Hertz Car Hire
Fort Wayne

After collecting your luggage at baggage claim, look for the overhead signs directing you towards "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars". The hire car desks at Fort Wayne International Airport are conveniently located inside the terminal building, just a short walk from baggage claim. The airport is designed to be easy to navigate for arriving passengers, so the signage is clear and prominent. Once you complete your paperwork at the desk, staff will direct you to the adjacent lot where the vehicles are parked.

Arriving late at FWA for your hire car pick-up is typically straightforward. The hire car centre is located within the well-lit main terminal, so you won't need to navigate dark or remote lots. While the airport will be much quieter, the hire desks are staffed to accommodate scheduled late arrivals. The process is the same as during the day, involving paperwork and a vehicle inspection. Staff are accustomed to late arrivals and will guide you efficiently so you can be on your way.

The best place to get your navigation and phone set up is before you even leave the hire car lot. After you've loaded your luggage and settled into the driver's seat, take a few minutes to connect your phone and enter your destination while still in the parking space. This allows you to get organised in a safe, stationary environment. If you forget, the airport also has a cell phone lot just a minute's drive from the hire area, which is another excellent spot to pull over without disrupting traffic flow.

For a simple drive to downtown Fort Wayne, the most direct route is usually best. From the airport exit, follow Ferguson Road, which becomes the Airport Expressway (also known as Baer Field Thruway). Continue on this road for several miles until it turns into West Jefferson Boulevard. This street will lead you directly into the heart of downtown with minimal turns or complex motorway merges. Just stay on West Jefferson and it will take you past key landmarks like Parkview Field.

When staying near Parkview Field, visitors often use the public car parks in the city centre, such as the Harrison Square Garage, which is connected to the stadium. On match nights, streets immediately surrounding the ballpark like Jefferson Boulevard, Ewing Street and Brackenridge Street become heavily congested with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It's sensible to park at your hotel or in a designated garage and walk to the match. Be prepared for slow traffic and some temporary road closures in the hour before and after a match.

Driving in The Landing and along West Main Street requires a bit more attention than in other parts of the city. This historic area features narrower streets, some brick-paved sections, and a mix of one-way and two-way traffic. The most common challenge for visitors is navigating the one-way grid, so it's helpful to rely on your satnav. Because it's a popular dining and entertainment district, always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially in the evenings. Driving slowly and cautiously is the best approach here.

For events at the Coliseum, the primary access roads, Parnell Avenue and Coliseum Boulevard, experience the most significant traffic backups. To manage the flow, event staff typically direct all vehicles to specific entrances into the large surrounding car parks. It's best to follow the temporary event signage and the guidance of parking attendants rather than trying to find a shortcut. Arriving 30–45 minutes earlier than you normally would can help you avoid the worst of the congestion and find a convenient parking spot.

The area around Promenade Park is designed to be very pedestrian-friendly, which means direct vehicle access is limited. For quick drop-offs or pickups, it's best to use nearby streets like Superior Street or Harrison Street, where you can find designated public parking or safe places to pull over briefly. Avoid stopping directly on main thoroughfares, as this can disrupt traffic. Planning to park in a nearby lot and walk a short distance to the riverfront is often the easiest and safest option for everyone.

Nearly all downtown Fort Wayne hotels have a designated passenger loading and unloading zone right at their main entrance. These areas are typically marked for short-term standing, allowing you to pull out of the main flow of traffic to handle your luggage. You can leave your car there for a few minutes while you check in and move your bags. Afterwards, hotel staff can direct you to the best options for longer-term guest parking, which is often in an adjacent or nearby car park.

A great way to visit both Auburn and Angola in one day is to plan a logical loop. Start your morning by driving north on I-69 directly to Auburn to explore the automotive museums when you're fresh. After a few hours there, continue heading north on I-69 to Pokagon State Park near Angola for an afternoon of nature and outdoor activities. This north-then-south route prevents backtracking and makes the most of your driving time, allowing you to enjoy both destinations at a comfortable pace before returning to Fort Wayne.

The most straightforward drive to Shipshewana is to take US-33 North out of Fort Wayne, then head west on US-20. This route takes you through scenic rural landscapes directly to the heart of Amish country. As you get closer to town, be prepared for a different pace of traffic. You will be sharing the road with horse-drawn buggies, so it's essential to slow down, maintain a safe following distance, and only pass when it is clearly safe to do so. This considerate driving is part of the unique experience of visiting the area.

A day trip to Indiana Dunes National Park is certainly manageable with some planning. The drive is about two and a half hours, so an early morning start is key to maximising your time at the park. Taking US-30 West is a common and direct route. To break up the drive, consider a quick stop in a town like Warsaw or Valparaiso for coffee or a stretch. Packing a lunch and drinks can save time once you arrive, allowing you to head straight for the trails and beaches.

A same-day trip to Chicago is ambitious but possible if you manage your time carefully. The drive itself is roughly three hours each way without significant delays. The most common slowdowns occur on the final approach to the city, particularly on I-80/I-94 and the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/I-94), where traffic can be heavy at almost any time of day. To make it work, leave Fort Wayne very early in the morning, have a clear plan for what you want to do in Chicago, and be prepared for a late return.

When driving from Fort Wayne to Toledo or Detroit, the routes are generally direct, with US-24 East being the primary road to Toledo. As you approach these larger metropolitan areas, the motorway systems become more complex. Pay close attention to overhead signs for major interchanges, such as where US-24 meets I-475 around Toledo or when I-69 merges with other interstates closer to Detroit. Lane splits and exits can come up quickly, so having your satnav active and knowing your next turn in advance is very helpful.

For a relaxing weekend trip to Michigan, the drive north on I-69 is quite pleasant. To avoid fatigue, plan a scheduled break about halfway through your journey. Towns like Coldwater or Marshall, Michigan, are located right off the motorway and offer excellent places to stop for a meal, coffee, or just to stretch your legs. Building in a 20–30 minute break can make a significant difference in your energy levels, ensuring you arrive feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy your weekend.

For drivers unfamiliar with downtown Fort Wayne, the grid of one-way streets can be the most confusing aspect to navigate. Key east-west streets like Jefferson Boulevard and Washington Boulevard are one-way, as are north-south streets like Harrison and Calhoun. The most common mistake is attempting to turn the wrong way onto one of these streets. Relying on a satnav is highly recommended, and always take a moment to look for one-way signs before completing a turn in the downtown area.

Fort Wayne is a major rail hub, so encountering a stopped train is a distinct possibility that can affect travel times. Crossings along major roads like Taylor Street, Ardmore Avenue and Fairfield Avenue are known for causing significant and unpredictable delays. While it's hard to plan for, it's wise to build an extra 10–15 minutes of buffer time into your schedule if your route crosses multiple tracks, especially if you have a time-sensitive appointment or a flight to catch.

During a major event like the Three Rivers Festival, you should expect significant changes to downtown traffic patterns. Many streets around Headwaters Park, the festival's hub, will be closed to vehicles entirely. Parking becomes scarce, and the city's public car parks will be the most reliable option, though they fill up quickly. The best strategy is to park on the periphery of the downtown area and enjoy a short walk to the festivities, avoiding the most congested areas altogether.

When visiting a busy shopping centre like Glenbrook Square, the key to an easy exit is strategic parking. Instead of parking near the main entrance off Coliseum Boulevard, try to find a spot near one of the secondary exits that lead to less congested roads like Clinton Street or Northrop Street. This allows you to bypass the main traffic light, which often gets backed up. A little extra walking from your car can save you a lot of time and frustration when you're ready to leave.

Shortly after leaving FWA, the most convenient area for a family-friendly break is the Jefferson Pointe and Apple Glen shopping centres, located just off I-69 about 10–15 minutes from the airport. This area offers a wide variety of quick-service restaurants, coffee shops and large stores with clean restrooms. The open-air layout of Jefferson Pointe also provides a nice space for kids to stretch their legs for a few minutes before you continue on your journey. It's an easy off-and-on from the motorway, making it an ideal first stop.

Finding a petrol station to refuel before your car return at FWA is very convenient. Several stations are located along the Airport Expressway, the main road leading to the airport terminals. You will also find multiple options on Bluffton Road and Winchester Road, near the I-469 interchange. No matter which direction you are coming from, you can easily top off the tank within a five-minute drive of the hire car return area, eliminating any last-minute stress or detours.

For a quick clean-out before returning your hire car, your best bet is to stop at one of the full-service petrol stations or car washes located a few miles from the airport. Many of these establishments can be found along main roads like Winchester Road or Bluffton Road. They typically offer high-powered vacuums and have large rubbish bins available for customer use. This allows for a fast and efficient way to remove any crumbs or trash accumulated during your trip.

When driving in Fort Wayne during winter weather, exercise extra caution, particularly in the early morning when temperatures are lowest. Bridges, overpasses and motorway ramps are notorious for freezing before other road surfaces, so reduce your speed significantly when approaching them. Shaded roads in residential areas or parks can also hold onto ice and snow longer than roads exposed to sunlight. Main thoroughfares are usually well-treated, but it's always best to allow for extra travel time and increase your following distance.

During heavy rain, be aware of water pooling in the outer lanes of major roads like I-69 and I-469, as well as in older underpasses throughout the city. Visibility can be significantly reduced, so using your headlights and slowing down is crucial. Fog is most common in the early mornings, especially in low-lying areas near Fort Wayne's three rivers—the St. Marys, St. Joseph and Maumee. If you encounter dense fog, reduce your speed and increase your following distance from other vehicles.

Yes, once you travel outside the I-469 loop that encircles Fort Wayne, the risk of encountering deer on the road increases substantially. Rural routes and county roads in areas like Aboite Township to the south-west or towards Leo-Cedarville to the north-east are particularly known for deer activity. Be especially vigilant when driving in these wooded areas during dawn and dusk, as this is when deer are most active. Using your full beam when possible can help you spot them earlier.

When travelling with bulky items, the primary concern is matching your vehicle's cargo capacity to your needs. An SUV or people carrier offers more flexible and accessible storage space for things like golf clubs or multiple large suitcases. However, a larger vehicle can be more challenging to manoeuvre in tighter downtown car parks. A standard saloon might be easier to park but will have less cargo room. Consider your entire itinerary, from airport pick-up to hotel parking, to choose the vehicle that best balances space and manoeuvrability.

Instead of trying to caravan through unfamiliar city streets, the easiest way for a group to meet up is to pick a large, easy-to-find landmark with ample parking. A major shopping centre like Jefferson Pointe or a large public space like Foster Park serves as an excellent central meeting point. This allows everyone to arrive at their own pace without the stress of trying to follow another car through traffic. Once everyone has gathered, you can consolidate into fewer vehicles or leave for your destination together.

For the easiest navigation at Purdue Fort Wayne, use the main campus entrance off Coliseum Boulevard. This will lead you directly to marked visitor parking lots, which are your best starting point. Drivers unfamiliar with the campus often get turned around on the inner ring road, which can be confusing. The most effective strategy is to park your car in a visitor lot first and then navigate to your specific building on foot using a campus map.

When visiting the Children's Zoo, plan to arrive early, especially at weekends, to secure a parking spot closer to the main entrance. The large lot is well organised, giving you plenty of space to unload pushchairs and organise your family before heading in. The biggest challenge is leaving at closing time, as a large volume of traffic exits simultaneously. Be patient, as the parking attendants do a good job of directing cars out, but expect a slow and steady departure process.

To ensure a stress-free departure for an early flight, plan to leave downtown Fort Wayne about 30–40 minutes before you want to arrive at the airport. This drive typically takes only 20 minutes, but the extra time provides a comfortable buffer for morning traffic, refuelling the hire car, and completing the return process. Following a direct route like Jefferson Boulevard to the Airport Expressway is the most reliable option. This simple plan helps avoid any last-minute rushing.

For a safe and easy driver swap, the best locations are places with large, low-traffic parking lots. A public park, such as Foster Park or Franke Park, is an excellent choice as it offers plenty of space to pull over. Alternatively, the car park of a large retail store or shopping centre provides a safe environment to switch drivers, adjust seats and mirrors, and reorganise any luggage without the pressure of moving traffic. Avoid pulling over on the hard shoulder of a busy road or motorway.

If you're staying near I-69, be aware of typical commuter rush-hour patterns. Traffic heading into the city is heaviest between 7:00 and 9:00, particularly on I-69 South and major arteries like US-30 East and Jefferson Boulevard. The evening commute flows in the opposite direction, with traffic building on I-69 North and westbound roads between 16:00 and 18:00. Planning your drives into and out of the city outside of these peak hours will lead to a much smoother and faster trip.

Fort Wayne's roundabouts are generally designed to national standards and function like those in most other cities. There are no significant local quirks, but the key for any visitor is to follow the fundamental rules: give way to all traffic already circulating within the roundabout, and choose your lane before entering based on the signs for your intended exit. As long as you slow down on approach and pay attention to the signage, you will find them easy to navigate.

Like many growing cities, Fort Wayne often has construction projects on its main corridors, such as I-69, I-469 and Coliseum Boulevard. To avoid the stress of sudden lane shifts, it's a good practice to check a live traffic app on your phone before you start your drive. When you do encounter a work zone, signs will typically provide advance warning of a lane closure. The best strategy is to merge into the continuing lane as early as possible rather than waiting until the last second.

For a pleasant scenic drive, consider exploring the state and county roads that wind through the region's small towns and farmland. Heading north-east from Fort Wayne on SR 37 towards the lake areas near Angola offers lovely countryside views. Another enjoyable option is to drive west along the Wabash River on SR 24, passing through historic towns like Huntington. These routes provide a relaxing alternative to the motorway and a better sense of the local landscape.

Fort Wayne is an excellent stopover point, and planning for an efficient hire experience is easy. The airport (FWA) is conveniently located just off I-469, which connects directly to I-69, the main north-south route between Indianapolis and Michigan. By arranging your pick-up and return at the airport location, you minimise your time off the main motorway. You can quickly access nearby hotels and restaurants before easily returning the car and continuing your long-distance journey.

When navigating Fort Wayne's suburbs and surrounding rural areas, the most common issue is the prevalence of similar-sounding street names within new developments. It's also important to note that many county roads are identified by numbers rather than names, and they may not be well-lit at night. Relying on a satnav is essential for accuracy. Always double-check the full address before you depart, and drive with extra caution on unlit rural routes after dark.

The most efficient method for a group return at FWA is to first drive to the terminal's upper-level departures curb. You can drop off all passengers and luggage there, allowing them to head inside towards the check-in desks. From there, the driver can proceed alone to the hire car return area, which is a very short drive away. After completing the quick return process, the driver can simply walk back into the terminal to rejoin the group, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free.