National Car Hire
Fort Wayne

After you collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim area, look for the overhead signs directing you to the Rental Car Centre. The National Car Rental desk is conveniently located within this dedicated area inside the main terminal building. Once you have completed your paperwork at the desk, you will be directed to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are staged. The entire process is streamlined and well signposted for traveller convenience.

Total time can vary, but a reasonable estimate is between 20 and 35 minutes from the moment you disembark. This accounts for the time it takes to walk to baggage reclaim, wait for your luggage to arrive, and then walk to the rental car desks. Since the National desk and the vehicle collection area are integrated with the terminal at FWA, there is no need for a shuttle bus. The efficiency of the baggage handlers and the number of travellers in front of you will be the main factors.

Finding your hire car late at night at FWA is typically straightforward. The airport is much quieter, making the directional signs for the Rental Car Centre even easier to spot after you exit the secure area. Rental desks are staffed to cover scheduled flight arrivals, so an agent should be available to assist you. The walk to the collection car park is short and well lit, ensuring a safe and simple experience even after a long day of travel.

The most direct and generally reliable route is to take Airport Expressway east from the airport. Follow signs to merge onto Interstate 69 North. Continue on I-69 for several miles and then take the exit for Jefferson Boulevard (US-24 East), which leads you directly into the heart of downtown. While rush hour can add congestion, especially on I-69, this interstate route is usually faster than navigating surface streets.

Downtown Fort Wayne is laid out on a grid, making it relatively easy to navigate, but first-time visitors should be aware of the one-way street system. Key thoroughfares like Jefferson Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, Wayne Street and Berry Street are one-way in the central business district. It's sensible to use a GPS navigation app and pay close attention to street signs, especially when turning, to avoid any confusion.

Parking for a TinCaps game is quite convenient. The most popular option is the Harrison Square Parking Garage, which is located directly opposite the ballpark. There are also several surface lots in the immediate vicinity that offer game-day parking. To ensure a good spot and avoid any last-minute rush, it's a good idea to arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before the first pitch.

For events at either the Embassy Theatre or the Grand Wayne Convention Center, the most practical parking solution is the Civic Center Parking Garage. This large multi-level garage is centrally located and provides direct, covered access to the convention centre. It's a very short walk from this garage to the theatre entrance. For popular shows or large conventions, arriving a little early is recommended as this is the primary parking facility for both venues.

The best strategy is to park your hire car and explore The Landing on foot, as the area is very compact and pedestrian-friendly. You can use one of the nearby public parking garages, such as the one at Promenade Park or the Civic Center garage, which offer hourly or daily rates. This allows you to leave your car in a secure spot and freely enjoy the neighbourhood's many dining and entertainment options without worrying about finding on-street parking.

The drive to Sweetwater Sound is very straightforward from the airport. Take Airport Expressway to Interstate 69 North and drive for about 10 miles. Take the US-30 West exit, and the Sweetwater campus will be immediately visible on your right. They have a large dedicated campus with ample free visitor parking located directly in front of their main building, making it a stress-free destination to visit.

For an early-morning flight, it's sensible to plan on arriving at the airport's rental car return area approximately two hours before your scheduled departure. This provides a comfortable buffer to complete the vehicle return process, walk into the terminal, check any luggage with your airline, and clear through security. While the return process itself is usually quick, this timing helps avoid stress from unexpected delays.

As you approach the airport, follow the prominent signs for Rental Car Return. These signs will guide you into a designated lane that leads to the rental car garage. An agent will greet you, quickly inspect the vehicle and finalise your return. From there, you simply gather your belongings and follow the signs for a short walk from the garage directly into the main terminal building, where you'll find the airline check-in desks.

The most efficient method is to first drive to the main terminal's upper level for Departures. You can pull up to the kerb and drop off your passengers and their luggage there. After they are safely on their way to the check-in desk, the driver can simply follow the airport roadway signs which are designed to loop traffic back around. These signs will clearly direct you to the Rental Car Return entrance without having to leave the airport complex.

To expedite your pickup, make sure you are enrolled in National's Emerald Club to bypass the desk and go straight to your car. Once you're on the road, the quickest route to the north side of the city is taking Airport Expressway to Interstate 69 North. This interstate provides a direct path to key northern areas like Dupont Road or Coliseum Boulevard, helping you avoid city traffic and save valuable time.

For maximum convenience, consider hotels located in the suburban areas near the I-69 interchanges, such as around Jefferson Pointe in the south-west or the Dupont Road area in the north. These locations offer immediate motorway access, making it easy to get anywhere in the city. Additionally, hotels in these areas almost always provide ample free surface parking right outside their doors, which is a significant advantage for travellers with a hire car.

Driving on I-69 through Fort Wayne is generally a typical American interstate experience and is manageable for visitors. The highway is well maintained and clearly signed. The junctions that require a bit more attention are the link with I-469 (the beltway), the US-30/Coliseum Boulevard exit and the US-24/Jefferson Boulevard exit, as these areas experience higher traffic volumes and more merging during peak commute times.

The trip is very simple and direct. Take Interstate 69 North from Fort Wayne for about 20 miles to the Auburn exit. The renowned Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is located just off the highway. To make it a round trip without backtracking, you can visit the museum first, then drive into Auburn's charming downtown for lunch or a walk before easily getting back on I-69 South to return to Fort Wayne.

To enjoy the most stress-free experience at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, plan to arrive either right at opening time in the morning or later in the afternoon, after 2:00 pm. Arriving early allows you to get a prime parking spot in their large lot before the biggest crowds build up. An afternoon arrival often means you'll find a good spot as early-morning visitors begin to leave for the day.

The drive is very straightforward and scenic. From Fort Wayne, simply take Interstate 69 North for approximately 45 miles until you reach the Angola exit. Signs will then clearly direct you to the park entrance. Inside Pokagon, you'll find large dedicated car parks near major attractions like the Potawatomi Inn and the toboggan run, as well as smaller designated pull-off areas at the start of various hiking trails.

For an easy-to-navigate loop, start by taking US-33 North out of Fort Wayne until it merges with US-6 West, which leads you toward Shipshewana. After enjoying the town, begin your return trip by taking IN-5 South to US-20 East. Follow US-20 until you can merge onto I-69 South, which will take you directly back to Fort Wayne. This route primarily uses major state and federal highways, minimising complex rural navigation.

On a Notre Dame football weekend, the drive from Fort Wayne via US-30 West and US-31 North will be significantly congested, particularly as you approach South Bend. It is critical to leave Fort Wayne several hours earlier than usual. For parking, it is highly recommended to purchase a parking pass online in advance for a specific university-designated lot, as day-of parking is extremely limited and navigating the area without a plan can be very challenging.

Visitors should be particularly mindful of speed limit changes on the city's main arterial roads, such as Coliseum Boulevard, Jefferson Boulevard and Dupont Road. These routes often transition between commercial and residential areas, with speed limits dropping accordingly. School zones are also prevalent and are clearly marked with flashing lights during specific hours on weekdays, so it's important to be vigilant and reduce speed when they are active.

Both shopping centres are conveniently located near major motorways. To reach Jefferson Pointe, take I-69 to the Jefferson Boulevard (US-24) exit. For Glenbrook Square Mall, take I-69 to the Coliseum Boulevard (US-30) exit. Both destinations have extensive free parking lots, but be prepared for heavy traffic on the access roads and within the car parks themselves, especially on weekend afternoons and during the holiday shopping season.

The Coliseum is surrounded by a very large, dedicated parking lot that serves all its events. Upon arrival, attendants will direct you to the best available space. For major concerts, sporting events or trade shows, it is highly advisable to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before the event's start time. This allows you to negotiate incoming traffic, park and walk to the entrance without feeling rushed.

The most direct route from the airport is to take Airport Expressway to I-69 North. For Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW), exit at Coliseum Boulevard and head east; the campus will be on your right. To get to Indiana Tech, continue east on Coliseum Boulevard and then turn south onto Anthony Boulevard. Both campuses are easily accessible from the interstate and are well signposted.

When a major event is happening downtown, surface streets like Jefferson, Washington and Calhoun can become very congested. A good strategy is to use the I-469 beltway to loop around the city and approach downtown from a less-congested direction. Always check a real-time traffic app on your phone before you leave, as it will show you street closures and help you find the most efficient alternate route.

During a winter storm, main thoroughfares like I-69, US-30 and major city streets are the highest priority for ploughing and salting. However, conditions can still be slick, especially on bridges and overpasses which freeze first. Visitors should be most cautious on less-travelled county roads and in residential neighbourhoods, as these are treated last and can remain snow-covered or icy for longer periods.

A very convenient stop is the commercial area along Illinois Road, just a few minutes' drive from the airport. After leaving the airport, take Airport Expressway to I-69 North for one exit to Illinois Road (State Road 14). Here you will find several major grocery stores, pharmacies and superstores, making it an ideal one-stop location to grab any necessities for your trip.

For a calm place to install car seats and let your children stretch, consider driving a few minutes to a nearby park. For example, the Aboite Township Community Park is a short drive from the airport and offers a quiet car park away from the hustle of the terminal. This gives you plenty of space and time to get everyone situated comfortably in the hire car before continuing to your final destination.

The primary route to Chicago involves taking the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90), which requires payment at various toll plazas. To make this process seamless, rental car companies offer electronic tolling devices or programmes that automatically record your tolls. This is the most convenient option, as it allows you to use the express lanes and settles the charges through your rental agreement. You can enquire about the specific programme details at the National desk when you pick up your car.

The drive to Indianapolis is mostly on I-69 South. To avoid the heaviest traffic on your return journey, plan to leave the Indianapolis area either before 3:30 pm or wait until after 6:00 pm. This will help you miss the peak evening rush hour on the I-465 ring road around the city and the subsequent commuter traffic heading north on I-69.

A day trip to Toledo is very realistic, as it's typically under a two-hour drive each way, leaving ample time for activities. A round trip to Detroit is more ambitious, requiring nearly three hours of driving each way, which can make for a very long and tiring day. For either trip, plan to start very early in the morning to maximise your time at your destination and be prepared for potential traffic delays, especially around the larger metro areas.

For easy access to the beautiful Rivergreenway trail system, there are several convenient parking options downtown. Headwaters Park, Promenade Park and Lawton Park all have dedicated public parking lots and are located directly on the trail network. These spots provide a great starting point for a walk or ride along the St. Marys and St. Joseph rivers, with attractive views of the city skyline.

The most convenient strategy is to drive directly into the city centre and use one of the primary public parking garages. The Civic Center Parking Garage and the Harrison Square Garage are excellent choices as they are centrally located and well lit. Parking in one of these garages allows you to leave your car for the evening and easily walk to most of downtown's popular restaurants, theatres and entertainment venues.

When driving on rural roads around Fort Wayne at night, the primary hazard to be aware of is wildlife, particularly deer, which are very active after dusk. It's crucial to drive at a cautious speed and use your full beam when no other cars are present. Also, be mindful that these roads often have less lighting, sharper curves and fewer verges than major highways.

To create a logical route, plan your day geographically. Start your morning at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, which is located in the northern part of the city. Afterwards, drive south to the downtown area for lunch and to explore attractions like Promenade Park. In the afternoon, head to the south-west side of town for shopping at Jefferson Pointe before easily hopping on I-69 to return to your hotel.

Fort Wayne offers a growing network of public EV charging stations. You can typically find them in the car parks of major shopping centres like Glenbrook Square and Jefferson Pointe, as well as in some downtown parking garages and at select hotels. The most reliable way to locate an available charger is to use a smartphone app like PlugShare or ChargePoint, which provide real-time availability and station details.

If you lose your navigation, the main interstate highways are your best reference points. I-69 runs north-south through the city, and I-469 forms a beltway around it. The airport is located in the south-west quadrant of the city, so heading south on I-69 will always get you back to the correct area. Once you see signs for Airport Expressway, you'll know you are on the right track.

Both major medical campuses are conveniently located near Interstate 69. Parkview Regional Medical Center is on the north side of town, directly off the Dupont Road exit of I-69. Lutheran Hospital is on the south-west side, easily accessible from the Jefferson Boulevard exit. Both hospitals have large, clearly signposted visitor parking garages and surface lots designed to make access for patients and visitors as simple as possible.

The transition into Ohio is seamless, as the roads and general driving culture are very similar. However, visitors often note that Ohio has a strong presence of State Highway Patrol, particularly on major routes like US-30 and US-24. It's always good practice to be extra attentive to posted speed limits and traffic laws when crossing state lines to ensure a smooth and uneventful trip.

If you believe you've left a personal item in your rental vehicle, you should immediately contact the National Car Rental office at FWA directly. It is helpful to have your rental agreement number available when you call. The staff can then check the vehicle for your belongings and will co‑ordinate with you on the best way to have your item returned to you.