every999

Hi,

We are planning a trip to Yellowstone, and we are thinking of flying into Bozeman. However, when I tried to book rental cars, everything there seems to be in the neighborhood of $50, which sounds very high. I was wondering if that is common for that area, or if there is any way to get lower rates. Thanks for your help in advance!

Kathy

KE1TH

That is about what I paid for a rental from Hertz at Bozeman/Gallatin a few years ago for a Ford Taurus with unlimited mileage. You may get a lower daily rate if you book for a week. Good luck.

Deborah

I rented from Avis in Bozeman. I don't think it was that high, but was there for a long weekend. Do you have AAA? Use the discount. Also, I think that Avis has discounts for Costco and Sam's Club members. Ask them what specials they might have. Is it a weekend or during the week days? You may have been given a a "daily" rate if week days only. It's a really easy airport to rent from. Enjoy your trip.

every999

Thanks for the information. This is actually for July 4-9 this year. We had to cancel another vacation and we are trying to re-book the flights so that we don't lose the money completely. I was able to find lodging in west yellowstone, but the rental car is becoming a problem.

I am a AAA member but some of the online coupons had a higher percentage off. Even after using them, it came out to $270 for 5 days. I was wondering if I will get a cheaper rate if I just show up there and see what they have. Thanks for the costco discount tip, I will try that.

Kathy

Deborah

Hi Kathy:

See the below link for all the rental car agencies at the Bozeman airport. If you go onto the telephone link, it lists the companies that are offsite. Perhaps Dollar might have a better rate and they will probably come pick you up. It would take a little extra time, but worth it if it saves you money. Do you have any airline frequent flier discounts? The car agencies use those too.

http://www.gallatinfield.com/termina...asp#CarRentals

Also, try the different classes of cars for different AAA discoounts. Sometimes the mid-size has a better discount than the compact ect.

Good luck.

Patty

What size car do you need? Dollar is showing rates of $35 for a compact or $40 for a mid-size for your dates.

every999

Hi,

Thanks for all your help guys. It will be very useful when I am booking the trip. After a lot of consideration, we decided to postpone the trip and not go during the July 4th weekend. Too many things to take care of within a short time. However, we plan to go there in August or september and do the same thing then.

Kathy

hilda

Prices are higher in this area. We paid $400-500 in Bozeman for a Hertz Sable, 6 cylinder , one week last June. We dropped it off in Billings, flew into one airport and out another. We saw a lot more with a 3 legged trip. Make sure you get a decent car-at least a full sized 6 cylinder for mountain driving. I would also go with a major chain, you dont want to take a chance on a substandard car from a jack in the box rental company. Roads are isolated and you dont want to break down. You wil love the area.

every999

Thanks for the tip about renting a 6 cylinder car. I would have gone for a compact car like I usually do, since it is just the two of us!

Kathy