Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in North Platte, Nebraska. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Simple. Browse live prices from Hertz at North Platte Regional Airport (LBF) and Enterprise downtown, then choose the ride that fits your drive along I-80 or Highway 83. Visiting for NEBRASKAland Days? Reserve early, the limited fleets disappear quickly.
North Platte offers both airport and city rental options:
Location | Pros | Cons | Wait Times |
---|---|---|---|
North Platte Regional Airport (LBF) | Hertz (and affiliates Dollar/Thrifty) maintain an on-site counter, extremely convenient | Limited flights (couple daily from Denver), restricted fleet selection | Very short – usually on the road within 10 minutes of landing |
City Locations (Enterprise) | May offer lower rates than airport, pickup service available in city limits | Requires transportation from airport if flying in | Minimal wait; advisable to call ahead if arriving near closing time |
Important Considerations:
On average, car rentals in North Platte cost around $70 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $43 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup – the city branch is only 3 miles from LBF and usually avoids airport facility fees. A quick taxi or rideshare can be cheaper than paying the higher airport rate.
Book early for NEBRASKAland Days (mid-June) – cars disappear fast during the festival, so lock in 6-8 weeks ahead. The rest of the year, monitor prices and pounce when they dip.
Tinker with dates and length – shifting pickup/return by a day or stretching to a 7-day rental can trigger lower weekly pricing.
Skip the extras – use your phone for navigation, bring your own child seat, and top off the tank before drop-off to dodge refuel charges.
Join free loyalty programs – even in small markets like North Platte they can mean quicker pickup, occasional upgrades, and sometimes a free extra driver (spouses often qualify).
Winter = bargain season – December through February (outside the holidays) sees the lightest demand and the lowest rates, so a cold-weather road trip can save serious cash.
Area | Parking Options | Regulations |
---|---|---|
Downtown North Platte | Free diagonal street parking along Dewey Street and nearby lots | Generally no time restrictions, but check posted signs |
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park | Free on-site parking | Follow posted guidelines for designated areas |
Golden Spike Tower/Bailey Yard | Free parking for visitors | RV and bus parking available |
NEBRASKAland Days venues | Special event parking during festival (June) | Follow posted directions; some areas may have fees |
Hotels and Shopping Centers | Free on-site parking | No time restrictions for customers/guests |
Key Driving Regulations:
Get a rental car to get to:
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park – frontier heritage
Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard – rail yard views
Sandhills region (Thedford) – prairie dunes scenery
Lake McConaughy – beaches recreation
When should I book a rental car if I'm coming for NEBRASKAland Days?
You should book your rental car at least 6–8 weeks early if you're renting in June for NEBRASKAland Days. This 10-day festival brings a lot of visitors to North Platte, so the small number of rental cars can sell out completely.
Can I drive my North Platte rental car to Colorado?
Yes, most rental companies let you drive their cars anywhere in the continental United States. Just know that if you drive near Denver, some highways (like E-470) don't take cash for tolls. You should ask your rental company how they handle tolls.
What hours do the rental agencies operate at North Platte Regional Airport?
Rental agencies usually set their hours to match when flights arrive from Denver. If your flight gets delayed past their closing time, you should call the emergency number from your reservation. An employee can sometimes meet you or leave a key for you to pick up.
Is a special vehicle needed to explore the Sandhills region north of North Platte?
A standard car is all you need for the paved highways in the Sandhills. If you plan to explore county roads or areas that are farther out, an SUV that sits higher off the ground will give you a more comfortable ride on gravel. Make sure you stay on public roads that are taken care of.
How far in advance should I book for off-peak seasons?
Even during slower times like winter (not including holidays), you should try to book 1–2 weeks ahead because North Platte doesn't have a lot of rental cars. You might find a car at the last minute, but you won't have many choices.
Can I find EV charging stations in North Platte?
In North Platte, you can find a Tesla Supercharger site that has about eight 250 kW stalls as well as a growing number of Level 2 chargers. However, rental companies don't offer many EV options here yet. If you plan to drive a lot in the countryside, a gas-powered car might be a better choice.