$66 Car Rental Brainerd, MN

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Brainerd

Renting a car in Brainerd is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, family explorers, and weekend travelers looking to discover the area at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy the flexibility of creating your own travel plans. Brainerd is surrounded by beautiful attractions, making it an ideal base for exploration. You can visit Paul Bunyan Land, a nearby amusement park perfect for family fun, or head to Lake Ossawinnamakee, which offers romantic scenery and outdoor adventures. Just one mile from Brainerd, the Northland Arboretum provides a beautiful setting for family outings and nature walks.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to explore nearby cities like Baxter, located four miles away, where you can enjoy Crow Wing State Park and more of Gull Lake. Nisswa, just twelve miles from Brainerd, features the Pequot Lakes Dog Park and Merrifield Lions Park. East Gull Lake is also in the vicinity, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, having a rental car enhances your experience in and around Brainerd.

Most popular car rentals in Brainerd

• Midsize SUV: This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV offers a blend of comfort and versatility, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the beautiful scenery around Brainerd at their own pace. With ample room for luggage, you can enjoy a stress-free journey while experiencing the great outdoors.
• Economy: The economy car is well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or small families, comfortably fitting 5 travelers with room for 2 medium suitcases. This option is an ideal choice for those who appreciate convenience and efficiency, allowing for easy navigation through Brainerd and its surrounding areas. If you're looking to travel light while enjoying the flexibility of exploring at your leisure, this car type is a fantastic option.
• Fullsize SUV: Ideal for larger families or groups, the fullsize SUV accommodates up to 6 travelers with the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This car type is designed for comfort and space, making it perfect for those who want to travel together while enjoying the stunning landscapes around Brainerd. With its generous seating and storage, the fullsize SUV allows for a comfortable ride while you create lasting memories on your journey.

Top rated car suppliers in Brainerd

• Alamo Rent A Car: Known for its dependable service, Alamo Rent A Car has one rental location in Brainerd, making it a convenient choice for travelers. With a focus on customer satisfaction, many visitors opt for their Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles, which are perfect for exploring the scenic beauty of Brainerd and its surroundings. Renting from Alamo allows you to manage your luggage easily and adjust your travel plans on the go.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental also operates one location in Brainerd, providing an excellent option for travelers seeking a reliable rental experience. Most popular choices include Midsize and Fullsize SUVs, ideal for families or groups looking to enjoy the area's attractions comfortably. National is recognized for its efficient service, allowing you to hit the road with ease and flexibility as you explore Brainerd.

Where to go in and around Brainerd

• Nisswa: Located 12 miles away from Brainerd, Nisswa is a charming city known for its outdoor activities and scenic beauty. The peak travel season is from June to August, making it an ideal time to explore its attractions. Notable spots include Gull Lake, perfect for a romantic beach vacation, and Pequot Lakes Dog Park, which is great for family outings. Additionally, Merrifield Lions Park offers a lovely eco-friendly environment for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
• Baxter: Situated 4 miles from Brainerd, Baxter welcomes travelers year-round with its recreational areas and scenic views. Peak visits occur in March and June to July, making it a suitable time for exploration. Visitors can enjoy the lovely Gull Lake, which is perfect for outdoor activities and romance. Other highlights include the Northland Arboretum, ideal for family outings, and Crow Wing State Park, offering adventure and stunning scenery for nature lovers.
• East Gull Lake: This village is in close proximity to Brainerd and is a delightful destination for outdoor and scenic experiences. The peak travel season aligns with June to August, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy its attractions. Gull Lake is a prime spot for romance and outdoor fun, while the Northland Arboretum caters to families looking to explore nature. Gregory Park is another urban park that offers a family-friendly atmosphere for outdoor activities.

10 tips to save on your Brainerd car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to find lower rates and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may incur higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Other rentals may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the additional cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is easy.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Brainerd

The best value period to rent a car in and around Brainerd is March, when both prices and demand are low. This is followed closely by February, which also offers average prices and low demand. April sees slightly high prices but remains quiet in terms of demand. On the other hand, August is typically the most expensive month, marked by high demand and average prices, making it a busier time for rentals. June and July also have high demand and average pricing, contributing to the peak season for car rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	11.7°F (-11.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	13.1°F (-10.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
April	40.1°F (4.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
May	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
August	68.5°F (20.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	31.3°F (-0.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	18.3°F (-7.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Brainerd

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Brainerd into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Brainerd and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Brainerd

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Brainerd. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Brainerd

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $66.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals