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Hire A Car In Minneapolis For Great Value And Total Flexibility

Compare competitive prices and use this practical, UK-friendly guide to choose the best pick-up point, avoid common fees, and drive Minneapolis and Minnesota with confidence.

UK Traveller Guide
Minneapolis Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Know
Hiring a car in Minneapolis is one of the easiest ways to explore beyond the city, from the Chain of Lakes and Mall of America to day trips around Minnesota and onward drives to Wisconsin. Public transport covers core corridors, but a car is far more convenient for suburbs, shopping, business parks and rural attractions—especially in winter when waiting outdoors is less appealing. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the main differences are right-hand traffic, larger junctions and frequent multi-lane driving; allow extra time to get comfortable after landing. Most visitors pick up at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) for maximum choice and extended opening hours, while downtown locations can suit those staying centrally and avoiding airport surcharges.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – Car Rental Centre
MSP is the primary airport for Minneapolis. The Car Rental Centre is off-site and reached by dedicated shuttle buses from both terminals. Follow signs for “Ground Transport/Car Rentals”, then take the free shuttle; allow extra time at peak periods and in snowy weather. Advantages: widest vehicle choice (including SUVs and winter-ready options), longer opening hours, easy motorway access (I-494/I-94). Disadvantages: airport facility fees and higher demand during events and holidays.
Downtown Minneapolis (Nicollet Mall / City Centre area)
Pros: convenient for city-centre hotels and business trips; you can settle in before driving. Cons: limited fleet and shorter hours; parking collection/return can be tight; city taxes and premium parking costs may reduce savings versus the airport.
North Loop / Warehouse District
Pros: close to popular accommodation, dining and Target Field; often easier road access than the core CBD. Cons: availability varies by day; returns may be constrained by street access and local traffic patterns.
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Minneapolis Car Hire: Top Picks for Every Season and Journey

Whether you're navigating icy Twin Cities winters or cruising to Lake Superior's shores, find your ideal rental wheels right here.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Winter

SUV

Master Minnesota's Icy Streets
5
3
Auto

Minneapolis winters are legendary for heavy snowfall and treacherous ice-covered roads that demand a vehicle built for the challenge. An SUV with all-wheel drive provides the essential traction needed to navigate snowpacked motorways and suburban streets with confidence. The elevated driving position offers superior visibility during those dark winter mornings when snow plows are still working. Spacious interiors with robust heating systems ensure you stay toasty warm even when temperatures plummet to a bracing -20°C.

Summer

Pickup Truck

Adventure Awaits Beyond the City
5
4
Auto

When summer arrives, Minneapolis locals flock to the stunning lakes, state parks, and wilderness areas scattered across Minnesota and Wisconsin. A pickup truck is your ultimate companion for these adventures, offering cavernous load space for kayaks, fishing gear, camping equipment, and all the provisions your expedition requires. The powerful engine delivers confident performance whether you're towing a boat to Lake Superior or navigating the rugged dirt roads leading to remote backcountry campsites.

City

Small

Twin Cities Made Effortless
5
2
Auto

Navigating downtown Minneapolis and the surrounding urban sprawl requires a vehicle that embraces agility and efficiency over brute size. A small car slices through busy traffic with ease and parks effortlessly in the city's often tight parking spaces—genuine lifesavers during rush hour or when attending events at Target Field or the Convention Centre. Despite their compact footprint, these zippy runabouts deliver genuinely impressive fuel economy, saving you pounds on daily commutes and shorter urban journeys.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pick-Up (MSP)
Downtown Pick-Up

Choose MSP For The Broadest Choice And Easiest Start After Landing

Airport pick-up is ideal if you are arriving from the United Kingdom and want to get on the road quickly with minimal transfers. MSP typically offers the largest selection of vehicles, longer operating hours, and simpler one-stop comparisons between major brands. It is also well-suited for one-way rentals and early-morning departures, though prices can include airport concession and facility fees.

logo
City runaboutSmall
Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$483.05 - $583.05
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City runaboutSmall
Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$500.14 - $600.14
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City runaboutSmall
Kia Rio

Kia Rio

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$483.05 - $583.05
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Winter readySUV
Mazda Cx-50

Mazda Cx-50

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$504.11 - $604.11
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Winter readySUV
Mazda Cx-50

Mazda Cx-50

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$522.71 - $572.71
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Winter readySUV
Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$504.11 - $604.11
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Motorway cruiserLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$516.97 - $616.97
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Motorway cruiserLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$536.25 - $636.25
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Motorway cruiserLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

MSP Car Rental: Honest Reviews from Real Travellers

Read genuine ratings and authentic feedback from customers who hired vehicles at Minneapolis Airport, helping you choose with confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
SixtBest Overall
4.3
10,200+ reviews
$74In terminal, Walk to counter
$387 - $426
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Quick and efficient service
  • Easy reservation process
Ace
2.9
1,400+ reviews
$4887.8 mi from Minneapolis Downtown
$964 - $1,744
  • Helpful professional staff
  • Quick and efficient service
  • Smooth rental experience
National
2.9
57 reviews
$81In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick airport pickup
  • Friendly professional staff
Hertz
2.9
17000+ reviews
$106T1, Airport light railLow deposit
  • Professional and friendly service
  • Transparent and competitive pricing
  • Efficient and fast process
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$79In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Professional staff assistance
  • Fast pickup and return
  • Friendly customer service
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$124In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Friendly and helpful counter staff
  • Quick and efficient pick-up process
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$132In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Smooth Pickup Process
  • Friendly Helpful Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
Dollar
1.4
3300+ reviews
$93In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Smooth pickup and return process
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Easy reservation experience
Avis
1.2
99 reviews
$71In terminal, Walk to counter
$339 - $476
  • Great price booking online
  • Outstanding service at airport
  • No hidden extra charges
Budget
1.2
5691+ reviews
$112In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Excellent roadside assistance
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Smooth pick-up process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 6 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA
This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.
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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations capture 38% of car rental bookings in the US, with Minneapolis MSP airport serving as the primary pickup hub for 3.69 million metro residents and visitors, offering significant market potential."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars dominate with 29.6% market share while 70.1% of bookings move online; 48 million Americans rented cars in 2023, a 19.4% year-on-year increase, with leisure travel accounting for 74% of rentals."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of renters report disconnect between advertised and final prices, with 57% finding the checkout process frustrating and 40% dissatisfied with the car return experience."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Grand View Research - U.S. Car Rental Market Size and Share Industry Report 2030
  • Metropolitan Airports Commission MSP
  • Grand View Research - U.S. Car Rental Market Size and Share Industry Report 2030
  • Zubie Nationwide Survey - Rental Car Behavior and Preferences 2024-2025
  • Zubie Nationwide Survey - Rental Car Behavior and Preferences 2024-2025
  • SmartCarRental.com - Car Rental Insurance Guide

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Minneapolis

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Minneapolis

Drive Minneapolis: Your Essential Travel Companion

Everything you need to know about driving and car rentals in Minneapolis, Minnesota - from speed limits and gas prices to insider tips for the ultimate Twin Cities road trip adventure

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5-7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

113 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.05/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.95/L - $1.25/L

TRAVELER RATING

5.1 / 10

Minneapolis Car Hire Questions Answered

What UK travellers need to know about hiring and driving in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Can I drive in Minneapolis with my UK photocard licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Your UK photocard driving licence is legally valid for tourist rentals in Minnesota - no IDP is strictly required under state law for visits under 90 days. In practice, however, every major rental counter at MSP Airport (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt) routinely asks to see an International Driving Permit, and several will decline the booking outright without one. Apply via the AA or RAC online for £5.50; the permit arrives within ten days, or pay extra for same-day collection. Carry both documents together - if a desk agent is unsure, the IDP settles the question instantly and protects you from being turned away at midnight after a long flight.
How tough is Minneapolis winter driving, and are winter tyres compulsory?
Minneapolis winter is genuinely harsh and catches many visitors out. Daytime highs hover around -10°C from December to February, night-time temperatures regularly drop below -25°C, and heavy snowfall combined with black ice is normal from November through March. Winter tyres aren't legally mandated in Minnesota, but the all-season rubber most hire fleets run year-round struggles badly on packed ice, especially on the I-94 and I-35W commute corridors. If you're visiting between December and March, book a four-wheel-drive SUV or crossover where possible, and budget $15-25 per day for a winter tyre swap from a local fitter such as Discount Tire.
How does the MnPASS toll system work, and will my hire car be charged automatically?
Minneapolis has almost no traditional toll booths. The MnPASS express lanes on I-35W (south of downtown) and I-394 (towards the western suburbs) use overhead gantry sensors; solo drivers pay $1-8 per trip during peak hours (Mon-Fri 6-10am and 3-7pm), while cars with 2+ occupants ride free. Hire cars almost never carry a MnPASS tag, so you won't be auto-charged - simply stay out of the leftmost lane in peak periods. If you do use the lane, pay the toll online within three days via mnpass.org; miss the window and you'll be billed a $5 admin fee on top, charged to the card on file.
I'm 23 - can I hire a car, and what's the young driver surcharge?
Yes, but the surcharge adds up. Drivers aged 21-24 pay a young driver fee of $20-30 per day at Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Sixt, on top of the base rental rate. Minimum age is 20 at Enterprise and 21 at the rest; under-25s are also blocked from premium saloons, full-size SUVs and most performance cars. Expect to add roughly £200-300 to a 10-day winter trip. Book well in advance - vehicles available to under-25s are a smaller pool, especially four-wheel-drives in peak ski season. Bring a credit card in your own name; debit cards are often refused outright for under-25s.
What are Minneapolis snow emergency parking rules, and what happens if I ignore them?
Snow Emergencies are Minneapolis's most punishing parking rule and catch out-of-town visitors every winter. After any 2-inch-plus snowfall, the City declares a three-night emergency: Night 1, no parking on Night 1 routes between 9pm-8am; Night 2, the rule shifts to Night 2 routes; Day 3, no parking on either side of any snow emergency route. Parked cars on the wrong night get a $48 fine and are towed to the impound lot, where the release fee starts at $150. Sign up for free SMS alerts at minneapolismn.gov/snow, and check the live Plow Map on the city's website before moving your hire car anywhere.

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