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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) |
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| Downtown Cody |
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On average, car rentals at Cody Yellowstone Airport cost around $124 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $47 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup. In Cody they sit only 2 miles (3.2 km) apart so rates are usually neck-and-neck. Check both when you search to nab the cheaper combo of base price and fees.
Shift your calendar a day or two. Midweek pickups and returns often run cheaper than weekend swaps, especially outside of the July 4th rodeo rush.
Set your rental length smartly. Weekly pricing can beat a 5- or 6-day daily rate, so run quotes for 7 days even if you plan to return early.
Peak summer? Reserve early, shoulder season? Shop last minute. For rodeo season and June-August demand spikes lock in 2-3 months ahead. In May or late September you can watch prices and pounce when fleets still have cars.
Finding a Spot:
Local Driving Rules:
Weather Considerations:
Get a rental car so you can easily:
Yellowstone National Park – East Entrance, Yellowstone Lake
Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway – Wapiti Valley viewpoints
Shoshone National Forest – trails, wildlife
Old Trail Town & Buffalo Bill Center of the West – museums
Heart Mountain Interpretive Center – relocation camp site
Bighorn Mountains – Shell Falls, US-14 drive

When does the East Entrance to Yellowstone open and close?
The East Entrance usually opens in early to mid-May and closes in early November, based on the weather. The National Park Service sets the exact dates each year.
Do I need a 4WD/AWD vehicle to visit Yellowstone from Cody?
In summer and early fall (May–October), you can use any kind of car on the paved roads to and inside Yellowstone. We recommend an AWD or 4WD for driving in the Cody area during winter, but remember the East Entrance to Yellowstone is closed then.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Cody?
Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license. They usually charge drivers under 25 an extra fee of about $25–$30 per day.
Can I find last-minute car rentals in Cody during summer?
It can be hard to find a last-minute rental car during the busy summer months (June–August), especially when rodeo events are happening. We strongly suggest you book your car 2–3 months ahead for a summer trip.
Is it possible to rent a car one-way from Cody to Jackson or vice versa?
Yes, you can rent a car one-way between Cody and Jackson, but rental companies usually charge large extra fees for it. Also, roads through Yellowstone close for the season (November–May), so you can't drive that way in winter. You would have to take a much longer route around the parks.