How to find a cheap car hire deal in Rochester
Travel at your own pace with a cheap rental car in Rochester. With prices averaging $200 a day, you're on the road to better value. From no-frills city cars to big-capacity SUVs, we'll help you find the right ride at the right price.
Daily rental prices in Rochester start from just $109.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from $501 and explore more than just the top attractions.
Pick up the best price on a Rochester car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.
Enterprise, National and Avis are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you choose Enterprise or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Rochester car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can bag some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Rochester.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $186 a day.
Coming in second is this provider, offering daily rates of around $187.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly $330 a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that works for most trips? The Premium rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Rochester.
Flying to Rochester? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Rochester, get moving sooner by booking a car hire at Rochester International Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Rochester
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Rochester gets you moving without breaking the bank. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for small families and couples.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this Rochester car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Rochester that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Rochester car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so give them a quick comparison.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Rochester by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always read your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
Add a car seat to your Rochester car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules can change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest option.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and outings. Pay with a debit or credit card where you can, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
English is the language you'll most often encounter in this country.
Best hotels in Rochester for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area. Offering accessible parking as well as a laundry and luggage storage, this hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Rochester.
Or take advantage of the parking at Comfort Inn & Suites West - Medical Centre. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this option, which also features an indoor swimming pool and shuttle services.
Need more ideas? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Rochester. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Rochester and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Get things started with big attractions like Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr Park, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Rochester
Lakeville should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Land of Amazement and Daniels Conservation Area. This city is around 97 kilometres northwest of central Rochester.
You'll be well looked after at Motel 6 Lakeville, MN - South - Lakeville and GrandStay Hotel and Conference, two accommodation options with parking in Lakeville.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Rochester and then take off to Apple Valley. Roughly 97 kilometres northwest of Rochester, Minnesota Zoo and Redwood Park are big attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Blue Way Inn Eagan Extended Stay and Days Inn by Wyndham Eagan Minnesota Near Mall of America are comfortable places to stay in Apple Valley if you're settling in for a while. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Why slow down now? Motor on to Madison, about 274 kilometres east of Rochester. From Camp Randall Stadium to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, your journey will end on a high note.
Find a room at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace or Super 8 by Wyndham Madison South. They make it a breeze to experience everything Madison has to offer. They also come with a place to park.