Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Pick from neighborhood branches with low fees or grab your car at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and head north on Highway 10 in about 40 minutes. We show real-time prices, vehicle types and local tips so you can reserve the right car for the Twin Cities and beyond.
Coon Rapids has limited rental locations compared to larger areas like Bloomington, but offers options for visitors:
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Local Coon Rapids Agencies | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Quicker service and minimal lines • Convenient if staying in north suburbs |
• Limited vehicle selection • Restricted hours (business hours only) • Fewer agency options (primarily Enterprise and Hertz) |
MSP Airport (30 miles south) | • All major rental companies • Larger vehicle selection • Extended hours, some 24/7 • Immediate access upon arrival |
• Airport fees (11.11% concession fee + $5.90/day facility fee) • 40-minute drive to Coon Rapids • Busier counters and longer waits |
Transportation to Rental Locations:
On average, car rentals in Coon Rapids cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Skip the airport. Grab the car in Coon Rapids and avoid MSP's 11.11% concession fee plus $5.90/day facility charge. Even after a rideshare up from the terminal you usually come out ahead.
Tweak your dates. A 7-day "weekly" rate can beat a 5- or 6-day booking. Slide pickup or drop-off one day in our comparison tool and watch the total drop.
Reserve early for peak weeks, then stalk the price. Summer and Halloween season spike here. Lock something in, keep free-cancellation handy and rebook if rates dip.
Return to the same branch. One-way drop fees in Minnesota often add $50-$200. If your route allows, circle back to Coon Rapids and keep that cash.
Book the smallest car that fits. Front-wheel-drive compacts handle local roads most of the year, rent cheaper and sip gas on Highway 10.
Stack membership discounts. AAA, AARP or employer codes usually apply at neighborhood counters too, piling savings onto the already lower off-airport rate.
Where to Park:
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park: Plenty of free spaces available for visitors
Shopping Areas: Free parking at Riverdale Crossing and other retail centers
Residential Streets: Some neighborhoods have overnight restrictions (2 am–6 am); check posted signs
Downtown Minneapolis: If visiting, expect to pay for metered street parking or ramps
Local Driving Rules:
School Buses: Must stop at least 20 feet away when a school bus extends its stop-arm and red lights are flashing
Hands-Free Law: Illegal to hold your phone while driving; use voice commands or dashboard mounts
Right on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
No Toll Roads: Minnesota has no standard toll highways; all main routes are free to use
Book a rental so you can easily:
Downtown Minneapolis – museums, stadiums
Downtown St. Paul – State Capitol, science museum
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park – Mississippi River trails, piers
Bunker Hills Regional Park – golf course, water park
Where can I find rental car locations in Coon Rapids?
Enterprise and Hertz have locations on Coon Rapids Boulevard and in other business areas. These local offices often have better rates than the airport locations, but they keep shorter hours.
Do I need special equipment for winter driving in Coon Rapids?
Your rental car will have all-season tires, which are usually fine for driving on plowed suburban streets. For more confidence in the snow, you can ask for an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle.
Is there public transportation from MSP Airport to Coon Rapids?
You can't take public transit directly from the airport to Coon Rapids. You can ride the Blue Line light rail from MSP to downtown Minneapolis and then switch to the Northstar commuter train to Coon Rapids. A taxi or rideshare is often easier, though.
Are there any toll roads around Coon Rapids?
Minnesota does not have regular toll roads. The Twin Cities has E-ZPass express lanes on parts of I-35W and other highways, but you don't have to use them. These lanes are free for cars carrying two or more people at certain times.
What should I do if caught in a snowstorm?
You should slow down, leave more space between you and other cars and avoid sudden moves. If the snow is heavy, find a safe place to pull over and wait for the weather to get better. Try to keep your gas tank at least half full in the winter to help stop the fuel line from freezing.
Can I park overnight on residential streets in Coon Rapids?
Many suburban streets have rules against parking overnight, especially in the winter. You should look for posted signs or ask a local person about the rules to avoid a ticket or getting towed.