EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Finding a rental car in Helena is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across Montana with no reservation fees. Pick up your vehicle at Helena Regional Airport or book downtown to skip the airport surcharge, then set off to Yellowstone, Glacier and the nearby mountain lakes on your own schedule.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Helena Regional Airport (HLN) | • Major brands on-site (Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National) • Fast service at small airport • Quick in/out process |
• 10% airport concession fee • Limited premium vehicle selection • May close after last evening flight |
| Downtown Helena | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Multiple provider options • Central to attractions |
• Limited hours (business hours only) • Transportation needed from airport • Closed or limited hours on weekends |
| Enterprise (Montana Ave) | • City pickup service • Often better weekly rates |
• Office closed Sundays • Limited selection of specialty vehicles |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals at Helena Airport cost around $100 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $35 per day.
Skip the airport fee: Compare downtown pickups (3 mi from HLN) to the airport. Even with a $15 rideshare, avoiding the 10 % concession charge often wins for multi-day rentals.
Nudge your dates: In Helena a 7-day weekly rate can beat 4-5 separate daily rates by $60+. Shift the pickup/return a day to unlock that pricing.
Mind the legislature rush: Prices climb Jan-Mar in odd-number years when lawmakers flood town. Book early then; for spring/fall shoulder seasons you can wait and still find bargains.
Check one-way math: In-state drops to Missoula, Bozeman or Billings usually carry modest fees. Compare them to the fuel and time cost of backtracking.
Downtown Helena: Metered zones near Last Chance Gulch and Great Northern Town Center
Free time limits: Many side streets offer 2 hours free, enough for lunch and shopping
Garages: Located by the library and Great Northern center; first hour often free
State Capitol: Visitor spots available on east side of Capitol complex
Winter considerations: Snow removal operations may restrict overnight street parking
Traffic signals mode: Late night flashing red (treat as stop sign) or yellow (proceed with caution)
Book a car rental so you can easily:
Yellowstone National Park – 175 miles (282 km), 3.5 hr
Glacier National Park – 240 miles (386 km), 4.25 hr
Gates of the Mountains – 20 miles (32 km), 30 min
Canyon Ferry Lake – 20 miles (32 km), 30 min
Butte – 70 miles (113 km), 1 hr
Great Falls – 90 miles (145 km), 1.5 hr
Is Helena a good base for visiting both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks? Helena is a good central spot between the parks, but each is still a long drive (3.5 hours to Yellowstone's north entrance and 4.25 hours to Glacier's west entrance). If you want to see both parks, you'll find Helena is a good middle point. You'll also find places to stay here are cheaper than in towns right outside the parks.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring from Helena? If you're traveling in the summer on paved roads, any car will work fine. If you plan to travel in winter or go to mountain areas, we recommend an SUV with AWD/4WD. This will give you a better grip on snow and ice.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Helena? If you're traveling in the summer, you should book your car 2 to 4 weeks early. When the state government is in session (from January to late April in odd-numbered years), you'll want to book 1 to 2 months ahead. In the off-season, you can often book a car just a few days before you need it.
Are there special considerations for winter driving in Helena? If you visit in the winter, you should ask for a car with AWD/4WD, especially if you plan to drive over mountain passes. Helena gets a good amount of snow and cold weather. You should also watch for ice on the roads in the morning from November through March. Crews plow the main roads quickly, but side streets might stay covered in snow.
Can I find one-way rentals from Helena to other Montana cities? Yes, most major rental companies will let you rent a car one-way to other places in Montana, especially to bigger cities like Missoula, Bozeman and Billings. The fees change, but they are usually not too high for trips inside the state.
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