Why rent a car in Oklahoma
Public transport in Oklahoma is limited outside Oklahoma City and Tulsa, so a car is the most practical way to travel around the state. Bricktown and downtown Tulsa are easy to explore on foot, but a car is much faster for reaching historic Route 66 towns, the Wichita Mountains, and lakes in the east. With a rental car, you can explore prairie landscapes and small towns at your own pace.
Tips for finding a cheap car rental in Oklahoma
Looking for a cheap car rental in Oklahoma? With EconomyBookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal in Oklahoma, whether you pick up in Oklahoma City or Tulsa. For most trips, economy cars are a practical and budget-friendly choice.
- Compare pickup locations - Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including potential off-airport savings.
- Slightly adjust pickup times and dates - Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
- Choose economy or compact cars - These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
- Consider both price and availability - Rental prices are often lowest 2-31 days before pickup, but booking earlier may give you a better choice of cars, especially during busy periods.
- Use free cancellation to look for a better deal - If your booking includes free cancellation, you can keep checking prices and rebook if you find a better deal.
Car rental requirements in Oklahoma
Requirements can vary by rental supplier, but you'll generally need the following when picking up a rental car in Oklahoma:
- Driving licence - A valid licence from your home country is generally accepted for visitors. If your licence is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation, as some suppliers may ask for one. US drivers only need their valid state license.
- Passport or ID - International visitors should bring a valid passport. US residents can use a valid driver's license as photo ID.
- Payment card - A credit card in the main driver's name is usually required for the deposit. Accepted card types and deposit amounts vary by supplier.
- Booking voucher - Have your EconomyBookings voucher ready, either digital or printed if the supplier requires it.
- Insurance - Basic liability cover is required by state law, but what is included in the rental price varies by supplier. Check whether your booking includes liability and damage cover, and consider supplemental liability protection, especially if you don't have US car insurance.
Always check your rental terms before pickup, as licence, age, deposit, payment, and insurance requirements can vary by supplier.
Driving in Oklahoma
Parking
In Oklahoma City and Tulsa, downtown street parking is usually paid at meters or with a pay-by-phone app, and there are many public garages and surface lots, with higher prices on event days. Outside the city centres, parking is usually easy and often free at hotels and attractions.
Tolls
Oklahoma has an extensive turnpike network, including the Turner Turnpike between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. All turnpikes are cashless, so tolls are paid with PIKEPASS or another compatible tag, or billed by licence plate through PlatePay, usually at a higher rate. Ask your rental supplier at pickup how tolls are charged, as extra fees may apply.
Road conditions & driving culture
Roads are mostly flat and easy to drive, and traffic is generally light outside rush hour in the larger cities. Spring and early summer bring severe storms and tornadoes, so check weather warnings and follow local alerts. Winter ice storms may make roads dangerous, and some rural roads are gravel, so check your rental terms before leaving paved roads.
Popular road trips from Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a great base for Route 66 drives and trips to nearby states. Popular drives from Oklahoma City include:
- Arcadia - approx. 30 minutes, a classic Route 66 stop with the Round Barn and the giant soda bottle at Pops.
- Turner Falls - approx. 1.5 hours, a waterfall and swimming area in the Arbuckle Mountains.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge - approx. 1.5 hours, bison, longhorn cattle, and a scenic drive up Mount Scott.
- Wichita - approx. 2.5 hours, an aviation city with riverside museums in Kansas.
- Dallas - approx. 3 hours, a major Texas city with museums, shopping, and sports. Check your supplier's policy on travel to other states.
Final checklist before you pick up your rental car in Oklahoma
- Bring your documents - Driving licence (plus IDP if applicable), passport or ID, booking voucher, and the payment card required by your rental supplier.
- Check your rental terms - Review the deposit, fuel policy, mileage, insurance coverage, and any additional fees before signing.
- Confirm cross-border travel - Most suppliers allow travel to neighbouring states such as Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri, but confirm any restrictions and one-way fees in advance.
- Inspect the car - Take clear photos and videos of the vehicle before leaving and make sure any existing damage is recorded on the rental agreement.