Minneapolis Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Minneapolis

Renting a car in Minneapolis provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Basilica of Saint Mary, both located in the heart of the city. If you're looking to enjoy the outdoors, Lake Harriet offers beautiful scenery and romantic spots for a leisurely day out. The convenience of managing your luggage and planning travel routes makes a rental car especially appealing for families and business travellers alike. Additionally, the Minneapolis - St. Paul area features popular destinations including Nickelodeon Universe and Lake Minnetonka, which are easily accessible by car. Downtown Minneapolis, known for its vibrant atmosphere, is home to the Mill City Museum and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. South Minneapolis also has attractions like Lake Nokomis, making it simple to experience a variety of sights without the limitations of public transit. Whether you're on a cultural journey or seeking outdoor adventures, renting a car enhances your ability to enjoy everything Minneapolis and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Minneapolis

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. A midsize SUV provides a comfortable ride while ensuring you have enough room for your luggage, allowing you to explore Minneapolis and its attractions with ease.
• Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV can comfortably seat 5 travellers and holds up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type strikes a balance between space and manoeuvrability, making it a great option for navigating the city while still providing enough room for your bags as you travel around Minneapolis.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is excellent for larger families or groups, accommodating 5 travellers with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This choice allows for ample luggage space, ensuring you can comfortably carry everything you need while enjoying your adventure in and around Minneapolis. It’s perfect for those who value space and flexibility in their travel plans.

Top rated car suppliers in Minneapolis

• Sixt: Sixt operates 2 rental locations in the Minneapolis area, providing travellers with convenient access to their vehicles. With an impressive overall rating of 8 out of 10, Sixt is renowned for its clean, friendly service and minimal wait times. Most customers choose Midsize SUVs and Compacts from this supplier, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience while exploring Minneapolis and its surroundings.
• ACE Rent A Car: ACE Rent A Car has 1 location in Minneapolis, offering a reliable option for those seeking value and service. With an overall rating of 7.8 out of 10, ACE is celebrated for clean vehicles and friendly staff, with prices that meet travellers' expectations. Popular choices from this supplier include Economy SUVs and Midsize SUVs, making it a great option for those looking to navigate the city with ease.
• Budget: Budget has 3 rental locations conveniently situated in the Minneapolis area, making it easy for travellers to find a pick-up point nearby. Known for their excellent value, Budget offers a variety of vehicles, with Midsize and Standard SUVs being the most popular options among renters. Their commitment to affordability ensures that you can explore Minneapolis without breaking the bank.

Where to stay in Minneapolis

• Minneapolis - St. Paul: This metropolis offers a variety of experiences for families, business travellers, and urban explorers. With attractions like Nickelodeon Universe, perfect for family adventures, and the scenic Lake Minnetonka, ideal for romantic getaways, Minneapolis - St. Paul caters to diverse interests. Event conference venues and sports facilities are plentiful, making it a great base for business and leisure activities alike.
• Downtown Minneapolis: Situated in the heart of the city, Downtown Minneapolis is vibrant and bustling, ideal for families and business visitors. Key points of interest include the Basilica of Saint Mary and the Mill City Museum, both rich in culture. The area is close to shopping centres and event venues, ensuring that dining and entertainment options are readily accessible.
• South Minneapolis: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, South Minneapolis features attractions like Lake Harriet and Lake Nokomis, both offering beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. The neighbourhood also boasts shopping centres and educational institutions, making it a lively spot for both leisure and learning. Nearby eateries provide ample dining choices for visitors.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower prices and have access to a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a nice 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 luxury models—might not be accessible. This could also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under 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. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle 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 make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case anything 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, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Minneapolis

The best value period to rent a car in and around Minneapolis is February, as both prices and demand are slightly low during this month. January is also a quiet time, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable rates. Moving into spring, April sees average prices with slightly low demand, while May maintains average pricing alongside average demand. In contrast, July is the most expensive month, with high demand and prices, making it less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	14.9°F (-9.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	16.9°F (-8.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	32.5°F (0.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	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	Slightly High
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	21.9°F (-5.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average