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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rentals from leading brands in Missoula, Montana with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Check live rates for Missoula International Airport and downtown branches, see which pickup points avoid the 10 percent airport fee and book early if you're planning summer drives to Glacier or Yellowstone.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Missoula locations | • Lower rates than airport • No 10% airport concession fee • Multiple provider options |
• Limited weekend hours • Transportation needed from airport • May require advance arrangements |
| Enterprise (W. Broadway) | • Pickup service inside city limits • Lower rates than airport |
• Closed Sundays • Business hours only (around 8 AM-5 PM) • Limited premium vehicle selection |
| Hertz (Downtown) | • Corporate rates available • Central location |
• More limited hours than airport • Smaller fleet than airport location |
| Missoula Adventure Rentals | • Specialty vehicles (AWD, campers, ATVs) • Local expertise for outdoor activities |
• Limited availability • Advance booking required • Premium rates for specialty vehicles |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals in Missoula cost around $83 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Compare downtown vs airport: City branches dodge the 10 % airport concession fee and often list lower base rates. Use a free hotel shuttle or quick rideshare from the terminal to pocket the savings.
Shift your pickup day: Rates in Missoula usually dip Monday–Thursday. If your itinerary is flexible, moving the pickup 24 hours can shave off double-digit dollars.
Play with seasons in the search box: Spring and mid-winter rentals hover around $25-40 a day. If snow and cooler temps don't scare you, shifting the trip outside July–August can cut the bill in half.
Check weekly pricing even for 4–5 days: On longer road trips to Glacier or Yellowstone the weekly rate frequently beats a string of daily rates. Always run both options before you click "book."
Downtown Missoula: Metered zones and public garages offer limited free spots and paid hourly rates
Evening/weekend parking: Free after 5–6 PM and on weekends
University of Montana: Requires permit on weekdays; pay stations available for visitors
Residential areas: Some 2-hour limits near downtown to prevent all-day use
Cell phone rules: Handheld cell phone use while driving prohibited in Missoula city
Winter driving: Clear all snow from your car before driving; use headlights in poor visibility
Renting a car in Missoula lets you easily reach the region's national parks, mountain passes and river valleys that lack public transportation.
Glacier National Park – Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass
Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) – Old Faithful, geyser basins
Bitterroot Valley – Lolo, Stevensville, Hamilton
Lolo Pass – Lochsa River, Lewis and Clark Trail
Seeley-Swan Valley – Flathead National Forest, lakes
National Bison Range – Mission Valley, visitor center
Is it worth renting from a city location versus the airport?
Yes, if you want to save money. When you rent from a city location, you avoid the 10% airport fee and can sometimes get a lower price. If you can get a ride from the airport, like a hotel shuttle or rideshare, you could save a good amount of money.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring western Montana?
For summer trips on paved roads, any car will do. If you plan on going to mountain trailheads or traveling in the winter, we suggest an SUV that has AWD or 4WD. It gives you more room underneath and a better grip on the road.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Missoula?
If you're traveling in the summer (June to August), you should book 2 to 4 weeks early. For big events like the university graduation or the Missoula Marathon, try to book 1 to 2 months ahead. In the off-season, you can often book just a few days before your trip.
Can I pick up in Missoula and return at another location?
Yes, you can rent a car one-way to other cities in Montana and sometimes to states nearby. The fees change, but they're often a good price for trips inside the state. It's easier to set up a one-way rental from a city office than from one in a smaller town.
Is Missoula a good alternative for accessing Glacier National Park?
Yes. It's about a 3-hour drive (around 140 miles) to the park's West Glacier entrance. But you can save a lot of money on your rental car compared to Kalispell, especially during the busy season. Many people use Missoula as a cheaper starting point for their trip to Glacier.
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