Why rent a car at Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport
If you’re ready to grab a set of wheels right at JAN, use the search form above to find the perfect car rental waiting for you at Jackson Airport. Select “Jackson Medgar W. Evers Intl Airport (JAN)” as your pick-up location, enter your travel dates and times, and hit search. In seconds, we’ll pull up the latest offers from all the rental companies at JAN, you’ll see options from Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and more, all in one list for easy comparison. Need an efficient compact car to zip into downtown Jackson? Or maybe an SUV for the family vacation luggage? Or a comfy full-size for a drive to New Orleans? We’ve got them all, with filters to narrow by vehicle type, passenger count, etc. Booking is a breeze: choose your car, review the terms, and reserve without any prepayment in most cases. You’ll immediately receive a confirmation email with pickup details. At Jackson Airport, the rental car counters and vehicles are located adjacent to the terminal, no lengthy shuttle rides, just a short walk from baggage claim and you’re at the Rental Car Center. That means after your flight, you can be in your car and on the road typically within 20 minutes or less. With AirportVanRental’s quick booking and JAN’s easy layout, you’ll spend less time in the airport and more time enjoying Mississippi.
Introduction: Touching down at Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)? Welcome to Mississippi! Now, imagine stepping off the plane and straight into your own rental car, no waiting, no shuttles, no hassle. That’s exactly what AirportVanRental offers: a cheap, convenient Jackson Airport car rental experience so you can launch into your trip as soon as you grab your bags. As the trusted OTA partner for travelers flying into JAN, we’ve teamed up with all the top rental suppliers right at the airport to secure unbeatable rates. Whether you’re here for business, visiting family, or starting a Mississippi road trip, we ensure you’ll get on the road quickly with transparent pricing (no hidden “airport fees” surprises) and the flexibility of free cancellation. AirportVanRental is all about ease and savings: we compare the deals for you, provide instant confirmation, and support you every mile of your journey. Buckle up, your Mississippi adventure begins the moment you land at Jackson-Evers, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it!
Renting directly at JAN Airport is hands-down the most convenient way to start your trip in Jackson. Here’s why savvy travelers opt to pick up their car as soon as they land:
Immediate Mobility: After a flight, the last thing you want is to arrange taxis or wait on hotel shuttles. By renting at JAN, you have instant transportation. Grab your bags, get your keys, and you’re off. Downtown Jackson is only ~15 minutes away by car from the airport, far quicker than coordinating any other ride. If you’re a business traveler, you can head straight to that meeting or hotel. Families can load up luggage and kids easily and start settling in during the drive. Essentially, your vacation (or work trip) starts sooner, with no lag time.
On-Site Convenience: Jackson-Evers Airport’s rental car facility is extremely traveler-friendly. All major rental desks are on-site, typically in the terminal or just across a small walkway, and cars are parked in a lot right outside. This means no off-airport shuttles, a big difference from many larger airports. You won’t be hauling bags onto a bus or trying to find a remote lot. At JAN, it’s a short walk under covered sidewalks to the car pick-up area. This convenience is golden, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are tired from a long flight. AirportVanRental ensures all the paperwork is minimized too, often you can use an express line with your reservation, show your ID and credit card, and be on your way.
Wide Selection at the Airport: Because JAN is the primary airport for the region, the fleet of rental vehicles is usually larger and more varied than at smaller city branches. That means higher chances of nabbing exactly what you reserved, be it that 7-passenger SUV or the luxury sedan you wanted. And if you have a preference for a specific rental company or loyalty program, all the big players are there. AirportVanRental’s search will show, for example, if Avis has a great deal on a full-size or Hertz on a compact. You’ll likely find more options (including sometimes those hard-to-find 12-passenger vans or premium cars) at the airport location. Plus, hours are longer, most airport rental counters are open late to accommodate evening flights, unlike downtown offices. So even if your flight is delayed until 11 PM, you can still pick up your car that night.
Seamless Return for Departure: Renting at the airport also simplifies your departure. On your way out of Jackson, you just drive to the rental car return area at JAN, drop off the car, and walk into the terminal to catch your flight. No coordinating separate transport or scheduling an Uber that might run late. It’s especially reassuring for early morning flights, you can return your car at 5 AM and immediately be at the check-in counters. And since fuel near the airport is easy to find (there are gas stations on Airport Road), topping off the tank last-minute is convenient too. In short, starting and ending your trip at the airport rental center makes logistics smooth as silk.
Exploring Right Away: Mississippi has some great attractions not far from the airport. By renting at JAN, you could, for example, drop your bags at a hotel and then drive to the Barnett Reservoir for a sunset view on arrival day, or if you have a long layover, even do a quick tour of the city. Without a car, those spontaneous adventures often aren’t possible. Having your rental car from the get-go means no wasted time, you can start exploring Jackson’s restaurants, museums, or nearby towns from the moment you land, on your own schedule.
In essence, renting at Jackson–Evers Airport gives you freedom, speed, and convenience. AirportVanRental amplifies those benefits by ensuring you get a cheap rate and a reliable vehicle ready when you step off the plane. It’s the smartest way to hit the ground running in the City With Soul.
Navigating Jackson-Evers Airport’s Rental Car Center
Picking up your rental at JAN is a quick and easy process, but if it’s your first time at this airport, here’s a brief step-by-step of what to expect:
After Landing: Once you deplane, follow signs for Baggage Claim/Ground Transportation. Jackson-Evers is a mid-size airport, so you won’t be walking huge distances. The baggage claim area is on the lower level of the terminal. If you didn’t check bags, you can head straight to the rental car counters.
Rental Car Counters: In the baggage claim area (or just adjacent to it), you’ll see the rental car desks for major companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, etc.). AirportVanRental Tip: Since you booked with us, you should have your confirmation ready. You typically can proceed to the counter of the company you booked (no need to visit an AirportVanRental desk, as we are the booking platform, not a physical counter). Some companies at JAN have fast-track kiosks or loyalty member queues, use those if applicable (e.g., Hertz Gold or Avis Preferred) to save time. Present your driver’s license and credit card; mention you booked via AirportVanRental and show your confirmation number if needed. The agent will process your rental agreement, offer any optional services (feel free to decline if you’re all set), and then direct you to your car.
Car Pick-Up Area: The rental cars are parked in a designated lot just outside. At Jackson-Evers, you do not need a shuttle, the rental lot is walking distance. Exit baggage claim and cross the street as directed (there are usually signs like “Rental Car Pickup”). It’s a covered walkway part of the way. In a minute or two, you’ll reach the rental car parking area. It’s well-marked by company. For instance, you’ll see signs or an attendant directing you to the Alamo/Enterprise section, Hertz section, etc. Find your car, often the paperwork or an attendant will indicate the parking spot number or the car will have your name on a tag on the windshield.
Vehicle Inspection: Before driving off, do a quick walk-around of the car. Note any existing scratches or dents, they should be marked on your rental agreement slip. If anything significant is not noted, use your phone to take photos and alert the lot attendant or go back to the counter to have it added, just to be safe. Check that the fuel level matches what’s in your contract (usually it’s full). Adjust your seat, mirrors, get familiar with controls, pair your phone if you need to for GPS/music. Safety first!
Exit Gate: Drive towards the exit where a security gate or booth is. An attendant may check your ID and rental contract, then lift the gate for you. And you’re off! From the airport, you’ll likely take Airport Road out to I-20 or into Jackson proper (there are signs for the interstate, downtown, etc.).
Returning the Car: When your trip is done, follow signs for Rental Car Return when you approach the airport. It’s usually the same lot but entering through a different gate. Park in the return lanes for your rental company. An agent will quickly inspect for damage and check fuel. Give them the keys and you’re good to go. The terminal is just a short walk away, no shuttle needed, which is great if you’re cutting it close on time.
The whole process is designed to be customer-friendly. Many travelers comment on how small and efficient Jackson-Evers Airport is, rental pick-up here is often smoother than at larger airports. And since you booked through AirportVanRental, any issues (though unlikely) can be resolved by our support, we’re just a phone call away if the car type isn’t as expected or anything comes up.
Our Jackson Airport Car Rental Advantages
Booking your Jackson Airport car through AirportVanRental doesn’t just get you a car, it gets you a package of benefits tailored for JAN renters:
Best Rates at the Airport: Airport locations can sometimes carry higher base rates due to fees, but we scour every company at JAN to find you the cheapest offer available. Often, we have special deals, like a weekend promo or a free upgrade, thanks to our partnerships. If Hertz is running a sale on SUVs or Budget has a low weekly rate on compacts, you’ll see it in our results. We effectively make the rental companies compete for your booking, which means you save more. Our price transparency (no hidden add-ons) also means the quote you see for JAN is competitive. We know every dollar counts, so we’re committed to getting you the most bang for your buck on your airport rental.
No Pre-Pay, No Cancellation Fees: Travel plans can change, especially flights. By booking with AirportVanRental, you enjoy zero down payment in most cases and free cancellation up to a day or two before pickup. So if your flight is rescheduled or you decide to drive in instead of fly, you can cancel without penalty. We align with the traveler’s needs, flexibility and peace of mind. Also, if you need to extend or shorten your rental while you’re on the road, our support can often help coordinate that with the rental company, adjusting to your new return time or date as needed.
Local Driving Tips & Support: As part of our service, we provide helpful info (like this guide) for driving around Jackson. But beyond text, our customer support team is there for you if you have any local queries. Not sure about Mississippi’s insurance rules? Need advice on which route to take from the airport at rush hour? We’re happy to help. We can even assist if you want to add an extra driver last-minute or need to switch to a larger vehicle, one call and we’ll liaise with the rental branch. Essentially, by booking with us you have an extra layer of customer care looking out for you. We want your Mississippi trip to be smooth sailing (or rather, smooth driving).
Earn Rewards and Points: Many travelers worry they won’t get their rental company loyalty points if they book through a third party. Good news: with AirportVanRental, you typically can still earn your rewards (just present your loyalty number at the counter). And on top of that, we sometimes have our own loyalty or discount programs for repeat customers. So you win both ways, the savings from us and the perks from the rental company. It’s always nice to step up to that counter and maybe get handed the keys to a free upgrade because you’re a loyal member, all while knowing you paid less than anyone else in line!
Specialty Vehicles at JAN: Because we specialize in van and larger vehicle rentals, if you’re flying into Jackson with a big group or lots of equipment, we’ve got you covered. Need a 15-passenger van for a team or church group arriving on the same flight? We can arrange that at the airport. Looking for a pickup truck to haul materials to a site in rural Mississippi? We’ll find one. Even if your needs are unique (like needing hand-control equipment for a disability, just request in advance and we’ll coordinate with the rental company at JAN to have the car equipped). Our focus is ensuring whatever your scenario, your Jackson Airport rental is ready to meet it.
Top Jackson–Evers Airport Car Deals
Here’s a glance at some example deals you might find for Jackson Airport (keep in mind prices fluctuate; check our live search for the latest).
(Note: these “from” rates at the airport exclude the standard ~11.75% airport taxes and fees, which we include in our total pricing when you book. Also, keep in mind weekend specials, often from Thursday to Monday, you might see even lower daily rates as companies compete to rent out cars to weekend travelers. Conversely, one-way rentals from JAN to another airport might have an extra fee, which we’ll show. As always, book early to lock in good rates, last-minute walk-up prices at airport counters can be higher than what you get by reserving ahead with us. Save yourself the headache and dollars by planning in advance with AirportVanRental.)
Driving from Jackson–Evers Airport into Jackson & Beyond
Once you’ve picked up your car at JAN, you’ll find it’s pretty straightforward to get where you need to go. Here are the basics for driving out of the airport and reaching key destinations:
To Downtown Jackson: Exit the airport area via Airport Road South. In about 2 miles you’ll hit I-20. Go west on I-20 (toward “Jackson Vicksburg”). Downtown exits (like State Street, Pearl Street) are about 5-6 miles down I-20. It’s roughly a 15-minute drive with light traffic. Watch your speed on Airport Road (it’s 45-50 mph and Flowood police do monitor it). Once on I-20, it’s a quick hop. If it’s rush hour and I-20 is slow, an alternate is taking MS-475 to Lakeland Drive (MS-25) west, which goes directly into northeast Jackson near the hospitals and Belhaven area, useful if your destination is in that part of town.
To North Jackson/Ridgeland: Many hotels and businesses are in North Jackson by I-55 or in Ridgeland. From the airport, take Airport Road to Lakeland Drive (MS-25) West. This is a major artery that will lead you all the way to I-55 near the north side of Jackson (about 8 miles from the airport). Along Lakeland you’ll pass shopping centers, restaurants, etc. Once at I-55, go north for Ridgeland/Madison or south for North Jackson/Fondren area. Travel time ~20-25 minutes to Ridgeland from JAN.
To I-55 South (Hattiesburg/New Orleans direction): Easiest is Airport Road to I-20 West, then quickly exit onto I-55 South (toward “McComb/New Orleans”). That interchange is just 5 miles from the airport. Then you’re headed down I-55. Hattiesburg is actually easier via US-49 from Jackson, but to pick up US-49 you’d go I-20 East a short bit then MS-468 in Pearl to US-49 South. A GPS will guide you best depending on where exactly you’re heading.
To I-20 East (Meridian/Alabama): Airport Road runs directly into I-20, so just hop on I-20 East if you’re headed toward Meridian or Tuscaloosa/Atlanta beyond. Meridian is about 80 miles (1.5 hours) east.
Traffic Notes: Jackson’s traffic is not too bad, but peak hours (7-9am and 4-6pm) can slow things near the I-55/I-20 interchange and on I-55 through downtown. If you land at 5pm, expect a little congestion on the way into downtown from the east, nothing terrible, just a touch slow. Waze or Google Maps might redirect you through side streets if there’s a crash. Keep an eye out for construction zones on I-20 around Pearl (there are often improvements going on). And as always, buckle up and put the phone down, Mississippi law prohibits texting while driving, and troopers do patrol the interstates around the airport fairly often.
Rental Car Return Fuel: If you need to fill up before returning to JAN, there’s a Circle K/Shell station on MS-475/Airport Rd just a mile or so north of the airport, very convenient and competitively priced. There’s also a Texaco right by the I-20 exit for Airport Road. Plan a quick stop to avoid the rental refuel charges.
One cool thing: as you drive away from the airport, you might notice the main road is called “Medgar Evers Boulevard” (or you’ll see signs honoring Medgar Evers). The airport’s namesake was a prominent civil rights activist from Jackson. Driving these streets, you’re literally following paths of significant history. Just one of the many meaningful layers of traveling in Mississippi!
Quick Reference Info Box: Renting at JAN Airport
Airport Code: JAN (Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport). It’s the primary airport serving Jackson and central Mississippi.
Rental Car Facility:On-site at the terminal. Counters are at the baggage claim area, cars are a short walk outside. No shuttles needed. Follow signs for Rental Cars. Very convenient layout, you’ll be on the road quickly.
Rental Companies at JAN: All major brands: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Thrifty, Dollar. (Plus a couple regionals like Payless or ACE might operate during peak times). AirportVanRental shows availability from these so you can pick the best deal.
Hours of Operation: Typically 6:00 AM, 11:00 PM for the big agencies (aligned with flight schedules). Some counters may close a bit earlier on low-traffic days, but if you have a reservation, they usually stay until the flight arrives. After-hours returns are allowed (drop keys in drop box if agent isn’t present).
Picking Up: Have your license, credit card, confirmation ready. After paperwork, you’ll either be given keys right there or a slip to hand to the lot attendant who will then point you to your car. Inspect the vehicle, then head out following “Exit” signs.
Driving Out: The airport exit road (Airport Rd) leads to major highways:
To Jackson (downtown), take I-20 West.
Airport is about 6 miles east of downtown (10-15 min drive via interstate).
Returning Car: Follow signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport (usually as you turn into airport property). Most agencies share the same return lot area. Park in the correct company’s section. An attendant may meet you or you might drop keys in a box if it’s early morning. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes before your flight to return the car and walk to the terminal (the lot is adjacent, so not long at all).
Nearest Gas Station:Circle K/Shell on Airport Rd, about 1.5 miles north of the terminal entrance, ideal for last-minute top-off. Also a Texaco near I-20/Airport Rd interchange to the south. Gas prices typically around $0.20 below national average, nice!
GPS Tip: Set your GPS or phone mapping to your exact airline or terminal if possible when returning. Jackson has one main terminal for all, so that’s easy. For leaving the airport, GPS signals are good, you won’t get lost. The address: 100 International Drive, Jackson, MS (for general reference).
Food & Restrooms: If you need a pit stop right after picking up the car, there’s a McDonald’s and a Chick-fil-A on Airport Road within 2 miles. Plenty more options on Lakeland Drive a bit further. Restrooms are of course at the terminal; once you’re in the car, you’d need to stop at a fast food or gas station if needed.
Emergency: In case of vehicle breakdown or issue soon after leaving the airport, you can actually loop back to the rental lot if you haven’t gone far, or call the roadside assistance number provided. But those instances are rare. Always buckle up upon departure, Mississippi law requires seat belts, and troopers often sit near airport highways for speeding or seatbelt enforcement.
Weather Awareness: Summer flyers, be prepared for a blast of hot, humid air when you step out of the AC terminal (Jul/Aug). Start that car and let it vent if it’s been sitting. Winter flyers, winters are mild, but occasionally an early morning can be frosty (rarely below 30°F/-1°C). You likely won’t deal with ice/snow, but if you do, the rental will include an ice scraper. Rain, afternoon thunderstorms in summer can be intense but brief; slow down if one hits when driving away. Keep headlights on in rain as required.
Renting at Jackson–Evers International Airport is a smooth experience, made even smoother with AirportVanRental’s guidance and deals. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can transition from air travel to road travel here. We wish you happy driving straight from JAN’s runway to Mississippi’s highways!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, one-way rentals are generally available from JAN. For example, you might pick up at Jackson-Evers and drop off in Memphis, New Orleans, Atlanta, etc. When you search on AirportVanRental, select “Return car to different location” and enter your desired drop-off location. We’ll show you which companies allow that and any applicable one-way fee. Often, there is a drop charge for one-way, which varies by distance and demand. It might be as low as $0 (if there’s high demand at the other location) or could be a few hundred dollars for a long-distance one-way. We’ll display it in the price breakdown. Some common one-ways from JAN: dropping at Gulfport-Biloxi Airport (GPT) or New Orleans (MSY) if you’re doing a coastal itinerary; or heading north to Memphis (MEM). This is totally doable. Just be sure to inform the counter when picking up that it’s one-way (they’ll know from the reservation). And remember, unlimited mileage still usually applies (driving to another state is fine). One caveat: one-way rentals for specialty vehicles (like 12-passenger vans) might be restricted or carry higher fees. But for standard cars, it’s a common practice. AirportVanRental often helps travelers plan road trips that start in Jackson and end elsewhere, just let us know!
Rental companies generally hold your car for a grace period around your booking time. If you arrive a bit early, say you booked for noon but you get there at 11 AM, usually if they have the car ready, they’ll accommodate an early pick-up. Sometimes they might ask you to wait until your reservation time if the car isn’t back yet or cleaned. If you arrive significantly earlier (like 4 hours early, on a different flight), it’s best to update your reservation in advance because availability might differ in the morning vs. afternoon. With AirportVanRental, modifying your pick-up time is easy (as long as it doesn’t trigger a big price change due to different rates, we’ll show you any change in cost). Also note, if you pick up earlier than scheduled, the rental period starts then, which could possibly add an extra day charge if you keep the same return time. But if it’s within a 2-3 hour window, often they’ll just adjust the return to avoid extra fees (or you can return a tad earlier). Communication is key, at the counter, kindly ask if an earlier pick-up is possible. Jackson’s a less hectic airport, so the staff are usually flexible if inventory allows.
The main difference at an airport rental is the airport concession fee and facility charges. At JAN, the concession recovery fee is about 11.11% and there might be a small per day facility fee (around $3.50/day, for example). These are standard for rentals at airports nationwide, essentially, the rental companies pay the airport to operate there and pass on a portion of that cost. AirportVanRental always includes these in your quoted total, so you won’t be blindsided. Just don’t be surprised to see those items on the rental agreement. Other than that, taxes are the same (7% MS state tax plus any local tourism tax). One fee to consider: if you’re arriving by air and renting at the airport, you won’t need to pay any “shuttle” fees obviously (there are none at JAN). But if you lose your rental contract paper, some agencies charge a lost contract fee, so keep that safe. And as always, returning with low fuel incurs a high refuel fee, best to fill ‘er up before returning. One more thing at JAN: some companies might charge a Frequent Flyer surcharge if you choose to earn airline miles on the rental (usually $1-2/day), you can decline that by not giving a frequent flyer number, or accept if you want the miles. It’s optional. Overall, Jackson doesn’t have weird surcharges like “arena fee” or “energy recovery fee” that some places do, it’s straightforward. And no toll transponder fees needed here since MS has no tolls.