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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Wausau is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across Wisconsin with no reservation fees. Grab your car at Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) or a downtown counter and head straight to Granite Peak, Rib Mountain State Park, or the Northwoods.
Wausau visitors can rent vehicles either at the nearby airport or in the city itself.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) |
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| Wausau City Locations |
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On average, car rentals in Wausau cost around $90 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $60 per day.
Check both CWA and downtown Wausau pick-ups: city branches skip airport surcharges and can be $10–$15/day cheaper if you don't mind a short rideshare from the terminal.
Book earlier only for peak windows (ski-season weekends, fall colors, Christmas): lock in 3–4 weeks ahead, then keep the free-cancel option alive so you can pounce on any later price drop.
Play with trip length: a 7-day "weekly" deal often beats a 5- or 6-day rate in this market. Shift pick-up/return times in the search to see the sweet spot.
Target shoulder seasons (April–May, late Oct): demand is low, so booking just a week or two out can surface the rock-bottom prices.
Run one-way math: when CWA inventory is tight, pricing a pickup in Green Bay, Appleton or even Minneapolis with a Wausau drop can sometimes undercut local peak rates—compare total cost before deciding.
Go small if you can: downtown parking is free, highways are toll-free and most attractions are paved. Compact cars sip less gas and usually cost less upfront, leaving more cash for cheese curds.
Finding a spot to park in Wausau is generally easy and affordable.
| Parking Area | Cost | Time Limits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Streets | Free | 2-hour limit | Time limits enforced weekdays |
| Downtown Ramps | Free nights/weekends Daily fee on weekdays |
No limit | Jefferson Street ramp convenient for downtown |
| Granite Peak Ski Area | Free | No limit | Busy on winter weekends (arrive early) |
| Mall/Shopping Areas | Free | No limit | Area shopping centers provide plenty of space |
| Rib Mountain State Park | State park fee applies | No limit | Annual Wisconsin state park passes available |
| Residential Areas | Free | Check signs | Winter alternate-side rules apply |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to easily:
Granite Peak Ski Area – skiing
Rib Mountain State Park – hiking trails
Minocqua and the Northwoods – lakes, cabins
Stevens Point – breweries, university campus
Do I need an all-wheel drive car in Wausau in the winter? While it's not a must, we strongly recommend you get an AWD or 4WD car during the winter months (November to March). Wausau gets a lot of snow, and you might find it hard to drive on the roads to places like Granite Peak Ski Area.
How far is Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) from downtown Wausau? CWA is in Mosinee, about 12 miles (19 km) south of downtown Wausau, which is a 20-minute drive. You can get there easily by taking I-39/US-51 North.
Can I rent a car in Wausau and return it in a different city? Yes, you can book a one-way rental. But since Wausau is a smaller city, the rental company will probably charge you extra drop-off fees. People often rent one-way to drive to Green Bay, Milwaukee or Minneapolis. You should always check the company's specific rules and fees when you book your car.
What happens if a snowstorm hits during my rental period? Wausau is ready for winter weather, but big snowstorms can make driving hard. The city clears the main roads quickly, but you should probably wait to travel if conditions are very bad. Your rental car will usually have an ice scraper but not a full winter emergency kit.
Are there any toll roads around Wausau? There are no toll roads in Wausau or anywhere else in Wisconsin. You will usually only find tolls if you drive south into Illinois. Minnesota does not have standard toll roads, but some express lanes in the Twin Cities charge drivers who are alone in their car.
What should I do if I have car trouble in a remote area? You should call the roadside assistance number for your rental company. You can find the number on the key tag or in your contract. If you are far from town and have no cell service, you'll find that local people are usually happy to help. In winter, you should stay in your car instead of trying to walk for help in the extreme cold.
Are there other car rental options if CWA is sold out? During very busy times, like the EAA AirVenture week in late July, you can check with local car dealerships because some of them also rent cars. Another option is to arrange a ride from a larger airport like Green Bay, Appleton or Minneapolis–St. Paul. These airports have more cars available.
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