$36 Car Rental Council Bluffs, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Council Bluffs

Renting a car in Council Bluffs offers the freedom and flexibility to explore a variety of attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit Lake Manawa State Park, a great spot for outdoor adventures, or take a short drive to Heartland of America Park and Lauritzen Gardens, both located just 3 miles away. This convenience is especially beneficial for families, allowing for easy management of luggage and travel plans while keeping everyone together.

Additionally, a rental car makes it simple to venture into nearby Omaha, which is only 4 miles from Council Bluffs. In Omaha, you can discover more parks and attractions like the Fun-Plex and explore vibrant neighborhoods such as Downtown Omaha and East Omaha, each featuring unique experiences. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, outdoor excursions, or family-friendly activities, a rental car enhances your visit by providing a flexible travel option to see everything this area has to offer.

Most popular car rental in Council Bluffs

• Compact: The most booked car option in Council Bluffs, compact cars accommodate 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes them ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families looking for a versatile vehicle. With the freedom to explore local attractions at your own pace, a compact car provides an excellent balance of comfort and efficiency, ensuring you can manage your luggage easily while enjoying your trip.

Top rated car suppliers in Council Bluffs

• Enterprise: With 1 rental location in Council Bluffs, Enterprise is a top choice for travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. They offer a diverse range of vehicles, with the Fullsize Van and Midsize models being the most popular options among renters. Enjoy the freedom to explore Council Bluffs and its surroundings at your own pace with a reliable vehicle.

Where to stay around Council Bluffs

• Council Bluffs: This city offers a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, with a variety of accommodations available. Travelers can easily access local parks and recreational areas for outdoor activities. Key attractions in the vicinity include the scenic Heartland of America Park, perfect for families seeking a blend of city and nature experiences.
• Omaha: Located just 4 miles away, Omaha is a vibrant metropolis with plenty of family-friendly options. Visitors can enjoy arena entertainment, educational venues, and recreational areas. Don't miss the Heartland of America Park and Lauritzen Gardens for outdoor enjoyment. With its diverse dining scene and attractions like the Fun-Plex amusement park, Omaha is ideal for a lively stay.
• Crescent: About 7 miles from Council Bluffs, Crescent is perfect for those looking for outdoor scenery and family experiences. This charming city features beautiful parks and a national state park, making it a great choice for nature enthusiasts. Key highlights include Heartland of America Park and the Mormon Trail Center, providing a mix of recreation and cultural exploration.
• Downtown Omaha: Just 4 miles away, Downtown Omaha is an exciting neighborhood that combines family and entertainment themes. Visitors can explore local theaters and enjoy arena entertainment facilities. The area features urban parks like Gene Leahy Mall and the modern Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, ideal for city exploration and outdoor activities.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Council Bluffs

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying the vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower rates and have access to a wider selection, 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 busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium cars—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements necessitate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can be 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 often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental agencies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options 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 Council Bluffs

The best value period to rent a car in and around Council Bluffs is November, when prices are slightly low and demand remains steady. October also shows slightly high prices and average demand, making it a more expensive time. Before November, February is a quiet month with slightly low prices, but March and April bring average prices with low to average demand. May, however, is the peak month with high demand, which can lead to higher rental costs.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.7°F (-4.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
February	26.1°F (-3.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
March	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
April	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
June	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
August	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	41.4°F (5.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.1°F (-1.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Council Bluffs

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Council Bluffs

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $36.

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.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

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