Hertz Car Hire
Oklahoma

After collecting your luggage at Will Rogers World Airport, follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation." You will be directed to a designated shuttle stop located just outside the baggage claim area. These complimentary shuttles run continuously and will take you on a short ride to the Consolidated Rental Car Center, a separate facility where the Hertz desk is located. The entire process is well signposted and designed to be straightforward for arriving passengers.

Rental car desks at OKC airport are used to serving travellers on late-arriving flights and typically align their hours accordingly. To ensure a smooth experience, it is good practice to include your flight number in your booking so staff can be aware of any delays. Having your reservation confirmation and driving licence ready will help speed up the process at the desk. For peace of mind, you can check the specific location's closing time online before you travel.

During peak travel times, such as weekend afternoons or bank holidays, it's wise to allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes for the whole rental car pickup process. This accounts for potential queues at the shuttle stop and the rental desk itself. While the process is generally efficient, this buffer helps avoid stress if multiple flights arrive at once. Having all your necessary information organised and ready can also help you move through the queue more quickly once you reach the desk.

To make the process easier, consider a divide-and-conquer approach. One adult can wait with the children and luggage in the baggage claim area while the other adult takes the shuttle to the Rental Car Centre to complete the paperwork. Once the vehicle is secured, the driver can return to the terminal's passenger pickup kerb to load the family and bags. This strategy minimises the time your family has to spend navigating the rental facility and makes for a much calmer start to your trip.

The most efficient way to coordinate is for the primary driver on the booking to proceed to the rental desk alone. The rest of the group can wait comfortably in the baggage claim area or at a designated spot on the arrivals level. Once the driver has completed the rental agreement and has the car, they can easily drive back to the terminal's passenger pickup kerb to meet the group. This avoids crowding at the rental facility and simplifies logistics for everyone.

The most direct route from the Bricktown area to the airport is to take I-40 West. During the morning rush, typically from 07:00 to 09:00, you should expect heavier traffic, especially around the downtown interchanges. It's a good idea to add an extra 15–20 minutes to the travel time suggested by your satnav. As you approach the airport on I-40, stay in the right-hand lanes and watch for the clearly marked exits for Will Rogers World Airport and then for the "Rental Car Return" signs.

For an early morning flight, a safe plan is to arrive at the rental car return facility at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This provides a comfortable cushion of time for the vehicle check-in process, which is usually very quick. More importantly, it allows ample time for the shuttle ride back to the main terminal, checking your baggage with the airline, and clearing security without feeling rushed.

The rental car return entrance is located off South Meridian Avenue, which is the main road leading into the airport. A common mistake is to follow the signs for "Departures" or "Arrivals" too far, which takes you to the terminal instead. To avoid this, stay in the right-hand lanes as you approach the airport complex and look for the large blue signs specifically pointing to "Rental Car Return." This turn-off comes before you reach the main terminal loop.

Yes, there are several petrol stations conveniently located along South Meridian Avenue, just north of the airport entrance. Refuelling at one of these stations is very straightforward, as you can simply turn back onto Meridian Avenue and drive directly into the airport complex to the rental return area. This route helps you avoid any complex side streets or interchanges, making for a quick and stress-free final stop before your return.

This depends on your itinerary. Downtown, Bricktown and Midtown are highly walkable, and for a trip focused solely on these areas you could park your car at the hotel and explore on foot. However, a rental car is invaluable for reaching attractions outside the central core, such as the Adventure District, the Plaza District, or the Stockyards. If your plans include exploring the broader city, keeping the car is far more practical.

For first-time visitors, hotels in the Midtown and Film Row districts often offer a less stressful parking experience than the denser Bricktown area. Many establishments in these neighbourhoods feature surface lots or more spacious parking garages that are easier to navigate. These areas still provide excellent access to downtown attractions but with the added convenience of more predictable and accessible parking, which is a great perk after a long drive.

On nights when there is a concert or an Oklahoma City Thunder game, traffic around the Paycom Center and through Bricktown becomes extremely congested. Several streets may be closed to through traffic, and parking becomes scarce and more expensive. The best strategy is to arrive several hours early to find a spot in a garage or lot. Alternatively, parking further away in Midtown or the Arts District and walking or using the streetcar can be a much less stressful option.

Driving to the memorial is straightforward, but parking can be challenging during peak times like midday or at weekends. The memorial has an adjacent parking garage, which is the most convenient option, though it can fill up. There are also numerous paid surface lots and metered street parking spots within a few blocks. To ensure easy parking, it's best to plan your visit for early in the morning shortly after opening.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and the Science Museum Oklahoma are conveniently located next to each other in the city's Adventure District. The most efficient plan is to visit both on the same day. You can drive there via I-35 or I-44, following the clear signage for the Adventure District. Once you arrive, you can park once in the large, shared car parks and easily walk between the two attractions, saving time and eliminating the need to drive and re-park.

The museum is prominently located in the Adventure District, making it easily accessible from major highways like I-44 and I-35. Clear signage will direct you from the highway exit to the museum entrance on NE 63rd Street. The museum offers a very large, free car park directly in front of the building, so finding a space is typically not a concern. The ample parking makes for a convenient and stress-free start to your visit.

The First Americans Museum is strategically located at the crossroads of I-35, I-40 and I-235, making it exceptionally easy to access from any direction. The exits are well signposted, leading you directly to the museum grounds. It features a modern and expansive car park designed to accommodate large crowds, so parking is simple and convenient. Due to its motorway-adjacent location, traffic flows smoothly in and out of the area.

For those new to city driving, Oklahoma City is relatively easy to navigate thanks to its grid-based street layout. The main challenge can be the downtown area, which has a number of one-way streets that require attention. The interchange where I-35, I-40 and I-235 converge can be busy, so using a satnav and paying close attention to lane signs is recommended. Drivers are generally courteous, but traffic moves at a faster pace than in a small town.

To travel more efficiently between these popular districts, it's best to use the main north-south arterial roads like Classen Boulevard or Western Avenue. These roads are designed to handle higher traffic volumes and have synchronised traffic lights, which can result in a smoother drive than cutting through smaller neighbourhood streets. For east-west travel, NW 23rd Street is a primary corridor that connects these areas directly.

During the State Fair, expect significant traffic congestion on all roads leading to the OKC Fairgrounds, particularly I-44 and I-40. The best plan is to allow for a substantial amount of extra travel time. The fairgrounds have extensive paid car parks, but it's wise to arrive early in the day to secure a spot. Follow the official event signage for traffic flow and parking directions, and be prepared for a bit of a walk from your car to the entrance gates.

The most stress-free plan is to park your rental car in a garage or lot in Bricktown, a few blocks away from the Paycom Center. This allows for an easy walk to the arena and helps you avoid the immediate traffic jam right at the venue. After the game, instead of rushing to your car, consider enjoying a post-game snack or drink in Bricktown. This allows the worst of the traffic to dissipate, making your departure much smoother.

Oklahoma weather can impact driving conditions significantly. In cases of heavy rain, dense fog, or strong crosswinds, you should add at least 30 minutes of extra travel time for your trip to the airport. These conditions can reduce visibility and require slower, more cautious driving. Leaving earlier ensures you can navigate safely and still arrive at the airport with plenty of time for your flight.

The most surprising winter hazard for visitors is how quickly bridges and overpasses can become slick with ice, even when the main roads appear to be just wet. This is especially common during freezing rain events. Local drivers know to be extremely cautious on elevated roadways during cold snaps. Always reduce your speed significantly on bridges and avoid sudden braking or acceleration when temperatures are near or below freezing.

For a short visit, parking in one of the public car parks in Bricktown is an excellent choice. It gives you immediate walking access to the canal, restaurants and shops. Another great option is finding metered street parking in Midtown, which is typically available during off-peak hours. This area offers a variety of local boutiques and cafés, perfect for a brief but enjoyable stop.

The drive is very direct. From the airport, you will take Airport Road (OK-152) east to I-44, then merge onto I-240 East, which quickly connects you to I-35 South. I-35 South will take you all the way to Norman. On a game weekend, the key is to leave extremely early, as traffic on I-35 heading south can become heavily congested hours before kick-off.

On game days, Norman's traffic and parking situation transforms completely. The main arteries from I-35 into the campus area, like Lindsey Street and Robinson Street, become very slow-moving. Official university car parks are often reserved, so most visitors rely on paid parking in private lots, businesses or residents' yards, which can be a considerable walk from the stadium. Arriving at least three to four hours before the game is highly recommended.

The Boathouse District is situated along the Oklahoma River, just south of I-40. The easiest access is by taking the Lincoln Boulevard exit from I-40 and heading south. The area is well signposted and easy to find. Visitors will find ample free parking in large, dedicated lots located right next to the various boathouses and recreational facilities, making it a very convenient destination to drive to.

For the easiest parking and most direct access to the popular walking and cycling trails, head to the east side of Lake Hefner. Along East Lake Hefner Drive, you will find numerous small car parks situated right along the shoreline. These lots provide immediate entry to the trail system and parks. This area is generally quieter and offers a more recreational focus than the busier restaurant and marina area on the south-west side.

The drive from Oklahoma City to the refuge is a pleasant and easy 90-minute trip, primarily on I-44 West. Before entering the refuge, it's a good idea to ensure you have a full tank of fuel, as there are no petrol stations inside. The roads within the park are paved and well maintained, but you'll be sharing them with free-roaming bison and Longhorn cattle, so it's essential to drive slowly and keep a safe distance from the wildlife.

A day trip to Turner Falls is very realistic and popular, as the drive is only about 90 minutes south on I-35. To make the most of your day and avoid the largest crowds, especially on a summer weekend, plan to leave OKC early in the morning. Arriving right as the park opens will help you secure a good parking spot and enjoy the swimming areas before the peak arrival rush, which typically occurs between 11:00 and 14:00.

The drive from Oklahoma City to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and becomes progressively more rural as you head north. The final stretch involves driving on country roads. It's important to prepare for limited to no mobile phone service within the preserve, so downloading maps for offline use is a wise precaution. Also, pack your own water and snacks, as services are not available on site.

A great plan is to explore the segments of Route 66 both east and west of the city. You can start by driving east to see the iconic Round Barn in Arcadia, then head back through OKC and continue west on the historic route through Yukon and El Reno. These stretches run parallel to major motorways like I-44 and I-40, making it easy to hop on and off the historic road for a flexible and enjoyable drive.

The most direct and common route is the Turner Turnpike (I-44 East). For the most stress-free drive, plan your departure from Oklahoma City to avoid peak rush hour traffic, ideally between 09:30 and 15:00. This window allows you to miss the morning commute out of OKC and arrive in Tulsa before its afternoon rush hour begins. The drive itself is typically smooth and takes about an hour and a half.

Planning this trip is incredibly straightforward. The primary route is I-35 South, which acts as a direct corridor connecting Oklahoma City with the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The drive requires no major detours and takes approximately three to three and a half hours, depending on traffic. Simply get on I-35 South in OKC and follow the signs all the way to your Texas destination.

A mid-size or standard SUV is an ideal choice for a family trip to Oklahoma City. This class of vehicle provides ample cargo space for luggage, a pushchair and other family necessities. At the same time, it is not overly large, making it manageable to manoeuvre and park in the standard-sized spaces found in downtown parking garages and at various attractions throughout the city.

For a smoother experience, one person in your party can take the shuttle to the rental car centre to retrieve the vehicle. The traveller with limited mobility can wait in the less crowded baggage claim area or a designated seating area. Once you have the car, you can drive it to the terminal's arrivals or departures kerb for an easy pickup, minimising the amount of walking required.

The areas around Lake Hefner or Lake Overholser are excellent for getting reacquainted with driving. These locations feature wide, multi-lane roads with relatively light traffic, especially during mid-day on weekdays. The large, open car parks at the parks are also perfect for getting a feel for the vehicle's size, practising parking, and building confidence before heading into the busier city centre.

Along major motorways like I-35 and I-44, mobile service is generally strong and reliable. However, as you venture into more rural destinations like the Wichita Mountains or the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, you may encounter areas with spotty or non-existent signal. It is highly recommended to download maps of your destination area for offline use on your GPS app before you leave Oklahoma City.

The major casinos in the area are typically located directly off main motorways and are very well lit, making late-night driving to them quite safe and easy. They feature large car parks and surface lots that are designed for high traffic volumes and are patrolled by security. Always choose a parking spot in a well-lit area and be mindful of your surroundings, just as you would in any large parking facility.

When your day involves visiting multiple attractions that are clustered together, such as in the Adventure District or downtown, the best strategy is to park once. Find a central, all-day car park or lot in the area you're exploring. This approach saves you the time and hassle of searching for a new parking spot at each location and allows you to enjoy the museums and sights on foot at a more relaxed pace.

The most efficient plan is to return your rental car to the airport facility first. Budget about 30 minutes for the return process and shuttle ride back to the terminal. From the airport terminal, you can take a taxi or a rideshare service directly to your downtown destination. This eliminates the stress of navigating downtown traffic and finding expensive event parking yourself, ensuring a timely and calm arrival for your meeting.