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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:
Our Idaho Car Rental Advantages
Today's Top Idaho Car Rental Deals
(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:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
For best prices and selection, book 3-4 weeks in advance for standard travel, or 2-3 months ahead for peak summer (June-August) and holiday periods. Last-minute bookings in resort areas like Sun Valley can be expensive or unavailable. However, our free cancellation policy (up to 48 hours before pickup) means you can lock in today's rate risk-free and adjust if plans change. Winter bookings for 4WD vehicles should be made early as inventory is limited.
It depends on your season and destinations. For summer Boise city driving and highway travel, any economy or standard car works perfectly. However, for Sawtooth Mountain adventures or winter driving (November-March), we strongly recommend 4WD or AWD vehicles. Full-size SUVs offer the best combination of space, ground clearance, and capability for Idaho's diverse terrain. If you're camping or carrying outdoor gear, consider a pickup truck or large SUV. Convertibles are popular June-August but impractical outside summer months.
No! Idaho is one of the few states with absolutely no toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. This makes trip planning simpler and eliminates surprise charges on your rental. You'll never need a toll transponder in Idaho. The only potential fees are for entering national parks (Yellowstone is $35/vehicle, Craters of the Moon is $15/vehicle) or some state parks ($5-7/vehicle). Your rental car company won't charge any toll-related fees because they simply don't exist in Idaho.
For maximum scenic byway enjoyment, choose a vehicle with good visibility and comfort. SUVs and crossovers offer elevated seating positions perfect for mountain vistas. Ensure your vehicle has cruise control for long stretches and comfortable seats for multi-hour drives. Convertibles (summer only) provide an immersive experience on routes like the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. For photography enthusiasts, vehicles with large windows and multiple pullout storage areas work best. If planning extensive scenic driving, prioritize comfort over economy, you'll spend many hours in the vehicle.
Boise Airport (BOI) offers the most selection and competitive prices, with all major brands located on the terminal's first floor. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) provides excellent access to Yellowstone and eastern Idaho. For northern Idaho, consider Spokane Airport (GEG) just 40 minutes from Coeur d'Alene with more options than the small Coeur d'Alene Airport. Sun Valley/Hailey Airport has limited but adequate options for resort visits. Downtown Boise locations sometimes offer lower rates than the airport. Always compare prices between locations, savings can be significant.