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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Joplin, Missouri. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Simple. Pick up at Joplin Regional Airport or a downtown branch, see live prices from Avis, Hertz, Enterprise and others and hit Route 66 or the Ozarks with money to spare.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) | • On-site counters • Staff available for final flights • No transportation needed from airport |
• Around 26% higher costs due to airport fees • Limited rental agency options (mainly Avis and Hertz) • 7 miles (11 km) from downtown |
| Downtown/City Locations | • Lower rates possible • Additional providers (Enterprise in Webb City) • Convenient if arriving by road or bus |
• Limited business hours • Transportation needed from airport • May require advance planning |
On average, car rentals in Joplin cost around $53 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Compare city vs airport pickup – JLN adds roughly 26 % in extra fees. If you can grab an Uber to a downtown branch you'll usually pocket the difference.
Spouse drives free in Missouri – the state waives the additional-driver charge for a legal spouse or domestic partner, so don't pay for what's already free.
Shift your pickup to a weekday – rates in Joplin dip mid-week when local demand is low. A Tuesday–Tuesday rental can be cheaper than Friday–Monday even for the same total days.
Look for off-peak weekly deals – January, February and November often have promo "pay for 5, keep for 7" pricing. Compare weekly vs daily tabs before clicking book.
City Parking:
Popular Attractions:
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Toll Roads:
A rental car turns this Route 66 crossroads into a launchpad for day trips across three states.
Historic Route 66 towns – Carthage, Webb City
Springfield – Route 66 Museum, Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium
Bentonville, Arkansas – Crystal Bridges Museum
Branson – theaters, Table Rock Lake
Is a car necessary when visiting Joplin?
Yes, you'll definitely need a car because the city has limited public transportation. Attractions and businesses are spread out, so renting a car is the easiest way for you to get around Joplin and the nearby areas.
Are there any environmental or traffic restrictions in Joplin?
No, the city doesn't have any emissions zones or traffic fees. You can drive anywhere in Joplin without needing special permits or paying extra charges.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Joplin?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you don't want the rental company's insurance, they might ask you to show proof of your own car insurance. If you're visiting from another country, you need a valid passport and your driver's license. Some companies may also ask for an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
How much should I budget for fuel when driving in Missouri?
Gas prices change often, but they're usually lower than the national average. You should plan to spend about $3.00 to $3.50 per gallon. Gas is usually more expensive in the summer and cheaper in the fall.
Are there any scenic drives near Joplin worth taking?
Yes, you can take a nostalgic drive on historic Route 66 heading east toward Springfield and see some classic roadside attractions. For beautiful scenery, you can drive south into Arkansas on the Ozark Mountain scenic routes. The views are best when the leaves change color in late October.
What is the security deposit amount for car rentals in Joplin?
Rental companies usually put a hold on your credit card for the total rental cost plus about $200 for a security deposit. If you use a debit card, the company might have stricter rules and place a larger hold on your account.
Can I rent a car one-way from Joplin to another city?
Yes, you can rent a car one-way, but the company will usually charge you an extra drop-off fee. This fee is often between $50 and $150, and it depends on how far you're going. You should book a one-way rental far in advance.
How does winter weather affect driving in Joplin?
Driving in the winter is usually not a problem because road crews clear the snow quickly. However, sometimes ice storms can make roads slick, especially on bridges and overpasses. Road crews clear the main highways first.
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