How to find a cheap car hire deal in Knoxville
Searching for a cheap rental car in Knoxville? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging $132 a day, we compare the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
$108 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Knoxville.
Thinking of staying longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $663 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Three weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Knoxville car hire.
Grab your wheels from Budget, Avis or Alamo. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you choose Budget or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Knoxville car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Knoxville.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of $192 a day.
In second position is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $146.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly $165 a day.
The Intermediate rental category is a dependable choice if you're unsure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Knoxville.
Flying to Knoxville? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at McGhee Tyson Airport. If you're flying to Knoxville through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 24 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Knoxville
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and extra tech features, this Knoxville car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Knoxville takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Knoxville car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Knoxville.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always check the policies before finalizing your ride.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat regulations vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Check if you need to add one to your Knoxville car hire reservation.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
If you're new to driving in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 40kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. Along with your bank cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Knoxville for drivers
Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time enjoying your stay at The Tennessean Personal Luxury Hotel. About 0.48 kilometres from central Knoxville, it comes with accessible parking, shuttle services and a fitness centre.
Holiday Inn Knoxville N - Merchant Drive makes travel simpler with accessible parking and features like air conditioning and a fitness centre. It's roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Knoxville and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Knoxville and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Ijams Nature Centre, McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture and World's Fair Park give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Knoxville
Buckle up and make tracks to Morristown. Around 64 kilometres northeast of central Knoxville, it's home to must-do sights like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and Crockett Tavern Museum.
You'll be well looked after at Best Western Plus Morristown Conference Centre Hotel and Super 8 by Wyndham Morristown/South, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Morristown.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Knoxville and then head for Oak Ridge. About 32 kilometres west of Knoxville, American Museum of Science & Energy and Manhattan Project National Park are top attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Comfort Inn Oak Ridge - Knoxville and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Oak Ridge-Knoxville are comfy places to stay in Oak Ridge if you're hanging around for a while. Go for one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Why slow down now? Set out for Atlanta, about 257 kilometres south of Knoxville. From Georgia Aquarium to Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
Next up: catching some z's. Hilton Atlanta and Atlanta Marriott Marquis have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Atlanta.
