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Find low rental car prices at Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare on-site brands like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo and National, then walk straight to the lot and be on I-380 toward Cedar Rapids or Iowa City in minutes.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| At CID Airport | • Immediate pickup after landing • On-site rental counters in terminal • No shuttle needed - walk to cars • Multiple companies to choose from |
• Airport fees and surcharges • Higher base rates than off-airport • Potential for lines after busy flights |
| Cedar Rapids City | • Generally lower base rates • No airport fees • Multiple neighborhood locations |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited hours compared to airport • Smaller selection of vehicles |
Available Companies: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo and National operate counters at CID. Their rental cars are parked just outside the terminal for easy access.
On average, car rentals at Cedar Rapids Airport cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups. CID terminal desks are walk-off convenient but carry extra airport fees. A $20 rideshare into Cedar Rapids can unlock lower base rates and still keep you close to I-380.
Play with your calendar. Mid-week (Tue-Thu) is business-traveler prime time. Shifting your pickup to a Friday or Sunday often taps into weekend specials and looser supply.
Look at both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City branches. They sit 30 miles (48 km) apart on the same interstate. A quick search of both ZIP codes can surface cheaper inventory during University of Iowa event weeks when one city surges and the other doesn't.
Shorten or extend by a day when you quote. Eastern Iowa agencies sometimes price 3-day and 7-day blocks lower than 2- or 6-day stints. Adding or dropping 24 hours can shave the total.
Airport Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Rent a car so you can easily:
Downtown Cedar Rapids – museums, restaurants
Iowa City & University of Iowa – campus, arts venues
Amana Colonies – wineries, craft shops
Czech Village & New Bohemia – shops, cultural centers
How do I find my rental car at CID Airport?
Once you finish your paperwork at the rental counter inside the terminal, you can just walk outside to the parking lot right next to it. The rental cars are parked there. You won't need a shuttle.
Is there a fee for returning my car early?
Most companies let you return the car early, but they might change your rate based on how long you actually used the car. This could make your daily rate higher. You should check your rental agreement to see their exact policy.
Can I drive to Chicago in my rental car?
Yes, most rental companies let you drive to other states. Just know that Illinois has toll roads, so you should plan for that. The drive to Chicago from Cedar Rapids takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, but it can change based on traffic.
Are there automated traffic cameras I should know about?
Yes, the city of Cedar Rapids uses speed cameras on I-380 going through downtown, especially on the S-curve. You'll see signs for them, but make sure to watch your speed there.
What's the best vehicle for winter travel from CID?
If you're visiting in the winter (from November to March), you should think about renting an SUV that has all-wheel drive. This is a good idea if you plan to drive off major highways or if you think it might snow.
If I'm visiting both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, where should I rent?
CID Airport is right between both cities, but it's a little closer to Cedar Rapids. If you want to visit both places, renting from the airport is your easiest option, even if the rates are a bit higher.
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