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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at Missoula International Airport (MSO). Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. See live rates from the seven on-site counters that stay open for delayed flights, plus off-airport and downtown options if you want to dodge the 10 percent concession fee. Book the right SUV or compact for your drive to Glacier or Yellowstone in minutes.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-site airport rental counters | • Seven agencies in baggage claim area • Convenient walk to rental lot • Open from 6 AM until last flight arrival • Staff stay for delayed flights |
• 10% airport concession fee added • Higher base rates than off-airport options • Can be busy after multiple flight arrivals |
| Off-airport (Dollar on W. Broadway) | • Potentially lower rates • No airport fees |
• Shuttle or taxi required • Limited hours compared to airport • Extra travel time to reach location |
| Downtown Missoula locations | • Avoid airport fees • May offer weekend specials |
• Transportation needed from airport • Closed evenings and limited weekend hours |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals at Missoula Airport cost around $83 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Compare airport vs off-airport quotes: off-airport desks in Missoula skip the 10% airport fee and can be cheaper, even after a short rideshare from MSO.
Pick up mid-week: Tuesday–Thursday starts usually cost less than weekend pick-ups in Missoula.
Travel off-peak: winter and spring rates hover around $30–40/day, roughly half of July pricing.
Use membership deals: Costco, AAA and rental loyalty programs often beat aggregator prices and can throw in a free extra driver.
Downtown Missoula: Mix of free and metered spots; many public garages offer an initial free period
Evening/weekend hours: Often free after early evening hours and on weekends
University of Montana: Requires permit on weekdays; use pay station for short-term permits
Residential areas: Some 2-hour limits near downtown to prevent all-day use
Airport: Economy lot is relatively affordable
Local restrictions: Handheld cell phone use while driving is prohibited within Missoula city limits
Winter considerations: Clear all snow from your car and use headlights in poor visibility conditions
Wildlife awareness: Watch for deer crossing signs, especially near the Clark Fork River east of town
Get a car to visit:
Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) – Old Faithful, Madison Junction
Bitterroot Valley – Lolo, Stevensville, Hamilton
Lolo Pass on US-12 – Lochsa River viewpoints, Lewis and Clark sites
Flathead Lake – Polson, Bigfork
Is Missoula a good alternative for accessing Glacier National Park?
Yes, many visitors find Missoula is a cheaper starting point for a trip to Glacier. While it's a 3-hour drive to the park, you can save a lot on a rental car compared to Kalispell, especially during the busy season.
Are there any toll roads around Missoula?
No, Montana has no toll roads.
What type of vehicle is best for winter visits?
For a winter trip, we recommend an AWD SUV, especially if you plan to drive mountain passes like Lolo Pass or routes to ski areas. In Missoula itself, a front-wheel-drive car is usually fine since the city keeps the roads clear.
Can I return my rental car after hours?
Yes, the terminal is open 24 hours. Rental agencies have drop boxes for keys and rental agreements. Be sure you park in the correct return area.
How far in advance should I book a rental car?
For summer travel (June–August), book 1–2 months ahead. For special events like the Missoula Marathon (late June) or university events like graduation in May and move-in week in late August, book even earlier. During the off-season, you can often book just a few days in advance.
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