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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) | • Multiple on-site agencies • Extended hours (some until midnight) • 24-hour returns • Largest fleet selection in eastern Montana |
• Airport concession fees • Higher base rates than off-airport • Some wait times during peak arrival periods |
| Downtown Billings | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Multiple provider options • Within walking distance to hotels |
• Limited hours (most 8AM-5PM) • Many closed on weekends • Transportation needed from airport |
| Budget alternatives (Rent-A-Wreck) | • Lower rates • Potential for older/unique vehicles • Less stringent rental requirements |
• Variable vehicle condition • Limited support services • May have mileage restrictions |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals in Billings cost around $97 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $62 per day.
Skip the airport surcharge: Grab a rideshare from BIL to a downtown branch and dodge the 10-15% concession fee baked into airport rates.
Book flexibly, then price-stalk: Choose a free-cancellation deal and re-check a few days out. Billings usually has enough cars that prices dip outside MontanaFair and July.
Travel in shoulder or snow season: Winter and spring/fall run $40-70/day versus $80-100 in peak summer. Shifting dates by a week can cut the bill in half.
Compare daily vs weekly totals: A 7-day rate can be cheaper than 5-6 individual days. Run both numbers before you click "confirm."
Downtown Billings: Metered spaces in business district; paid via meters or PayByPhone app
Parking garages: Several downtown structures offer hourly and daily rates
Shopping areas: Free spaces at West End shopping centers and malls
Winter considerations: Snow emergency routes marked; avoid these areas during declared emergencies
Rimrocks viewpoints: Free spots at popular overlooks but limited spaces
Hospital locations: Multiple hospitals including Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare
Rent a car to easily:
Yellowstone National Park – Lamar Valley
Beartooth Highway – Red Lodge, Cooke City
Little Bighorn Battlefield – Crow Agency
Bighorn Canyon – Fort Smith
Cody, Wyoming – Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Bozeman – Museum of the Rockies

Is Billings a good base for visiting Yellowstone National Park?
Billings is 130 miles (209 km) from Yellowstone's Northeast entrance using the seasonal Beartooth Highway. The North entrance in Gardiner is about 175 miles (282 km) away. While it's not as close as Bozeman or Cody, you'll find good value on lodging and can easily drive the scenic Beartooth Highway route.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring from Billings?
A standard sedan is all you need for summer travel on main highways. If you're traveling in the winter or driving the Beartooth Highway, you'll be more comfortable and safer in an SUV, which has better ground clearance for mountain roads.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Billings?
Billings usually has plenty of rental cars available year-round, since it has more cars than many other places in Montana. You should book 2–3 weeks ahead for the busy summer months, especially during MontanaFair in August. In the off-season, you can often book a car just a few days before you need it.
Can I find one-way rentals from Billings to other destinations?
Yes. Since Billings is a major center for rental cars in the area, you'll find more one-way options available. The drop fees are also often lower than in smaller towns. Many people book one-way rentals to Bozeman, Cody (WY) and Sheridan (WY).
When is the Beartooth Highway open for driving?
The Beartooth Highway (US-212) connects Red Lodge to Yellowstone's Northeast entrance. Highway crews usually open it in late May (around Memorial Day weekend) and close it in mid-October, depending on the snow. Because this spectacular drive is only open in the summer, you should not try to drive it any other time.