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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Bloomington. Compare prices and book in one place. Check side-by-side rates from MSP Airport and off-airport spots near Mall of America, skip the 11 % airport surcharge when you can and be on I-35W to Minneapolis or St. Paul in minutes.
Bloomington offers several car rental options, centered mainly around the airport and Mall of America area. Compare these locations to find what works best for your trip:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MSP Airport | • Immediate access upon arrival • All major agencies available • Larger vehicle selection • Extended hours (some 24/7) |
• Higher rates (11.11% concession fee + $5.90/day facility fee) • Can be busy at peak times, resulting in longer waits |
| Off-Airport/City | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Average savings of 18% • Quicker service and shorter lines |
• Requires transportation to reach • Limited hours (many close by 6pm and on Sundays) • Smaller inventory |
On average, car rentals in Bloomington cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $40 per day.
Skip the airport markups: MSP adds about 18% in concession and facility fees. Take the light rail or a short rideshare to an off-airport counter and keep the cash.
Book early only for busy weeks: Summer, holiday shopping at Mall of America and big game weekends spike prices. Lock in a free-to-cancel reservation, then recheck and rebook if the rate drops.
Lean on weekly rates: Renting 5-6 days? A 7-day quote often costs less than paying the daily rate.
Pick the smallest car that fits: A compact or midsize front-wheel drive will handle Twin Cities roads, even most winter days, while saving on daily rate and gas.
Ask about free spouse driver: Many agencies waive the $10-15/day extra driver fee for married partners in Minnesota, but only if you request it.
Use Bloomington's free parking: Hotels and Mall of America ramps are free. Drive there, then hop light rail into downtown to avoid $10-15 city garage fees.
Where to Park:
Hotels in Bloomington: Most offer free spots, unlike downtown Minneapolis
Street Parking: Usually free in commercial areas of Bloomington
MSP Airport: Short-term spaces available in terminal garages; there are cheaper long-term lots further out that run shuttles
Downtown Minneapolis: If visiting, expect metered street spots or ramps
Local Driving Rules:
School Buses: You must stop at least 20 feet away when a school bus extends its stop-arm and red lights are flashing
Speed Limits: 30 mph in urban areas, 55 mph on highways, 60-70 mph on interstates
Hands-Free Law: It is illegal to hold your phone while driving; use voice commands or dashboard mounts
No Toll Roads: Minnesota has no toll highways; all main routes are free to use
Having your own wheels lets you explore the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota at your own pace.
Mall of America – shopping, entertainment
Downtown Minneapolis – sports venues, theaters, dining
Lake Minnetonka – towns, boating
Great River Road towns – Hastings, Red Wing, Lake City
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Bloomington?
Most companies rent to drivers 21 and over, but they charge an extra fee for anyone under 25. A few agencies might rent to 18-to-20-year-olds for a very high fee. They usually only do this for insurance replacements or for people on government or military travel.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
If your license isn't in English, we recommend you get an International Driving Permit. You should bring both your IDP and your original license.
How does parking work at Mall of America?
Mall of America provides free parking in several color-coded ramps. Just remember which ramp and level you parked on. When the mall is busy on weekends and holidays, you can usually find parking more easily on the upper levels.
What's the best way to handle airport rental returns?
When you return your car to MSP Airport, give yourself extra time. You should plan to get to the Rental Car Return area at least 45 minutes before you need to check in at your terminal. Follow the signs for Rental Car Return in the airport ramps. If you fill up the gas tank near the airport, keep the receipt as proof.
Are there any toll roads around Bloomington?
Minnesota does not have regular toll roads. The Twin Cities has E-ZPass express lanes on parts of I-35W, I-35E, I-94 and I-394. You don't have to use these lanes. They're free for cars carrying two or more people at certain times.
What happens if it snows during my visit?
After it snows, road crews quickly plow and salt the main roads, especially in the Twin Cities. If the forecast calls for heavy snow, you should think about delaying your travel if you can. Rental cars have all-season tires, and they are usually good enough for normal winter driving.
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