Downtown Minneapolis Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Minneapolis

Renting a car in Downtown Minneapolis offers great freedom and flexibility for exploring the area and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, business travellers, and those seeking a city-themed experience. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. You can visit key attractions such as the Basilica of Saint Mary and the Mill City Museum, both located within Downtown Minneapolis, which provide rich cultural experiences.

Additionally, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, situated 8 km away, is perfect for outdoor family activities. The convenience of having a vehicle allows you to explore the wider Minneapolis area, home to the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Lake Harriet. For those interested in the broader Minneapolis - St. Paul metropolis, you can experience destinations like Nickelodeon Universe and Paisley Park. Furthermore, Downtown West, less than 1 km away, offers attractions like Minnehaha Park and more. Overall, a rental car enhances your journey, making it easy to discover all that Downtown Minneapolis and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in and around Downtown Minneapolis

• Midsize SUV: This popular choice accommodates 5 travellers and offers ample space for up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV provides the freedom to navigate Downtown Minneapolis and its surrounding areas comfortably, with enough room for everyone and their belongings. Enjoy a smooth ride while exploring at your own pace, making it perfect for those who value convenience and flexibility.
• Premium Pickup: Perfect for adventure travellers, the premium pickup also accommodates 5 travellers with space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for families and small groups who appreciate the ruggedness and versatility of a pickup. With the capability to handle a variety of terrains, a premium pickup allows you to easily transport equipment or luggage, enhancing your travel experience around Downtown Minneapolis.
• Compact: The compact car option is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or small families, accommodating 5 travellers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. This choice is great for those seeking a more economical rental while still enjoying the freedom of exploring Downtown Minneapolis and its surroundings. Compact cars are easy to manoeuvre in urban settings, making them a practical option for navigating the busy streets and finding parking.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Downtown Minneapolis

• Enterprise: With 4 rental locations in and around Downtown Minneapolis, Enterprise is a leading choice for travellers seeking flexibility and convenience. Their most booked vehicles include Luxury and Midsize options, catering to a variety of preferences. The proximity of their locations makes it easy to manage your itinerary and explore the area at your own pace.
• Sixt: Sixt has 1 rental location situated in Downtown Minneapolis, making it a convenient option for visitors. Known for their friendly service, Sixt's most popular rentals include Standard SUVs and Premium vehicles, providing excellent choices for those looking to enjoy a comfortable driving experience while exploring the city.
• Budget: With 2 rental locations near Downtown Minneapolis, Budget is an excellent choice for value-conscious travellers. Their most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your needs without breaking the bank. Budget’s convenient locations help streamline your travel plans, making car rental hassle-free.

Where to stay around Downtown Minneapolis

• Downtown Minneapolis: As the heart of the city, Downtown Minneapolis offers a vibrant city-themed experience with easy access to attractions like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Basilica of Saint Mary. Visitors can explore the nearby shopping mall center and enjoy a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues, making it ideal for family and business travellers alike.
• Golden Valley: Located 7 km from Downtown Minneapolis, Golden Valley provides a family-friendly atmosphere with attractions such as the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Known for its shopping centres and concert venues, this area offers a great mix of entertainment and dining options, perfect for those looking for a city-themed experience.
• St. Anthony Park: Situated 6 km from Downtown Minneapolis, St. Anthony Park is a charming neighborhood that offers a blend of outdoor and city-themed experiences. The area features attractions like Minnehaha Park and the Science Museum of Minnesota, along with shopping centres and local restaurants, making it a pleasant choice for families and culture enthusiasts.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown Minneapolis

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, filters on Expedia will assist you in finding the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to navigate and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Minneapolis

The best value period for renting a car in and around Downtown Minneapolis is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is low as well. March and April also offer moderate conditions, with average prices and low demand. As summer approaches, July sees a spike in both prices and demand, making it one of the busiest months. Following that, October tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand prevailing during that time.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.1°F (-9.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	17.1°F (-8.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	32.7°F (0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
April	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
May	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
October	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	22.1°F (-5.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low