Ready to start your Montana adventure? Use the search form above to compare real-time car rental rates across multiple Montana locations. Select your pickup spot (from major airports like Bozeman Yellowstone Intl (BZN) or Billings Logan Airport to city centers like Missoula or Great Falls), choose your dates, and hit “Search.” In seconds, you’ll see offers from dozens of rental companies statewide everything from budget-friendly compacts to spacious 4x4 SUVs and vans. Booking is fast and secure, with most rentals allowing “reserve now, pay later” and free cancellation if your plans change. Lock in an amazing Montana car rental deal now, and you’ll be all set to roam from mountain peaks to prairie highways without hassle.
Introduction: Welcome to Montana, the “Big Sky Country” known for expansive prairies, rugged Rocky Mountains, and two iconic national parks. Having a rental car in Montana is the key to experiencing every corner of this vast state on your own terms. Attractions here are spread far and wide one minute you’re watching geysers erupt in Yellowstone, the next you could be driving through Glacier National Park’s alpine passes. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in Montana. We’ve packed it with money-saving deals and insider tips so you can book with confidence and hit the road prepared. Whether you’re flying into Bozeman or Billings, planning a Glacier Park road trip, or simply want the freedom to roam between charming small towns, we’ll help you find the perfect car quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to explore Montana on your schedule with extra savings in your pocket and adventure around every bend!
Montana is the fourth-largest state in the U.S., with spectacular sites spread across hundreds of miles. Renting a car gives you total freedom to discover it all. Here are some top reasons having your own set of wheels is a smart move in Montana:
Our Montana Car Rental Advantages (Local Benefits)
Why book your Montana ride with AirportVanRental? We specialize in rental vehicles and partner with all major brands across Montana to deliver an easy, affordable experience. Here are some of the benefits and guarantees we offer for Montana car rentals:
Top Montana Car Rental Deals (Updated Weekly)
Driving in Montana: What to Know
Driving in Montana is a rewarding experience you’ll enjoy everything from wide-open highways across the plains to winding mountain roads with stunning views. To help you stay safe and stress-free, here are key Montana driving tips, rules, and quirks to be aware of:
Wide Open Roads & Long Distances: Montana’s highways often stretch for miles with little traffic, but don’t underestimate distances. It’s common to drive 100+ miles between major towns. Interstate speed limits are 75–80 mph in rural areas (and lower near cities), so you can cover ground quickly but always drive rested and alert. Two-lane highways are common and typically posted at 65 mph (slower at night). Use passing lanes to overtake slower vehicles; if you’re the slower driver on a two-lane, it’s courteous (and legal) to briefly pull to the right shoulder to let others pass when safe. And keep an eye on your fuel gauge (see “Fuel & Services” below) running out of gas 50 miles from the nearest town is no fun!
Wildlife & Open Range Hazards: Montana is ranch and wildlife country. Be prepared to encounter animals on the road, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Deer, elk, and even moose can wander onto highways hitting one can be dangerous. Always scan the roadsides and use high-beam headlights in rural areas at night when no oncoming traffic (to spot animal eyeshine). In open range areas (look for “Open Range” road signs), cattle may graze unfenced and have the right of way if they wander onto the road. If you see livestock on or near the highway, slow down and pass very cautiously (horn gently if needed to move a stubborn cow). In the event you do collide with an animal, Montana law generally asks that you pull over and report it (and yes, hitting a deer is considered an “accident” your rental’s insurance may cover it, but always drive defensively to avoid it in the first place).
Winter Weather Driving: Winters in Montana are serious. Snow, ice, and below-zero temps can impact driving from late fall through early spring. Major highways (I-90, I-15, I-94) are plowed and sanded regularly, but conditions can still be slick. If you’re visiting in winter, plan extra travel time and slow down even if locals zoom past in pickups. Consider renting an AWD/4WD vehicle if you’ll be in snow-prone areas (we have plenty available). Always clear all snow off your car (roof, windows, lights) before driving not just for visibility, it’s also Montana law and you can be fined for failing to do so. Black ice (invisible slick patches) can form on bridges, shaded curves, and during sudden temperature drops if the road looks glossy and it’s near freezing, assume it’s icy. Carry an ice scraper (our rentals provide them) and washer fluid rated for -20°F. Montana does not generally require passenger vehicles to carry chains, and rental cars typically come with all-season tires (snow tires are uncommon here). If conditions are extreme, authorities may briefly close certain mountain passes or ask big trucks to chain up. Our advice: check weather forecasts, avoid driving during blizzards or white-outs, and if you’re not experienced on snow, consider delaying travel until roads are cleared. The good news is, Montana winter days often bring clear blue skies between storms and the snowy landscapes are stunning to drive through, if you’re prepared.
Mountain Passes & Road Closures: Montana’s terrain means you may encounter steep grades and high passes, especially out west. Always use lower gear on long downhill stretches to avoid overheating your brakes (most rentals have “L” or sport mode for this). Notable passes: Bozeman Pass (I-90 between Bozeman and Livingston) 5,700 ft, can get very windy and icy; Lookout Pass (I-90 to Idaho) 4,700 ft, heavy snow area; Marias Pass (US-2 to Glacier) 5,200 ft, often open year-round but check in winter. Some scenic roads are closed seasonally: for example, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier Park is only open roughly late June–Sept (it closes in winter due to deep snow), and Beartooth Highway (US-212) closes October to Memorial Day over the high alpine stretch. Always check park websites or Montana DOT for current road status if traveling in shoulder seasons. In summer, be prepared for occasional construction zones on highways Montana’s roadwork season is short (mostly May–Sept), so you might hit stretches of gravel or one-lane traffic where they’re repairing roads. Slow down and follow pilot cars or flaggers in these zones fines double for speeding in work areas, and more importantly, it keeps everyone safe.
Fuel & Services (Plan Ahead): One quirk of Montana driving gas stations can be far apart in rural regions. On interstates, exits with services can be 30-60 miles apart. Off the interstates (like on highways across eastern Montana or up in the mountains), you might not see a gas pump for a couple of hours. We recommend keeping your tank above 1/4 full. If you’re headed into a national park or remote area, fill up in the last big town (e.g., get gas in Bozeman or Livingston before entering Yellowstone, or in Kalispell/Great Falls before heading toward Glacier’s remote sections). Most small towns do have at least one gas station, but they might close early (10pm or even 7pm in very small communities). Credit card pumps are common and usually 24-hour if you have a card, but don’t assume. Also note: outside of cities, cell phone service can be spotty or nonexistent (especially in mountain valleys and parts of eastern MT). It’s wise to download offline maps and maybe carry a paper Montana highway map as backup. In a pinch, locals are friendly if you get lost or need help, don’t hesitate to ask a Montanan for directions or assistance.
Driving Laws & Etiquette: In Montana, as in all U.S. states, we drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory for all drivers and passengers. Right turn on red is allowed (after a full stop) unless a sign explicitly says “No Turn on Red.” Montana is actually the last state with no statewide ban on cell phone use while driving (as of mid-2020s, there’s still no state law against handheld phone use); however, many cities like Bozeman, Billings, and Missoula have local ordinances banning texting or handheld phone use while driving. The safe bet: use a hands-free device or pull over to use your phone. Police will ticket you in cities with phone bans. DUI laws are strict the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and Montana conducts sobriety checkpoints, especially around holidays. Never drive under the influence aside from legal issues, wild animals and winding roads are hard enough to navigate sober. As for etiquette: Montana drivers are generally polite. On two-lane roads, you might notice folks wave “thank you” if you let them pass or when passing oncoming cars on lonely roads (a little two-finger lift off the steering wheel). It’s not required, but it’s a friendly local custom. At 4-way stop intersections, the first to stop has right of way if two cars arrive simultaneously, the car on the right goes first. Often you’ll see a bit of “you go ahead” wave courtesy in smaller towns. Just be sure to fully stop and proceed cautiously. Finally, speeding: Montana has a bit of a legend from the 1990s (no daytime speed limit back then), but today limits are enforced. State troopers patrol the interstates and highways fines for speeding can be steep, especially 20+ mph over. Enjoy the freedom of Montana’s roads, but do it legally and safely.
Road Trip Ideas from Montana
Montana is made for road trips. With your rental car, you can journey from rolling plains to soaring peaks and discover unique sights along the way. Here are three exciting road trip ideas that showcase the diversity of Big Sky Country:
Highlights: Start in Bozeman and drive south on US-89 through the Paradise Valley, alongside the Yellowstone River with the Absaroka Range in view a gorgeous drive especially in early summer. Stop at Chico Hot Springs in Pray for a quick dip or lunch; it’s a historic lodge with natural hot pools. Continue to Gardiner, the North Entrance of Yellowstone (look for the iconic Roosevelt Arch). Inside Yellowstone, you can cruise the park’s northern loop: watch elk and bison around Mammoth Hot Springs, see the terraces of mineral deposits at Mammoth, then head east to Tower-Roosevelt for a chance to spot bears or wolves in Lamar Valley (often called America’s Serengeti for its wildlife). Loop back west across Norris to Old Faithful (yes, you can do a lot in one day with a car!). Catch an eruption of Old Faithful geyser it’s worth the wait and marvel at the otherworldly hot springs and mud pots nearby. Exit the park at West Yellowstone, a tourist-friendly town where you can refuel on gas and huckleberry ice cream. Finally, drive north through the Gallatin Canyon on US-191: you’ll follow the Gallatin River back toward Bozeman, with towering canyon walls (keep an eye out for rafters and fly-fishermen). This canyon drive is especially pretty in the late afternoon sun.
Pro Tip: This loop can be done in a (long) day, but consider breaking it into 2 days with an overnight in or near Yellowstone for a more relaxed pace. Summer traffic and wildlife jams in Yellowstone can slow you down, so start very early (sunrise in summer is around 5:30am the wildlife are active and the park entrances are quieter). Entry to Yellowstone requires a fee (around $35 per vehicle for 7 days) you can buy a pass at the gate or online in advance. Also, cell service is minimal to none inside the park, so have offline maps or park brochures for navigation. If you’re traveling between November and March, note that many interior park roads are closed the only year-round road is between Gardiner and Cooke City (and you’d need to backtrack out the same way). Always check Yellowstone road status if traveling in shoulder seasons. With a car, you can see far more of the park than any bus tour just be prepared for an unforgettable, long day of driving and sightseeing.
Highlights: Begin in Missoula (if you’re coming from southern MT) and head north on US-93. You’ll skirt the shores of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the western US consider a stop in Polson or Bigfork for lake views, cherry orchards (in late summer), and maybe rent a kayak for an hour. Continue to Kalispell or Whitefish, which make great bases near Glacier Park. From Whitefish, drive into Glacier National Park via the West Entrance at Apgar. Take the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass (typically open mid-late June through mid-October) this engineering marvel clings to mountain cliffs and offers jaw-dropping views of peaks, glaciers, and valleys. Stop at Logan Pass Visitor Center (6,646 ft) and walk the short trail to Hidden Lake Overlook if time permits you might see mountain goats. Descend toward St. Mary on the east side of the park, admiring turquoise alpine lakes like St. Mary Lake along the way. Exit the park at St. Mary. From here, drive east to Great Falls (via US-89 and US-87) you’ll experience Montana’s wide-open plains and cross the Missouri River. In Great Falls, check out the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to learn about the explorers’ portage around the falls, or visit Giant Springs State Park (home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the country). Head south on I-15 to Helena, Montana’s capital, for a dose of Old West history (the Capitol building and Last Chance Gulch downtown are worth a look). Finally, continue on US-12/US-93 back to Missoula, passing through the scenic Mission Mountains. This loop hits Montana’s most stunning park and some lively towns along the way a perfect taste of the state’s northwest.
Pro Tip: This trip is best done in summer or early fall. Glacier National Park now requires vehicle reservations in peak summer to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road (to manage congestion) be sure to secure that online in advance, or enter before 6am or after 3pm when it’s not required. Even with a reservation, start early to avoid parking issues at popular stops like Logan Pass (it fills by mid-morning). Weather in Glacier can be chilly even in August at high elevation pack layers. For a unique side trip, consider a detour to the east side’s Many Glacier area (enter via Babb) the road is a bit rough but the wildlife viewing (think grizzlies and moose) is fantastic. The entire loop can be driven in 2 long days, but 3-4 days will allow you to truly enjoy Glacier’s hikes and maybe squeeze in a boat tour or Red Bus tour for fun. With unlimited mileage on your rental, you’re free to extend your explorations without worry.
Highlights: Experience Montana’s often-overlooked prairie and badlands region, steeped in Old West history. Start in Billings (Montana’s largest city, with a fun western vibe downtown). Drive an hour east on I-90 then south on Crow Agency Road to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Here, history buffs can tour the site of Custer’s Last Stand (1876) walk the battlefield trails and see markers where U.S. Cavalry and Lakota/Cheyenne warriors fell, and visit the excellent visitor center to understand this pivotal moment in American history. Next, head back north to I-90 and then I-94 at Billings, driving east through big sky plains toward Miles City (about 2 hours). Miles City is a classic cowboy town known for its annual bucking horse sale grab a bite at a local steakhouse or check out the Range Riders Museum for frontier artifacts. Continue east on I-94 for another 140 miles to Glendive. Just outside Glendive lies Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park, famed for its eerie badland rock formations and dinosaur fossils. Drive the park’s loop road to view hoodoos and canyon landscapes that feel like another planet. There’s a visitor center with triceratops skull displays paleontology enthusiasts will be in heaven. In the evening, enjoy small-town hospitality in Glendive or head back west and overnight in Medora, ND (just across the border, gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s badlands). Finally, return to Billings (Glendive to Billings is ~4.5 hours on I-94, passing Terry Badlands Wilderness another quick photo stop if you have time). This road trip showcases a very different side of Montana golden wheat fields, big rivers, and sedimentary canyons a perfect complement to the mountains out west.
Pro Tip: Eastern Montana can get very hot in summer (90s°F common in July/August) and thunderstorms can pop up, so pack water, sunscreen, and keep an eye on weather radar. The drive has long stretches with limited services make sure to fill up on gas in Miles City or Glendive (there’s a 70-mile stretch with no gas between). Little Bighorn Battlefield is partly open prairie a hat and sunglasses will help on the walking trails. If you’re into dinosaurs, consider stopping at the Glendive Dinosaur Museum in town, or even detouring north of Miles City to Fort Peck’s dino museum if time allows. Lastly, watch your speed on I-94 it’s easy to have the cruise control on 80 mph and not see another car for miles, but state troopers do patrol, and wildlife (antelope, deer) can wander onto the interstate. This journey is a step back in time to Montana’s frontier days and ancient past enjoy the open road and the stories it holds!
Whether you’re into glacial peaks, wild west history, or wide-open prairies, Montana has a road trip for you. With a rental car, you have the freedom to customize your adventure, pull off when something catches your eye, and truly experience the state’s rugged beauty. Happy driving, and enjoy the Big Sky views at every turn!
Quick-Reference Info Box: Montana Car Rental Key Facts
Main Pick-up Locations:Bozeman Yellowstone Intl Airport (BZN) large fleet, 24/7 service in peak season; Billings Logan Intl (BIL) major eastern MT hub; Missoula Airport (MSO) gateway to western MT and Glacier; Glacier Park Intl (FCA) in Kalispell for Glacier NP; plus city offices in Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, and more. Choose airports for the widest selection and longest hours. If you’re already in town, local downtown branches offer convenient pick-ups (and sometimes slightly lower rates by avoiding airport fees).
Average Rental Rates: Economy car ~$30–45/day (low season vs high season), Standard sedan ~$40–60/day, SUV ~$50–80/day, Minivan ~$60–90/day. Summer (July–August) is peak tourist season expect higher rates and book early (cars can sell out in mid-summer near Yellowstone!). Winter holidays (late Dec) see higher 4x4/SUV demand (ski season). Off-peak (Oct–Nov, Jan–Apr) often has much lower rates great deals can be found in these months. Weekly rentals usually have a lower per-day cost than single-day rentals (e.g., ~$300–$350/week for an economy car in off-peak). Always compare on our site to get real-time pricing for your dates.
Montana Driving: Drive on the right-hand side. Interstates have high speed limits (75–80 mph rural), but remember to slow to 25–35 mph in towns. Many highways are undivided two-lanes be alert and only pass when safe (dotted center line). Seat belts are required for all occupants. Handheld phone use while driving is banned in some cities (e.g., Bozeman, Billings) when in doubt, use hands-free or pull over. Right-on-red is allowed after stop (unless signed otherwise). Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks (Montana law, and especially in tourist towns you’ll see people crossing streets to get photos, etc.). Watch for wildlife crossing signs if you see one, it means that area frequently has animals on the road. And a heads up: Montana allows right turns from the left lane if you’re on a one-way onto another one-way (a rare situation but it exists in downtown one-way grids). When in doubt, follow the locals or just wait no one will honk, Montana isn’t high-stress driving.
Fuel:Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is what most cars take. Gas prices in Montana tend to be slightly below the U.S. average as of recent, around $3.50–$4.00/gallon (will vary with market). There are plenty of gas stations in cities and along interstates. In more rural zones, plan ahead: for example, there’s a long stretch with no services on I-94 between Billings and Miles City (make sure you fill up before that). If you’re heading into Yellowstone, get gas in gateway towns (prices inside the park are higher and stations may have limited hours). Montana gas stations are self-service (pumping your own gas) except on some tribal reservations where attendants might assist (if so, a small tip is appreciated but not required). Most stations take credit cards at the pump. A handy tip: there’s a gas station right by Bozeman Airport’s exit (Belgrade) and near other airports, so you can top off easily when returning your car.
Tolls:None in Montana. You won’t encounter any toll roads or bridges within the state. If you drive into states like Washington or Minnesota where there are a few tolls, most of our rental suppliers offer an optional toll pass program (typically ~$3.95 per usage day, capped at ~$20, plus the tolls themselves). But if your trip is mainly Montana/Wyoming/Idaho, you can safely decline toll extras it’s unlikely you’ll ever need them. For national park entrances, you’ll pay those on the spot (not charged to the rental). We make sure any toll charges incurred (say you accidentally take an express toll lane out of state) are transparently passed on with no hidden markups beyond the stated program fee.
Parking: Outside of city downtowns, parking is generally plentiful and free. In downtown cores of places like Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, you’ll find a mix of free 2-hour street parking and some metered spots or public lots. For example, downtown Bozeman allows 2 hours free on most streets (enforced M–Sat 8am–6pm), and has a public garage with first 2 hours free, $1/hour thereafter so very reasonable. Billings has some meters ($0.50–$1/hour) and garages around its downtown and hospital district. When parking on residential streets in winter, be mindful of snow emergency rules (in heavy snow, cities may announce plowing schedules and you might need to move your car off certain routes). In tourist areas (like West Yellowstone or Whitefish), parking can fill up in peak evenings, but there are usually overflow lots signed. At trailheads and popular outdoor spots, parking lots can overflow on summer afternoons arriving early is key. Airports: All Montana airports have on-site parking if you need to leave a personal car, and rental car return areas are clearly marked (usually right next to the terminal). Good news: no “mega city” congestion or exorbitant parking fees here even the priciest downtown parking in MT (maybe $10/day in a garage) is cheap compared to big cities.
Alternate Transportation: While a rental car is the best way to get around Montana, it’s worth noting other options: Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) operate in the larger cities and airport areas they’re convenient for short trips in town, but you won’t easily find one for inter-city travel or late-night in remote areas. Taxis and shuttles are available at airports and in city centers (e.g., there are shuttles from Bozeman Airport to Big Sky resort, and from Kalispell Airport to Whitefish/Glacier in summer). Buses: Montana’s cities have small public bus systems (Billings MET, Missoula’s Mountain Line, Bozeman’s Streamline which is free) which can get you around town if needed. There are also a few inter-city bus routes like Salt Lake Express or Jefferson Lines connecting some cities, but schedules are limited. Train: Amtrak crosses northern Montana (stops in Whitefish, Cut Bank, Havre, etc.), useful if you’re exploring the Hi-Line region, but it doesn’t go near Yellowstone. Bottom line if you plan to mostly stay within a single city and not venture out, you might manage with rideshares and walking. But if you want to truly experience Montana’s attractions spread across the state, a rental car is by far the most convenient (and often the only) way. Many travelers do a mix: use the car to reach each destination, then do walking tours or bike rentals within, say, a national park or downtown area for fun. That balance works well.
Seasonal Considerations:Summer (June–Aug): Gorgeous weather, long daylight (it can be light until 10pm in June). It’s also fire season occasionally forest fire smoke can drift and affect visibility/air quality (check Montana DEQ websites if concerned). Summer is road construction season too be prepared for a few work zones. Fall (Sept–Oct): Beautiful foliage (especially late September in western MT’s larch forests and cottonwoods along rivers). Early fall is one of the best times to drive cooler temps, fewer tourists after Labor Day. By late October some higher elevation roads see snow. Winter (Nov–Mar): If you’re not into winter sports, this is off-peak; roads are quiet but you must be ready for winter driving. Carry emergency items (blanket, flashlight) if doing long trips in case of road closures. Check the Montana DOT road conditions map in winter it’s very useful (we’ll often send you this link). Also, some smaller attractions and roads close for winter plan accordingly. Spring (Apr–May): Can be muddy in rural areas (gravel roads thawing). Lower elevations green up beautifully, but mountains will still be snow-capped. Spring weather is fickle: one day 70°F and sunny, next day a freak snow in May pack layers! It’s also a quieter tourist time until late May. Each season in Montana has its charms just align your driving plans with the conditions, and you’ll have an amazing journey year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
The top pick-up location is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), since many visitors fly in there for Yellowstone and Big Sky. BZN offers a large fleet and extended hours. Other popular spots include Billings Logan Intl Airport (BIL) (serving eastern Montana and Yellowstone’s less-traveled NE entrance), Missoula Airport (MSO) (for Glacier NP and western MT), and Kalispell’s Glacier Park Airport (FCA) (for Glacier NP access). You can also rent in city centers like Downtown Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, etc., through local branches of major agencies. In fact, we cover multiple rental locations across Montana essentially any city of moderate size has at least one rental office (e.g., Great Falls, Helena, Butte, Bozeman, Billings, Kalispell, etc.). When booking, it’s often best to choose based on convenience to your itinerary. If price is a factor, sometimes picking up at an airport versus in town can differ due to fees we show you all options so you can decide if it’s worth a shuttle ride to save money or vice versa. Rest assured, whether you need a car in a big city or a smaller community, we’ve got Montana covered.
For most travelers, renting a car is highly recommended in Montana. Public transportation is very limited. There is no statewide train or bus network that reaches tourist attractions in a timely way. Amtrak’s Empire Builder train crosses the northern part of the state (far from Yellowstone and much of the population) and Greyhound buses serve only a few interstate routes infrequently. Within cities, only a handful (like Billings, Missoula) have local transit and it’s geared toward residents. Montana is all about wide-open exploration many of the best sites (national parks, ghost towns, hot springs, etc.) have no tour or shuttle service at all. While you can find day tour companies for places like Yellowstone or Glacier out of gateway towns, those tours keep you on a fixed schedule and often sell out. Having a car means you can go where you want, when you want. For example, if you’re staying in Bozeman and want to visit friends on a ranch, hit a trailhead at sunrise, or drive up to a scenic overlook for sunset, there won’t be a bus or Uber to take you but your rental car will. Unless your plan is to stay strictly in a walkable downtown (like a week just in Missoula’s city center or a ski resort with shuttle service), a vehicle is a must to truly experience Montana’s sights. The freedom of the road is part of the Montana adventure!
Yes! One of the great things about renting a car in Montana is that you can drive it across state lines throughout the US and even into Canada (just let us or the rental company know in advance if you plan to cross into Canada). There are no border checkpoints between U.S. states so you are free to take your Montana rental on an epic road trip into Wyoming, Idaho, the Dakotas, or beyond. In fact, many visitors pick up in Montana and include stops in Wyoming (Yellowstone & Grand Teton) or even drive out to Seattle or down to Denver. Unlimited mileage means you won’t be charged extra for going out-of-state. Just remember: if you plan to drop off in another state, that becomes a one-way rental (see next question for details on fees). For Canada: most rental contracts allow driving into Canada from Montana (e.g., visiting Waterton Lakes if you’re at Glacier, or going up to Calgary). You will need your passport to cross the international border, and it’s important to tell the rental agent at pick-up that you’ll go into Canada so they can provide proper documentation/insurance cards. But generally, it’s not a problem our cars are registered and insured for U.S. and Canada travel. One thing to note: if you’re venturing extremely far (like a cross-country coast-to-coast trip), check with us, as some rental companies have recommendations for servicing on very long trips. However, within the region New England’s six states or cross the Rockies you’re typically fine. Enjoy the open road; with a Montana rental you have the freedom to roam far and wide.
Yes, one-way rentals are generally available, though a drop-off fee will usually apply. We at AirportVanRental accommodate one-way trips just enter your desired drop-off city when booking. Common one-way routes include Montana to Seattle/Spokane, Montana to Denver or Salt Lake City, and especially Bozeman to Jackson, WY (for those doing a Yellowstone/Grand Teton trip). The fee depends on distance and demand. For example, dropping a car from Bozeman to Seattle might incur an extra ~$200–300 fee, whereas a one-way from Bozeman to a nearby city like Billings could be much less. Sometimes intra-Montana one-ways (say Kalispell to Bozeman) have no fee or a modest one if rental fleets need rebalancing. Our system will display any one-way fee upfront in your quote, so you can decide. One tip: renting airport to airport can sometimes lower the fee (since those locations handle more one-way traffic). So if pricing to drop in downtown Denver is high, try Denver Airport as the return it might be cheaper. And if you’re planning a one-way into Canada, policies vary by company (some allow drop in Canada, many don’t), but feel free to ask us we’ll find an option if it exists. We’ve helped many travelers do one-way adventures from Montana; just plan ahead as availability for certain routes can be limited in peak season.
Generally, driving in Montana is straightforward for newcomers. In fair weather, roads are well-marked, traffic is light outside city centers, and drivers are reasonably courteous. City driving in places like Billings, Bozeman, or Missoula is nothing like L.A. or New York expect some rush-hour slowing and a few one-way streets downtown, but nothing too intimidating. The biggest challenges for visitors tend to be long distances (staying alert on a 5-hour drive) and rapid weather changes. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll want to be more cautious. Snow and ice can make any driving more challenging we recommend renting an AWD vehicle in winter and allowing extra travel time. If you’ve never driven in snow, stick to plowed main highways (which Montana DOT does a good job maintaining) and perhaps avoid driving during active blizzards or at night when ice can be harder to spot. Montana does use snowplows and de-icer, but roads can remain snowy between treatments. Many first-time winter visitors say the first day driving was white-knuckle, but by the second day they felt more comfortable just take it slow and steady. Also note: Montana’s interstate highways stay open year-round (barring brief closures in severe storms), so you won’t get completely stranded as long as you stick to primary routes in bad weather. One more thing wildlife is a driving factor year-round (deer on the road, etc.), so stay vigilant, especially on two-lane highways at night. In summary: if you avoid distractions, respect the conditions, and follow the tips in our driving guide above, you should find Montana driving quite manageable and very rewarding.
Good news Montana has no toll roads at all. You won’t pay a cent to drive on any Montana highway or road. Even our major bridges and mountain tunnels are toll-free. The only thing akin to a “toll” would be national park entry fees (like at Yellowstone or Glacier), but those are per vehicle, not related to your car rental. If you do venture out of Montana with your rental, be aware neighboring states mostly don’t have tolls either (e.g., North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming have none). The one exception: if you drive west to Washington or Oregon, you might encounter a couple of tolled bridges or express lanes around Seattle/Portland, and to the east, some Midwest states use toll highways. In those cases, the rental car’s license plate would get scanned and the toll would either be billed to you or handled by an optional toll program (we’ll explain at pick-up if applicable). But within Montana and the immediate region, tolls are not something to worry about. Enjoy the open, free roads!
The standard minimum rental age in Montana (and most of the US) is 21 years old. Renters age 21-24 (“young drivers”) can rent through our network, though a young driver surcharge usually applies (approximately $25–$30/day, depending on the company). Additionally, if you’re under 25, you may be limited from renting certain specialty vehicles (typically luxury cars or large 12-passenger vans). We have partners in Montana that accept drivers 21-24 with no problem our booking process will factor in your age and show you available cars and the fee upfront. Unfortunately, if you’re under 21 and traveling for leisure, rental options are basically none (that’s an industry standard). The only exception is for 18-20 year-old active military or government personnel on orders, where some agencies allow rentals with documentation. Also, keep in mind all drivers need a valid driver’s license. If you have additional drivers (like a spouse or friend), they also need to meet the age requirements and be listed on the rental agreement (some companies waive the young driver fee for a spouse or military spouse). We strive to be transparent about age policies you’ll see any restrictions or fees clearly when booking with us. And if you’re a younger renter, don’t worry: we welcome you! Just drive responsibly (Montana’s wide roads might be tempting, but safety first) and enjoy the freedom a rental car gives you to explore.
If you happen to get a parking or traffic ticket during your rental, treat it as you would at home. For parking tickets: pay the issuing city or authority directly (instructions are usually on the ticket, and many Montana cities let you pay online). For example, if you overstayed a meter in downtown Missoula or parked in a Bozeman resident-only zone by mistake, the city will eventually trace the license plate to the rental company if unpaid, and the rental company will charge your card with an added admin fee. It’s cheaper and simpler to pay it yourself promptly. For traffic tickets: if you’re pulled over by police and cited (e.g., for speeding on I-90 or not stopping completely at a rural stop sign), you’ll receive a paper ticket with instructions. You can often pay those online to the county court listed, or by mail. If it’s a camera-issued ticket (rare in Montana, but possible in some cities for red lights) or a toll violation from out-of-state, those notices might go to the rental company first in which case they’ll charge your card for the fine plus an admin fee. Bottom line: it’s your responsibility as the driver to pay any fines. We don’t automatically get notified of moving violations in real time, so it’s on you to take care of it. At drop-off, you don’t need to proactively declare a ticket (the rental company doesn’t check your driving record), but it’s good karma to let them know if, say, you got a flat tire fixed or something notable during the rental. If you have any issues or need help figuring out how to pay a citation, our support team is happy to assist. Of course, the best scenario is to drive within the law watch those speed limit signs (Montana can go from 80 mph zones to 35 mph when entering small towns) and park only where allowed. That way your trip won’t include any unwanted souvenirs like a ticket stub. Safe and lawful travels!
Rental cars in Montana typically come with all-season tires year-round. Unlike some European countries, U.S. rental agencies (even in snowy states) do not usually install dedicated winter tires on their standard fleet. All-season tires are designed to handle moderate winter conditions and are standard on most models they generally suffice for Montana winters, as highways are plowed and maintained. Snow chains are not provided (and in fact, most rental contracts forbid you from putting chains on the vehicle, to avoid damage). The good news is many rentals here are naturally suited for winter a lot of our inventory are SUVs and trucks, and many of those are AWD or 4x4. If you’re visiting in winter and worried about snow, we highly recommend reserving an AWD/4WD vehicle. We make it easy to filter those options when you book. Also, our partners ensure tires have good tread depth and that things like antifreeze and wipers are winter-ready. You can always request an ice scraper/brush at the counter (most cars will have one in the trunk by default). And remember, Montana allows the use of studded tires in winter, but rental cars do not typically have studs again, they’re not usually necessary for typical travel. If you plan to go into extremely snowy/icy terrain (say a ski trip in a remote cabin or driving mountain passes during a storm), it’s best to wait until roads are plowed or travel in daylight for safety. For most travelers, an AWD vehicle with all-seasons, driven cautiously, will get you where you need to go. And if extreme weather hits, you can always hunker down for a day the snow will be cleared soon enough. We want you to have a safe journey, so if you have any winter driving concerns, just ask us for tips!