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Rent a Car in Great Falls, Montana—Competitive Rates and a Complete Local Guide

Compare airport and downtown pickup options, understand insurance and fees, and get on the road fast with practical, traveler-friendly tips for Great Falls, United States.

Updated Travel Tips
Great Falls Car Rental Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Expect
Renting a car in Great Falls is one of the easiest ways to explore north-central Montana—especially if you plan to visit nearby outdoor areas, smaller towns, or attractions with limited public transit. Expect generally straightforward driving, ample parking, and shorter in-town distances than major metro areas. Key planning points: book early for summer and holiday travel, review the fuel policy (prepay vs. return-full), confirm deposit/credit card requirements, and consider coverage (your personal auto policy, credit card benefits, or rental counter options). Winter travelers should prioritize good tires and allow extra time for weather changes.
Alamo
Avis
National
Thrifty
Budget
Hertz
+ more
Great Falls International Airport (GTF) – On-Airport/Terminal-Area Rentals
Best for the quickest pickup after landing. Follow airport signage for rental counters and the designated pickup area. Pros: longest operating hours, easier after-hours returns, and strong vehicle availability. Cons: may include airport facility/concession fees and can price higher than off-airport locations during peak dates.
Central Great Falls (Downtown/Civic Center Area) – Off-Airport Branches
A convenient choice if you’re already staying in town or arriving by bus/ride-hail. Pros: can be cheaper than the airport and easier for local pickups. Cons: shorter business hours, fewer vehicle classes, and limited after-hours drop-off compared with the airport.
Hotels and Major Arterials (10th Ave S / 15th St / Central Ave Corridors)
Good for travelers staying along main commercial routes with quick access to restaurants and services. Pros: easy parking and typically faster in-and-out than downtown. Cons: inventory can vary day-to-day and some locations may require a ride to reach if you’re not nearby.
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What do you need to rent a car in Great Falls?

Renting a car in Great Falls is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID is required (Germany ID for rentals in Germany; United States national photo ID for rentals in the U.S.).
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full, original physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year (some offers may require 2 years). Local licences are generally accepted without translation.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required and widely accepted (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club; on some offers also UnionPay, JCB, Discover). Some offers also accept debit cards (mainly Visa/MasterCard; in some cases UnionPay, JCB, Discover, AMEX). At least one physical card must be presented at pickup. Card acceptance (especially UnionPay and debit cards) may vary by offer.
  • Age requirements: Standard permitted driving age ranges from 18–80 or 25–99 depending on the offer. The most common minimum age is 21 or 25. Young driver surcharges may apply: in some European offers, drivers 18–22 pay about €12.90 per day ($15.19/day); in some U.S. offers, drivers 20–24 pay $25.00 per day; in others, drivers 21–24 pay $27.00 per day. Certain vehicle categories (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size and premium SUVs) may not be rented by drivers under 25, and some offers require any additional driver to be at least 25.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full, original physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year (some offers may require 2 years). Accepted driving licence include:
    • EU/EEA driving licence (valid across EU/EEA, Switzerland, UK)
    or
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation only; photocopies/scans not accepted)
    or
    • Original driving licence + official embassy translation in English (embassy-authorized)
    or
    • Original driver's licence in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.), no IDP required
    or
    • Original South Korea driving licence (English version with English translation on the back). For licences in non‑Roman alphabets (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc.), an IDP is required in addition to the original licence.

    Notes: Non-local licences from countries that are part of the International Driving Permit Agreement must be accompanied by an IDP. Licences from countries that are not part of this agreement must have an official English translation or other acceptable form as specified. Photocopies or scanned copies of licences or IDPs are not accepted.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club are accepted on all offers; some offers also accept UnionPay, JCB, Discover. Several offers accept Visa/MasterCard (and in some cases UnionPay, JCB, Discover, AMEX) debit cards, but others allow credit cards only. Card type (credit vs. debit) and UnionPay acceptance depend on the specific offer.
  • Age requirements: Standard permitted driving age ranges from 18–80 or 25–99 depending on the offer. The most common minimum age is 21 or 25. Young driver surcharges may apply: in some European offers, drivers 18–22 pay about €12.90 per day ($15.19/day); in some U.S. offers, drivers 20–24 pay $25.00 per day; in others, drivers 21–24 pay $27.00 per day. Certain vehicle categories (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size and premium SUVs) may not be rented by drivers under 25, and some offers require any additional driver to be at least 25.
requirementsrequirements

Best Car Rentals for Exploring Great Falls & Beyond

Discover the top vehicle choices for your Montana adventure, from mountain roads to city streets. Find your perfect ride today.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Winter

SUV

Conquer Snowy Montana Winters with Confidence
5
3
Auto

Montana winters bring heavy snowfall and icy roads. An SUV with all-wheel drive provides superior traction and stability on slippery surfaces. The higher ground clearance helps navigate snow-covered roads and gravel driveways with ease. Safety features like stability control and anti-lock brakes are essential for winter driving. You will stay warm and secure while others struggle in lesser vehicles.

Mountain

Pickup Truck

Perfect for Glacier National Park Adventures
5
4
Auto

The winding mountain roads and rugged terrain around Glacier National Park demand a capable vehicle. A pickup truck offers the durability and power needed for steep inclines and remote trails. The bed provides ample storage for camping gear, hiking equipment, and souvenirs. Four-wheel drive capability ensures you can access viewpoints and trailheads others cannot reach. This is the ultimate choice for adventurers seeking Montana's wild heart.

Road Trip

Medium

Ideal for Scenic Drives & City Exploration
5
2
Auto

Great Falls and surrounding towns offer easy navigation on well-maintained highways and city streets. A midsize sedan delivers excellent fuel economy for long drives along the Missouri River and beyond. Compact enough for convenient downtown parking yet spacious enough for comfort. Smooth handling makes exploring attractions like the Giant Springs and Lewis and Clark sites a breeze. The smart choice for travelers prioritizing efficiency and comfort.

Choose Your Ride

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

Airport (GTF)
Downtown

Why Choose Airport Pickup at Great Falls International Airport (GTF)

Airport pickup is ideal for fast arrivals and late landings, with strong vehicle availability and simpler logistics for one-way rentals or after-hours returns. While rates can be higher due to airport surcharges, the time savings and flexibility often offset the difference—especially for short trips or tight itineraries.

logo
City SmartSmall
Kia Soul

Kia Soul

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$604.23 - $704.23
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City SmartSmall
Kia Rio

Kia Rio

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$604.23 - $704.23
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City SmartSmall
Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$604.23 - $704.23
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Adventure ReadySUV
Chevrolet Equinox

Chevrolet Equinox

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$636.46 - $736.46
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Adventure ReadySUV
Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$638.76 - $688.76
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Adventure ReadySUV
Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

HertzIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$723.60 - $1,023.60
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Road Trip ComfortLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$692.86 - $792.86
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Road Trip ComfortLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

HertzIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$805.40 - $1,105.40
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Road Trip ComfortLarge
Chrysler 200

Chrysler 200

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$692.86 - $792.86
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

Great Falls Car Rentals - See Real Ratings & Reviews

Read genuine reviews from verified renters to find the best car rental experience in Great Falls, Montana.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Hertz
2.9
17,000+ reviews
$81In terminal, Walk to counter
$586 - $761
  • Gold membership loyalty program
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Quick service recovery process
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$733.6 miLow deposit
  • Friendly and Professional Staff
  • Clean and Reliable Vehicles
  • Quick and Efficient Service
Avis
1.3
95 reviews
$216In terminal, Walk to counter
$462 - $1,805
  • Competitive online pricing available
  • Easy pickup and dropoff process
  • Helpful staff at select locations

*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. 25 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Stress-Free Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide provides a step-by-step approach for international visitors on how to fuel up a rental car in the USA, covering fuel types, payment methods, and essential tips for a stress-free experience.
View details
Ultimate USA car rental guide avoid hidden fees insurance traps and extra charges
Discover how to avoid hidden car rental fees in the USA with a practical step by step strategy. Learn the real cost of CDW LDW SLI and PAI insurance, how to use third party coverage like QEEQ full protection, and when credit card coverage works. Understand fuel policy tricks like prepaid fuel vs full to full, airport concession surcharges, young driver and additional driver fees, and expensive extras such as GPS and child seats. Get clear guidance on handling toll roads without overpriced transponder packages and follow a detailed checklist for booking, pickup, and return so the price you book is the price you pay on your US road trip.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Booking Volume

Review Quality

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Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Online bookings dominate at 70.3%, with economy cars leading vehicle share at 29.8%. Local usage captures 46.8% of the US car rental market."

Booking Patterns

"US car rental market valued at $37.9B in 2024, projected to reach $78.8B by 2034 at 7.6% CAGR. Online bookings capture 70.3% share."

Customer Pain Points

"Car rental companies collected over $2 billion in optional insurance and add-on fees in 2024, with hidden charges being a primary consumer complaint."

Data Sources

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  • CBT News - Car rental rip-off: Hidden fees and fake damage claims
  • The Points Guy - 5 hidden rental car fees

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Great Falls

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

Drive Through Great Falls, Montana: Essential Travel Guide

Discover everything you need to know about driving and traveling in Great Falls, Montana, from local speed limits to gas prices and car rentals.

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

25-40 km/h (urban areas, residential zones 25 mph, commercial areas 35-40 mph)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

113 km/h (70 mph on Montana highways)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$0.81/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.76/L - $0.94/L

Great Falls Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and rental advice for road trips in and around Great Falls, Montana

Can I drive in Montana with my foreign license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
If your license is in English, you can use it directly in Montana. If it's in another language, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license. Most rental companies won't accept a license alone if it's not in English. The IDP costs about $20 and is valid for 1 year. Get one before you leave your home country.
I'm 22—will I pay a young driver surcharge, and how much?
Yes. Most rental companies in Montana charge a "young driver fee" for drivers under 25, typically $20–$35 per day on top of the base rate. At 22, you'll definitely hit this surcharge. Some agencies offer better rates for drivers 21-24, so shop around. Budget an extra $200–$400 for a week-long rental if you're under 25.
Does Great Falls require winter tires or snow chains in winter?
Montana has no statewide winter tire law, but from November to March, chains or mud+snow (M+S) rated tires are strongly recommended—especially if you're driving toward Glacier National Park or into the Rocky Mountains. Rental companies often include winter tires in their Montana fleet, but always confirm when booking. Carry chains anyway if you're heading into mountainous areas; you can get stuck and fined if conditions require them.
How do I pay for toll roads and gas in Montana?
Montana has no toll roads—great news for your budget. Gas is paid at the pump with credit/debit card; most stations are self-serve. Montana gas prices average $3.20–$3.80 per gallon (higher in remote areas). Most rental companies operate on a full-to-full fuel policy—pick up with a full tank, return full, or pay $8–10 per gallon for refueling at the counter.
What wildlife dangers should I watch for on Montana highways?
Montana has one of the highest deer-vehicle collision rates in the US, with over 3,000 reported annually. Collisions with elk and moose are less common but devastating at highway speeds. Dawn and dusk are peak activity times, especially on Routes 200, 89, and I-15 near Great Falls. If an animal is in your path, brake firmly—don't swerve, as this causes worse accidents. Check your rental insurance; comprehensive coverage typically covers animal strikes.

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