






Finding a rental car in Bozeman is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Montana with no reservation fees. Whether you want a car waiting at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) or prefer lower-cost downtown pickups, our live search covers SUVs, 4WDs and compact models perfect for drives to Yellowstone and Big Sky. Book early and recheck anytime, as flexible reservations let you switch if a better rate appears.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman city locations (Enterprise, dealerships) | • Lower rates than airport • No airport concession fees • Longer hours on weekdays |
• Limited weekend hours • Transportation needed from airport • Smaller fleet selection |
| Off-airport providers (NextCar) | • Lower rates than airport • Shuttle service available • Local customer service |
• Limited hours compared to airport • Smaller fleet • May require advance booking |
| Specialty providers (Hatch Adventures) | • 4WD/Jeeps outfitted for adventure • Airport delivery available • Specialized knowledge of off-road areas |
• Premium pricing • Limited vehicle selection • Advance reservation required |
| Peer-to-peer (Turo) | • Often lower rates than traditional rentals • Unique vehicle options • Airport delivery possible |
• Variable service quality • Meeting arrangements required • Limited commercial protections |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals in Bozeman cost around $97 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Pick up in town, not at BZN – Downtown Bozeman lots are 8 mi (13 km) from the airport and skip the ~10 % concession fee. A $25 rideshare to the city can save $50-$100+ on a weeklong rental.
Lock in a free-cancel reservation, then keep checking – Summer and holiday weeks sell out early but prices sometimes drop when extra cars get released. Re-shop through our site and rebook if the rate falls.
Tweak your dates and length – Moving pickup or drop-off by a day can unlock cheaper "weekend" or "weekly" pricing. In shoulder months (May, Oct) economy cars dip to the low $30s per day.
Compare off-airport and peer-to-peer listings in one search – Neighborhood counters and Turo hosts often stay cheaper during peak tourist rush when airport fleets are drained.
Downtown Bozeman: No meters; 2-hour free limits on weekdays
Bridger Park Garage: Downtown structure offering free short-term spots; fees apply after the initial free period
Evening/weekend: Free after 6 PM and on Sundays downtown
Montana State University: Visitors need campus permits on weekdays
Winter considerations: Move vehicles during snow removal operations (watch for temporary signs)
Residential areas: Some neighborhoods near MSU have permit-only restrictions
Cell phone use: No city-wide ban, but distracted driving laws apply
Seat belts: Required for driver and front passenger; children under 6 or under 60 lbs require car seats
Get a car rental to drive to:
Yellowstone National Park – North Entrance, West Entrance
Big Sky Resort – Gallatin Canyon route
Bridger Canyon & Bridger Bowl – scenic mountain corridor
Hyalite Canyon Reservoir – hiking, fishing, picnic areas
Virginia City – historic gold-rush town
Helena – Montana state capital

Is it cheaper to rent from a city location than the airport?
Usually, yes. When you rent in the city, you don't have to pay the airport fee, which is about 10%. The daily rental cost is often lower too. You can save a lot of money on longer rentals, even if you have to pay for a ride to the rental office.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Yellowstone and surrounding areas?
If you're traveling in the summer and staying on paved roads, any dependable sedan or small SUV will work just fine. For winter trips or if you plan to visit remote spots, we recommend an SUV that has AWD or 4WD for better grip and more room underneath the car.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Bozeman?
For a summer trip (June–August), you should book your car 2–3 months ahead of time. For the winter ski season (December–March), try to book 1–2 months early, especially around the holidays. In the spring and fall, you can often book closer to your travel date.
Can I find one-way rentals from Bozeman to other Montana cities?
Yes, most big rental companies will let you rent a car one-way to other places in Montana. You'll probably have to pay an extra fee, which is usually $100–$200 for trips inside the state. It's a good idea to book these rentals early because the company needs to have the right cars available.
Are there special things to know for winter driving in Bozeman?
If you visit in the winter, you should ask for a vehicle that has AWD or 4WD, especially if you plan to drive to ski resorts or through mountain passes. City crews do a good job of maintaining Bozeman's roads, but you should still watch out for morning ice, packed snow and poor visibility from November through March.