Popular Countries
24/7 SupportCar Rental Davenport, IA
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
No Booking Fees
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Find Low Prices
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.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| 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.
Car Rental Prices
How to pay less?
- 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.
- Choose compact unless you truly need space. Quad Cities streets and parking ramps favor small cars, and you'll save on both rental and gas.
Car rental prices in Davenport, IA 2025/2026
Local Parking and Driving
Where to Park
- Downtown: Mix of metered street spots and public ramps
- Riverfront: Paid lots near attractions and casino
- LeClaire Park: Limited free spots for events
Local Driving Rules
- One-way streets are common in downtown Davenport
- I-74 bridge has ongoing construction projects. Follow signage carefully
- Some automated traffic cameras at major intersections
- River Drive (US 67) can flood during high water events
Why rent a car in Davenport
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
Local Rental Locations
- Ankeny, IA
- Car Rental Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Car Rental The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
- Cedar Falls, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Des Moines, IA
- Dubuque, IA
- Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
FAQs
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.
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.
