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Compare car rental prices from leading providers in St. Paul, Minnesota with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up your vehicle downtown, at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport or in nearby suburbs and explore Summit Avenue, the Mall of America and the Great River Road. Book early to dodge event surcharges around Xcel Energy Center and secure free cancellation on most deals.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown St. Paul | • Lower costs (no airport surcharges) • Convenient for city-based travelers • Often shorter wait times • Good if staying in St. Paul first | • Limited hours (usually 7:30am-5:30pm weekdays, shorter weekends) • No 24-hour service • Smaller vehicle selection • Fewer agency options than Minneapolis |
| MSP Airport | • Extensive vehicle selection • Multiple companies to compare • Extended hours (some 24/7) • Convenient if flying in | • Higher taxes and fees (11% concession fee, $5.90/day facility fee) • 9-10 miles (14-16 km) from downtown St. Paul • Potential for long lines at peak times |
| Suburban Locations | • May offer better availability • Often locally owned/operated • Potential for personal service | • Limited hours • Transportation needed to reach them • May be closed Sundays |
Company Availability
- Downtown: Enterprise and Avis have the strongest presence
- Near Airport/Mall of America: All major brands available
- Advance reservations recommended, especially for specific vehicle types
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- Compare pickup spots: Downtown St. Paul locations skip the 11% airport concession tax and $5.90/day facility fee. If your flight lands early, hop the light rail or rideshare into town and collect the car there.
- Shift your dates, not just your car class: Rates spike when the Wild play or during the Winter Carnival. Moving pickup/return a day before or after a big event often beats "booking earlier."
- Stretch to a weekly deal: In St. Paul a 5-7-day booking can cost less than four individual days. Run the numbers—sometimes adding an extra day (and returning early) still wins.
- Trim idle days: Staying downtown with good transit? Rent only for your road-trip portion and return the car before parking fees pile up at your hotel.
- Skip pricey add-ons: Bring your own phone mount and navigation, and only add extra drivers if you really need them—each one is about $10-15/day unless it's your spouse.
Car rental prices in St. Paul 2025/2026
Local Parking and Driving
Downtown Parking
- Metered street spots are enforced from 8am to 10pm Monday through Saturday.
- Enforcement is active; read posted signs carefully.
- Public ramps are available throughout downtown.
- Event parking near Xcel Energy Center increases significantly during concerts or games.
St. Paul Snow Emergency Rules
- Rules differ from Minneapolis; follow "Night Plow Routes" restrictions.
- Sign up for text alerts through the city website.
- Snow emergencies usually last 72 hours and parking restrictions change each day.
- Towing is strictly enforced.
Local Driving Rules
- Right turn on red permitted after a complete stop unless posted otherwise.
- School zones are strictly enforced.
- Watch for pedestrians in crosswalks; state law requires yielding.
- One-way streets are common in the downtown area.
- Cell phone use while driving requires a hands-free setup.
Why rent a car in St. Paul
Get a car to see:
- Minnesota State Capitol – Capitol complex, museums
- Summit Avenue – mansions, Cathedral of St. Paul
- Mississippi River Boulevard – parks, river overlooks
- Mall of America – shopping, entertainment
- Stillwater – river town, shops
- Duluth North Shore – Lake Superior waterfront, scenery
Local Rental Locations
- Bloomington, MN
- Car Rental Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Coon Rapids, MN
- Duluth, MN
- Minneapolis, MN
- Minnesota
- Rochester, MN
FAQs
Where is the best place to park when visiting downtown St. Paul?
For short visits, you can find metered street parking all over downtown, but watch the time limits, which are usually 2 hours. For longer stays, you can use public ramps like the Smith Avenue Ramp or Lawson Ramp for all-day parking. They charge about $10-15. When there's a big event at Xcel Energy Center, parking nearby will cost more, around $15-25.
Do rental cars need a special permit for driving near the State Capitol?
No, you don't need a special permit to drive near the State Capitol. You can find public parking at meters on the streets around the Capitol and in the Capitol Complex parking lots. When the legislature is in session (January to May in odd-numbered years, February to May in even-numbered years), it might be harder to find a spot.
Is there a convenient location to rent a car if arriving by Amtrak?
Amtrak trains arrive at the St. Paul Union Depot. There is an Enterprise rental office about half a mile from the station. They can pick you up if you arrange it ahead of time. Or, you can take a short taxi or rideshare trip to other car rental offices downtown.
How difficult is street parking in residential areas like Cathedral Hill or Summit Avenue?
In most St. Paul neighborhoods, you can find street parking pretty easily. Some areas do require a permit or have time limits. It can be tough to find a spot near the Grand Avenue shopping district or by the universities during busy times. Parking on residential streets is usually free, but you should always read the signs to check for rules.
