Ready to hit the road straight from FAR Airport? Use the search form above to find real-time car rental deals at Fargo Hector International. Simply enter your travel dates and choose “Fargo Hector Intl Airport (FAR)” as your pick-up location. In seconds, you’ll see offers from all the major car rental companies at FAR . Our system lets you filter by vehicle type, passenger capacity, and price, so whether you need a compact car for zipping around Fargo, a sturdy SUV for North Dakota winter roads, or a minivan for a family visit, we’ve got options ready.
Welcome to Hector International Airport (FAR) in Fargo the busiest airport in North Dakota and truly the gateway to the entire region. Renting a car at Fargo’s airport gives you instant freedom to travel on your own schedule, whether you’re headed into downtown Fargo (just a 10-minute drive away) or launching into a multi-state road trip. This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable Fargo airport car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with local tips on navigating the airport and beyond, so you can rent confidently and hit the ground running or rather, driving as soon as your plane touches down. Whether you’re a Fargo-Moorhead native coming home for a visit, a business traveler with meetings across town, or an out-of-towner ready to explore the prairies, we’ll help you get behind the wheel quickly and at a great price.
Pro Tip: Fargo’s airport is small and user-friendly. With a rental car, you can step off the plane and be in downtown Fargo or at your hotel in virtually no time. Taxis and shuttles exist, but they can be scarce during late-night arrivals. Having a car waiting for you means no waiting around plus, in winter, you’ll appreciate driving yourself in a warm vehicle rather than standing in the cold for a ride.
Why book with AirportVanRental at FAR? Because we make it fast, easy, and affordable:
Why Rent a Car at Fargo’s Hector International Airport?
Renting a car directly at FAR offers a ton of advantages for both visitors and locals traveling through. Here’s why savvy travelers choose to grab the keys at the airport:
In short, picking up a rental car at Fargo’s airport is about convenience, autonomy, and setting yourself up for a successful trip whether that’s zipping around Fargo-Moorhead or heading out to see the wide-open prairies.
Navigating Fargo Airport’s Car Rental Center
One of the best things about FAR: no off-site rental car facility hassle. Everything is compact and close. Here’s what to expect when renting at Hector International:
Bonus: Fargo’s airport offers free short-term parking for under 30 minutes so if you need to coordinate with someone, or drop something off before returning your car, you can utilize that. However, since rentals are so close, you might not need it.
Overall, Hector International Airport is one of the most renter-friendly airports out there. Many of our customers are pleasantly surprised at how quick and painless the whole process is. And with our skip-the-counter options (if you’re enrolled in something like Hertz Gold or National Emerald Aisle), you could go straight to your car and drive off though ensure the lot attendant knows so they can activate the contract. Whether traditional or streamlined, you’ll likely be saying, “That’s it? We’re done already?” in a good way when renting at FAR.
Driving Out of Fargo Airport: Tips & Directions
Once you’ve got your car, it’s time to drive into Fargo or beyond. Here are some tips for that first drive out of the airport and into the area:
Now you’re cruising off the airport grounds and officially on Fargo soil! Below we’ll dive into more Fargo-specific driving topics, but rest assured the first leg from Hector Airport to your destination should be a breeze.
Driving in Fargo (and Beyond) After Airport Pick-up
Once you’ve left the airport, you’ll find that driving in Fargo and the surrounding region is straightforward. Here are essential tips as you navigate the city and prepare for any onward travels:
Traffic & Rush Hours: As mentioned in the city page, Fargo’s traffic is light. Right after an airport arrival, you’re unlikely to encounter heavy congestion. If you land during weekday rush hour (around 5 PM), you might see a modest slowdown at certain intersections (like 19th Ave N and University or I-29 South near I-94), but it’s usually only a brief delay. Use real-time navigation (Google Maps, Waze) if you want they might route you around any minor issue (e.g., if a train is crossing on NP Avenue downtown delaying traffic, navigation could suggest an alternate). For the most part, you won’t have to worry about traffic jams. On weekends and evenings, the roads are open. Just keep an eye out for sudden weather-related slowdowns Fargo drivers will all collectively ease up if, say, a burst of heavy snow or rain happens.
Navigating Fargo’s Roads: Fargo’s layout is a grid, but the abundance of similarly named streets can be confusing initially (lots of numbered streets/avenues with N, S, etc.). Don’t hesitate to plug your destination into GPS even for short hops until you get your bearings. Key things to note: Avenues run east-west, Streets run north-south. If you get turned around, remember the Red River is to the east (the MN border). The airport is northwest of downtown, so if you’re going downtown you’re heading southeast generally. One helpful route for newcomers: 25th Street is a major north-south artery that cuts through town with fewer lights and less confusion than some others it runs from near NDSU all the way south past I-94 to 32nd Ave S. If you need to traverse the city and want to avoid downtown, 25th St or I-29 are good choices. Also, 13th Avenue South is the main commercial drag (west of downtown) with West Acres Mall, etc. At times it has many stoplights but it’s the spine of retail Fargo. Fargo drivers are used to some out-of-towners (lots of people from rural ND or MN drive in for errands), so they’re generally patient if you’re going a bit slow figuring out directions just signal early for turns.
Tolls & EZ-Pass: As covered, North Dakota has no toll roads. If you’re driving far beyond, say you plan to leave Fargo and road trip to Chicago or out East, you might encounter tolls in states like Illinois or Ohio. In that case, your rental car likely has no toll transponder by default (some companies offer them for a fee). But since it’s not an immediate concern around Fargo, you can cross that bridge (no pun intended) if you come to it. For 99% of travelers renting at FAR, tolls won’t even cross your mind.
Parking & Stops: If your first stop from the airport is, say, your hotel or a restaurant, parking is easy. Hotels have free lots (almost all Fargo hotels offer free parking). If you decided to drive directly to downtown to explore, remember street parking is free after 5pm and on weekends, and cheap at meters otherwise. The rental car doesn’t have any special parking permit or anything treat it like you would your own car. Also, as a tip: if you’re looking to grab something to eat straight off the flight, there’s a cluster of eateries around 19th Ave & 18th St N (near NDSU) fast food like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, plus the famous Burger Time drive-in. Or drive a little further to downtown to find local fare (like a hot dish or juicy lucy burger at Wurst Bier Hall or Fargo Brewing Ale House).
Winter Driving (Leaving the Airport): If you arrive in winter, as many do for holidays or business, you’ll potentially face snow. The airport area can be windy and snow drifts across 19th Ave occasionally. Drive slowly and steadily if roads are snow-covered. The rental car will have all-season tires which handle North Dakota winter adequately on main plowed roads. Turn on your headlights for visibility. Fargo uses a sand/salt mix on major roads, so you’ll see brown slushy lines where tires have gone stick to those tracks for best traction. If it’s very cold (subzero), the snow might be powdery and blowing keep both hands on wheel in case of gusts. Give yourself extra braking distance (and remember: pumping brakes isn’t necessary if the car has ABS just press firmly and let ABS do the work if you have to brake hard). One perk: Hector Airport is so close to town, you’re not out on lonely highways for long within minutes you have gas stations or places to pull over if needed. If conditions are extreme and you feel uneasy, you could hang at the airport for a bit (it’s small but has warm seating, maybe grab a coffee) until plows are out. But typically, unless it’s a full-blown blizzard, you can make it to your hotel just fine by going slow.
Car Prep: We recommended earlier to ensure you have an ice scraper. If your car was parked outside (most are), in winter the rental companies often start and warm them for incoming reservations nice touch at small airports but if not and windshield is frosty, take a moment to scrape and clear all windows. Also, find the rear defroster button (often needed in ND winters). Adjust mirrors after scraping (they can get misaligned when wiping off snow). And if you aren’t used to remote start but the car has it, ask the agent remote start can be a lifesaver on frigid mornings (just remember to leave climate control set to warm and defrost when you park so that it kicks in next remote start).
Refueling on Return: When you eventually return to FAR, easiest is to fill up at that Holiday station on 19th Ave or the Flying J at I-29/19th (especially if coming from south of town on I-29 anyway). They’re less than 3 minutes from the airport. Gas prices in Fargo are usually competitive and often a bit cheaper than in the Twin Cities. Save your receipt just in case (though I’ve rarely been asked for one by rental agents, it’s a good practice in case a fuel gauge is misleading).
Heading Out of Town: If Fargo is just the start and you’ll drive to other cities:
At the end of the day, driving off with a rental from Fargo Airport should feel empowering the region is now yours to discover. The roads are uncrowded, the people are friendly, and there’s lots of sky and land to see. Enjoy the drive!
Road Trip Ideas from Fargo Airport
If you’re picking up a car at Fargo’s Hector International Airport, you’ve already unlocked the potential for some fantastic road trips. You can start these adventures literally from the airport parking lot. Here are a few trip ideas tailored for those beginning their journey at FAR:
Highlights: Fly into Fargo, grab your car, and set out westward across North Dakota. First stop, an hour from Fargo on I-94, is Jamestown as mentioned earlier stretch your legs at the Frontier Village and giant buffalo monument. Continue another 100 miles to Bismarck, North Dakota’s capital city on the Missouri River. Tour the lofty State Capitol building (you can take an elevator to the 18th-floor observatory for views) and don’t miss the North Dakota Heritage Center next door a modern museum filled with everything from dinosaur skeletons to Cold War missile silos history. Bismarck is a great overnight stop perhaps catch sunset at Keelboat Park by the Missouri or a dinner downtown (Bismarck has a surprisingly hip food scene nowadays!). Next day, cross the Missouri into Mandan and head south on scenic Hwy 1806 (named for the Lewis & Clark year) which hugs the river through the Standing Rock Reservation. Visit Fort Yates, where the grave of legendary Sioux leader Sitting Bull is located (a site of reflection with a bluff view of the prairie). Continue into South Dakota the drive across the prairie is peaceful and you’ll likely see abundant wildlife (deer, hawks, maybe wild turkeys). Aim for Pierre, South Dakota, one of the nation’s smallest state capitals. Pierre (pronounced “peer”) sits along the Missouri River’s huge Lake Oahe. Check out the elegant yet modestly-sized SD State Capitol building (lovely grounds, and you can often stroll right in) and enjoy a riverside walk or some fishing if inclined.
Pro Tip: This is a history lover’s road trip: consider detouring to Fort Abraham Lincoln (just south of Bismarck) to see General Custer’s last post and an On-A-Slant reconstructed Mandan village. And between Bismarck and Pierre, stop at Standing Rock’s Prairie Knights Casino for a meal or just a restroom break it’s one of few stops in that stretch. The total drive from FAR to Pierre is about 7.5 hours (500 miles), so you may break it into 2-3 days. The reward is experiencing two state capitals and the wide Missouri in between. After Pierre, you can loop back to Fargo via I-94 from Jamestown again or drop the car at FAR if your road trip was one-way (but one-way fees would apply). Either way, this journey is a deep dive into the heart of the Dakotas all starting from your Fargo Airport ride.
Highlights: From the flat plains to the greatest of the Great Lakes this trip shows off a lot of variety. From Fargo, head east-southeast on MN Highway 10 or 34 into the Brainerd Lakes region of Minnesota (approx 2.5 hours). This area is classic “Up North” cabin country: think tall pines, sparkling lakes, and maybe a loon call echoing at dusk. Stop in Brainerd/Baxter for lunch or to visit Paul Bunyan Land (if traveling with kids or the young-at-heart a kitschy amusement park themed to the giant lumberjack). Continue east to Duluth, Minnesota (another 2.5 hours from Brainerd), perched at the western tip of Lake Superior. Duluth’s hillside setting is dramatic; drive up to Enger Tower for panoramic views of the city and the immense lake (it will strike you more like an ocean!). Down by the waterfront, you can visit Canal Park and watch massive ships come under the Aerial Lift Bridge into the harbor a must-see for first timers. Duluth has great local brews and food (try some local smoked fish or wild rice dishes). If you have time and want even more jaw-dropping scenery, drive along the North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61) from Duluth toward Canada even going 30-60 miles up to Two Harbors or Split Rock Lighthouse is worth it for cliffside lake views and waterfalls like Gooseberry Falls. Alternatively (or additionally), from Duluth you could cross into Wisconsin and go to Bayfield, WI, a charming harbor town and gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (take a ferry to Madeline Island or do a sea caves boat tour in summer). Bayfield is 1.5 hours from Duluth. When ready, head back toward Fargo via the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) to make a loop. Duluth to Minneapolis is ~2.5 hours on I-35 (scenic in its own right as you descend from the Northwoods into metro area). If you didn’t get enough lake action, swing by Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth before leaving to learn about shipwrecks and storms on the big lake fascinating stuff. In the Twin Cities, you can break up the trip with endless options: Mall of America for shopping, Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis for nature, or museums galore. Then it’s a straight 3.5-hour shot up I-94 back to Fargo (maybe with a pit stop at Alexandria, MN to see Big Ole the Viking).
Pro Tip: This loop covers three Great Lakes states (ND doesn’t touch a Great Lake, but you start there, then MN and WI do) and some of the Midwest’s best scenery. It’s comfortably a 4-5 day trip to enjoy each segment. Summer and early fall are ideal (Lake Superior is cool even in August, a nice break from plains heat). If doing in winter, be mindful of weather Duluth gets heavy snow. But the routes are all well-traveled. Starting at FAR means you can add a true prairie flavor to what’s often just a Minnesota/Wisconsin trip. Don’t forget your camera from wheat fields to rocky lake cliffs, you’ll have a lot of landscapes to capture.
Highlights: If you’re flying into Fargo but ultimately want to get to Yellowstone, consider making the road trip out of it it’s like retracing portions of Lewis & Clark and pioneers’ paths. From FAR, drive west on I-94 across North Dakota (yes, all the way) about 5 hours to Medora, ND, home of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This lesser-known national park showcases the Badlands and buffalo herds that impressed young Teddy Roosevelt back in the 1880s. Do the 36-mile scenic loop in the South Unit for a safari-like experience (wild bison, horses, prairie dogs, oh my!). Maybe catch the Medora Musical if in summer for some Western entertainment under the stars. Next, continue into Montana the sky somehow seems to get even bigger. An optional stop is the Little Bighorn Battlefield (Custer’s Last Stand site) just across the MT border via I-94/I-90, for history buffs (and solemn reflection on the clash of cultures). Then on to Billings, Montana a handy city to rest, with great breweries and the striking Rimrocks (sandstone bluffs) overlooking town. From Billings, head southwest toward Yellowstone National Park (around 4-5 hours drive). You can enter via Cooke City (Northeast Entrance) through the scenic Beartooth Highway if it’s summer an incredible high-mountain pass Charles Kuralt called “the most beautiful drive in America.” If Beartooth is closed (it’s seasonal), go via Cody, WY to East Entrance also beautiful through Wapiti Valley. By starting in Fargo, you’ve essentially done a cross-section of the northern Great Plains into the Rockies. You see the land transition from flat prairie to rolling badlands to foothills to alpine peaks.
Pro Tip: This is a one-way adventure of at least 3 days (preferably more). If you need to return to Fargo, it’s a hefty drive back (11-12 hours from Yellowstone’s edge to Fargo), so most would fly out of a closer airport like Bozeman or Billings if possible to avoid backtracking (check rental one-way drop fees, but often they’re reasonable if dropping in a major city). Another tip: stock up on snacks/water in ND or Billings for the Yellowstone part services sparse inside the park. Also, keep an eye on gas; never pass up a chance to fill up in eastern MT when under half a tank distances are long. This trip truly feels like traversing in the footsteps of frontiersmen (but with paved roads and a comfy car!). Starting in Fargo connects you to Teddy Roosevelt’s North Dakota before meeting his spirit again in Yellowstone (he helped create the National Parks after all). It’s an epic journey made feasible with a trusty rental car from Fargo Airport.
These are just a taste of what you can do once you grab a car at FAR. Whether you aim to see natural wonders, dive into history, or simply enjoy the open road, Fargo’s central location in the Northern Plains is a superb jumping-off point. You can go north to Canada, west to mountains, east to lakes, south to prairies and plains all within a day’s drive or so. Fill up the cooler, make a road trip playlist (might we suggest some classic rock for Beartooth Highway or folk music for prairie sunsets?), and embrace the freedom of the journey. The adventure starts the minute you turn the key at Hector International!
Quick-Reference Info Box: Fargo Hector Intl Airport Car Rental
Now you’re equipped with all you need to smoothly rent and drive from Fargo’s Hector International Airport. Enjoy the journey, wherever the North Dakota roads take you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Rental car pickup at FAR is super convenient. After you land and grab your luggage, you’ll find all the rental car counters in the baggage claim area of the terminal (the airport is small, so you can’t miss them). Once you’ve checked in with your rental company, they will direct you to the rental car lot, which is located just outside the terminal, a short walk across the roadway. There’s no shuttle required everything is on-site. The lot is right across from the main passenger exit; you’ll see clearly marked spaces or sections for each company (often labeled by signs like “Avis/Budget” or “Enterprise/National/Alamo” etc.). Simply walk to your assigned car, do a quick inspection, and drive off. When exiting the airport, look for signs to 19th Ave North or I-29, depending on where you’re headed (there’s basically one main exit road). In summary: counters in terminal, cars in adjacent lot one of the easiest airport rental setups around!
Yes, like most airports, Fargo’s Hector International does have an airport surcharge (concession fee) that applies to rentals picked up at the airport. It’s generally around 11% of the rental rate. This fee is usually included in the price quote you see when booking (especially with us we show all fees upfront). In addition, there’s often a Customer Facility Charge (CFC) of a flat amount per day (often $3.00 per day at FAR). These fees go towards maintaining the airport rental facilities and such. The good news is, FAR’s fees are not exorbitant compared to big city airports they’re fairly standard. By contrast, if you rent at an off-airport Fargo location, you avoid the concession fee, but off-airport locations might have slightly higher base rates or fewer vehicle choices. When you compare total prices, airport rentals are usually very competitive in Fargo. So yes, there are airport-specific fees, but they are already rolled into your reservation cost. When you see your contract, don’t be surprised by line items labeled “Concession Recovery Fee” or “Facility Charge” those are exactly this. They’re unavoidable if renting at the airport, but again, they’re not too steep in ND. We find the convenience of renting right at FAR more than offsets the small extra cost versus, say, catching a cab to rent in town (which would be impractical in most cases). Bottom line: airport fees exist, but they’re transparently disclosed and relatively modest.
Yes. The airport rental counters serve anyone, not just arriving air passengers. If you’re a local or you drove into Fargo and need a car for some reason (maybe your car’s in the shop or you want a rental for a road trip), you can absolutely rent from the airport. Just be aware: if you’re a local renter using a debit card, the agencies might have some additional requirements (common in the industry to prevent fraud) such as proof of address or a utility bill. With a credit card, usually not an issue. The airport location often has the largest selection of vehicles, so many locals actually prefer renting from FAR even if it’s a short Uber ride from home. One thing: if you’re not flying, the rental company may ask (as part of their script) for a flight number you can simply say you’re a local or “no flight, picking up in person.” It’s not a problem; they might require you to return to that same airport location (one-day one-way rentals from airport to city location are often not allowed for locals). But Fargo’s not that big returning to the airport is easy enough. So yes, you can rent at FAR like any rental office. The only time it’s tricky is if you wanted to do a one-way out of FAR to another city and you’re not an arriving passenger some agencies restrict one-ways to those with proof of onward travel (to combat someone using rentals for long local use). But generally, if you have a valid license and card, being a non-flyer is fine. We’ve seen plenty of Fargo/Moorhead residents renting minivans from the airport for summer vacations, for example. The airport is in town and open longer hours than some city branches a perk for locals too.
Rental cars in North Dakota will have all-season tires, which are standard for year-round use. They generally do not have dedicated winter/snow tires or studs very few U.S. rental fleets offer those, even in northern states. That said, all-season tires on modern cars are usually sufficient when combined with front-wheel drive or AWD and the fact that main roads are plowed. If you specifically want better winter handling, consider renting an AWD or 4x4 vehicle. Many SUVs, crossovers, and some trucks in the fleet will be AWD/4WD this can provide extra traction on snow or ice. Also, every rental car will come with an ice scraper/snow brush (usually tucked in the trunk or back seat). The agencies know it’s a must-have here. Windshield washer fluid is typically the “winter blend” that won’t freeze, but if you rent in shoulder season (say October) and it hasn’t been swapped yet, you might find normal fluid you can request it or top it off for a few bucks at a gas station if needed. Engine block heaters: most cars in the region have them installed due to local sales, but rentals might not provide you a cord typically not needed unless you’re in -20°F for prolonged periods. If you do end up overnight in such temps, you can always ask hotel staff if they have outlets and if your car has a plug under hood (some do). But in summary, while rentals don’t have special snow tires, they are maintained well, and combined with ND DOT’s great plowing, visitors usually get by fine. Drive cautiously, leave room, and use that scraper! If you are very concerned about winter driving, opt for an SUV with AWD. And remember: North Dakota law (and good practice) says turn on your headlights whenever conditions aren’t perfectly clear many rentals have auto headlights, just ensure they’re actually on if it’s snowing (some auto won’t trigger in daylight even if snowing, so manually turn the knob to headlights in that case). The rental companies also often pre-start cars on cold days so you get into a somewhat warm vehicle a nice touch at Fargo.
Returning at Hector International Airport is easy at any time of day. The rental car return area is the same lot where you picked up, just designated rows. If you’re returning during normal hours, you’ll likely be met by an attendant who will quickly check the fuel and mileage and print your receipt on the spot (or email it). If you have a very early flight (say 5 AM) and the counters aren’t open yet, just do an after-hours return: park in the return area, make sure the car is locked and you’ve removed all your belongings, then drop the keys and the rental agreement (if they gave you a copy, or key tag, etc.) into the drop box. The drop box at Fargo is usually located either at the rental counter (inside the terminal) or near the lot exit it’s well-labeled for each company. Check your contract or ask when picking up where to leave the keys if before/after hours. The airport terminal door is open early (around 4 AM for first flights), so you’ll be able to access the counters area. The rental staff will process your return once they open and email you the final receipt. If there’s any discrepancy, they usually call you, but if you left the car full of gas and no damage, it’ll be fine. One tip: when you drop keys in a box, it’s not a bad idea to take a quick photo of the car in the return spot as evidence (including time stamp) just in case. It’s rarely needed, but it’s a peace-of-mind thing some travelers do. But overall, early returns are no problem. Give yourself an extra few minutes to walk from the return lot to the terminal (though it’s very close a 2-minute walk). Fargo’s TSA lines are usually short, but you know your timing best. With a rental return at FAR, you won’t be wasting time it’s get out and go catch your flight.
Quick distances/times for common destinations from FAR (driving): • Downtown Fargo: ~3 miles, about 10 minutes. • Fargodome/NDSU campus: ~2 miles, 5-7 minutes (it’s basically next door). • West Acres Mall area (13th Ave S): ~7 miles, 15-18 minutes (straight shot down I-29 South to 13th Ave). • Moorhead, MN (downtown): ~5 miles, 12 minutes (you’d go through Fargo downtown or take an alternate route). • Fargo Sanford Medical Center (on Broadway): ~4 miles, 10 minutes. • Hotels on 19th Ave or near Airport Drive: less than 5 minutes (there are a couple of hotels like Candlewood Suites very near the airport). • Grand Forks, ND: 80 miles, about 1 hour 20 minutes (straight up I-29 North). • Bismarck, ND: 200 miles, about 3 hours (I-94 West). • Winnipeg, MB (Canada): 220 miles, about 3.5 hours (I-29/MB-75 North be sure to factor a few minutes for border crossing). • Minneapolis, MN: 240 miles, about 3.5-4 hours (I-94 East). So, Fargo’s airport is right in town, making it one of the more convenient regional airports. Within 15 minutes you can reach most of the metro area. If you have specific address, plug in GPS, but these estimates give an idea. Under normal conditions, traffic won’t add more than a minute or two to these times. Winter storms could double them of course, but you’d likely avoid driving far in a blizzard anyway.