Car Rental in Billings - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Billings is highly recommended for tourists, as the city serves as an excellent gateway to Montana's vast landscapes and attractions. Billings is relatively spread out, and public transportation options are limited, making a car essential for exploring both the city and surrounding areas efficiently. A rental car is ideal for visiting nearby natural attractions like the Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone National Park (about 2 hours away), and the scenic Bighorn Canyon. The city itself has wide streets, ample parking, and straightforward navigation, making it tourist-friendly for drivers. Driving conditions in Billings are generally excellent, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road, following standard U.S. traffic laws. Winter driving (November-March) can be challenging due to snow and ice, so visitors during these months should ensure they're comfortable with winter conditions or consider renting a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Skip the rental only if you're staying exclusively within downtown Billings for a short business trip. Otherwise, having your own vehicle provides the flexibility to experience Montana's wide-open spaces and attractions at your own pace.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. Foreign visitors can typically drive with their home country license for short-term visits.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Recommended for non-English licenses and required by some rental agencies. Obtain from your home country before traveling to the United States.

Minimum Age

Drivers must typically be at least 21 years old, though some agencies require 25. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees - check current requirements with rental providers.

Credit Card

A major credit card in the driver's name is required for security deposits. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit hold.

Insurance Coverage

Basic liability insurance is mandatory in Montana. Rental agencies offer additional coverage options - verify if your personal auto or credit card insurance provides coverage in the US.

Additional Driver Authorization

Additional drivers must meet the same age and license requirements and be registered with the rental agency. Additional fees typically apply - check current rates when booking.

Rent from Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) for the widest selection of major agencies and convenient pickup - most national brands have counters in the terminal, making it easy to start your Montana road trip immediately upon arrival.

Before driving off, inspect the vehicle thoroughly for existing damage, verify you have emergency equipment for Montana weather conditions, and confirm your GPS or phone navigation is working - cell coverage can be limited once you leave the Billings area.

Download offline maps for your GPS or phone before leaving the rental lot, as you'll encounter areas with no cell service when exploring Montana's rural regions and national parks accessible from Billings.

Fill up with fuel before returning to the airport - gas stations are readily available along Airport Road and throughout Billings, and returning with a full tank avoids expensive refueling charges from the rental company.

Allow extra time when returning your vehicle to account for potential weather delays (especially in winter months) and to complete the inspection process - most agencies at BIL are efficient, but it's better to arrive early than risk missing your flight.

Winter driving in Billings requires extreme caution from November through March, with black ice, sudden snowstorms, and wind gusts creating hazardous conditions - always carry an emergency kit and check weather forecasts before traveling.

Watch for wildlife on rural roads around Billings, particularly deer and antelope during dawn and dusk hours, as animal-vehicle collisions are common in Montana.

Rush hour traffic in Billings is generally light compared to major cities, but downtown congestion occurs weekdays between 7:30-8:30 AM and 4:30-5:30 PM, particularly on Main Street and Montana Avenue.

Montana has strict DUI enforcement and speed limits that vary significantly between urban and rural areas - watch for reduced speed zones in construction areas and near schools, as local law enforcement actively monitors these zones.