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Finding a car rental in Cody is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Wyoming with no reservation fees. Book early to lock in low summer rates, then pick up your ride at Yellowstone Regional Airport or downtown Cody and reach Yellowstone's East Entrance in just about an hour.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 532444
Location Pros Cons
Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)
  • On-site counters for major brands (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty/Dollar)
  • Immediate car pickup outside terminal
  • Minimal wait times due to airport's small scale
  • Just 1.5-2 miles (2.4-3.2 km) from downtown
  • Limited evening/night availability
  • Small fleet size; advance booking recommended
  • Airport concession fees added to base rates
Downtown Cody
  • Central location near hotels and attractions
  • Similar rates to airport (due to close proximity)
  • Limited dedicated rental offices
  • Airport is essentially the main rental hub for the town

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at Cody Yellowstone Airport?

On average, car rentals at Cody Yellowstone Airport cost around $124 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $47 per day.

Saving Tips
  • 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.

  • Play with nearby cities in the search box. If you are already driving through Billings (2 hours away) compare total cost there—the bigger fleet sometimes offsets the extra gas.

Parking and Local Driving

Finding a Spot:

  • Downtown Cody: Free on-street spaces and public lots
  • Buffalo Bill Center: Large free lot for museum visitors
  • Rodeo grounds: Free lots (fill quickly during summer rodeo performances)

Local Driving Rules:

  • Wyoming has no toll roads
  • Texting while driving prohibited statewide
  • Wildlife frequently crosses roads, especially at dawn and dusk
  • Yellowstone Park entrance fee applies, valid for seven days
  • Beartooth Highway (closed winters): 10,947 ft (3,337 m) elevation and steep grades; check conditions

Weather Considerations:

  • Winter driving (November–March): Prepare for snow and ice
  • East Entrance to Yellowstone closes in early November, reopens in May
  • Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: High mountain pass subject to closure in winter storms
Why rent a car in Cody

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

Driving Distances from Cody

FAQs

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.