Where to rent a car in Minneapolis

Minneapolis has rental desks at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which is the main hub for car rentals in the metro area. The airport has counters for Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo in the baggage claim area on the ground level. If you land at MSP, you can walk directly from your gate to a rental counter without leaving the terminal.

Off-airport locations exist throughout Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs. Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz operate standalone locations in downtown Minneapolis, near the Mall of America in Bloomington, and in other neighborhoods. These locations typically have shorter wait times than the airport but may charge an airport facility fee if you pick up at MSP instead of a city location. Some companies waive this fee; others charge $10 to $15 per day.

Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental platform, also operates in Minneapolis. You rent directly from vehicle owners rather than rental companies, and you pick up and drop off at the owner's location or a designated spot. Rates and vehicle selection vary widely depending on what owners have listed in your area and dates.

Key Takeaways

  • MSP Airport has six major rental companies with counters in baggage claim, but off-airport locations in Minneapolis often have lower rates and shorter wait times.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's coverage) to complete a rental.
  • Daily rates in Minneapolis typically range from $30 to $80 for economy cars, but prices fluctuate based on demand, season, and how far in advance you book.
  • Declining the rental company's insurance means you rely on your personal auto policy or credit card coverage, which may not cover rental cars in all situations.
  • Returning a car late or with damage beyond normal wear triggers additional charges, so photograph the vehicle before leaving the lot and confirm the return time in writing.

What documents and information you need to rent

You must present a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, Canada, or an international country. The name on the license must match the name on the credit card you use to pay. If your license is expired, most rental companies will not rent to you, even if you have a renewal notice.

A credit card in your own name is required. Debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method, though some companies will take a debit card if you also provide a second form of ID and proof of return travel. The credit card is used to authorize a hold for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, typically $200 to $500. This hold is released when you return the car undamaged.

Proof of insurance is mandatory. You can provide your own auto insurance card, or you can purchase coverage from the rental company. If you use your personal policy, call your insurer before renting to confirm the policy covers rental cars. Some policies exclude rentals; others cover them only if you pay with a specific credit card. If your policy does not cover rentals, you must buy the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) or decline coverage and accept liability for any damage.

Understanding rental rates and what affects the price

Daily rates for economy cars in Minneapolis range from roughly $30 to $80 per day depending on when you book, what time of year, and how far in advance you reserve. Rates are highest during summer travel season (June through August) and lowest in winter. Booking one to two weeks ahead usually locks in a lower rate than booking the day before pickup.

The rental company's base rate is only part of your total cost. Taxes in Hennepin County add roughly 8% to the rental price. If you pick up at MSP Airport, an additional airport facility fee of $10 to $15 per day applies. If you add insurance, that typically costs $15 to $25 per day. A full tank of gas at pickup, which you must return full, adds $50 to $80 depending on the vehicle size.

Loyalty programs and discount codes can lower the rate. If you have a membership with AAA, AARP, or a frequent-renter program, mention it when you book. Credit card companies sometimes offer rental discounts through their rewards programs. Booking directly through the rental company's website often yields a lower rate than booking through a third-party site like Kayak or Expedia, though you should compare all three before committing.

Collision damage waiver and insurance decisions

The rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car from collision, theft, or vandalism. It does not cover damage from normal wear and tear, such as a cracked windshield from road debris or a dent from a parking lot bump. CDW costs $15 to $25 per day and comes with a deductible of $500 to $1,500, meaning you pay that amount out of pocket if there is damage.

Before you buy CDW, check whether your personal auto insurance covers rental cars. Most policies do, but the coverage may be limited. Call your insurer and ask: Does the policy cover collision and comprehensive damage to a rental car? Is there a deductible? Does it explore if I decline the rental company's coverage? If your policy covers rentals with the same deductible as your own car, you do not need to buy CDW. If your policy has a high deductible or does not cover rentals, buying CDW protects you from a large unexpected bill.

Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the full rental to that card. American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X are examples. Read the card's terms carefully: coverage often applies only if you decline the rental company's insurance, and it may exclude certain vehicle types or countries. If your credit card covers rentals and your auto policy does too, you have overlapping coverage and do not need to buy CDW.

Picking up and returning a rental car

Arrive at the rental counter at least 30 minutes before your scheduled pickup time, especially at the airport. The agent will ask for your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. They will show you the car, walk you through its condition, and ask you to sign a contract. Before you sign, inspect the vehicle for dents, scratches, and interior damage. Take photos or video of the entire car, including the undercarriage and wheel wells, using your phone. This record protects you if the rental company later claims you caused damage you did not.

The agent will note the mileage and fuel level on the contract. You are responsible for returning the car with a full tank of gas. If you return it empty or partially full, the rental company will charge you for a fill-up at a rate significantly higher than a gas station—often $8 to $10 per gallon. Fill the tank yourself at a gas station near the return location before you drop off the car.

Return the car on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate if you are only a few hours late. If you know you will be late, call the rental company as soon as possible; some will extend your reservation without penalty if you ask before the important date. When you return the car, the agent will inspect it, note the mileage and fuel level, and release the damage hold on your credit card. This usually takes 3 to 5 business days, though some companies process it faster.

Comparing rental companies in Minneapolis

Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz are the largest operators in Minneapolis and offer the most locations. Enterprise and Budget tend to have lower daily rates and more frequent promotions. Hertz has a strong presence at MSP Airport but often charges higher daily rates. Avis and National are mid-range options with moderate pricing and good customer service ratings.

Turo offers a different model: you rent from a private owner, not a company. Rates vary widely depending on the vehicle and owner. Some Turo rentals are cheaper than traditional companies; others are more expensive. Turo's insurance is included in the rental price, which simplifies the decision, but you are responsible for any damage up to the vehicle's value if you decline their optional protection plan. Pickup and drop-off are at the owner's location, which may be inconvenient if you need an airport rental.

Check recent customer reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or the Better Business Bureau before booking. Common complaints include unexpected charges, long wait times at airport counters, and disputes over damage claims. Reading reviews specific to the Minneapolis location you plan to use gives you a better sense of what to expect than reading national reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I am under 25?

Yes, but you will pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $30 per day if you are under 25. Most companies require you to be at least 21 to rent. Some companies, like Enterprise, rent to drivers as young as 18 with a higher surcharge. Check the company's age policy when you book.

What happens if I get into an accident?

Contact the rental company when ready and report the accident. If anyone is injured, call 911. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and file a police report if the accident is serious. The rental company will file a claim with the at-fault party's insurance or your own. If you bought CDW, your out-of-pocket cost is limited to the deductible. If you declined CDW, you may be liable for the full repair cost.

Can I rent a car one way, from Minneapolis to another city?

Yes. Most rental companies allow one-way rentals, but they charge a drop-off fee of $50 to $300 depending on the distance. Renting from Minneapolis to Chicago, for example, typically costs $100 to $200 extra. Book one-way rentals through the company's website and specify your drop-off location when you reserve.

Do I need to buy a GPS or can I use my phone?

Use your phone with Google Maps or Apple Maps. Most rental cars have USB ports or Bluetooth connectivity so you can charge your phone and hear directions through the car's speakers. Renting a GPS from the rental company costs $10 to $15 per day and is unnecessary if your phone has data service.

What if the rental car breaks down?

Call the rental company's roadside information number, which is on your rental contract and key tag. They will send a tow truck or arrange a replacement vehicle. You are not responsible for the breakdown unless you caused it through misuse. Do not attempt to repair the car yourself or take it to a mechanic without calling the rental company first.