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Finding a car rental in Duluth is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Minnesota with no reservation fees. Pick up your ride at Duluth International Airport or downtown and be on the North Shore Byway in minutes. Reserve early for peak summer or fall weekends when SUV and AWD vehicles go fast.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Duluth International Airport (DLH) | • Convenient for air travelers • National brands available (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz) • Start North Shore trips immediately • Standard taxes only (no major surcharges) |
• Limited inventory (especially in summer) • Staffing aligned with flight schedules • Fewer rental brands to choose from • May not accommodate very late arrivals |
| Downtown Duluth | • Potentially lower rates than airport • Convenient if arriving by bus/train • Walkable to Canal Park attractions |
• Limited selection (often just 1-2 agencies) • May require taxi from airport • Standard business hours only • Very small fleet |
Rental Company Availability:
Reservation Considerations:
On average, car rentals in Duluth cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.
Compare DLH airport vs downtown pick-ups. Downtown desks often run 10-15% cheaper; a quick rideshare from the terminal can offset the hassle.
Summer & fall color trips? Reserve 2-3 months early. Small fleets sell out fast and last-minute rates jump. For winter or spring, watch prices and book closer to travel.
Shift dates to midweek. Grabbing the car Monday-Thursday usually beats weekend prices when Twin Cities road-trippers flood in.
Skip AWD May–October. A regular sedan handles Highway 61 fine and is typically $15-25/day less than an SUV.
Plan a round-trip. Dropping in Minneapolis or elsewhere can add $50-150; looping back to Duluth keeps that cash in your pocket.
Lock in a free-cancellation deal and keep checking. Re-book if rates dip — Duluth prices can wobble in shoulder seasons.
Downtown Parking:
Local Driving Tips:
Speed Limits:
Rent a car to visit:
Gooseberry Falls State Park – waterfalls, trails
Split Rock Lighthouse – lighthouse, Lake Superior views
Skyline Parkway – overlooks, city harbor views
Grand Marais – shops, Gunflint Trail access
Do I need an all-wheel drive vehicle in Duluth?
In the summer and fall, most visitors find a standard front-wheel-drive vehicle is all they need. For winter (November–April), we strongly recommend an AWD or 4WD vehicle because Duluth has steep hills and you might run into snow or ice. You should reserve these vehicles well ahead of time for winter trips, as they are very popular.
How far in advance should I reserve a car in Duluth?
If you're visiting in the summer (June–August) or for the fall colors (late September–October), you should reserve a car 2–3 months ahead of time to make sure one is available, especially on weekends. For winter, booking 3–4 weeks in advance is usually enough, unless you're coming for a special event like the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
Where can I park when visiting Canal Park?
In Canal Park, you can find metered street parking and a few public lots. On busy summer weekends, you should get there early (before 10 a.m.) to find a spot in the main lots. You can also park in the DECC lot or downtown ramps and take a short walk to the attractions.
Can I take a rental car on the scenic Skyline Parkway?
Yes, you can drive a standard rental car on Skyline Parkway when the weather is good. The 25-mile (40 km) scenic drive gives you amazing views of Duluth and Lake Superior. In the winter, some parts might be closed or not plowed, so you should check on current road conditions before you try driving it in the snow.
Is there a fee to drive on the North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61)?
No, you don't have to pay to drive on Highway 61 because it's a public road. However, if you want to stop at state parks along the drive, like Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse and Tettegouche, you will need to buy a Minnesota State Parks day pass ($7) or an annual permit to park and look around.
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