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Compare car rentals from major companies in Boise with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Boise Airport BOI for quick runway-to-road convenience or choose a downtown spot to skip airport surcharges and keep more in your budget. Filter AWD, ski racks and unlimited miles in seconds so you are road-trip ready for Sun Valley, McCall or anywhere in Idaho.
When renting a car in Boise, you can choose between airport and off-airport locations, each having distinct advantages:
| Factor | Airport Rental Pickup | City (Off-Airport) Rental Pickup |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Immediate access upon landing; rental counters on first floor of terminal. Cars are steps away, no extra transport needed. | Requires traveling from the airport to the city rental office (taxi/rideshare approximately $15-25). More effort before getting your car. |
| Cost & Fees | Higher overall cost due to airport surcharges (concession fees, facility charges). Base rates can appear low, but taxes and daily airport fees add 10-30%. | Often cheaper base rates and no airport-specific fees. Can save $100-200 per week by avoiding airport charges, according to traveler reports. |
| Vehicle Selection | Larger fleet offering more vehicle categories. Better chance to get your reserved class or an upgrade. | Smaller inventory; popular models might be limited. However, may have unique availability if airport is sold out. |
| Hours & Availability | Longer hours - align to flight schedules, open early morning to late night. Major locations stay open for late arrivals and have 24-hour drop-off. | Limited business hours (often 8am-6pm, closed nights; some closed Sundays). If your flight is delayed past closing, you could be stranded until the office reopens. |
| Wait Times | Can be busy when multiple flights arrive - expect lines during peak times (afternoon/evening). Waits of 15-30 minutes are common during rush periods. | Usually quicker pickup - fewer customers at a time. You may be the only renter, so paperwork is faster. However, must account for travel time from the airport. |
Boise Airport (BOI) hosts all eight major rental brands on-site: Avis, Budget, Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. The rental counters are in the terminal's baggage claim area. A Consolidated Rent-A-Car center is under construction to expand capacity.
Peak Times: Midday (12-3pm) and late evenings when multiple flights arrive
Longest Lines: Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings, especially in summer
Recommended Pickup Times: Early morning or late morning when counters just open or between flight banks
Time-Saving Tip: Consider enrolling in priority programs (Hertz Gold, National Emerald Club) to skip the counter
Most airport locations allow 24-hour drop-off. For after-hours returns, you can park in the designated area and place keys and the contract in a drop box. Boise's airport is accessible late (often open past midnight), and rental car returns are accessible 24/7.
For late-night pickups, rental staff usually stay until the last scheduled arriving flight's passengers are served. City locations generally do not offer after-hours pickup; you must arrive during business hours to collect the car.
On average, car rentals in Boise cost around $67 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups: Boise Airport tacks on concession fees that can add 10-30 %. A quick $20 rideshare to a city office can still leave you $100-200 ahead for a week-long rental.
Aim for off-peak dates: Summer and big events like Treefort (March) push prices up fast. Visiting in September or mid-winter (non-holiday) often cuts rates in half without sacrificing good weather for city exploring.
Tuesday or Wednesday pickup = cheaper: In Boise, mid-week collections dodge weekend surcharges and long counter lines. Even shifting your itinerary by a day can shave 10-15 % off the quote.
Check weekly pricing even for 4-6 days: Weekly bundles often beat the total of daily rates here; punch the numbers into the comparison tool before you click "book."
Skip pricey add-ons: Use your phone for nav, press the "free 20 min" button on downtown meters for quick stops, and top up your own gas within 10 miles (16 km) of return instead of prepaying fuel.
Join the free loyalty club: Perks like counter-skip lines at BOI save time and sometimes bump you up a class without extra cash.
| Location | Cost | Hours | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Metered | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm (free evenings/weekends) | Press "free 20 min" button on meters for quick stops. 2-hour time limits enforced. |
| ParkBOI Garages | Garage rates vary | 24/7 | Digital signs guide you to available spaces. Economical for afternoon visits. |
| Neighborhoods | Generally free | Unlimited in most areas | Watch for permit zones near Boise State University and the Capitol. |
| Shopping Areas | Free | Varies by location | All malls and most shopping centers offer free spots. |
Speed Limits: 20 mph in school zones, 25-35 mph on residential streets, 35-45 mph on major city streets, 55-65 mph on urban freeways
School Zones: Strictly enforced at 20 mph when children are present - watch for flashing yellow lights
Right on Red: Legal after complete stop unless signed otherwise
Hands-Free Law: No holding phones while driving, even at stop lights - use mounted devices or pull over
Seat Belts: Required for all passengers
Alcohol Limits: Legal BAC limit is 0.08% - enforcement is strict, especially at night and during holidays
Book a car rental to see:
Boise Foothills trailheads – views, hiking, biking
Bogus Basin – skiing, snowboarding, tubing
Snake River Valley wineries – vineyards, tastings
Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls – canyon viewpoints, park
McCall – Payette Lake, water sports
Sun Valley – resort village, trails
What documents do I need to rent a car in Boise?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. You usually don't need to show proof of insurance, but if you plan to use your own auto policy, it's wise to bring your insurance card. International visitors should bring their passport. We also recommend an International Driving Permit if your driver's license is not in English.
Do I need a special vehicle for driving in Boise?
For driving in the city and on major highways, any standard car will be fine. If you plan to travel to mountain destinations like McCall or Sun Valley in winter, you should consider an AWD/4WD vehicle. We recommend SUVs for rough roads or to access national forests.
Are there toll roads in Idaho?
No, Idaho has no toll roads or bridges, so you won't need to worry about toll fees or special passes anywhere in the state.
What's the best time to book a rental car for Boise?
If you visit in the summer, book 2-3 months in advance. For other times of the year, booking 2-4 weeks ahead is usually enough, but you'll often get better rates by booking earlier.
What insurance should I consider?
You should check if your credit card or travel insurance provides rental coverage. We include basic liability insurance by law, but you may want to purchase a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for complete protection. You can also get supplemental liability insurance if you want more coverage than the minimum.
How are parking regulations enforced in downtown Boise?
Parking officers check metered spaces and time limits on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fines for an expired meter start at about $15. You will see signs posted for seasonal rules on street-cleaning and snow removal.
Is it easy to drive to outdoor recreation areas from Boise?
Yes. Boise makes it easy to get to outdoor activities: the Boise Foothills trailheads are 5-15 minutes from downtown, Bogus Basin ski area is about 45 minutes away and numerous hot springs are within a 1- to 2-hour drive.
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