Idaho Car Rental Deals – Save Big on Your Gem State Adventure

Welcome to Idaho, where rugged mountains meet pristine lakes and adventure awaits around every bend! From the vibrant streets of Boise to the gateway of Yellowstone, having a rental car is essential to experiencing all that the Gem State offers. This page is your complete guide to renting a car in Idaho. We combine unbeatable rental deals with local expertise to ensure you not only save money but also have the knowledge to navigate Idaho's diverse landscapes like a pro. Whether you're flying into Boise Airport for a business trip, planning a Yellowstone adventure, or heading to Sun Valley for world-class skiing, we'll help you find the perfect car at the perfect price.

Why Rent a Car in Idaho?

Idaho is a state of vast distances and diverse attractions, public transportation is limited outside Boise, making a rental car your key to freedom. Renting a car lets you:

• Access Remote Natural Wonders: While Boise has some bus service, reaching Idaho's crown jewels, Craters of the Moon, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, or Yellowstone's west entrance, requires your own wheels. Many of Idaho's most spectacular destinations are hours from the nearest town.
• Experience World-Class Outdoor Recreation: Drive the Salmon River Scenic Byway, explore 700+ miles of trails in the Sawtooths, or access Idaho's 31 scenic byways. These iconic drives aren't accessible by tour bus, having your own car means stopping at every breathtaking viewpoint.
• Enjoy Ultimate Flexibility: No waiting for limited tour schedules, you're on Mountain Time and your own timeline. Want to catch sunrise at Shoshone Falls or extend your stay in McCall? With a rental car, it's your choice.
• Navigate Seasonal Activities: From Sun Valley skiing in winter to Coeur d'Alene lake activities in summer, Idaho's attractions are spread across the state. A car rental turns a 2-day limited tour into a week of unlimited exploration.

Our Idaho Car Rental Advantages

• Extensive Vehicle Selection: Whether you need a compact car for Boise's downtown, an AWD vehicle for winter mountain driving, or a spacious SUV for family camping trips, we've got you covered. Choose from thousands of vehicles at Idaho rental locations.
• Best Price Guarantee: We partner with all major rental companies in Idaho to bring you the lowest prices. Our system highlights special deals like "Book 7+ days and save 20%" or seasonal discounts, ensuring you never miss a bargain.
• No Prepayment Required: Most Idaho rentals let you reserve now and pay at pickup. No upfront charges mean no commitment, and no cancellation fees if your outdoor adventure plans change due to weather.
• Free Cancellation & Full Transparency: Enjoy free cancellation on most bookings up to 48 hours before pickup. We display all taxes and fees upfront, Idaho has a 6% sales tax plus local taxes, but we show everything clearly before you book.
• Unlimited Mileage Standard: Drive from Boise to Yellowstone, explore the entire Sawtooth loop, or venture to Hell's Canyon without watching the odometer. Unlimited mileage is included on virtually all Idaho rentals.
• Local Expertise & Support: We provide Idaho-specific driving tips and scenic route recommendations. Plus, our 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance mean help is always available, crucial when exploring Idaho's remote areas.
• Strategic Location Coverage: With rental locations in Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Sun Valley, and near major attractions, we ensure convenient pickup and drop-off options throughout the state.

Today's Top Idaho Car Rental Deals

• Economy Car from $30/day, Example: Nissan Versa or similar. Perfect for Boise city driving and excellent fuel economy for long distances.
• Full-Size SUV from $52/day, Example: Chevrolet Tahoe or similar. Ideal for Yellowstone trips or winter mountain driving with room for gear.
• 4WD/AWD Vehicle from $45/day, Example: Subaru Outback or similar. Recommended for Sawtooth adventures and winter conditions.
• Minivan from $56/day, Example: Chrysler Pacifica or similar. Great for family trips to Sun Valley or multi-day camping excursions.

(Note: "From" rates based on Boise Airport pickup. Rates may be higher in resort areas like Sun Valley or during peak summer months June-August. Search for your exact dates to see current pricing.)

Driving in Idaho: What to Know

Driving in Idaho offers stunning scenery but requires preparation for diverse conditions, from high-desert plains to mountain passes. Here are essential tips for safe Idaho driving:

• Speed Limits & Passing Laws: Idaho has some of the highest speed limits in the nation, rural interstates allow 75-80 mph. Uniquely, Idaho permits exceeding the speed limit by up to 15 mph when passing on two-lane highways (55 mph or higher). In cities, default speed is 25-35 mph unless posted otherwise. Idaho State Police actively patrol, and speeding fines start at $90.
• Weather & Mountain Driving: Idaho weather changes dramatically with elevation. Summer valley temperatures can exceed 100°F while mountain passes remain cool. Winter driving (November-March) requires extra caution, carry emergency supplies and check road conditions via 511.idaho.gov. Unlike neighboring states, Idaho doesn't require tire chains for passenger vehicles, but 4WD/AWD is strongly recommended for mountain travel. Watch for black ice on shaded mountain roads even in seemingly mild conditions.
• Cell Phone & Hands-Free Law: Idaho's 2020 hands-free law prohibits holding any electronic device while driving. Penalties escalate from $75 for first offense to $300 and potential 90-day license suspension for third violations within three years. Use Bluetooth or mount your phone for GPS navigation before driving.
• Remote Area Preparedness: Much of Idaho is sparsely populated. When venturing into remote areas like the Frank Church Wilderness or Owyhee Canyonlands, prepare accordingly: fill up whenever you see gas (stations can be 100+ miles apart), carry extra water and food, download offline maps, and inform someone of your route. Cell service is nonexistent in many scenic areas.
• Wildlife Hazards: Idaho's abundant wildlife creates driving hazards, especially at dawn/dusk. Elk, deer, and even moose frequently crossroads. From October-December, deer collisions spike dramatically. Use high beams, when possible, scan roadsides constantly, and remember that wildlife often travel in groups. If you see one deer, expect more.
• No Toll Roads: Unlike many states, Idaho has zero toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. This means simpler travel planning and no surprise charges on your rental. Your only road expenses will be fuel and any national park entrance fees.
• Fuel Availability: Idaho gas prices rank 9th highest nationally, averaging $3.50-4.00/gallon. In remote areas, prices can jump $0.50-1.00 higher. Plan fuel stops carefully; many scenic routes have limited services. The Boise-Sun Valley route via Highway 75, for instance, has long stretches without stations.
• Parking: Free parking is abundant throughout Idaho. Even downtown Boise offers reasonable rates ($1-2/hour) with free evening and weekend options. Resort areas like Sun Valley may charge for parking during peak season, but it's generally affordable compared to other states.
• Road Conditions & Construction: Idaho's freeze-thaw cycles create potholes and rough patches, especially in spring. Summer brings construction season (May-September) with potential delays on major routes. Check ITD's 511 system for current conditions. Mountain passes like Galena Summit can close suddenly due to weather even in late spring or early fall.

Overall, Idaho driving rewards preparation with incredible experiences. From the volcanic landscapes of Craters of the Moon to the alpine beauty of the Sawtooths, your rental car unlocks adventures impossible any other way.

Road Trip Ideas from Idaho

Idaho's location provides access to incredible road trips showcasing the American West. Here are three detailed itineraries perfect for your Idaho rental car:

Boise to Yellowstone National Park (Epic Nature Route)

Distance: ~410 miles to West Yellowstone (7-8 hours direct, better as 2-3 day trip) Route: I-84 East to US-20 East through Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone Highlights: This iconic journey takes you from Idaho's capital through diverse landscapes to America's first national park. Start in Boise's vibrant downtown, then head east through the Snake River Plain. Stop at Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls, the "Niagara of the West" plunges 212 feet (higher than Niagara!). Continue through Idaho Falls, a charming town worth exploring for lunch and Snake River views.

The route then follows the historic Yellowstone Trail through farmland before climbing into the mountains. Consider detouring through the scenic Mesa Falls Scenic Byway to see Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. As you approach West Yellowstone, you'll enter the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, watch for wildlife! West Yellowstone serves as an excellent base for exploring the park, with Idaho's portion offering less crowded access to wonders like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

Tips: Book West Yellowstone accommodations well in advance (summer fills up by spring). Gas up in Idaho Falls, fuel is expensive in West Yellowstone. The park entrance fee is $35/vehicle (valid 7 days). If traveling in early June or September, check for snow on mountain passes. Consider adding Craters of the Moon National Monument as a stop, it's a slight detour but offers otherworldly volcanic landscapes.

Sawtooth Scenic Byway Loop (Idaho's Crown Jewel)

Distance: ~250 miles round trip from Boise (5-6 hours driving, full day with stops) Route: ID-21 North to Stanley, ID-75 South through Sun Valley, US-20 West back to Boise Highlights: This spectacular loop showcases why Idaho earns its "gem state" nickname. Head north from Boise on ID-21, climbing from sagebrush desert into ponderosa pine forests. The road follows the Payette River through historic mining towns. Stop at Kirkham Hot Springs (mile marker 134) for a riverside soak with mountain views.

Arriving in Stanley, you're surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, over 40 peaks exceed 10,000 feet. This tiny town (population 100) serves as basecamp for wilderness adventures. Continue south on ID-75 through the Sawtooth Valley, often called one of America's most scenic drives. Redfish Lake offers crystal-clear waters perfect for a picnic stop. The route continues through Ketchum and Sun Valley, playground of celebrities and outdoor enthusiasts. Return via US-20 through the Camas Prairie, where spring wildflowers create purple seas.

Tips: Best traveled June-October (earlier/later risks snow). Fuel up in Boise and again in Ketchum, Stanley has limited, expensive gas. Bring layers as temperatures vary dramatically with elevation. Book Stanley lodging far ahead in summer. The entire route is paved but includes steep grades and sharp curves. Stop at Galena Summit (8,701 feet) for panoramic Sawtooth views.

Northern Idaho Lake Country Tour

Distance: ~400 miles from Boise to Coeur d'Alene via McCall (7-8 hours driving, best as 2-3 days) Route: ID-55 North through McCall, US-95 North to Coeur d'Alene Highlights: Discover Idaho's incredible lake country on this water-lovers' route. Leave Boise heading north on ID-55, one of Idaho's most scenic highways. The road climbs through the Boise National Forest, following the rushing Payette River. McCall sits on gorgeous Payette Lake, offering beaches, boating, and charming downtown. This resort town makes an perfect overnight stop.

Continuing north, ID-55 becomes even more spectacular, winding through dense forests and past cascading streams. Join US-95 near New Meadows for the journey through Idaho's panhandle. The route passes through the Nez Perce Reservation and historic towns before reaching Coeur d'Alene. This lakeside city offers 25 miles of shoreline, world-famous golf, and resort amenities. Take the scenic Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway (ID-97) for stunning water views, or venture east to experience the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail through old railroad tunnels.

Tips: McCall is extremely busy in summer, book accommodations early. Winter transforms this into a snow sports corridor (check road conditions November-April). US-95 includes steep grades near White Bird Hill with spectacular views but requiring careful driving. Coeur d'Alene resort parking fees apply in summer. Consider one-way rental dropping in Spokane (40 minutes away) to explore Washington too.