How to find a cheap car hire deal in Minneapolis St Paul (MSP)
Searching for a cheap Minneapolis St Paul rental car? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging $259 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book easily, save more, and drive away happy.
Daily rental prices at Minneapolis St Paul start from just $75.
Staying a little longer? Grab a weekly rental from $525 and say yes to more adventures across Minneapolis.
To get the cheapest price, book your MSP car hire around two weeks in advance.
Line up your ride with Ace Rent a Car, Thrifty or Dollar, some of the most popular providers at Minneapolis St Paul.
The coverage Ace Rent a Car or another company includes with your Minneapolis St Paul car hire can differ, so always check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in MSP.
Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a car hire in Minneapolis St Paul with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Want to explore without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at $170 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around $187.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly $202 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're having trouble deciding what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type at MSP.
Compare car hire types from Minneapolis St Paul (MSP)
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Minneapolis St Paul rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this MSP car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Minneapolis St Paul that fits a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group trips, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different MSP car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Minneapolis St Paul.
Good to know
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just be ready for a few added rules or costs. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
Bringing the kids with you? Child car seat laws vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Find out if you need to add one to your MSP car hire reservation.
You'll have to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so along highways. Always check the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Drive wherever the road takes you in your MSP car hire. If central Minneapolis is your first stop, you'll find it around 11 kilometres northwest of the airport.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Minneapolis St Paul to the centre to take up to 40 minutes.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
If you don't need to drive right away, consider picking up a car hire in Minneapolis instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it makes sense for you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Minneapolis St Paul (MSP)
You'll want to experience some of the biggest attractions in Minneapolis before you do anything else. Walker Art Centre and Minneapolis Institute of Art will kick off your adventure in style.
Bloomington has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to see Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Minnesota. This city is about 8 kilometres southwest of MSP.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Minneapolis St Paul car hire and head roughly 24 kilometres northwest to Plymouth. Featuring French Regional Park and Medicine Lake, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Take off to Waterloo, about 274 kilometres south of MSP. From Lost Island Themepark to George Wyth Lake, it'll round out your trip nicely.
