St. Louis Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around St. Louis

Renting a car in St. Louis offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the iconic Gateway Arch and the City Museum, both located downtown, allowing for convenient sightseeing. Families will appreciate the space a rental car provides for luggage and gear, making trips to nearby destinations like Six Flags St. Louis or Historic Main Street in St. Charles a breeze.

Additionally, a car allows you to explore outdoor spaces such as Forest Park and the Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, all while managing your schedule without relying on public transportation. Whether you are seeking cultural experiences in Downtown St. Louis or outdoor adventures in Maryland Heights, having your own vehicle ensures you can make the most of your trip. Enjoy the convenience of easy travel plans and the ability to manage your itinerary while discovering the rich offerings of St. Louis and its vicinity.

Most popular car rentals in St. Louis

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for travellers in St. Louis, accommodating up to 5 people and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for families, couples, or small groups who wish to enjoy the freedom of exploring the city and its surroundings while having ample space for luggage. Its versatility makes it perfect for both urban driving and venturing into nearby attractions.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another well-booked option in St. Louis, offering seating for 5 travellers and space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is great for couples, families, or groups who need a balance of comfort and practicality. With its spacious interior, it provides a comfortable ride for both short trips and longer journeys, allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is highly sought after, accommodating 5 travellers while providing room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups who require extra luggage space. Renting a Fullsize vehicle in St. Louis ensures you have the capacity to transport your belongings comfortably, giving you the flexibility to fully enjoy your trip without worrying about luggage constraints.

Top rated car suppliers in St. Louis

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travellers in St. Louis, boasting 5 rental locations throughout the area. Known for its reliable vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to both families and solo adventurers. With its strong presence in St. Louis, Hertz provides flexibility and convenience, making it easier for you to explore the city's attractions at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget is another excellent option, featuring over 5 rental locations in St. Louis. It is particularly favoured for Midsize and Standard SUVs, offering a practical selection for various travel needs. Budget is well-regarded for its competitive pricing and efficient service, allowing you to manage your itinerary seamlessly while enjoying the sights and experiences St. Louis has to offer.
• Enterprise: With more than 15 rental locations in the St. Louis area, Enterprise is the top choice for many travellers. They provide a wide range of vehicles, including Midsize and Premium SUVs, which are popular among customers. Enterprise is praised for its exceptional customer service, ensuring a smooth rental experience from pickup to drop-off. This makes it an ideal option for those seeking both comfort and reliability during their trip.

Where to stay in St. Louis

• St. Charles: St. Charles is a charming city perfect for a family, city-themed, or romantic experience. It features attractions such as the historic `Historic Main Street` and the vibrant `Westport Plaza`, both ideal for exploring local culture. Nature lovers can visit `Forest Park`, which offers outdoor activities. Enjoy nearby dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making St. Charles a well-rounded destination with plenty of activities to satisfy various interests.
• Downtown St. Louis: Downtown St. Louis is an exciting neighbourhood that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Notable landmarks include the iconic `Gateway Arch` and the intriguing `City Museum`, both suitable for a cultural holiday. The `Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum` provides a serene escape for nature lovers. With a variety of restaurants and breweries nearby, Downtown St. Louis is an excellent base for immersing yourself in the vibrant city life.
• Maryland Heights: Maryland Heights offers a blend of family, entertainment-themed, and city experiences. Visitors can explore attractions like `Westport Plaza` and `Historic Main Street` for shopping and dining. The nearby `Forest Park` is great for outdoor activities. With a range of restaurants and wineries available, Maryland Heights makes for a convenient location for those looking to enjoy both city amenities and natural surroundings.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around St. Louis

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 those summer drives, or an economy car to save on costs, use the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices 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 obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy 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 luxury models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
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 generally the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides you with peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to bypass extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around St. Louis

The best time to rent a car in and around St. Louis is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers excellent value, making it a quiet time for rentals. Moving into March, demand spikes, and prices become average, signalling a busier time. The summer months of June and July see higher prices and steady demand, making them the most expensive period for renting a car in the area, while August returns to more moderate levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	31.6°F (-0.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	56.1°F (13.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
May	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
June	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	77.0°F (25.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average