Enterprise locations in Columbus and what each one offers

Enterprise operates multiple rental locations across Columbus, with the largest presence at Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) and several neighborhood branches throughout the city. The airport location handles the highest volume and typically stocks the widest range of vehicle sizes, from economy cars to full-size SUVs. Neighborhood branches — including locations on East Broad Street, North High Street, and near the Ohio State campus — tend to have shorter wait times for local rentals and may offer more personalized service for repeat customers.

Each location maintains its own inventory, so vehicle availability varies by branch. If you need a specific vehicle type — say, a cargo van or a luxury sedan — calling ahead to confirm stock takes five minutes and prevents a wasted trip. Airport locations stay open earlier and close later than neighborhood branches to accommodate flight schedules, typically 5 a.m. to midnight or later. Neighborhood branches usually operate 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and have reduced weekend hours.

Enterprise also offers its "Enterprise Plus" membership program, which lets frequent renters skip the counter entirely and pick up a reserved car from a designated lot spot using a mobile app. This matters most if you rent more than four times per year; the membership is free to join but requires an initial reservation to set up.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise has airport and neighborhood locations in Columbus, with the airport branch offering the most vehicle choices and the longest operating hours.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your own or Enterprise's), and a credit card in your name to complete a rental.
  • Daily rates vary by vehicle type and season, ranging from roughly $40 to $150 per day, but weekend and holiday rates often run 20 to 40 percent higher.
  • Enterprise Plus membership eliminates counter wait times if you rent frequently, and the program costs nothing to join.
  • Damage waivers and roadside information are optional add-ons that cost $15 to $25 per day and are worth comparing against your personal auto insurance coverage.

Documents you need to bring and why each one matters

A valid driver's license is non-negotiable — Enterprise will not rent to you without one, and it must be current (not expired). If your license is from outside the United States, bring your passport or visa as well. The rental agent will scan your license and verify your driving record through a third-party database; this check takes a few minutes and occasionally flags violations or suspensions that will block the rental.

Proof of insurance is your second critical document. You can use your own auto insurance card, or Enterprise will sell you a damage waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) that covers collision and theft. Your personal policy may already cover rental cars — check your declaration page or call your insurer before you rent, because paying for both is wasteful. If you have no insurance and decline Enterprise's waiver, you become personally liable for any damage to the vehicle, which can easily exceed $5,000 for major repairs.

A credit card in your name is required to hold the reservation and as a security deposit. Enterprise will not accept debit cards for the deposit, though some locations may accept them for the final payment if you pay in full at pickup. The deposit is not charged unless you return the car damaged or late; it straightforward authorizes Enterprise to charge you if needed.

How daily rates work and what affects the price you pay

Enterprise's daily rates depend on the vehicle class, the rental dates, and how far in advance you book. An economy sedan might rent for $45 per day on a Tuesday in February, but the same car could cost $85 per day on a Saturday in July. The company uses dynamic pricing, meaning rates shift based on local demand — if a convention is in town or a holiday weekend approaches, prices climb. Booking online at least three days ahead usually locks in a lower rate than walking in and asking for a car on the spot.

Mileage is typically unlimited on daily rentals in Columbus, so you will not pay extra for driving. However, weekly and monthly rates sometimes include a mileage cap (often 1,500 miles per week), and exceeding it costs 25 to 35 cents per mile. If you plan to drive more than 200 miles per day, ask about the mileage terms before you confirm the reservation.

Taxes and fees add 15 to 20 percent to your quoted rate. Columbus charges a 6 percent sales tax on car rentals, plus a 10 percent vehicle rental tax specific to Franklin County. Enterprise also adds a facility charge (usually $2 to $4 per day) and an airport concession fee if you rent from CMH. The online quote should show all of these; if it does not, call the location to confirm the final total before you commit.

Optional add-ons: damage waivers, roadside information, and GPS

Enterprise's damage waiver (LDW) costs $15 to $25 per day and eliminates your liability for collision damage, theft, or vandalism. This is worth buying only if your personal auto insurance does not cover rentals or if your policy has a high deductible. Many credit cards (particularly premium travel cards) include rental car coverage automatically, so check your card's benefits before paying Enterprise's fee. If you are unsure, call your insurance company — a five-minute conversation saves you $100 to $150 on a week-long rental.

Roadside information through Enterprise costs $8 to $12 per day and covers towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery if you break down. Your personal auto insurance or roadside membership (AAA, for example) may already include this. If you do not have outside coverage and plan to drive far from the city, this add-on is reasonable insurance against a $200+ tow bill.

GPS and phone chargers are available for $5 to $8 per day, but most modern phones have free navigation apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps) that work just as well. Paying for Enterprise's GPS is rarely necessary unless your phone is old or you expect to lose signal frequently.

Fuel options and how to avoid overpaying

Enterprise offers three fuel options at pickup: you can prepay for a full tank at a discounted rate, return the car with a full tank and pay Enterprise's pump price, or return it empty and pay Enterprise's per-gallon rate (usually 30 to 50 percent above local gas prices). The math almost always favors returning the car with a full tank yourself. A prepaid full tank costs $50 to $70 depending on the vehicle; if you use only three-quarters of that tank, you lose money. Returning the car empty means paying $4 to $6 per gallon through Enterprise, which is expensive.

The best strategy: prepay only if you know you will use nearly all of it, or plan to return the car on empty and refuel yourself at a gas station near the rental location before drop-off. Most Enterprise locations in Columbus are near gas stations, so this takes ten minutes and saves $15 to $30 on a week-long rental.

Reservation, pickup, and return procedures

You can reserve online at Enterprise.com, by phone at the specific location, or through the Enterprise mobile app. Online reservations lock in the rate you see and let you modify or cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup. Phone reservations are useful if you have questions about vehicle availability or need to discuss special circumstances (traveling with a pet, needing a car seat, etc.). The app is fastest if you are an Enterprise Plus member, since you can skip the counter entirely.

At pickup, bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and credit card. The agent will inspect the car with you, noting any existing damage on the contract. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior on your phone before you leave the lot — this protects you if Enterprise later claims you caused damage you did not. The entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes if the location is not busy.

At return, drive the car to the designated lot, leave the keys in the drop box (or hand them to an agent if the location is staffed), and keep your receipt. Enterprise will charge your credit card within 24 to 48 hours for any overage charges (late fees, excess mileage, fuel, damage). If you dispute a charge, contact the location manager within 30 days; Enterprise's customer service line can escalate complaints but cannot reverse charges without the location's approval.

Late fees, damage claims, and what happens if something goes wrong

Enterprise charges $50 to $75 per day (or a portion thereof) if you return the car late. A car due at 5 p.m. that you return at 5:15 p.m. incurs a full day's late fee. If you are running behind, call the location as soon as you know — some agents will extend your reservation by phone if the next customer has not yet picked up the car, avoiding the fee entirely.

Damage claims are handled by Enterprise's claims department, not the rental location. If you return the car with damage and you purchased the damage waiver, Enterprise covers it and you owe nothing. If you did not purchase the waiver, Enterprise will photograph the damage, obtain a repair estimate, and charge your credit card. You can dispute the charge if you believe the damage was pre-existing or caused by Enterprise's negligence, but this requires documentation (your photos from pickup, witness statements, etc.). Most disputes take 30 to 60 days to resolve.

If you are in an accident, call Enterprise's claims line when ready (the number is on your rental agreement). Do not admit fault or sign anything at the scene except the police report. Enterprise will direct you to a repair shop and handle communication with the other driver's insurance if applicable. Your damage waiver covers this; without it, you are liable for repairs even if the accident was not your fault.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I am under 25?

Yes, but Enterprise charges a young driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) for renters aged 21 to 24. Drivers under 21 cannot rent from Enterprise in Ohio. The fee applies even if you have a clean driving record, so factor it into your budget when comparing rental companies.

What happens if I return the car with less than a full tank?

Enterprise will charge you for fuel at their pump price, which is usually 30 to 50 percent higher than local gas station prices. If you prepaid for a full tank and return it partially empty, you lose the unused portion — Enterprise does not refund the difference. Always refuel yourself before returning if you did not prepay.

Can I add a second driver to my reservation?

Yes, and there is no additional charge. The second driver must present a valid driver's license at pickup and sign the rental agreement. Both drivers are liable for damage and late fees, so make sure anyone you add is comfortable with that responsibility.

Do I need to buy Enterprise's damage waiver if I have my own car insurance?

Not necessarily. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether your policy covers rental cars and what your deductible is. If it does cover rentals with a low deductible, skip Enterprise's waiver. If your policy excludes rentals or has a high deductible, Enterprise's waiver is worth the cost.

What is the difference between Enterprise Plus and regular rentals?

Enterprise Plus members skip the counter line and pick up a reserved car from a designated lot using the mobile app. There is no membership fee, but you must make at least one reservation to set up it. This saves 10 to 15 minutes per rental if you rent frequently, but offers no discount on rates.