Car Hire Redmond Airport — Your Gateway to the High Desert
Landing at Roberts Field is the easy part. The moment you step out of the small, efficient terminal, you’re hit with that crisp, high-desert air and a view of the Cascade Range that makes you want to get moving immediately. While there are a few shuttle services and rideshares available, relying on them to explore Central Oregon is a recipe for frustration. Renting a car directly from Redmond Airport isn’t just a convenience here; it’s practically a requirement if you want to see anything beyond the hotel parking lot. Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to chase the sunrise at Smith Rock or catch a late dinner in Bend without checking a bus schedule.
What makes this destination special isn’t just one town—it’s the radius of adventure that surrounds you. Redmond sits right in the heart of Oregon’s outdoor playground. One direction leads to the vibrant breweries of Bend, another to the volcanic wonders of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and straight ahead lies the endless trails of the Deschutes National Forest. Securing a rental car at the airport ensures you aren’t stuck at the mercy of tour groups. You can pack your hiking boots, your fishing gear, and your sense of spontaneity, and head out on your own timeline.
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Redmond Airport
If you’re used to navigating massive, labyrinthine airports where it takes forty minutes just to walk to the rental car counter, Redmond Airport (RDM) is going to be a breath of fresh air. The airport is compact, user-friendly, and getting your rental car is surprisingly quick. Most major rental agencies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National, have counters located right inside the terminal building near the baggage claim area. Unlike larger hubs where you need a bus transfer to an off-site lot, the rental car parking area is typically just a short walk across the street from the terminal doors. It’s one of the smoother pickup experiences you’ll find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Before you grab the keys, make sure you have your essentials ready. You’ll need a valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is required if your license isn’t in English) and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Debit cards are often accepted, but they can come with stricter identification checks or deposit holds, so it’s safer to stick with a credit card if possible. It’s also worth checking your booking voucher beforehand to see if the agency requires a printed copy, though most now accept digital confirmations. If you are arriving during the busy summer or ski season, try to book well in advance—inventory in smaller regional airports can run out fast.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car in Redmond Airport
Once you have the keys, the hardest part is deciding which direction to drive. The region is packed with natural wonders, and having a car makes them all accessible.
1. Smith Rock State Park: Just a 20-minute drive north of the airport, this is a must-see. It’s considered the birthplace of modern sport climbing, but you don’t need to be a pro to appreciate it. The sheer cliffs of tuff and basalt rising above the Crooked River are breathtaking. Park the car and take the easy Misery Ridge loop for views that will blow up your Instagram feed.
2. Bend, Oregon: A 30-minute drive south brings you to Bend, the cultural heart of Central Oregon. It’s famous for its craft breweries—Deschutes Brewery and Crux Fermentation Project are local legends. You can float down the Deschutes River in the summer or explore the Old Mill District for shopping and dining. It’s a very driver-friendly city with plenty of parking compared to major metros.
3. Crater Lake National Park: If you’re up for a stunning road trip, drive your rental south for about 90 minutes to Crater Lake. The deep blue water is unlike anything else in the world. The rim drive is spectacular, but check road conditions in winter, as snow can close the higher passes well into spring.
4. The Cascade Lakes Highway: Heading west from Bend, this scenic byway takes you past alpine lakes like Sparks Lake and Elk Lake. With your rental car, you can stop at trailheads for Mount Bachelor or just pull over for a picnic by the water. It’s a perfect half-day drive that showcases the volcanic geography of the region.
Tips for Driving in Oregon
Driving in Oregon comes with a few quirks that might catch visitors off guard. First, keep an eye on your speed. Oregon State Police are very active on Highway 97 and Highway 20, enforcing limits strictly. Speed limits on open highways are usually 55-65 mph, but they drop quickly when passing through small towns, so watch for those signs.
One unique aspect of Oregon driving used to be the prohibition on pumping your own gas. As of recent changes, self-serve is now allowed in many parts of the state, but you will still find full-service stations, especially in smaller towns. If you pull up to a pump and an attendant starts filling your tank, don’t panic—it’s normal, and tipping isn’t expected but is appreciated.
Regarding tolls, you won’t find many in Central Oregon. The drive from Redmond to Bend or Smith Rock is toll-free. However, if you plan to drive north towards Portland, be aware of toll bridges or potential toll lanes in the metro area. Finally, watch out for wildlife. Deer and elk are common near roadways at dawn and dusk. Hitting an elk is a surefire way to ruin your rental car and your trip, so use your high beams when appropriate and slow down if you spot eyes reflecting in the dark.
Ready to hit the road? Use the search widget above to compare prices from top providers and lock in your vehicle for your Central Oregon adventure.