.90
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Motorway CruiserLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$462.23 - $562.23
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Motorway CruiserLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$478.84 - $578.84
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Motorway CruiserLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Winter CapableSUV
Mazda Cx-50

Mazda Cx-50

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$500.70 - $600.70
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Winter CapableSUV
Mazda Cx-50

Mazda Cx-50

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$519.32 - $569.32
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Winter CapableSUV
Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$500.70 - $600.70
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

IND Car Rentals: Explore Trusted Reviews & Best Deals in Indianapolis

Read genuine customer reviews to find the most reliable and affordable car rental options at Indianapolis Airport. Make informed decisions for your trip.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
SixtBest Overall
4.3
10,200+ reviews
$97In terminal, Walk to counter
$538 - $875
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Quick and efficient service
  • Easy reservation process
Hertz
2.9
17000+ reviews
$74In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Professional and friendly service
  • Transparent and competitive pricing
  • Efficient and fast process
National
2.9
57 reviews
$67In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick airport pickup
  • Friendly professional staff
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$52In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Friendly and helpful counter staff
  • Quick and efficient pick-up process
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$65In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Professional staff assistance
  • Fast pickup and return
  • Friendly customer service
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$73In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Smooth Pickup Process
  • Friendly Helpful Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
Dollar
1.4
3300+ reviews
$58In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Smooth pickup and return process
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Easy reservation experience
Avis
1.2
99 reviews
$589.9 mi from Indianapolis Downtown
$435 - $654
  • Great price booking online
  • Outstanding service at airport
  • No hidden extra charges
Budget
1.2
5691+ reviews
$755.3 mi from Indianapolis DowntownLow deposit
  • Excellent roadside assistance
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Smooth pick-up process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 26 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA
This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Enterprise leads the US market with 39% booking share, followed by Budget at 28% and Avis/Hertz at 22% each. Online channels account for 72.23% of reservations."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars dominate fleet composition at 59.87%, whilst SUV demand grows at 12.48% CAGR. Peak season sees 50-60% demand surge with 42% of travellers booking 7+ days ahead."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of renters report hidden fee discrepancies between advertised and final prices, making this the most common complaint across all car rental customers."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Mordor Intelligence - US Car Rental Market
  • RoadGenius - US Car Rental Statistics
  • Mordor Intelligence - US Car Rental Market
  • Enterprise Holdings Annual Market Insights
  • J.D. Power Car Rental Satisfaction Study
  • Zubie Car Rental Survey
  • Carsurance - Car Rental Industry

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Indianapolis

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Indianapolis

Drive Through Indianapolis - Your Ultimate Indiana Road Trip Guide

Essential driving tips and car rental information for exploring Indianapolis, Indiana - from Indianapolis Motor Speedway adventures to cultural landmarks and Hoosier hospitality

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$62 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30 mph (48 km/h)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

70 mph (113 km/h)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Indiana Law - 0.02% for drivers under 21)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.02/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.95/L - $1.10/L

Indianapolis Car Rental Guide

Essential answers for international travellers renting and driving in Indianapolis

Can I drive in Indianapolis with my foreign licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
UK licences are accepted in Indiana without an IDP. However, if your licence lacks English text or uses non-Roman characters, you'll need either an IDP or an official English translation from your embassy. Most rental companies will accept your UK licence directly, but carry both just to be safe. The IDP costs around £5.50 and is valid for one year.
I'm 22 – will I face a young driver surcharge, and how much will it cost?
Yes, drivers under 25 pay a 'young driver surcharge' across virtually all US rental companies. Expect to pay an additional £18–£30 per day (approximately $23–$38). Some premium and sports car categories require drivers to be 25 or older. Always check the specific vehicle policy before booking, as surcharges vary significantly between agencies.
How do I pay for motorway tolls in Indiana – do I need an electronic tag?
Indiana uses the E-ZPass system for toll roads, including the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90). Rental companies typically offer an E-ZPass transponder for a daily fee of roughly $3–$5 plus toll charges. Alternatively, you can pay online within seven days using your rental agreement number. Always ask your rental company about their specific toll policy, as charges can take weeks to appear on your credit card.
Winter driving in Indianapolis – should I worry about snow and ice?
Indianapolis averages 60cm of snow annually, with January temperatures dropping to -7°C. From November through March, icy roads are common, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Most rental companies offer winter-rated tyres on request – always specify this at booking. Carry an ice scraper and ensure your rental includes 24-hour roadside assistance. Avoid driving during heavy snowstorms, which can close interstates unexpectedly.
What happens if I return the hire car with a different fuel level than when I collected it?
Most US rental companies operate on a 'full-to-full' policy – you collect with a full tank and must return it full. If you return it less than full, expect to pay $8–$12 per gallon for the missing fuel plus a refuelling service fee of $8–$15. It's almost always cheaper to return the car full. Pre-purchased fuel options (paying for a full tank upfront at a lower rate) can be worthwhile only on longer journeys.
Are there any particular insurance extras I should consider buying in the US?
Your UK fully-comp policy may not cover theft or damage to the hire car in the US – verify with your insurer before departure. At minimum, accept the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered by the rental company, which reduces or eliminates your liability. Be aware that CDW often excludes windscreen, tyres, and roof damage. Credit card CDW is frequently rejected by US rental firms. Consider adding liability supplemental insurance (LSI) for at least $1 million coverage, as medical costs in the US are extremely high.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

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The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

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The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

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