Car Rental Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. Airport (MSP)

Reasons to book a car rental at Minneapolis International Airport

Renting a car at Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is an excellent choice for tourists looking to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. With a rental vehicle, you can manage your luggage easily and adjust your travel plans on the go. This convenience is especially appealing for families and those eager to experience the friendly atmosphere of the region. You can visit popular attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and Minnehaha Park, both located just 4 km from the airport. The Science Museum of Minnesota, situated 11 km away, also makes for a great outing. Additionally, having a car allows you to explore the broader Minneapolis - St. Paul area, including the vibrant cities of Minneapolis and Bloomington, which are just a short drive away. In Minneapolis, you can discover cultural gems like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Basilica of Saint Mary. Meanwhile, Bloomington offers more family-friendly experiences at Valleyfair Amusement Park. Overall, renting a car at Minneapolis Airport provides the ideal opportunity to create your own adventure while comfortably navigating the surrounding attractions.

Most popular car rentals near Minneapolis Airport

• Midsize SUV: This option is a popular choice for those travelling with family, couples, or small groups. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and allowing for 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV offers ample space for luggage and comfort during your journey. Its versatility makes it ideal for exploring the surroundings of Minneapolis at your own pace.
• Fullsize: Perfect for families or larger groups, the fullsize car caters to the needs of up to 5 travellers with the capacity to hold 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides a spacious and comfortable ride, ensuring that everyone can travel together with ease. Whether you're embarking on a day trip or an extended stay, the fullsize car is a reliable choice for any itinerary.
• Standard SUV: If you’re looking for a balance of space and manageability, the standard SUV is an excellent option. It accommodates up to 5 travellers with room for 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for couples or small families. This type of vehicle offers the comfort needed for longer drives while remaining easy to handle in urban settings, making it a solid pick for your Minneapolis adventure.

Top rated car suppliers near Minneapolis International Airport

• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice for travellers at Minneapolis airport, featuring a rental location less than 1 km away. Known for its clean vehicles and friendly service, Sixt has an impressive overall rating of 8 out of 10. Customers appreciate the short wait times and the convenience of picking up their vehicles quickly. The most booked cars with Sixt include Midsize SUVs and Compact vehicles, making it a great option for those seeking flexibility during their travels.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Located 1 km away from Minneapolis airport, Alamo Rent A Car is recognised for its friendly service and clean vehicles. Many travellers favour Alamo for its hassle-free rental experience. The most popular vehicles booked through Alamo include Midsize SUVs and Premium Pickups, catering to a variety of needs for both leisure and business travellers alike.
• Budget: Budget offers convenient car rental options with a location less than 1 km from Minneapolis airport. Known for its competitive pricing, Budget is a solid choice for those looking for Midsize and Standard SUVs. The ease of access and variety of vehicles allows travellers to select the best fit for their journey, ensuring a smooth start to their adventure in the Minneapolis area.

Where to stay near Minneapolis International Airport

• Minneapolis: Staying in Minneapolis places you at the heart of a vibrant city filled with cultural experiences. You can explore the Minneapolis Institute of Art for a dose of culture or enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Harriet. The city also offers a variety of dining options, including local restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for food enthusiasts.
• Bloomington: Located just 8 km away from Minneapolis, Bloomington is ideal for families and business travellers alike. It features attractions such as Nickelodeon Universe and Valleyfair Amusement Park for outdoor fun. Enjoy the local shopping centres and dining options, ensuring a delightful stay with plenty of entertainment choices.
• Eagan: Eagan, situated 7 km from Minneapolis, is another excellent option for visitors. It offers easy access to attractions like the Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnehaha Park, perfect for those seeking outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. The area boasts various shopping and dining venues, making it a convenient place to stay.

9 tips to save on your International Airport car rental near Minneapolis

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car to accommodate extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It’s generally advisable to arrange your MSP car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Ideally, aim to finalize your booking 1-3 months ahead, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may have restricted availability. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements insist on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name for security deposits. Debit cards are not always accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected costs and provide peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend a significant amount of time on the road, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid extra charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Minneapolis Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Minneapolis Airport is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January and March also offer good options, with similar pricing and demand characteristics. As you move into the summer months, particularly July, you'll find the prices rising to slightly high levels while demand becomes moderately high. June through August tend to be the busiest and most expensive times for car rentals in the area.

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