Car rental Cincinnati Airport (CVG)

The city of Cincinnati borders three states, which means Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio are all within easy reach of whatever journey you’re mapping out – and exploring the Midwest by road is truly a pleasant experience, with wide open roads and quiet routes aplenty.

To reach the city of Cincinnati from the airport, use Interstates 275 and 71 to cross the Ohio River. Interstate 275 snakes around the lively inner city through three states, providing a simple way to begin your journey and arrive at the heart of the action.

Tourism in Cincinnati centres on the Licking Riverside and Over-the-Rhine neighbourhoods, respectively north and south of the river. To take the scenic route across these waters, use the John A Roebling Suspension Bridge.

Interstate 275 connects to several others, providing easy access to central Cincinnati and beyond, making your journey easy.

Use Interstate 71 to cruise south from Cincinnati towards Louisville, Kentucky’s lively capital. In the north-east, this freeway stretches through Ohio towards Columbus.

For a direct route north into central Ohio, drive north through Drayton and Lima towards Toledo. This region is both rural and rustic – you’ll see quaint towns and charming farmland punctuating the landscape as you cruise leisurely from city to city.

Interstate 5 also dips south into central Kentucky. You’ll pass the vibrant city of Lexington nestled among the rolling green plains - continue south for hiking, climbing and hunting at Daniel Boone National Forest.

Travelling around Cincinnati usually involves driving across state borders, so it’s important to be aware that the speed limits can change quickly. Keep an eye on the signs to ensure you know what speed you can travel at. Ohio and Indiana have a maximum speed limit of 70 mph (112 km/h), while the limit is 65 mph (104 km/h) in Kentucky.

In all three states, the preferred etiquette involves leaving the left lane clear for passing, especially if travelling below the prevailing speed. Roads in and around Cincinnati, as you would expect from a major city, can be quite busy, especially around peak times. With this in mind, try to plan out journeys where you can and leave plenty of time for travel.

Whether you’re visiting Cincinnati on business or you plan to take a drive out to see the charming countryside in and around the Ohio-Kentucky border, renting a car from Cincinnati Airport gives you the chance to sample a slice of Americana through the ages, waltzing effortlessly through the years.

Explore Ohio’s Southern Belle

Venture across the Taylor Southgate Bridge to reach the bustling Central Business District, where the Ohio River Trail sits alongside an interactive museum based around America’s fascinating civil rights struggles. There are exhibits focused on Cincinnati Reds baseball greats, as well as bountiful artistic gems tucked down side streets.

The Brewing Heritage Trail is one of the best ways to explore the Over-the-Rhine district. Here, you can weave between locally famous brewery buildings, getting to grips with local history and learning all about the the Queen City’s heritage in the production of hooch.

Make sure to visit the iconic Union Terminal building, which has been transformed into one of the state’s best educational destinations, sporting museums, a library and a children’s science workshop – ideal for all the family.

Across the neighbourhood, Cincinnati Art Museum is home to one of the oldest collections in the USA, with a series of works spanning 6,000 years of human history. Step inside and allow yourself to be whisked away on a journey back in time.  

For something a little more alternative, head to the American Sign Museum – where the quirky art and history of sign-making is celebrated. There are designs from every state and decade, plus an entire wall shrouded in colourful neon, showing how brands’ connections with their audiences have slowly but surely evolved through the course of the last few decades.

Culture in the Northern Kentucky River region

Cross into Kentucky and leave the bright city lights in your wake to enjoy an altogether different taste of history and culture.

Hop across continents at ainStrasse Village, an authentic 19th-century German neighbourhood and National Historic District that shows how immigration has helped shape this part of the US. Vibrant architecture frames independent stores and live music venues with a pop of colour on the south bank of the Ohio River.

Nearby Newport is famous for its Aquarium, as well as its lively nightspots and the world’s largest swinging bell – a much-loved symbol of freedom and world peace.

If you love motorsport, Kentucky Speedway is just a short drive away. This dashing venue is fast, furious and sits just outside the quaint home-rule town of Sparta. Renting a car from Cincinnati Airport is a great way to plan a classic American day trip or overnight stay here, complete with fast food and great camping grounds.

Take the adventure one step further with a drive through some of the States’ most popular Midwest attractions. Ark Encounter is Kentucky’s Biblical theme park, where a full-size Noah’s Ark hosts exhibits on Christian creation. Its sister museum is a uniquely American gallery, complete with a thrilling zip line course to get the blood pumping.

Action in Ohio and Indiana

State parks and caverns are a huge highlight of any drive north of Cincinnati, heading out into the wild rural west. Serpent Mound is a fascinating prehistoric effigy, dating back more than two thousand years. This huge serpentine structure is a place of spiritual significance – and makes for a truly awe-inspiring walk.

A little further afield you’ll find Hayden Falls Park, home to one of Ohio’s most beautiful waterfalls. The 10-metre cascades form just a small part of more than two acres of this peaceful nature reserve. Dive in and find serenity just a short drive from city life.

Marengo Cave is a US National Landmark in the southern Indiana forests, where million-year-old tunnels stretch beneath a 122-acre park. The famous Maze Crawl ride allows guests to wind and twist through challenging spaces using innovative technology.

Whether you’re in Cincinnati for city sights, nature or a taste of Midwest culture, Cincinnati Airport car rental is the simple and smart way to give yourself the chance to get out and explore.