Popular Countries
24/7 SupportCar Rental Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
No Booking Fees
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Find Low Prices
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
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
Key Rental Information
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
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.
Car rental prices at Idaho Falls Airport 2025/2026
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
Local Rental Locations
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.
