Car rental Columbia, MO
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- Car rental
- United States
- Columbia, MO
Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada
Rental cars in Columbia, MO
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
Rent a car in Columbia on Turo
Columbia is the home of the University of Missouri, and you can probably guess that with college students comes a lot to do and plenty to eat. A car rental in Columbia gives you access to concerts, sporting events, film festivals, outdoor excursions, and so much more.
Book a rental car on Turo and you can explore Columbia exactly the way you want to. No long lines at the rental counter. No waiting on public transit. Just you, any of your companions, and tons of recreation. Whether you're visiting Columbia for work or for play, rent a car on Turo and make the most of your time in the home of Mizzou.
Columbia, MO car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Columbia is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Columbia, Missouri and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Columbia, MO (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
2. Select a pickup location
Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Columbia, MO! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent Columbia, MO car rental reviews
I’ve rented this car multiple times and it’s been a great experience every time. The car is always spotless inside and out, smells fresh, and is clearly well taken care of. The host is easy to communicate with, responds quickly, and makes the whole rental process smooth and hassle-free. I wouldn’t hesitate to rent from them again. Highly recommend!
We got stranded in Columbia during the holidays. Of course no rental cars around. My first time using Turo and it was super easy. The host was very nice. Car was clean and smelled great! It was a very nice car! We are in the market and honestly might go with a Volkswagen. Return was just as easy. My son’s snacks spilled I didn’t want to leave the mess let the host know we would hurry and they were very kind and understanding!
Everything was good. The host communicates with . The car ran great. Will definitely be using them again in the future.
The car was very clean and has the phone accessories I needed! Matt was very helpful!
It was the easiest pick up and the host was very communicative and helpful!
the host was great and responsive even with my concerns she walked me through and helped along the way it was great rated five stars!!!!
Car was amazing (very clean) and had no issues! Trip was very smooth and the host was very informative about his pick up and drop off process . Will definitely rent again!
Car drove great! Was clean, the host was sweet, great with communication and understood when I was a little late for drop off. I rent a car at least once a month for a short business thing and I would rent this car again!! Definitely recommend!!!
This was the first time renting a car through Turo and I must say, it was the most convenient way to rent a car. Car was clean and smelled great. I would definitely rent from her again!
Matt was great the car was great. During my trip I had Alumni/College friend of mine pass sway, and needed to extend the trip. Matt was completely flexible and made it really easy.
Host went out of his way to help us by delivering and picking up car from airport for a small fee. We REALLY appreciated that. Wished the car would have had Android auto but other than that it was perfect! The 2 of us fit 4 large suitcases and 2 rolling laptop bags and ourselves in this little compact car. Thx for the blessing.
I absolutely consider this to be an absolute 5 star experience, very clean respectful and the car was awesome I’d recommend to anyone
Excellent excellent excellent. Car was immaculate drive great service. Owner went above and beyond
The host was fantastic! Communication was quick and clear from the start, and he made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The car was clean, reliable, and exactly as described. He went above and beyond to make sure everything went well during the trip. I would absolutely rent from him again and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great Turo experience!
Host was awesome. Fantastic. I will definitely choose this host in the future.
Great host and great car. Needed a quick rental for the weekend and this car met my needs.
Rent a car and explore Columbia, MO
Things to do and places to see in Columbia, MO
Columbia is probably best known for its university, but that's not the only secondary education you'll find. With Stephens College and Columbia College, plenty of students buzz about throughout the year, but don't forget—Columbia is a city all on its own, too, with much to offer no matter who you are. Here are just a few highlights for your time in Columbia.
Rent the perfect car
True/False Film Fest
Held for over 20 years, the True/False Film Fest is a documentary film festival that takes place in Columbia every year in late February or the first weekend of March. Tickets don't just let you see some of the best modern documentaries; True/False donates proceeds to the subjects of those films to help support the people making the work possible. Plus, the film festival also sponsors educational initiatives for students, so you get to learn something interesting, see the newest documentaries, and give back to Columbia.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Looking for something more active? Head to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Named for a cave section that collapsed to make a bridge over the Clear Creek stream, the park is spread out over 2,273 acres of land, with plenty of trails for both hiking and biking. The Gans Creek Wild Area offers horseback riding lessons, while 12 separate caves throughout the park give people a relatively rare look into what lies beneath Missouri.
The Arcade District
For more variety, the Arcade District is a newer addition to Columbia, what with more tech startups moving into the area. Don't think that only means there are new places to work, though—the Arcade District boasts a comic book shop, multiple restaurants, and the Six-Mile Ordinary Distillery, just to name a few things to do. Of course, you can't call it an arcade without, well, an arcade, and the District has two! Adults 21 and over can wander the Tokyo Club, where arcade games lend the perfect pastime alongside mixed drinks. People of all ages have access to the retro Witches and Wizards Arcade, which features games along with a theatre "devoted to sci-fi, superhero, and iconic genre films."
Why Rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Columbia, MO car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Columbia, MO and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Columbia, MO car rental pick up options
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Columbia, MO, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Relax with support & damage protection
24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.
Columbia car rentals for any occasion
Mizzou game day car rental
Hear the roar of the Mizzou Tigers reverberate through the entirety of Columbia on game day. It doesn't matter what sport, either; if you're an NCAA fan, you're going to have a great time. Every University of Missouri team is part of Division I, making them some of the nation's top NCAA teams. Use your rental car to carpool over to see the game, then head out to wherever your heart desires for a great time afterward.
Film festival car rental
Interested in the True/False Film Festival? Renting a car in Columbia is the ideal way to catch some documentaries and then see the rest that Columbia has to offer. With films screened around downtown Columbia, you can easily walk the festival, but when it's time for dinner, you might want to head somewhere less busy with that rental car.
Student move-in/move-out car rental
With three major secondary education institutions in the Columbia area, move-in and move-out can be busy. Fight the traffic and get your loved one where they need to go with a rental car. You'll find the perfect move-in/move-out vehicle through Turo.
Turo vs. traditional car rental
Turo
App-based experience
No waiting in line
1,600+ unique makes & models
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Cars rented out by local small businesses
Vehicles and hosts rated by guests
Traditional car rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Limited car selection
Get one type of car “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Cars owned by large corporations
No vehicle ratings
Rental car pickup locations throughout Columbia
Get your vehicle delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Columbia, MO, including Columbia, MO airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Columbia, MO pickup locations include:
Columbia Regional Airport (COU)
Skip the airport car rental counter and pick up your rental vehicle at the Columbia Regional Airport (COU). Just south of Columbia proper, it's just a short drive from the tarmac to just about anything you could want to experience in this terrific college town.
Downtown Columbia
To kick things off right, start your stay in Downtown Columbia and arrange to have your rental vehicle brought straight to you. Soak in the Historic District, grab a bite at Shakespeare's Pizza, and then hop in to discover the rest of Columbia—or just take that car to your hotel and rest up for the next day's adventures.
University of Missouri (Mizzou) Campus
If you're visiting Columbia for a college tour, game day, or conference, consider picking up your rental car right at the University of Missouri campus. It’s a convenient starting point, especially if you’re staying nearby or planning to explore Columbia's vibrant student life and iconic spots like the Francis Quadrangle.
Airport pickup made easy
Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.
Convenient pickup & return
Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.
No lines, no paperwork
Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.
Free cancellation
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Pickup near or at Airports
Car rental locations near Columbia, MO
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Top tips for renting a car in Columbia
Whether you're catching a game or catching up with loved ones, a rental car can get you around all of Columbia. Being on the road comes with its own host of concerns, so here are some tips to help you have the smoothest Columbia trip possible.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Columbia?
Driving is pretty straightforward in Columbia, with posted speed limits in line with most of the rest of the state. Wintertime doesn't see much snow—there's maybe an inch or so on the ground on most days during the winter—and Columbia Public Works takes care of what snow the city streets do get. What you need to be careful of is the rain through the rest of the year. May is the rainiest month in general, but as a whole, the city averages more than 30 inches of rain annually, so you'll want to drive carefully and keep your wits about you if a storm hits.
What is parking like in Columbia?
You'll find plenty of parking in Columbia. It gets more complex as you get closer to the various college campuses and the downtown area, but luckily, the city has put together a variety of solutions. There are nearly 1,700 street parking spaces downtown, with most of them running on a time-limited system. Meter limits can range from 24 minutes to 10 hours, so check your meter accordingly before you decide to pay. Downtown area meters are $0.60 per hour, while meters closer to campus charge $1 per hour.
You'll also find multiple lots for a total of 535 spaces, as well as 2,300 spaces in the various garages and a total of 100 accessible spaces. Garages combine hourly parking rates and permits—you'll need to contact the Parking Utility for a short-term permit. If you'd rather pay by hour, you'll get your first hour free; afterward, the fee is $1 for every two hours, up to a maximum of $5 total.
Are there toll roads in Columbia?
There are no toll roads in Columbia itself. You won't have to worry about any fees unless you venture over an hour away to Lake Ozark, where the Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge acts as a toll road. Party Cove acts as a raucously fun place for adults to visit, and there's plenty to do nearby for all ages, but you can also save yourself the toll and stay closer to Columbia while still having plenty to do.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Columbia?
Columbia boasts plenty of gas stations and EV chargers alike. You'll never be too far away from gas or from a charging station when you need it most.
Do I need to rent a car in Columbia?
You should rent a car if you're visiting Columbia. The city is continuously working on improving its public transit, but stops can be few and far between depending on where you're at. Even if you're near campus, a rental car lets you see more without the hassle of planning out long public transit routes.
Frequently asked questions about Columbia car rentals
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?
Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.
Learn how the loyalty bonus worksIs there long term car rental on Turo?
Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsIs there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Columbia?
The cost of car rental in Columbia can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Columbia, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
What types of cars can I rent on Turo in Columbia?
Search on Turo to find the perfect rental vehicle for your time in Columbia, from the ultimate luxury in sedans like the Genesis G80 or hearty pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado. Hit the road with a crossover or SUV, including the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Want to cut down on gas station stops? Take a hybrid like the Toyota Camry Hybrid for a spin, or go full electric with a Tesla Model Y or Tesla Model 3. Regardless of your choice, you'll find something ideal for you.