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Find competitive rental car prices in Whitefish, Montana with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks and passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare offers from the downtown Enterprise desk, Glacier Park International Airport agencies and vetted local hosts so you can pick up in town, at FCA or have a car brought to the Amtrak station. Book early to secure the car you need for Glacier National Park road trips and winter runs up Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 593114
Location Pros Cons
Enterprise Whitefish • Lower rates than airport locations
• No airport fees
• Convenient for train arrivals
• Can offer unlimited mileage
• Limited hours (usually 8AM-5PM weekdays)
• Smaller fleet selection
• Limited weekend hours
• No after-hours pickup
Glacier Park Int'l Airport (FCA) • Multiple agencies available
• Immediate vehicle access
• Extended hours
• Greater vehicle selection
• 12 miles (19 km) from Whitefish
• Higher facility fees
• Premium pricing in peak season
• Long lines in summer
Turo (peer-to-peer) • Local vehicle options
• Potential for airport delivery
• Sometimes lower rates
• Variable service experience
• Requires coordination from owner
• Limited support if issues arise

Additional notes:

  • No commercial airport in Whitefish; Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell is the nearest airport
  • Whitefish is an Amtrak stop on the Empire Builder route; Enterprise can arrange pickup from the station
  • Some Whitefish hotels provide airport shuttles (e.g., Grouse Mountain Lodge)
  • Enterprise Whitefish may allow airport returns for a small fee (approximately $15-50)
  • Limited inventory makes advance reservations essential, especially in summer and ski season

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Whitefish?

On average, car rentals in Whitefish cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.

Saving Tips
  • Skip the airport markups – downtown Whitefish pickups usually run 15-30 % cheaper than Glacier Park International thanks to zero facility fees

  • Book early with free cancellation, then stalk the price – summer and ski slots sell out but last-minute fleet dumps can push prices down; rebook when they drop

  • Use shuttles to shave off rental days – many hotels run free airport or Amtrak transfers, and the SNOW Bus covers the ski hill, so grab the car only for the days you'll actually drive

  • Shoulder season = bargain season – late April-May and Sept-Oct often see rates around $40-70 a day with plenty of cars available

  • Consider a town pickup, airport drop – returning at FCA costs a small fee yet saves a taxi ride and lets you keep the cheaper in-town daily rate

Local Parking and Driving

  • Downtown Whitefish: Free street parking and public lots

  • Whitefish Mountain Resort: Free parking in all lots (upper lots fill early on powder days)

  • Glacier National Park: Spots fill by 7 AM at popular areas like Logan Pass during summer

  • Winter snow removal: Watch for temporary "No Parking 2am-6am" signs during plowing operations

  • Cell coverage: Good in town but limited in Glacier National Park

  • Parking garages: Downtown garage offers free EV charging stations

  • Speed limits: Strict 25 mph enforcement in town; police ticket for pedestrian safety
Why rent a car in Whitefish

Book a rental to easily:

  • Glacier National Park – West Glacier entrance, Going-to-the-Sun Road

  • Whitefish Mountain Resort – gondola, trailheads

  • Flathead Lake – north shore beaches, Bigfork village

  • Flathead Valley townsKalispell shopping, Columbia Falls brewery

  • Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge – US-2 route, waterfalls

Driving Distances from Whitefish

FAQs

How do I get a rental car if arriving by train in Whitefish?

Enterprise in Whitefish can pick you up from the Amtrak station during their business hours. You should call them at least 24 hours ahead to set it up. If you arrive after they close, you can take a taxi or a hotel shuttle to where you're staying and rent a car the next morning.

Do I need a 4WD/AWD vehicle in Whitefish?

If you visit in the summer, any type of car will work fine. For a winter visit (November–April), we strongly suggest getting an AWD or 4WD car, especially if you plan to drive to Whitefish Mountain Resort or travel on mountain roads when it's snowing.

Can I take my rental car into Canada from Whitefish?

Yes, most rental companies let you drive their cars into Canada through the nearby Roosville border crossing. You should tell the rental company when you book, make sure your rental agreement allows travel to another country and carry the right papers, like your passport and proof of insurance. Some companies might charge you an extra fee or only let you drive in certain provinces, so you should check their rules beforehand.

How far in advance should I book a rental car for Whitefish?

If you're visiting in summer (June–August), you should book 4–6 months ahead of time. For the winter ski season (December–March), try to book 2–3 months ahead, especially for holiday travel. In the spring and fall, you can often make last-minute bookings.

Is it worth staying in Whitefish versus Kalispell when visiting Glacier?

Whitefish has more of a resort feel. Its downtown is easy to walk around and it has a mountain town vibe. Kalispell offers more shopping and is a bit closer to the airport. Whitefish is about 15 miles (24 km) north of Kalispell and 26 miles (42 km) from West Glacier, so your drive to the park will be about 10 minutes longer than from Kalispell.