While Bend itself is relatively easy to navigate, having a rental car can open up far more of Central Oregon—from Cascade lakes and scenic drives to mountain trailheads and surrounding high desert destinations.
For most visitors arriving by air, Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is the easiest place to rent a car before heading into Bend. Located roughly 20 minutes north of town, the airport hosts several major rental providers, allowing travelers to pick up vehicles immediately upon arrival and head directly into Central Oregon.
Rental demand increases significantly during summer weekends, ski season, and major event periods, so booking ahead is strongly recommended—especially for larger vehicles and all-wheel-drive options during winter months.
Once in Bend, many visitors discover they don’t necessarily need to drive constantly. Guests staying at Riverhouse benefit from convenient on-site parking alongside easy proximity to downtown Bend, the Deschutes River Trail, breweries, restaurants, and many of the city’s most popular gathering areas.
That flexibility allows travelers to use a vehicle for larger day trips while still enjoying walkable access to many of Bend’s most recognizable experiences closer to town.
For visitors hoping to explore beyond Bend itself, however, having a car remains one of the best ways to experience the broader Central Oregon landscape at your own pace.