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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Cedar Rapids. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Search live prices from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and other major brands at Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), downtown or neighborhood branches. Book early to lock in low rates and the right vehicle for winter snow or summer drives along the I-380 corridor.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) | • Multiple rental companies • Larger vehicle selection • Extended hours • Pickup immediately after landing |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Located 10 miles (16 km) from downtown • Additional taxes and surcharges |
| Downtown Cedar Rapids | • No airport fees • Convenient to hotels and businesses • Often lower base rates |
• Limited hours (usually business hours) • Smaller selection of vehicles • May require advance reservation |
| Neighborhood Locations | • Convenient for residential areas • Some offer pickup service • Often lower rates than airport |
• Limited hours on weekends • Smaller inventory • May require reservation |
Airport vs. City Comparison: Airport rentals usually cost $5-$10 more per day due to concession fees, but offer greater convenience for air travelers.
On average, car rentals in Cedar Rapids cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $25 per day.
Check downtown or neighborhood depots first Airport rentals carry extra concession fees, so picking up 10 miles (16 km) away in Cedar Rapids' downtown can trim about $5-$10 per day off the rate.
Compare weekday vs weekend pricing Business travelers flood Cedar Rapids Tue-Thu, meaning Fri-Mon pickups often drop in price. Run a quick comparison on different start dates before locking in.
Stretch to a weekly rate if you're at 5 days+ In this market a 7-day deal often beats five separate daily charges, even if you turn the car in early.
Schedule around local events Freedom Festival, college move-ins and Hawkeye game weekends spike demand. If your dates overlap, reserve 2-4 weeks out; otherwise a last-minute search can snag leftover inventory at a discount.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Having your own wheels lets you comfortably explore Eastern Iowa and nearby cities.
Amana Colonies – craft shops, restaurants
Iowa City – university campus, Coralville mall
Czech Village & NewBo Market – museums, food stalls
Waterloo / Cedar Falls – John Deere museum, riverfront
What car rental companies operate in Cedar Rapids?
You can rent cars from major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, Dollar and Thrifty. They have offices at the Eastern Iowa Airport and in the city.
Is there a free way to get from the airport to downtown rental locations?
Most downtown rental offices won't give you a free ride from the airport. You can use a taxi, a rideshare service, the airport shuttle to your hotel if you're staying downtown or the Cedar Rapids Transit public bus for a low-cost option.
Are there automated traffic cameras I should know about?
Yes, the city of Cedar Rapids uses speed cameras on I-380 through downtown, especially on the S-curve. These cameras check for speeding, so make sure you drive at the legal speed in those areas.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting Cedar Rapids?
Most visitors find a standard sedan works just fine. In the winter, from November to March, you might want an SUV that has all-wheel drive if the forecast calls for a lot of snow or if you plan to drive in rural areas.
Can I pick up in Cedar Rapids and drop off in Iowa City?
Many rental companies let you do one-way rentals between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City for little or no extra cost. Just make sure you arrange for it when you book the car.
How does traffic compare to larger cities?
Traffic in Cedar Rapids is much lighter than in big cities. However, I-380 between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City gets busy during rush hour and construction can also cause delays.
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