Car Rental at Columbus Golden Triangle Airport (GTR) (GTR)

Columbus Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) serves northeastern Mississippi and is the hub for a region that includes the cities of Columbus, Starkville, and West Point - hence the name Golden Triangle. With four rental companies on-site, it's easy to pick up a car right at the runway and drive out into a region known for Mississippi State University and Civil War history. Columbus downtown is 16 km to the south, about a 15-minute drive.

GTR is located at coordinates 33.451°N, 88.588°W north of Columbus in Lowndes County. The airport has daily connections via Atlanta. Starkville and Mississippi State University campus are 45 km to the southwest (35 min via Highway 82), and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is reached in about 160 km (1 hr 40 min) to the east via Highway 82.

Book your car well in advance during football season (September - November) when MSU home games fill the entire region's car rental fleet. Drive north along Highway 45 to explore Tombigbee National Forest, about 30 km from the airport. Columbus' historic district with antebellum homes is worth a stop - take Jefferson Street south from Highway 82.

Which rental companies are at Columbus GTR? There are four rental companies at the airport. Compare prices on SmartCarRental.com for current offers from available companies.

How far is it from GTR to Birmingham, Alabama? Birmingham is about 240 km to the east via Highway 82 and I-20/59, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Can I drive to Memphis from Columbus GTR?

Yes, Memphis is about 320 km to the north via Highway 45 and I-22, approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes' drive - a realistic day-trip option.

We compare prices from all major providers at Columbus Golden Triangle Airport (GTR) so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.