Oklahoma City Airport (OKC) Car Rental Your Ride Awaits at Will Rogers World Airport

Will Rogers World Airport is a friendly, easy-to-navigate airport located just southwest of downtown OKC (about 6 miles away). Despite the “World” in its name, it primarily handles domestic flights but whether you’re arriving from out-of-state or returning home, having a car is the easiest way to get around. Let’s dive into how renting a car at OKC works and why AirportVanRental makes it a breeze.

Arriving at OKC Getting to the Rental Car Center

After you land and collect your bags at Will Rogers Airport, follow the signs for Ground Transportation / Rental Cars. Unlike some bigger airports, OKC’s rental car facility isn’t walking distance from the terminal but it’s very close by and easy to reach via a free shuttle. Here’s what to expect:

• Rental Car Shuttle: Exit the terminal on the baggage claim level and you’ll see a designated area for rental car shuttles (look for the signs or ask an airport staff if unsure). Shuttles run frequently 24 hours a day, so even if your flight arrives late at night, you won’t be stranded. The shuttle buses are usually white/blue and marked for “Rental Car Center”. The ride is short just a few minutes north of the terminal to the consolidated rental facility at 5201 S. Meridian Ave (you might even spot the facility from the terminal).
• Consolidated Rental Car Facility: Will Rogers World Airport has a convenient Consolidated Car Rental Center where all the major brands (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, National, etc.) have counters under one roof. Once the shuttle drops you off at the facility’s entrance, head inside. You’ll find the rental counters lined up next to each other. Because you booked with AirportVanRental, you’ll already know which company’s counter to go to (it will be listed on your confirmation, e.g., “Hertz” or “Budget”).
• At the Counter: Have your driver’s license and credit card ready (and any membership ID if you have a fast rental program). The agent will pull up your reservation. Since you booked through AVR, all your details are in their system the rate, included protections, etc., should match what was confirmed to you (no hidden fees at pick-up!). If you need any add-ons (like an extra driver or child seat), you can request them now. The agent will also put a hold on your credit card for the security deposit. This facility is usually pretty efficient lines are typically short, especially compared to huge airports.
• Picking Up the Car: After paperwork, you’ll be directed to the car pickup area just outside. The OKC rental car center has an attached parking garage where each company keeps its vehicles. Follow signs or directions (e.g., “Alamo Level 2, Stall 45” or similar). An attendant may escort you or you’ll find the car based on the stall number given. Before driving off, do a quick inspection of the vehicle. Note any existing scratches or dents if they’re not already marked on your rental agreement, take photos and mention them to an attendant or back at the counter so you won’t be blamed later. Adjust your mirrors, familiarize yourself with controls, and locate the nearest exit sign.
• Exiting the Facility: The exit will lead you back toward the airport roads. Typically, you’ll show your rental agreement and ID to a security gate guard as you exit the rental garage (they verify you’re authorized to take that car). Then follow the signs for “Airport Exit” or “To City” you’ll likely end up on S. Meridian Avenue or SW 54th St which connect to the major roads. From the airport, getting to downtown is straightforward: you can take Airport Rd east which merges into I-44 and I-40, or Meridian north to join I-40 eastbound. In about 15 minutes, you’ll be in the heart of Oklahoma City!

Early or Late Flights: If you arrive after midnight or very early, rest assured the rental center shuttles still run 24/7. Most on-airport rental counters at OKC align their hours with flight schedules meaning if flights are arriving at 1 AM, at least one agent from each rental company is typically on duty to serve customers. However, if you have a significant flight delay and worry you’ll miss the counter’s closing time, call the rental office’s local number (or AirportVanRental’s 24/7 support) often they’ll hold the reservation and have someone stay for you if they know you’re coming on a delayed flight. Conversely, for very early departures, you can usually return a car even before counters open by using the after-hours drop box just park in the returns area and leave the keys in the secure drop. Check with your rental company for their specific procedure, but OKC’s facility is equipped for after-hours returns.

Why Book Your OKC Airport Car with AirportVanRental?

There are plenty of reasons savvy travelers choose AirportVanRental for Oklahoma City Airport rentals rather than walking up to the counter or using other sites. We offer a seamless experience from booking to drop-off, with perks that make your life easier:

• Best Rates at OKC Airport: Airport rentals sometimes include extra fees (concession fees, facility charges). We scan all rental companies at OKC to find you the cheapest base rates, and we factor in those fees upfront. By comparing across brands in one search, you’ll spot deals for instance, maybe Alamo has a weekend special or Avis offers a free upgrade promo. We’ve often got exclusive discounts thanks to our partnerships. The goal: get you the most bang for your buck on that airport rental. If there’s a lower price out there for the same car, we aim to match or beat it.
• Wide Vehicle Selection (Including Vans): Whether you need a compact car or a moving van, we’ve got you covered. AirportVanRental specializes in vans, so at OKC Airport you’ll not only see the usual sedans and SUVs, but also 7-passenger minivans, 12-passenger vans, cargo vans, and more options that other sites might not highlight. Traveling with a big group for an event at OU or a military reunion at Fort Sill? A passenger van from us will keep everyone together. Of course, if you just need an efficient economy car or a rugged SUV, you’ll find those too. We ensure a wide inventory is at your fingertips.
• No Hidden Fees, Total Transparency: The price you see on AirportVanRental is the full price including OKC’s airport fees. Will Rogers Airport charges things like a facility fee and concession recovery (percentage of rental) we include those in our quote so you’re not surprised later. We also disclose optional charges clearly. Planning to add a second driver or GPS? You’ll know the cost. Under 25? We show the young driver fee. Our goal is zero surprises at the counter. Many customers comment that what was on their AVR reservation is exactly what they paid when all was done that’s how it should be.
• Flexible Booking & Free Cancellations: We get it travel plans can change. Flights cancel or get rescheduled. With AVR, reserve your OKC car with no pre-payment and enjoy free cancellation on most bookings up until 48 hours before pickup. If your trip shifts by a day or you decide to drive in from elsewhere, you can cancel or modify without penalty (just double-check the terms on specialty vehicles). This flexibility means you can secure a great rate early but aren’t locked in if something comes up.
• Local Expertise & Support: This guide is part of how we go above and beyond. We don’t just list cars we provide local driving tips and airport info to make your journey smoother. Our customer support team is also on hand if you have any questions during your rental. Not sure how to pay that Oklahoma toll bill? Need to extend your rental by a day because your meeting ran long? Just reach out we’ll assist or liaise with the rental company for you. When you book with AirportVanRental, you’ve got a partner looking out for you even after you pick up the car. That’s a level of service you won’t get by simply walking up to a random counter.

In short, renting a car at Oklahoma City’s airport through AirportVanRental ensures you get a cheap rate, a quality vehicle, and peace of mind from start to finish.

Top Oklahoma City Airport Car Deals

Travelers through OKC love a good deal and we have plenty. Here are some examples of rental car deals at Will Rogers World Airport you can often find (these are illustrative “from” rates actual prices vary by date, but this gives you an idea):

Compact Car, from $30/day. Example: Ford Focus or Hyundai Accent. Ideal for the solo traveler or couple packing light. Compact cars are easy to maneuver out of the airport and sip fuel on that drive to Norman or up to Edmond. They’re among the cheapest options at OKC, especially mid-week or in the off-season. Why pay more if all you need is basic wheels to get around?

Standard Sedan, from $40/day. Example: Nissan Altima or Chevy Malibu. A mid-size or standard sedan gives a bit more legroom and luggage space great if you’re here on business or have a small family. At ~$40/day, you get comfort and solid gas mileage. Many come with tech perks like Apple CarPlay, which can help with navigation as you explore OKC. Perfect for cruising down I-35 to visit the University of Oklahoma or taking a day trip without feeling cramped.

Full-Size SUV, from $55/day. Example: Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Explorer. If you have 5+ people or just want extra space, full-size SUVs are often surprisingly affordable at OKC Airport. For around $55/day in off-peak times, you can get a powerful SUV that’s road-trip ready. Think trips to Lake Murray or driving the family to Wichita you’ll have plenty of cargo room for everyone’s gear. Plus, you’ll be riding high which gives a great view over Oklahoma’s open highways. Keep in mind SUVs can go fast during holidays and OU football weekends, so snag them early if you need one.

Minivan, from $60/day. Example: Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica. The go-to for families and groups, minivans at OKC come loaded with seating for 7-8 and conveniences like power sliding doors. Starting around $60/day, they’re an excellent value especially when you consider splitting that cost among several travelers. Popular for church groups visiting the city or families coming for graduations at OSU, a minivan ensures no one gets left behind. Pro tip: With the flat terrain around Oklahoma, even a fully loaded minivan drives with ease no mountain passes to worry about here!

Pickup Truck, from $50/day. Example: Ford F-150 or similar. Oklahoma is truck country, and yes, you can rent pickups too! If you’re headed to a ranch, need to haul equipment, or simply like the idea of driving a truck, you can often find one for around $50 a day. Many come in crew cab (full back seat) configuration, so they double as family transport and cargo hauler. This is useful if you’re doing activities like antique shopping in Guthrie or mountain biking at Bluff Creek toss the gear in the bed and go. Plus, pickups fit right in with the local vehicles, and you might enjoy that commanding seating position on the road.

Prices Note: These example rates are a snapshot and can change with supply and season. Typically, summer and holidays see higher prices (book early if coming in June or around Thanksgiving). In contrast, winter or early spring can have great bargains at OKC Airport, since it’s a slower travel period. Also, renting over a full week often lowers the per-day cost versus single-day rentals. Always check our live search for your dates we frequently have limited-time promo rates that can beat the averages. Remember, with our transparent pricing, the number you see already includes the airport-specific surcharges (like that 11% concession fee and the $4.50/day facility charge) so you’re comparing real totals, not getting fooled by a low base rate that balloons later. We want you to drive away happy, knowing you got a great deal at OKC.

Road Trip Ideas from OKC Airport

After picking up your rental at Will Rogers Airport, you’re perfectly positioned to explore not just Oklahoma City but the entire region. Here are 2 fantastic road trips to consider starting right from the airport each offers a different taste of Midwestern adventure:

• Dallas Bound Red River Road Trip: If you have a few extra days, consider driving south to Dallas, Texas. It’s roughly a 3-hour drive straight down I-35 from OKC (about 205 miles). In between, you’ll cross the Red River (the Oklahoma-Texas border) and can stop in interesting spots like Ardmore, OK (visit Lake Murray State Park for a picnic or the Tucker Tower Nature Center) or Gainesville, TX (outlet shopping or Frank Buck Zoo for the kids). Once in Dallas, explore highlights like the Sixth Floor Museum (JFK history) or enjoy barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. You could even swing over to Fort Worth to see the Stockyards for a dose of cowboy culture. This one-way trip works great with a rental car you might drive back to OKC, or even do a one-way rental drop-off in Dallas if that suits your travel plans (AVR can help arrange that, showing any drop fees upfront). It’s a multi-state road trip that showcases both Oklahoma’s heartland and big-city Texas flair all within an easy half-day drive.
• Route 66 West Oklahoma to Texas Panhandle: For a more nostalgic journey, take Route 66 westward from Oklahoma City. You’ll follow I-40/Route 66 through charming small towns and classic Americana. Stop in Elk City, OK (about 110 miles from the airport) to visit the National Route 66 Museum and see vintage roadside attractions. Continue towards Texola, a near-ghost town on the OK/TX border, to really feel the bygone era of the Mother Road. If you’re up for it, extend into Texas and aim for Amarillo (approximately 4 hours from OKC). There you can check out Cadillac Ranch the famous art installation of half-buried cars and grab a steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch (home of the “free” 72oz steak if you can eat it all!). Even if you don’t go all the way to Amarillo, the drive as far as the Texas state line is peppered with classic diners, old service station museums, and wide-open plains. It’s a great way to enjoy the freedom of the road. With unlimited miles on your rental, feel free to detour for instance, swing up to Gloss Mountains State Park north of I-40 for some surprising red butte formations. Route 66 west of OKC is less traveled than the section east to Tulsa, so you’ll really experience the solitude and space of the Great Plains.

(Looking for more trips? See our blog for driving itineraries from Oklahoma City from college town tours to nature escapes and make the most of that rental car.)

Driving Tips for OKC Visitors (Traffic, Tolls, and More)

Navigating out of Will Rogers World Airport and around Oklahoma City is relatively straightforward, but here are some additional local driving tips and info for airport renters:

• Getting to Downtown: The airport sits off a spur of OK-152/Airport Road. To reach downtown Oklahoma City (or connect to major interstates), you’ll likely take Airport Rd east which merges onto I-44, then quickly exit to I-40 East towards downtown. It’s about 6-8 miles and usually 15 minutes with light traffic. Signage is good you’ll see “Downtown Oklahoma City” marked. If you’re heading to suburbs like Norman (south) or Edmond (north), you’ll similarly hop on interstates (I-44/I-240 for Norman, I-44/I-235 for Edmond).
• Airport Traffic: The airport itself isn’t very congested but watch your speed on Meridian Ave and Airport Road as local police do monitor those routes for speeders. Speed limit is generally 45-55 mph on Airport Road until you hit the highways.
• Tolls Reminder: If you depart the airport and immediately jump on I-44 west/north (the turnpike portion, known as the H.E. Bailey Turnpike towards Lawton or I-44 Turner Turnpike towards Tulsa), you will encounter tolls. As mentioned earlier, the rental car’s plate will get charged if you don’t have a transponder. For most airport-to-city drives, you won’t hit a toll going into downtown via I-40 is toll-free, for example. Just be aware if your route takes I-44 through the west/south part of the metro, that’s a tolled section.
• Fueling Up Before Returning: There’s a gas station (OnCue Express) very close to the rental car center (at S Meridian and SW 54th) which is convenient for topping off your tank right before returning the car. Prices there are usually reasonable, but you can also fill up a bit further away for possibly a few cents cheaper. Remember, most rentals require you to return with the same fuel level (usually full) to avoid extra charges. Give yourself an extra 5 minutes to stop and fuel up nearby it’s an easy way to save money versus the rental company’s refuel charge.
• Weather & Flights: Oklahoma’s weather can sometimes disrupt flights (strong storms). If you ever face a flight cancellation and need to keep your rental longer, contact us or the rental company ASAP they often will extend at the same rate, and it’s better to update the contract than to risk late return fees. Conversely, if you return early due to a change, that’s usually fine too (just no refund for unused days unless you modify in advance). We at AVR are happy to help adjust your booking if plans change unexpectedly.
• Driving to Other States: Oklahoma City is a crossroads you might drive to Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, or beyond. The good news: none of Oklahoma’s neighboring states have tolls on their major interstate highways except Kansas (which has one turnpike to Kansas City) and small parts of Texas (some Dallas toll roads). If heading to Kansas via I-35, you’ll encounter the Kansas Turnpike; similar plate billing will happen. Texas toll roads (like in Dallas area) also use electronic tolling again, covered by your rental’s system if you opt in. Tennessee, if you venture far east (e.g., on a mega road trip to Nashville), has **no toll roads at all*. So feel free to roam the region; just keep the toll info in mind for specific segments.
• GPS and Navigation: Cell signal around OKC and highways is generally solid. Your rental might have built-in navigation, but most people use their phone’s GPS. From the airport, you shouldn’t have any navigation issues. If you’re going very remote (some rural areas in SE or NW Oklahoma), download offline maps just in case. Within the city, apps like Google Maps or Waze will also warn of any accidents or construction handy if there’s a rare traffic jam.
• Rental Returns: When it’s time to fly out, budget a little time to return the car. Follow signs for Rental Car Return as you approach the airport (you’ll basically head back to the same facility on Meridian). Upon entering, there will be lanes for each company. An attendant will check the fuel and mileage, then shuttle you back to the terminal. Shuttles run continuously, but during peak travel morning hours, give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes in case you just missed one and have to wait for the next (remember, they’re 24/7 and quick). If you have an early flight and are worried about time, you can drop the car off even the evening before and take a quick rideshare to a nearby airport hotel, but that’s usually not necessary given how efficient OKC’s setup is.

With these tips, renting and driving from Oklahoma City’s airport should be smooth sailing (or rather, smooth driving!). Oklahoma’s open roads are calling, and your journey begins the moment you pick up those keys at Will Rogers World Airport.