Rochester Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Rochester

Renting a car in Rochester, Minnesota, offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Mayowood Mansion, a historic house ideal for cultural experiences, and the Olmsted County Fairgrounds, perfect for family-friendly outdoor activities. The Rochester Art Center also awaits your visit, showcasing a range of artistic experiences.

Having a rental car makes it easy to navigate various popular destinations like Downtown Rochester, where you can find not only the Rochester Art Center but also Mayo Park and the fairgrounds. Cascade Township offers attractions like Silver Lake Park and Assisi Heights, all easily accessible by car. Families will appreciate the convenience of managing luggage and strollers while exploring Kutzky Park and its surrounding sites. Overall, renting a car in Rochester ensures that you can create a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests, whether you are seeking cultural experiences, family adventures, or business-related travel.

Most popular car rentals in Rochester

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV offers a perfect balance of comfort and luggage capacity, allowing you to explore Rochester and its surroundings with ease. Whether you're heading to local attractions or embarking on a day trip, this vehicle ensures you have the room to carry all your essentials.
• Standard SUV: With a capacity for 5 travellers and space for up to 2 medium suitcases, the Standard SUV is a great choice for couples, families, or groups. This vehicle strikes a balance between size and manoeuvrability, allowing you to navigate Rochester while still having enough room for your luggage. It's a versatile option that offers comfort and convenience for your travel needs.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups who need extra space for their belongings. Renting a Fullsize vehicle ensures you can travel comfortably around Rochester, making it easy to manage your luggage while enjoying the flexibility of exploring the area.

Top rated car suppliers in Rochester

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a top choice for many travellers in Rochester, offering 2 rental locations within the area. This supplier is particularly popular for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering to those seeking comfort and space. Customers appreciate the flexibility Enterprise provides, allowing them to tailor their travel plans. With a focus on customer service, Enterprise ensures a hassle-free rental experience, making it an excellent option for exploring Rochester at your own pace.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental operates 1 location in Rochester, providing travellers with reliable options for car rentals. Similar to Enterprise, the most booked vehicles are Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are ideal for families and groups. National is well-regarded for its efficient service and straightforward rental process, allowing customers to enjoy their trip without unnecessary delays. This supplier's commitment to quality makes it a solid choice for those visiting the area.
• Budget: Budget also features 1 rental location in Rochester and is known for its competitive pricing. The most popular vehicles among Budget customers include Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, making it a practical option for various travel needs. Customers appreciate the convenience of Budget's services, which allow for easy management of luggage and itineraries. With its emphasis on affordability and accessibility, Budget is a great choice for travellers looking to explore Rochester comfortably.

Where to stay in Rochester

• Downtown Rochester: A vibrant hub for business, family, and entertainment, Downtown Rochester offers a range of activities and venues, including an arena entertainment facility and shopping centres. Key attractions within proximity include the Rochester Art Center, perfect for culture enthusiasts, and the Olmsted County Fairgrounds, ideal for family outings. The scenic Mayo Park also provides outdoor enjoyment for visitors. Abundant food and drink options, including local wineries and restaurants, enhance the experience, making it a lively area to stay.
• Kutzky Park: Known for its blend of business, family, and entertainment experiences, Kutzky Park features a variety of venues, such as shopping centres and an arena entertainment facility. Travellers can explore the historic house nearby or enjoy family-friendly activities at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. The Rochester Art Center caters to art lovers, while Silver Lake Park offers a tranquil escape for city and outdoor enthusiasts. This neighbourhood provides a well-rounded stay for visitors seeking diverse experiences.
• Cascade Township: Ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic scenery, Cascade Township boasts venues like a water park and golf facilities. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature at the nearby environmental centre or relax by the lake. The Rochester Art Center presents cultural opportunities, while Silver Lake Park is perfect for family outings and leisure. With its beautiful scenery, Cascade Township offers a serene atmosphere for a restful stay, particularly appealing during the warmer months.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Rochester

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to lock in lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel periods.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others might have full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often an extra fee for picking up your rental car at airports, yet the convenience it offers might justify the cost.
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 anything unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Rochester

The best value period to rent a car in and around Rochester is April, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. March and May also provide moderate options, with average prices and low demand. However, June through August see higher prices and demand, making this a more expensive time for rentals. Additionally, September can be slightly high in pricing as demand starts to rise again, while December remains pricier with typical demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.3°F (-9.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	32.7°F (0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
June	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	35.1°F (1.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
December	22.5°F (-5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average