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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental at Glacier Park International Airport is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around Montana with no reservation fees. Since FCA serves Glacier National Park, SUVs and midsize cars disappear quickly in summer, so book early to dodge long lines and last-minute sticker shock.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-site airport counters | • Major companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo/National, Enterprise) • Immediate access after arrival • Vehicle pickup just outside terminal |
• Higher facility fees and rates • Long waits during peak season (30-60 mins in July/Aug) • Vehicle classes may sell out completely in summer |
| Off-site agencies plus shuttle (Dollar/Thrifty) | • Sometimes lower rates • Shuttle meets flights |
• Extra time for shuttle transport • Limited shuttle frequency • May have more limited hours |
| Turo (peer-to-peer) | • Often competitive rates • Airport delivery option • Unique vehicle selection |
• Requires coordination among owner • Variable service experience • Limited support services |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals at Kalispell Airport cost around $110 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Compare airport vs. downtown pickups: Kalispell city lots (10 min Lyft ride) and shuttle-served off-airport counters often dodge the FCA concession fee and can shave 10-15% off the total.
Book early, then keep stalking the price: Grab a free-cancellation rate 4-6 months out for July–Aug, set a tracker, and re-book if prices dip. At FCA last-minute drops of 30% are common when extra cars get released.
Shift your dates by a day: Bumping pickup from Saturday to Sunday (or adding a weekday) can move you into a cheaper pricing band and lower the effective daily rate.
Aim for shoulder season: Visiting Glacier in May–June or September means half-empty lots and economy cars from $70 instead of $140 a day, plus fewer crowds on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Airport parking: Short-term and long-term lots available; credit card payment
Glacier National Park: Spots fill by 7 AM at popular areas like Logan Pass during summer
Whitefish: Free 2-hour street spaces and free 3-hour public lots
Winter considerations: Snow removal operations may restrict overnight street spaces
Driving rules: Right-side driving; seat belts mandatory; right turn on red after stopping
Wildlife awareness: Reduced speed advised at dawn and dusk; watch for deer and larger animals
Book a car rental to see:
Glacier National Park – West Glacier entrance, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald
Whitefish – downtown, Whitefish Mountain base area, Whitefish Lake
Flathead Lake – north shore parks, lakeside towns, cherry orchards
Mission Valley – US-93 corridor, Mission Mountains, National Bison Range
When is the best time to book a car at FCA?
If you're visiting in the summer (June–August), you should book 4–6 months ahead because the cars can sell out completely. For a winter trip, you only need to book 1–2 months in advance unless it's over a holiday.
Why are rental cars so expensive at FCA in summer?
FCA is the main airport for people going to Glacier National Park, so many people need cars during the short summer season. There are not enough cars for everyone who wants one, which makes the prices very high.
Do I need a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Yes. During the busy season, from about late May to early September, you need a vehicle reservation and you also have to pay the park entry fee. Your rental car does not include this reservation. You have to get it on your own from Recreation.gov.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Glacier National Park?
In the summer, any dependable sedan or SUV will work well. An SUV gives you more room for your gear and sits higher off the ground. For winter visits, we strongly suggest getting a car that has all-wheel drive or 4WD.
Can I take my rental car into Canada from FCA?
Yes, most rental car companies let you drive into Canada. You should tell the company your plans when you book. Make sure your rental agreement allows you to drive to another country and bring the right documents, like your passport and proof of insurance.
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