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Compare car rentals from major companies in Lewiston with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (LWS) or downtown and be on the road to Hells Canyon, the Snake River or US-12 in minutes. Filter for unlimited miles, AWD or one-way options and book quickly with transparent pricing.
Lewiston offers both airport and in-town rental options:
| Factor | Airport (LWS) Rental | Downtown/City Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Immediate access upon landing; counters in the small terminal, cars in adjacent lot | Requires transportation from airport if arriving by air (taxi fare around $15-20) |
| Cost & Fees | Airport fees and surcharges may add 10-15% to base rates | Generally lower rates without airport fees |
| Vehicle Selection | Limited but adequate selection for a small regional airport | Similar selection to airport, possible specialty vehicles |
| Hours & Availability | Aligned to flight schedules, generally open for all arriving flights | Standard business hours (usually 8am-6pm weekdays, limited weekend hours) |
| Wait Times | Minimal - LWS is a small airport and few simultaneous arrivals | Usually quick service and little to no wait time |
Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (LWS) hosts several national brands:
City rental locations include:
The airport and city locations often share the same fleet, as Lewiston is a small market. For convenience, airport pickup is recommended if flying in, while city locations may offer slight savings on longer rentals.
On average, car rentals at Lewiston Airport cost around $97 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $47 per day.
Compare LWS Airport vs. downtown pick-up – off-airport spots skip the 10-15 % airport surcharge; even after a $15 taxi ride you often come out ahead on week-long rentals.
Shift your dates by a day or two – weekly rates sometimes beat 4-5 day totals, and midweek pick-ups in Lewiston usually cost less than Friday starts.
Traveling in winter or early spring? Rates drop to their yearly lows because tourist traffic is light. If you can handle cooler temps, that's bargain season.
Stick with an economy or compact car – Lewiston's roads are paved and mostly flat in town, so you won't need to pay extra for a big SUV unless you're hauling gear.
Fill up yourself – local fuel prices are cheap (Costco is usually the lowest) so skip the prepaid fuel option and avoid the premium the rental desk adds.
Join the free loyalty clubs – at small locations like Lewiston upgrades happen often when fleets are tight, and members get dibs without paying extra.
| Location | Cost | Hours | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Free | Generally 2-hour limits in core areas | Time limits enforced during business hours |
| Public Lots & Garages | Free | Unlimited in most cases | Several public lots available downtown |
| Shopping Areas | Free | Unlimited | Lewiston Shopping Center and other retail areas offer plenty of spots |
| Riverfront Parks | Free | Park hours (usually dawn to dusk) | Hells Gate State Park has a day-use fee |
| Airport Parking | Free short-term, nominal fee for extended parking | 24/7 | Convenient if returning a car before a flight |
Speed Limits: 20-25 mph in school zones, 35-45 mph on major city streets, 65 mph on highways outside city limits
Hill Driving: Lewiston has significant elevation changes and steep hills (especially Lewiston Hill on US-95). Maintain appropriate speed and gear.
School Zones: Active during school hours and strictly enforced
Right on Red: Legal after complete stop unless signed otherwise
River Access: Use designated boat ramps and areas when accessing rivers
Tribal Lands: Be respectful when driving through Nez Perce tribal territories
Book a rental car so you can drive to:
Hells Canyon & Hells Gate State Park – river overlooks, visitor marina
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (US-12) – Clearwater River pullouts, Lewis and Clark markers
Nez Perce National Historical Park sites – tribal museums, battlefields
Moscow, ID – University of Idaho campus, farmers market
Riggins & Salmon River corridor – rafting launch points, canyon drives
Spokane or Coeur d'Alene – lakefront trails, shopping districts
What are the must-see driving destinations around Lewiston?
You can easily drive to top spots like Hells Gate State Park, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (US-12), Nez Perce National Historical Park sites and the Lewiston–Clarkston waterfront areas.
Do I need a special vehicle for exploring the area?
A standard car will be fine for most paved roads and attractions. If you plan to travel US-12 through remote areas or drive on forest roads, you should think about getting a vehicle that has higher clearance and possibly AWD/4WD.
Is it worth renting at the airport versus in town?
Since the airport is small and the prices are similar, it's convenient to rent your car at LWS Airport when you fly in. You might save a little money on a longer rental if you rent from a city location, but you'll have to get a ride there from the airport.
Can I drive the entire Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (US-12) in one day?
You could technically drive the whole byway in a day, as it's about 3–4 hours one way from Lewiston to Lolo, MT. However, you'll enjoy it more if you make stops for viewpoints, short hikes and historical markers. You might want to plan an overnight trip to really appreciate it.
What should I know about driving on US-12 through the Clearwater National Forest?
You should know this part of the highway is remote. You won't have cell service and there are few amenities. For about 80 miles (129 km) between Kooskia and Powell, you won't find any services. Make sure you get gas in Kooskia if you're driving east. The road runs along the Lochsa River and has many pullouts where you can stop for the view or to access the river.
Can I take a rental car on gravel or unpaved roads?
Most rental companies let you drive on well-kept gravel roads, but they don't allow off-roading. You should check your specific rental agreement to be sure. You can reach many attractions like the Hells Canyon overlooks on paved roads.
How are winter driving conditions in the Lewiston area?
The Lewiston valley doesn't get much harsh winter weather because of its low elevation. However, you can expect snow and ice on nearby highways like US-95 north to Moscow and US-12 east to Lolo Pass from November to March. You should think about using a car with AWD/4WD for winter travel outside the valley.
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