Rochester car hire
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Cheap car hire in Rochester
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Rochester
- By having access to car rentals in Rochester, you will be able to easily explore not only the city, but also the larger region and neighboring towns. Although Rochester does have some public transportation, like local bus lines, the most convenient way to travel between locations is by driving. Rochester car rentals will allow you to visit places that are a bit removed from the city center, such as the Quarry Hill Nature Center that is around a 12min drive from downtown. There is also the Chester Woods Park, which can be reached by car in just under 25min.
- Cheap car rentals in Rochester, MN, offer you an excellent opportunity to visit the shores of the world-famous Mississippi River. You can drive 45 minutes to the northeast along Route 63 to Lake City or you can drive east along Route 14 for about an hour to the city of Winona. Both Lake City and Winona offer breathtaking views of the Mississippi.
- If you will be flying to the area, it can be convenient to pick up your car rentals in Rochester directly from Rochester International Airport (RST). The rental car ticket counters at Rochester International Airport can be found directly inside of the main terminal, with the fleets being stored just outside of this building. Some of the major rental car companies that you can find in the rental center include Avis, Budget, and Enterprise.
- If you are flying into Minnesota in order to visit Rochester, you might fly into the smaller Rochester International Airport (RST), but if you are arriving from out of state, it is much more likely that you will fly into the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSY), just 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Rochester. If you land at Terminal 1, you can take the underground tram to the rental car counters at the Silver Parking Ramp. If you land at Terminal 2, you will find the rental car counters at the Ground Transportation Center at the Purple Ramp, across from Terminal 2. Some agencies represented at MSY include Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, SIXT, and others.
- When driving car rentals in Rochester, it’s important to read up on local laws and driving tips to prevent getting involved in a collision. For example, any passenger that is under the age of eight is legally required to be in an appropriately sized safety seat. If you are traveling at a speed that is higher than the maximum speed limit, you legally lose your right of way. Using a mobile device while driving is forbidden, unless you are using a hands-free kit.
- Expect to be driving in snow and ice in cheap rental cars in Rochester in the winter. In your rental car, for safety and convenience, you need to have a snow brush and an ice scraper in order to clear your windshield. Most Rochester car rentals provide them, but make sure you check that your car has them before you leave the rental lot. Without them, your visibility will be dangerously hindered.
- If you don’t want to get caught in a traffic jam, it’s best to avoid being on the road during rush hour. In general rush hour falls between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Some of the roads in the city that are known for being particularly congested during rush hour include Interstates 14, 52, and 63. The region is also known for having quite a lot of snow and rain during the winter months, so make sure to drive particularly carefully during this season.
- Book your car hire in Rochester at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini hire cars in Rochester are around 33% more expensive than other car types, on average
FAQs about car hire in Rochester
How much is the price of fuel in Rochester?
The average price of fuel in Rochester is £2.97 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £36 and £47, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Rochester?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Rochester.
How can I find car hires near me in Rochester?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Rochester?
A Mini car hire in Rochester costs £101 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Rochester?
An Economy car hire in Rochester costs £61 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Rochester?
A Standard car hire in Rochester costs £85 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Rochester?
Most car hire providers in Rochester offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Rochester, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Rochester?
Visitors that don’t plan on doing much driving during their time in Rochester may want to opt for an economy vehicle, as it is a budget-friendly choice that is particularly easy to navigate throughout the crowded city center. If you will be traveling with a group or plan on embarking on a longer road trip, a spacious SUV may come in handy, as it will provide you with extra space for both passengers and luggage.
Do Rochester car rentals provide snow chains in the winter?
Most Rochester car rentals do not provide or allow you to put snow chains on the tires of the rental car. It is unwise to take the initiative to attempt to put snow chains on the car yourself if the car rental company has said not to. You can cause damage to the car that you will have to pay for if you put them on incorrectly, if they slip, or if they are the wrong size. Opt instead to drive with caution and avoid the worst of the snow when you can.
What’s the speed limit in Rochester?
Speed limits will vary depending on where exactly you are driving in the city. When driving in a residential or school area, you can expect the speed limit to be a maximum of 25 mph. Busy roads downtown also typically have a speed limit of 25 mph. Other streets within the city may have a speed limit of 30 mph instead. Expressways generally have a speed limit of 65 mph, which interstates often have a speed limit of 75 mph instead.
In Minnesota, can I rent a car when I am 18?
No, you cannot. The minimum age for renting a car in Minnesota is 21. In America, 18-year-olds can rent cars in Michigan and New York only. Though you can rent a car at 21 in Minnesota, there will most likely be certain kinds of cars you cannot rent unless you are at least 25. For example, Young Renters (ages 21 through 24) are usually not allowed to rent sports cars or luxury vehicles.
Where are the best places to park in Rochester?
Parking ramps can be found all throughout the city, and they offer free parking on weekdays after 5:00 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. and on weekends from 6:30 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. Some ramps that are conveniently located within the city include the Center Street Ramp, Civic Center Ramp, and 1st Street Ramp. There are also eight city operated parking lots throughout downtown Rochester and they offer both hourly and daily rates. These lots are usually controlled by large yellow pay boxes.
Rochester car hire reviews and directory
Avis
9.0
Wonderful
6 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
9.0
3 locations in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
20 Southwest 2nd Avenue
+1 507 288 5222
5335 Highway 52 N Ste E
+1 507 216 4553
7600 Helgerson Drive Southwest
+1 507 288 5655
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Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2019
Cons:
Had to walk around to find car because it was not near a avis parking spot. Other than that the experience was perfect.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.6
Very Good
9 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.4
Value for money
8.4
2 locations in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
7701 Helgerson Drive Sw
+1 844 378 0637
838 38th St Nw
+1 507 282 9190
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2019
Pros:
Friendly representative, clean car in good condition.Cons:
Every rental car (from any company) should come with a paper inside telling where to find the gas filler cap release. ; )2.0 Poor
Aug 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2023
8.0 Very Good
Aug 2022
Hertz
7.0
Good
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
6.0
2 locations in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
5335 Highway 52 North
+1 507 289 6640
7600 Helgerson Drive Sw
+1 507 288 2244
Filters
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Nov 2019
Pros:
The car was clean. Pick up was a bummer. Drop off was easy.Cons:
I booked a full size car. They didn’t have a full size. They tried to give me an upgrade . . . Twice, but their computer system wouldn’t allow it. So, I got a downgrade. Then, they couldn’t honor the price that Kayak quoted. So I got downgraded and was charged more than I expected. I’ll never use Hertz or Kayak again.Budget
6.3
Okay
6 reviewsCleanliness
5.6
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
5.6
3 locations in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
20 2nd Avenue Southwest
+1 507 424 3377
5335 Highway 52 N Ste E
+1 507 216 4662
7600 Helgerson Drive Southwest
+1 507 252 5055
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Wayne is courteous friendly and attentive to my needsCons:
Nothing2.0 Poor
Sept 2023
6.0 Okay
Aug 2023
6.0 Okay
Jul 2023
Dollar
6.0
Okay
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
7600 Helgerson Drive Southwest
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
May 2020
Cons:
Friendly staff, upgraded to pickup truck for no cost , which was exactly what I needed after all.2.0 Poor
Oct 2019
Pros:
NothingCons:
The site indicated rental cars were available when in fact they were not.National
10.0
Wonderful
No reviews available
Cleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
7701 Helgerson Drive Sw
+1 844 378 0637
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.7
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Rochester
Locations in Rochester
7701 Helgerson Drive Sw, Rochester, , USA Minnesota
+1 914 368 0091
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Rochester
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
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When to book a car hire in Rochester
Car hire insurance in Rochester
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver
Some Rochester car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Rochester.
Deductible
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Rochester car hire.