






Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Pick up your ride steps from baggage claim or use a quick shuttle to an off-airport lot and be on US-191 toward Yellowstone or Big Sky in minutes. We surface live prices from major agencies and local independents so you can lock in a low-price deal before peak season crowds arrive.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-site airport counters | • Eight major agencies next to baggage claim • Convenient parking garage next to terminal • Extended hours (around 6:30 AM - midnight) • Some agencies open until 1 AM |
• High demand during peak seasons • 15%+ in taxes and fees • Possible wait times (15-30 minutes average) • Higher pricing during summer |
| Off-airport (NextCar) | • Lower rates possible • No airport concession fees • Airport pickup service |
• Extra time for shuttle/pickup • Fewer hours than airport • Smaller fleet selection |
| Downtown Bozeman | • Avoid airport fees • Can save money for longer rentals |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited weekend hours • Advance planning required |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals at Bozeman Airport cost around $97 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: on-airport is walk-up simple but carries about 15 % in taxes; off-airport shuttles or a downtown Bozeman counter can dodge those fees if you're okay with a short rideshare.
Lock in summer cars early, then stalk prices: Yellowstone season sells out fast, so reserve 3-6 months ahead with free cancellation and re-quote weekly. If rates drop, just rebook.
Shift your dates: Moving pick-up/return a day away from a holiday weekend or ski-week spike can shave 20-30 USD per day. Use our calendar view to spot the dips.
Aim for shoulder months: Late April–May, October and especially November see economy cars dipping into the mid-40 USD range, with plenty of inventory.
Apply membership codes: Warehouse clubs, alumni groups or auto clubs often beat public rates at BZN—worth a 30-second promo-code test at checkout.
Top off before drop-off: Cheap stations on Airway Blvd (5 min from the terminal) let you avoid the rental company's premium refuel charge.
Downtown Bozeman: No meters right now; 2-hour free street parking on weekdays
Bridger Park Garage: Offers limited free short-term spots and paid longer-term options
Evening/Weekend: Free after 6 PM and on Sundays throughout downtown
Montana State University: Visitors should use designated pay lots on campus
Winter considerations: Don't block snowplows; move cars from Main Street during posted snow removal operations
Seat belts: Required for driver and front passenger
A rental car lets you reach Montana's signature parks, resorts and towns on your own schedule.
Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) – Gardiner
Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) – West Yellowstone
Big Sky Resort – Gallatin Canyon
Virginia City and Nevada City – mining towns

What type of vehicle is best for visiting Yellowstone National Park?
You can use any reliable sedan or SUV on Yellowstone's main roads. If you plan to explore beyond the main park roads or visit in winter, you might want to get an SUV that sits higher off the ground.
Do I need a 4WD/AWD vehicle in winter?
If you're traveling to Big Sky Resort or over mountain passes in winter, we strongly recommend you get a vehicle that has AWD/4WD. The road to Big Sky (MT-64) is a steep climb and you may need AWD when it snows heavily.
How far in advance should I book a rental car?
If you're traveling in the summer (June–August), you should book 3–6 months ahead because all the cars get rented out. For the winter ski season, we recommend booking 1–2 months ahead, especially around the holidays.
Are there any vehicle restrictions for Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park?
Yes. If you plan a side trip to Glacier, remember the park doesn't allow vehicles longer than 21 feet, wider than 8 feet or taller than 10 feet on parts of the road. You can drive most standard rental cars and SUVs there.
Can I take my rental car into Yellowstone National Park?
Yes, you can drive a rental car on all park roads that are open to the public. Just know that you won't have much cell service, so you should download offline maps before you go into the park.