$32 Car Rental Cottage Grove, MN

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What you need to know for your Cottage Grove car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Cottage Grove

Renting a car in Cottage Grove allows for the freedom and flexibility to explore this charming city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, perfect for outdoor family experiences. Just 11 miles away, the Science Museum of Minnesota offers cultural insights and family-friendly activities, while the stunning Cathedral of Saint Paul, located 12 miles from Cottage Grove, showcases remarkable architecture and history. A rental car is particularly convenient for families and those seeking a city-themed experience, as it simplifies luggage management and allows for spontaneous travel plans. Additionally, you can venture into nearby destinations like Minneapolis - St. Paul, where you can explore attractions such as Nickelodeon Universe and Lake Minnetonka. St. Paul is only 11 miles away, offering more cultural experiences, and Saint Paul Park is just 2 miles from Cottage Grove, making it easy to visit multiple sites in a day. By renting a car, you can enjoy the convenience of traveling freely and comfortably throughout Cottage Grove and beyond.

Where to stay around Cottage Grove

  • Cottage Grove: As a part of the Minneapolis - St. Paul metropolis, Cottage Grove offers a convenient base for travelers seeking family and business-themed experiences. With proximity to shopping malls and arenas, visitors can enjoy various activities. The local attractions include beautiful lakes, perfect for relaxation and outdoor adventures. Enjoy nearby dining options that include restaurants and wineries, making it a versatile spot for your stay.
  • Prescott: Located 9 miles away from Cottage Grove, Prescott is an ideal destination for those looking for outdoor and romantic experiences. The city features charming attractions such as Prescott Beach, offering a serene urban park setting, and Prescott City Docks, perfect for adventures on the water. With various restaurants and wineries nearby, Prescott provides a delightful atmosphere for both family and leisure travelers.
  • Hudson: Situated 14 miles from Cottage Grove, Hudson is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore Willow River State Park, a national state park that offers breathtaking scenery and adventure opportunities. Brown's Beach is another highlight, perfect for a relaxing day by the water. With family-friendly activities and a selection of restaurants and wineries, Hudson is an excellent choice for a memorable stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Cottage Grove

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well before your trip. By booking ahead, you are more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well—just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports may incur a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is easy when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, seek out rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Cottage Grove

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Cottage Grove

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $32.

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.

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$32
 
Our second best deal of the day
$35
 
Our third best deal of the day
$39
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cheap car rental companies in Cottage Grove?
You can find cheap car rentals in Cottage Grove from $11 a day with Budget's standard elite special cars. Sixt offers midsize 2 or 4 door cars starting from $12 a day, and ACE Rent A Car provides economy crossover vehicles starting from $12 a day. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find a cheap car rental in Cottage Grove that fits your budget. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.
Can I rent a car one-way in Cottage Grove?
A one-way car rental in Cottage Grove is an excellent option for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $11 a day. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise may have flexible one-way policies. These are good options for one-way car rental in Cottage Grove, allowing you to pick up your vehicle in Cottage Grove and drop it off at a different location. For more options, explore Standard Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.
Can I rent a car round-trip in Cottage Grove?
Cottage Grove is well suited to round-trip rentals, with round-trip rentals starting from $11 a day. Picking up and dropping off at the same location generally avoids one-way drop-off fees, which can make it the most cost-effective option for exploring areas near Cottage Grove and returning to the same spot. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise also offer wide round-trip availability. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.
What are the best car rentals in Cottage Grove?
Car rentals in Cottage Grove offer extensive vehicle variety. The most popular car classes available include:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize SUV
  • Standard elite SUV
Most come with automatic transmission standard. Families visiting attractions prefer SUVs or minivans for space; couples and solo travelers do fine with economy or compact cars. Choose based on passenger count, luggage needs, and budget. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.

What are the best car rentals in Cottage Grove for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Cottage Grove for solo travelers are economy and compact classes—small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring at their own pace:
  • Economy crossover, from $12 a day — fits up to 5 people and 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets and simple to slot into small parking spaces
  • Compact 2 or 4 door, from $16 a day — fits up to 5 people and 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage while staying fuel-efficient
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. If you're planning longer drives, consider sizing up to a compact SUV for extra highway comfort. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.

What are the best car rentals in Cottage Grove for couples?
The best car rentals in Cottage Grove for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door, from $12 a day — fits up to 5 people and 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $17 a day — fits up to 5 people and 3 medium suitcases with an elevated driving position good for day trips around the region
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a fullsize open air all terrain— fits up to 4 people and 2 large suitcases—for scenic drives around Cottage Grove. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.

What are the best car rentals in Cottage Grove for families?
The best car rentals in Cottage Grove for families are the ones with room for everyone and their gear:
  • Midsize SUV, from $15 a day — seats up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases and a car seat
  • Mini passenger van, from $23 a day — seats up to 8 people with room for 6 large suitcases, ideal for larger families with strollers and full luggage
SUVs and minivans have room for the whole family plus car seats, strollers, and luggage, making them the most comfortable fit for trips around Cottage Grove. Book 4+ weeks ahead, as family-sized vehicles can have lower availability during the July-August peak, and consider adding GPS if you're new to the area. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.

What are the best car companies in Cottage Grove?
Car rentals in Cottage Grove are available from providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and ACE Rent A Car, offering vehicles suited to local roads and conditions. Sixt has midsize 2 or 4 door and fullsize 2 or 4 door options that are easy to park and fuel-efficient for city streets, while Enterprise offers fullsize 2 or 4 door and midsize 2 or 4 door vehicles with more space and stability for highways. ACE Rent A Car rounds out the choices with economy crossover and special vehicles. Choose a higher-clearance or all-wheel-drive class for varied terrain, and a compact class for easy maneuvering and better mileage on longer highway stretches. For more options, explore Premium Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.
What are good day trip destinations from Cottage Grove by rental car?
For day trips from Cottage Grove, you have several excellent options easily reachable by rental car, offering diverse experiences for families, couples, and solo travelers.
  • Mall of America in Bloomington is just 18 miles away, about an 18-minute drive. This massive complex offers shopping, dining, and entertainment, including the Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass, making it perfect for families.
  • Afton Alps Ski Area in Hastings is only 10 miles from Cottage Grove, a quick 10-minute drive. It's a great spot for active travelers looking for outdoor recreation, especially during winter months.
  • Lake Minnetonka is approximately 42 miles away, taking about 42 minutes to reach. This beautiful lake region is ideal for scenic drives, water activities, and enjoying nature, appealing to couples and families alike.
  • Lake Pepin is another scenic destination, located about 43 miles from Cottage Grove, a drive of around 43 minutes. It offers picturesque views and opportunities for relaxation by the water.
For these excursions, a midsize or fullsize car provides comfortable seating and luggage space, while an SUV offers extra room and a higher driving position, which can be beneficial for scenic routes. Always ensure your rental car has enough space for passengers and any gear you might bring, such as ski equipment for Afton Alps. Before heading out, it's wise to check the weather forecast and fuel up your vehicle for a smooth journey. For more options, explore Convertible Car Rentals in Cottage Grove.

Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Cottage Grove?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Cottage Grove. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Cottage Grove?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Cottage Grove?
Budget car rental in Cottage Grove can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days from $32. To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Cottage Grove?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Cottage Grove. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Cottage Grove car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Cottage Grove?
To rent a car in Cottage Grove, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Cottage Grove car rental?
If you need to cancel your Cottage Grove car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.
Why should I rent a car in Cottage Grove with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

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