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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental car prices from top brands in Davenport with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up in minutes at Quad Cities International Airport (MLI), downtown Davenport or near I-80 and be on the Great River Road or any Quad Cities attraction fast. We scan deals on both the Iowa and Illinois sides of the river so you can book a low-cost rental that fits your plans.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) | • Multiple rental companies • Larger vehicle selection • Extended hours |
• Located in Moline, IL (across the river) • Airport fees and surcharges • 15-minute drive to Davenport |
| Downtown Davenport | • No airport fees • Convenient to hotels and attractions • May offer shuttle pickup |
• Limited hours (most open 8-5 weekdays) • Smaller inventory • Advance reservation recommended |
| Iowa 80 Truck Stop Area | • Near I-80 for easy access • Some companies have locations nearby • Convenient for interstate travelers |
• Limited selection • Around 10 miles (16 km) from downtown • May require advance booking |
Cross-River Rentals: When comparing prices, check both Iowa and Illinois locations, as taxes and fees may differ between states.
On average, car rentals in Davenport (IA) cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Cross the river before you click "book" — compare Iowa and Illinois pickup spots. Different state taxes mean the same car can be a few bucks cheaper just across the bridge.
Skip the airport fees when you can. Grab a rideshare to a downtown Davenport desk (open 8-5) and avoid the concession surcharges baked into airport rates.
Peak-event rule: visiting during the Bix Jazz Fest, Mississippi Valley Fair or summer weekends? Lock in a car 2-3 weeks ahead. Off-season? Watch for last-minute drops instead of paying the early-bird premium.
Weekly pricing hack: even a 5-day trip can cost less on a 7-day "weekly" rate. Always run both options on the comparison page.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Renting a car lets you freely reach sights on both sides of the Mississippi and farther into eastern Iowa.
Quad Cities – riverfront museums, casinos, John Deere Pavilion
Iowa City – University of Iowa campus, downtown arts district
Cedar Rapids – National Czech & Slovak Museum, NewBo City Market
Des Moines – State Capitol, Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Can I rent a car in Iowa and return it in Illinois?
Yes, many rental companies let you return a car across the river in the Quad Cities for no extra fee. You should always ask when you book, since each company has its own rules.
How do I navigate the I-74 bridge construction?
Pay close attention to the road signs. The new I-74 bridge is open, but ongoing work on ramps and side roads can still affect traffic. You can check a traffic app for live updates or use I-280 or the Arsenal Bridge as other options.
Are there toll roads near Davenport?
Iowa does not have any toll roads. However, if you drive east into Illinois on I-88, you'll run into toll booths about 25 miles (40 km) (or 25 minutes) out of the Quad Cities. The tolls on I-80 start even farther east, near Princeton, Illinois.
What's the best way to explore the Mississippi River from Davenport?
You can rent a car and follow the Great River Road scenic byway. Just look for the special signs that mark the route. The road follows both sides of the river and takes you to overlooks, parks and river towns.
Do rental cars come with transponders for Illinois tolls?
Some rental cars have toll transponders, and the company usually charges a daily fee for using them. You should ask your rental company about their toll rules if you plan to drive on toll roads in Illinois.
Is it easy to find parking in downtown Davenport?
Yes. You can find plenty of parking in downtown Davenport in parking garages and at metered spots. If there's a big event on the riverfront, you should arrive early for the best parking. You can also park a few blocks away and walk.
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