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Finding a car rental in Idaho Falls is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands all around Idaho with no reservation fees. Pick up at Idaho Falls Regional Airport or a downtown branch, choose the SUV or compact that suits your trip and be on the road to Yellowstone or Grand Teton in minutes.
Idaho Falls offers both airport and in-town rental options:
| Factor | Airport (IDA) Rental | Downtown/City Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Direct access upon landing; counters in terminal and cars in adjacent lot | Requires transportation from airport (taxi fare around $15-20). Some companies offer customer pickup by advance notice |
| Cost & Fees | Higher rates due to airport fees and convenience charges | Generally 10-20% lower base rates without airport surcharges |
| Vehicle Selection | Moderate selection across all vehicle classes | More limited inventory; specialty vehicles may not be available |
| Hours & Availability | Aligned to flight schedules, generally 5am-midnight depending on last arrival | Standard business hours (often 8am-6pm weekdays, 9am-noon Saturdays, closed Sundays) |
| Wait Times | Brief waits possible during afternoon peak when Denver/Salt Lake flights arrive | Usually minimal wait times and more personalized service |
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) hosts several national brands:
City rental locations include:
For the most comprehensive selection, the airport location is recommended despite slightly higher fees.
On average, car rentals in Idaho Falls cost around $82 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $45 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Airport counters are handy but downtown Idaho Falls locations usually run 10-20 % cheaper. Even with a $15-20 taxi ride from IDA, the math often works in your favor.
Tweak your dates: A weekly rate can beat 5-6 individual days, so play with the calendar slider before you lock in.
Shoulder season = shoulder-friendly prices: Fall (Sep-Oct) and winter (Nov-Mar, excluding holidays) see the lowest rates. Flexible travelers can save big by shifting trips out of the June-Aug park rush.
Fuel like a local: Skip prepaid gas, fill up at Albertsons or Fred Meyer on your way back—prices are better than stations near IDA or along US-20 to Yellowstone.
| Location | Cost | Hours | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Free | Generally 2-hour limits during business hours | Time limits are enforced in the downtown core |
| Public Lots & Garages | Free | Unlimited in most cases | Several public lots near the river and downtown businesses |
| Idaho Falls River Walk | Free | Park hours (dawn to dusk) | Popular lots can fill during summer evenings and events |
| Shopping Areas | Free | Unlimited | Grand Teton Mall and surrounding shopping centers offer plenty of free spaces |
| Falls/Greenbelt Parks | Free | Park hours | Limited spaces during summer events and Saturday market |
Speed Limits: 20-25 mph in school zones and downtown, 35-45 mph on major city streets, 65-80 mph on highways
Winter Driving: Snow routes are prioritized for plowing. Stay alert for changing conditions November through March
School Zones: Strictly enforced during school hours. Flashing lights show when zones are active
Idaho Stop Law: Bicycles may treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. Be aware when sharing the road
Right on Red: Legal after complete stop unless signed otherwise
Alcohol Limits: Legal BAC limit is 0.08%
Get a car so you can drive to:
Yellowstone National Park – West Entrance 110 miles (177 km)
Grand Teton National Park – Teton Pass 90 miles (145 km)
Craters of the Moon National Monument – US-20 110 miles (177 km)
Jackson Hole – valley 90 miles (145 km)
How far in advance should I reserve a rental car in Idaho Falls? For summer visits (June-August), you should reserve a car 2-3 months ahead of time because of all the trips to Yellowstone. During the off-season, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is usually enough.
Do I need a special vehicle for visiting Yellowstone National Park? A standard car will work fine on all paved park roads in the summer. If you visit in the winter, most park roads are closed to regular cars. You will need to take a special snowcoach or snowmobile to get into the park.
Is it better to rent from the airport or in town? Renting from the airport is convenient and offers you more choices, but it costs more. If you want to save money and you have a way to get into town, you can usually save 10-20% by renting from a city location.
What kind of vehicle is best for winter driving in the area? For winter trips (November-March), you should consider an AWD or 4WD vehicle. This is especially true if you are traveling to mountain passes, Teton Valley or Jackson Hole. Ask for a vehicle that has winter or all-season tires.
Are there any road closures I should be aware of? Officials close roads in Yellowstone to regular cars in early November and start reopening them in late April. Teton Pass (between Idaho Falls and Jackson) sometimes closes during winter storms but usually reopens within a few hours.
Can I take a rental car into Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks? Yes, you can drive any rental car from Idaho Falls into the national parks. The park entrance fees are a separate cost from your car rental.
What's the best route to Yellowstone from Idaho Falls? Most people take US-20 north through Rexburg and Island Park to get to West Yellowstone (the West Entrance). This is usually the fastest and most beautiful drive from Idaho Falls.
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