EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find competitive car rental prices in Independence, Missouri with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Skip airport surcharges by picking up at city spots like Independence Center Mall or Noland Road, then hop on I-70 to reach downtown Kansas City or the Truman Library in minutes. Book early for the widest vehicle choice since local branches keep smaller fleets.
Since Independence is a suburb without an airport within its boundaries, car rental options are mainly city-based locations.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Center Mall Area | • Central location near I-70 • Multiple agencies nearby • Convenient to shopping and dining |
• Limited hours on weekends • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance booking |
| Noland Road Corridor | • Close to historic attractions • Near Highway 24 • Convenient to eastern suburbs |
• Limited agency options • Restricted hours (often closed Sundays) • Smaller fleet availability |
| Eastern Jackson County Courthouse | • Close to historic Independence Square • Walkable to Truman sites • Central pickup location |
• Limited parking for returns • Smaller selection of vehicles • May have higher rates |
Nearby Airport Option:
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is approximately 30 miles (48 km) from Independence and offers all major rental agencies along with a wider vehicle selection, though at higher rates due to airport fees.
On average, car rentals in Independence (MO) cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Check both Independence city offices and Kansas City Airport (MCI) – airport add-on fees often push prices up but sometimes last-minute stock is cheaper, so run both quotes in our search and pick the winner.
Shift your pickup to mid-week – Independence locations usually charge less on Tue–Thu and you'll avoid the Friday rush that empties their small fleets.
Use Missouri's free spouse rule – the state bans agencies from charging an additional-driver fee for a legal spouse or domestic partner, so skip paying $10-15 per day.
Compare daily vs weekly rates – in this market a 5-7 day "week" plan can be 30-40 % cheaper than paying day-by-day, even if you return early.
Historic Square Parking:
Popular Attractions:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Get a car so you can get to:
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum – presidential library, Truman Home
Downtown Kansas City – Power & Light District, barbecue hubs, jazz clubs
National Frontier Trails Museum & Independence Square – pioneer trails exhibits, historic courthouse
Lee's Summit & eastern Jackson County parks – shopping centers, Blue Springs Lake
Is a car necessary when visiting Independence?
Yes, we highly recommend you have a car. You can walk around the historic Independence Square area, but most attractions are spread out across the city and the city has limited public transportation. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore both Independence and the greater Kansas City area.
What are the busiest traffic times in Independence?
Weekday rush hours are from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:30 PM. During these times, you'll see more traffic, especially on I-70, US-24 and main roads like Noland Road and MO-291. Traffic also picks up around Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums before and after sporting events.
Where is the best place to rent a car if arriving at Kansas City International Airport?
You can find all the major rental companies at the airport's rental car center. If you're staying in Independence, it's a good idea to rent a car at the airport and drive here, which takes about 35-45 minutes. The airport locations usually have a better selection of cars than the agencies in Independence.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Independence?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card with your name on it. Most companies do not ask for your personal auto insurance papers, but they might ask to see proof of it if you don't buy their insurance. If you are visiting from another country, you need a valid passport and driver's license. Some companies also ask for an International Driving Permit.
How much should I budget for fuel?
Gas prices in Independence are usually between $3.00 and $3.50 per gallon, but this can change with the season. If you drive a small car to explore Independence and visit Kansas City for a weekend, you can expect to spend about $35-$55 on gas.
Are there any areas I should avoid driving in Independence?
Like any city, Independence has some neighborhoods with higher crime rates. You should use normal caution, especially at night. The historic district, main shopping streets and tourist areas are usually safe, but you should always hide your valuables out of sight when you park your car.
How does winter weather affect driving in Independence?
In the winter, snow and ice can sometimes make driving difficult. City crews clear the main roads quickly, but side streets can stay slick for longer. You might want to rent a car with all-wheel drive (AWD) if you visit between December and February, especially if you plan to drive off the main roads.
Is it easy to find parking at the Truman historic sites?
Yes, you'll find plenty of parking at the Truman Library & Museum, Truman Home and Independence Square. During the busy summer months or for special events, the parking lots can get full. But you can usually find parking on the street a short walk away.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support