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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls International Airport (GTF) | • Multiple on-site companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise/National) • Immediate access after arrival • Longer operating hours |
• Higher airport fees (around 11%) • More expensive base rates • Limited inventory during events |
| Downtown Great Falls | • Much lower rates (possibly 75% less than airport) • Enterprise offers local pickup service • No airport concession fees |
• Business hours only (often 8AM-5PM) • Limited or no weekend hours • Transportation needed from airport |
| Local alternatives (U-Save, Russell Country Auto) | • Possible lower rates • Local knowledge • Sometimes unique vehicle types |
• Variable quality and policies • Limited hours • Check mileage limits carefully |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals in Great Falls cost around $96 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $60 per day.
Skip the airport pickup. Grab a rideshare or hotel shuttle from GTF, then collect your car at a downtown desk—rates can be up to 75 % lower and you dodge the 11 % airport concession fee.
Mix-and-match locations. Pick up downtown, drop at the airport on departure. You still save the pickup fees while avoiding a last-day taxi run; the one-way charge inside the same city is usually minimal.
Book with free cancellation and stalk the price. Great Falls inventory moves slowly; re-check every few days and rebook if the rate drops. Five minutes online can shave dozens of dollars.
Compare airports when planning Glacier trips. Flights into Great Falls plus a cheaper rental often beat Kalispell by hundreds of bucks in summer. Run both combos through our search before locking flights.
Mind the calendar. Prices pop during State Fair week (late July). Shifting your rental by a day or two, or traveling in early June or after mid-August, keeps daily rates in the $30-$50 zone.
Look at local independents for short hops. Outfits like U-Save sometimes publish rock-bottom weekday rates; just confirm mileage limits so the bargain sticks.
Downtown Great Falls: Mix of free and time-limited zones; 2-hour signed areas
Metered areas: Inexpensive; many replaced by free time-limits
Tourist sites: Free at Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Giant Springs State Park
Winter considerations: After heavy snow, avoid major arterial routes to help plowing
DUI enforcement: Strict in Great Falls; regular patrols and checkpoints
Traffic signals: May use flashing red/yellow modes late at night (red = stop, yellow = caution)
Get a rental car so you can get to:
Glacier National Park – east entrance, St Mary
Rocky Mountain Front – Choteau, Sun River Canyon
Fort Benton – Missouri River town, museums
Kings Hill Scenic Byway – Little Belt Mountains, Showdown ski area
Helena – Capitol building, Last Chance Gulch
Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument – White Cliffs, river overlooks

Is Great Falls a good alternative for accessing Glacier National Park?
Yes, especially for the east side of the park. You'll drive 2.5 to 3 hours to get to the park, but you can save a lot on a car rental (over $1,000 in peak season). This makes it a great choice if you're on a budget.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring from Great Falls?
If you're traveling in the summer on main highways, a standard sedan will work just fine. For winter travel or for visiting remote areas like the Missouri Breaks, you'll want an AWD/4WD SUV for better grip and ground clearance.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Great Falls?
You can usually find a car year-round. For normal travel times, book 2–4 weeks ahead. For the busy summer season or local events like the State Fair (late July/early August), you should book 1–2 months ahead.
Are there any toll roads around Great Falls?
No, you won't find any toll roads in Montana.
Can I take my rental car into Canada from Great Falls?
Yes, most rental companies let you drive to Canada through the nearby Sweetgrass/Coutts border crossing. Just tell the rental company when you book, make sure your contract allows you to cross the border and bring the right documents like a passport and proof of insurance.