Bloomington Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bloomington

Renting a car in Bloomington, Minnesota, offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Nickelodeon Universe, an amusement park perfect for family fun, or take a short drive to Minnehaha Park, located 11 km away, for a delightful day outdoors. Lake Harriet, just 9 km from Bloomington, provides a scenic spot ideal for relaxation and romance.

A rental car also enhances convenience for various traveller types. Families can manage luggage and gear with ease while enjoying the space a car provides. Business travellers will appreciate the ability to navigate between meetings and attractions efficiently. Additionally, exploring nearby cities like Richfield, only 5 km away, or Eagan, about 10 km distant, allows you to uncover even more experiences, including the Science Museum of Minnesota and the stunning Lake Minnetonka. With a rental car, Bloomington and its surrounding areas become easily accessible, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Most popular car rentals in Bloomington

• Midsize: The Midsize car option is a popular choice for travellers in Bloomington, comfortably accommodating up to 5 people and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it ideal for couples or families looking for a reliable vehicle that balances comfort and practicality. With a Midsize car, you can explore Bloomington's attractions while having enough room for luggage and personal belongings, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
• Economy: The Economy car is another well-booked option, perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers and has space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is often favoured for its affordability and fuel efficiency, making it a smart choice for those looking to explore Bloomington without overspending. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a longer journey, the Economy car offers a budget-friendly solution.
• Standard: The Standard car option is designed for those who need a bit more space while still being cost-effective. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing room for up to 3 large suitcases, the Standard car is perfect for couples or families who want to travel comfortably. With its balanced size and practicality, this car type allows you to enjoy your trip around Bloomington with ease, making it a popular choice among renters.

Top rated car suppliers in Bloomington

• Nextcar: Nextcar is a popular choice for travellers in Bloomington, offering a convenient rental location within the city. With a focus on flexibility, they provide an excellent selection of Economy and Midsize vehicles, making it easy for you to navigate the attractions at your own pace. Whether you’re planning a leisurely drive or need a reliable car for your adventures, Nextcar is a top option for your journey.
• Budget: Budget stands out for offering great value car rentals in Bloomington, with a rental location conveniently situated in the area. Their fleet includes popular choices such as Standard SUVs and Midsize vehicles, catering to various travel needs. With Budget, you can enjoy a comfortable ride while managing your itinerary effortlessly, ensuring your trip is both enjoyable and stress-free.
• Enterprise: Enterprise is renowned for its customer service and convenience, with a rental location in Bloomington. They specialize in Midsize SUV AWD options, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and capable vehicle. With Enterprise, you can explore the beauty of Bloomington and its surroundings with confidence, knowing that you have a reliable vehicle at your disposal.

Where to stay in and around Bloomington

• Bloomington: Located in the heart of the Minneapolis - St. Paul metropolis, Bloomington offers a mix of family-friendly activities and urban experiences. It is home to the famed Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, perfect for outdoor and adventure seekers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy nearby attractions like sports facilities and event venues. Bloomington's shopping mall centers and diverse dining options make it a convenient base for exploring the area.
• Eagan: Situated approximately 10 km from Bloomington, Eagan is a vibrant city that caters to families and business travellers alike. The city features shopping mall centers and a variety of restaurants, wineries, and other food options. Key attractions include the Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnehaha Park, both ideal for family outings. Eagan's mix of urban parks and cultural experiences makes it a desirable spot for those wanting to immerse themselves in local culture.
• East Bloomington: This neighborhood surrounds the Bloomington area and is known for its family-friendly environment. East Bloomington boasts access to shopping centers and arena entertainment facilities. Visitors can explore local landmarks such as Minnehaha Park and the Minneapolis Institute of Art for cultural experiences. With its proximity to lakes like Lake Harriet, East Bloomington provides scenic views and outdoor activities, making it a great choice for those seeking nature and relaxation.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary significantly based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to lock in lower prices and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced option between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be restricted. This can also apply to renters over 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 extra fees. This is often the best option. Other agreements may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable too; just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only 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 when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Bloomington

The best time to rent a car in and around Bloomington is December, when prices are moderately low and demand is also low. January and February offer slightly higher prices and average demand, making them reasonably good options as well. As summer approaches, particularly in July, prices tend to rise to moderately high levels, accompanied by steady demand. August also sees high demand, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.3°F (-9.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
March	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Moderately Low
April	44.8°F (7.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
August	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
September	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
October	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	35.6°F (2.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	22.3°F (-5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Moderately Low