How to find a cheap car hire deal in Minneapolis
Need a cheap rental car in Minneapolis? With prices averaging $183 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're wanting a zippy little number, a large SUV, or something in between, we compare all the top offers to land you a bargain.
$85 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Minneapolis.
Thinking of staying longer? Book a weekly rental from $591 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Around two weeks in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Minneapolis car hire.
Sixt, Ace Rent a Car and Dollar are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you go with Sixt or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Minneapolis car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Minneapolis.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at $191 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $238, [this provider](this provider) is next in line.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $195 a day with this supplier.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Minneapolis.
Flying to Minneapolis? Think about an airport pick-up
Start exploring Minneapolis sooner by booking a car hire at Minneapolis St Paul Airport. The city centre is about 18 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Minneapolis
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this Minneapolis car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Minneapolis that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group excursions, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Minneapolis car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Minneapolis by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always double-check your rental company's terms to see what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your Minneapolis car rental reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest approach.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Minneapolis for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time settling into the comfort of Hotel Indigo Minneapolis Downtown by IHG. Around 0.32 kilometres from central Minneapolis, it comes with accessible parking, a laundry and Wi-Fi.
Element Minneapolis Downtown is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, plus bicycle rentals and a laundry. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Minneapolis and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Minneapolis and the right hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to explore first. Get started with major attractions such as Walker Art Centre, Minneapolis Institute of Art and Minnehaha Regional Park.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Minneapolis
Bloomington should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Minnesota. This city is about 16 kilometres south of central Minneapolis.
They've perfected the guest experience at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington - Minneapolis South and Super 8 by Wyndham Bloomington/Airport, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Bloomington.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Minneapolis and travel roughly 16 kilometres west to Plymouth. Featuring French Regional Park and Medicine Lake, it's every bit as good as advertised.
DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis-Park Place and Ramada by Wyndham Minneapolis Golden Valley are comfortable places to stay in Plymouth if you're sticking around for a bit. Go for one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Not done driving yet? Waterloo is a top road trip destination that's about 290 kilometres south of Minneapolis. Make a few pit stops at Lost Island Themepark and George Wyth Lake.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. Comfort Inn & Suites Waterloo - Cedar Falls and Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waterloo have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Waterloo.
