Car Rental at Flying Cloud Airport (FCM)

Reasons to book a car rental at Minneapolis Airport

Renting a car at Minneapolis airport is an excellent choice for tourists looking to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, you can manage your luggage easily and create travel plans that suit your schedule. This convenience is especially appealing for families and those seeking a friendly atmosphere while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

From Minneapolis airport, you can visit key attractions like Nickelodeon Universe, an amusement park located 11 miles away, or Paisley Park, a cultural museum just 6 miles away. For a picturesque outing, Lake Minnetonka is only 10 miles away, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor experiences. Additionally, the nearby cities of Bloomington and Eden Prairie provide even more options for exploration, with attractions like Minnehaha Park and Valleyfair Amusement Park. Having a rental car allows you to easily navigate between these destinations and make the most of your time in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, ensuring a memorable trip filled with adventure and relaxation.

Most popular car rentals near Minneapolis Airport

• Economy: The Economy car option is a popular choice among travelers at Minneapolis airport, accommodating up to 5 passengers and fitting up to 2 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families seeking an affordable and efficient vehicle to explore the area. With its compact size, navigating city streets and parking in busy areas is a breeze, allowing for an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
• Midsize: The Midsize car is perfect for those who need a bit more room. Accommodating up to 5 travelers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases, it’s an excellent choice for couples or families who require extra space without sacrificing comfort. This option provides a balanced mix of size and fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for longer drives or day trips while providing ample room for everyone’s belongings.
• Compact: The Compact car option is a versatile choice that comfortably fits 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is well-suited for solo travelers, couples, and families who appreciate a smaller vehicle that’s easy to maneuver. Ideal for those looking to explore the Minneapolis area with ease, the Compact car offers convenience without compromising on space for luggage, ensuring your travels are both enjoyable and hassle-free.

Top rated car suppliers near Minneapolis Airport

• Nextcar: With a rental location situated 5 miles away from Minneapolis airport, Nextcar provides travelers with a selection of vehicles that includes popular Midsize and Economy options. This supplier is ideal for those seeking a reliable and convenient way to explore the Minneapolis area at their own pace.
• Enterprise: Offering three rental locations, with the nearest just 3 miles from Minneapolis airport, Enterprise is a fantastic choice for travelers. Known for its Midsize SUV and Mini Van options, this supplier ensures that you have ample choices to accommodate your luggage and travel companions comfortably.
• Budget: Budget features a rental location located 7 miles away from Minneapolis airport, providing a great selection of Midsize SUV and Standard SUV vehicles. With its competitive rates and straightforward service, Budget is a solid option for those looking to maximize their travel experience around Minneapolis.

Where to stay near Minneapolis Airport

• Minneapolis - St. Paul: This vibrant metropolis is situated near Minneapolis, MN (FCM-Flying Cloud). It's ideal for family, city-themed, or business experiences. Visitors can explore attractions like Nickelodeon Universe, perfect for outdoor adventures, or enjoy the scenic views at Lake Minnetonka. The area also boasts shopping centers and various dining options, making it a suitable choice for travelers seeking convenience and entertainment.
• Prior Lake: Located 8 miles away from Minneapolis, MN (FCM-Flying Cloud), Prior Lake offers a blend of romantic and city-themed experiences. With attractions such as Mystic Lake, known for its beautiful scenery, and Valleyfair Amusement Park for family fun, visitors can enjoy both relaxation and adventure. The area has a range of shopping malls and restaurants, ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Carver: Situated 10 miles from Minneapolis, MN (FCM-Flying Cloud), Carver is perfect for those looking for outdoor and family-friendly activities. Highlights include Paisley Park, a cultural museum, and Lake Minnetonka, ideal for scenic outings. The neighborhood features recreational areas and urban parks, along with local wineries and restaurants, making it a great spot for relaxation and exploration.

9 tips to save on your Airport car rental near Minneapolis

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer joyrides, or an economy car to accommodate extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It's generally advisable to reserve your FCM car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Aiming to finalize your booking 1-3 months in advance is optimal, particularly before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might have restricted availability. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, are usually more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies necessitate a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you bypass unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car from Minneapolis Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Minneapolis Airport is April, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. January and February also offer slightly low prices, though demand is moderately low during this time. Following April, May maintains average prices and demand. In contrast, July tends to be the most expensive month with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. June through August see continued elevated demand and costs, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.1°F (-9.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	17.1°F (-8.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	32.7°F (0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	22.1°F (-5.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average