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Find competitive rental car prices at Idaho Falls Airport with Road Genius. Check rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. We search Alamo, Hertz, Budget and other on-airport counters so you can hop off the plane and hit US-20 in minutes. Book early for summer drives to Yellowstone or Grand Teton to lock in low daily rates before cars sell out.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 535554

Idaho Falls Regional Airport features a small, convenient Rental Car Center inside the terminal building. After claiming your baggage, you'll find the rental desks just steps away in the main terminal area. The rental car pickup area is in the adjacent lot, allowing for a quick and easy transition from plane to vehicle.

Company Phone Counter Location
Alamo (208) 523-3278 Terminal Building
Avis (208) 522-0785 Terminal Building
Budget (208) 529-3322 Terminal Building
Enterprise (208) 523-3278 Terminal Building
Hertz (208) 522-0744 Terminal Building
National (208) 523-3278 Terminal Building

IDA Airport rental counters experience predictable busy periods:

  • Highest Volume: Afternoon (2-5pm) when flights from Denver and Salt Lake City arrive

  • Expected Wait Times: 0-15 minutes, plus brief waits possible during peak flight arrivals

  • Busiest Days: Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings and holiday periods

  • Seasonal Impact: Summer (June-August) sees significantly higher demand due to national park visitation

Time-Saving Tips:

  • Join rental company loyalty programs for expedited service
  • Complete reservation online before arrival
  • Consider arriving on morning flights when counters are less busy
  • During peak summer season, having a reservation is essential

The terminal doors at Idaho Falls Airport lock about 1 hour after the last flight and reopen at 5:00 AM, which affects after-hours returns:

  • Normal Hours: Rental counters generally operate from early morning until after the last scheduled arrival

  • Late Returns: After-hours drop boxes are available at the rental car return area

  • Important Note: If the terminal is closed (usually late night to early morning), you cannot return a car during this period

  • Early Morning Flights: If departing on a very early flight, return your car the evening before or be prepared to wait until 5am when the terminal reopens

Direction Route Distance to Destination Notes
To Downtown Idaho Falls International Way to Skyline Dr, then east on Broadway or 17th St 2 miles (3 km), about 10 minutes Simple route, minimal traffic most times
To Yellowstone (West Entrance) International Way to US-20 northbound 110 miles (177 km), about 2 hours Direct route through Rexburg and Island Park
To Grand Teton/Jackson, WY International Way to US-26 eastbound 90 miles (145 km), about 2 hours Route goes through Swan Valley and over Teton Pass

When returning your rental car, these gas stations are near the airport:

Station Location Distance from Airport Notes
Phillips 66 2592 W Broadway 1.5 miles (2 km) Closest option to airport
Maverik 2135 W Broadway 2 miles (3 km) Convenience store attached
Costco 2495 E Lincoln Rd 4.2 miles (7 km) Membership required, usually lowest prices
Pilot/Flying J 1235 W Broadway 2.6 miles (4 km) 24-hour operation

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at Idaho Falls Airport?

On average, car rentals at Idaho Falls Airport cost around $82 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $45 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Check multiple brands in one search and play with pickup/return times. A 10 AM pickup instead of 2 PM can dodge the afternoon rush and sometimes shows cheaper daily rates in our comparison tool.

  • Peak summer = higher prices. If you're hitting Yellowstone between June and August, reserve early for choice and price. For shoulder or winter months, last-minute deals often pop up, so keep an eye on rates and re-book if you see a drop.

  • Keep the rental clock under 24 hr blocks. Got a 6 AM departure? Return the car the night before, or shift pickup to later on day one, so you don't pay for an extra day you barely use.

  • Pick the smallest car that fits your trip. Downtown Idaho Falls and park roads are cruiser-friendly; in summer you won't need AWD, so a compact can save $10-$30 per day and burn less gas.

  • Refuel 1–2 miles from IDA. Phillips 66 on W Broadway or Costco (if you're a member) have lower prices than the rental company's prepaid option or bring-it-back half-empty penalty.

  • Round-trip usually beats one-way. Planning to finish in Jackson or West Yellowstone? Price both options—sometimes adding a quick return drive to IDA is cheaper than the one-way fee.

Why rent a car in Idaho Falls

Book a car rental to drive to:

  • Yellowstone National Park – 110 miles (177 km), 2 hours

  • Grand Teton National Park – 90 miles (145 km), 2 hours

  • Jackson Hole – 90 miles (145 km), 2 hours

  • Mesa Falls Scenic Byway – 60 miles (97 km), 1 hour

  • Craters of the Moon National Monument – 85 miles (137 km), 1.5 hours

Driving Distances from Idaho Falls Airport

FAQs

What is the best time to arrive at IDA for a rental car pickup?

You'll usually find shorter waits if you arrive in the morning. People arriving in the afternoon (especially from Denver and Salt Lake City) might see short lines at the rental counters.

Can I return my rental car after hours if my flight departs early?

Yes, all rental companies have after-hours drop boxes. Just know that they lock the terminal building about an hour after the last flight leaves and reopen it at 5:00 AM. So, for very early flights, you may need to drop off your car the evening before.

Is there a gas station at the airport?

No, the airport does not have a gas station on its property. The closest one is a Phillips 66, about 1.5 miles (2 km) from the terminal on West Broadway.

How early should I arrive to return my rental car before a flight?

For flights within the US, you should plan to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before your plane leaves. Returning the car usually takes 10–15 minutes and getting through security at the small IDA airport is often quick.

Can I pick up a rental car in Idaho Falls and drop it off at another location?

Yes, you can rent a car one-way, but the rental company will usually charge an extra fee. In the summer, many people use this option to drop cars off in Jackson Hole or West Yellowstone.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

In the summer (May–October), a standard car is fine for all the park roads. If you travel in the winter or during the spring and fall, you should get a vehicle with AWD or 4WD. This is very important if you plan to drive to Jackson Hole over Teton Pass.

Are there any road restrictions I should be aware of when renting from IDA?

Most rental companies let you drive on all paved roads and well-kept gravel roads. They generally do not allow you to drive off-road. Some gravel Forest Service roads might not be covered by your rental insurance. You should check your specific rental agreement to see what it says.