Car Rentals in St. Louis, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around St. Louis

Renting a car in St. Louis provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families and those with lots of luggage, as it simplifies travel plans and allows for easy management of belongings. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the iconic Gateway Arch and the City Museum, both located in Downtown St. Louis. For outdoor and adventure seekers, Six Flags St. Louis offers an exciting day out, easily accessible by car.

Additionally, having a vehicle enables you to explore popular destinations like Historic Main Street in St. Charles, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Forest Park. Maryland Heights, featuring Westport Plaza, is also within reach. The ability to travel without relying on public transport means you can create your own itinerary, whether you're interested in cultural experiences or family-friendly outings. With so much to see and do in and around St. Louis, renting a car is a practical choice for making the most of your trip.

Most popular car hires in St. Louis

• Midsize: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for couples and families. This car type strikes a great balance between comfort and practicality, allowing you to enjoy your journey around St. Louis without feeling cramped.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for couples, families, and groups who desire a bit more space and a higher driving position. It offers versatility for your travels in and around St. Louis, enabling you to navigate both urban and rural settings comfortably.
• Fullsize: Accommodates 5 travellers with the option to carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This car type is ideal for families and groups who require ample space for both passengers and luggage. Renting a fullsize vehicle ensures that everyone can travel comfortably, making it a popular choice for those exploring St. Louis and its surroundings.

Top rated car suppliers in St. Louis

• Hertz: Hertz is a well-known car hire supplier with one rental location in St. Louis. They are particularly popular for their Midsize SUV and Economy vehicles, which are ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. Customers appreciate the flexibility that Hertz offers, allowing you to manage your itinerary with ease. Their vehicles are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable driving experience during your trip.
• Avis: Avis stands out with over five rental locations throughout St. Louis, offering convenience for travellers. Their most booked vehicles include Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, perfect for groups or families needing extra space. Avis is noted for its efficient service and a wide range of vehicle options, making it a reliable choice for those looking to explore the area at their own pace.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car has one rental location in St. Louis and is known for providing an excellent overall experience. Their popular vehicle choices, Midsize SUV and Standard Convertible, cater to various travel preferences. Alamo is recognised for its quick pickup processes and friendly staff, ensuring a hassle-free car hire experience. Travellers often highlight the cleanliness and reliability of their vehicles, making it a solid option for your car hire needs.

Where to stay in St. Louis

• St. Charles: St. Charles is an inviting city known for its family, city-themed, and romantic experiences. It features notable attractions like Historic Main Street and Westport Plaza, both suited for city holidays. The area boasts an arena entertainment facility and a shopping mall centre, while food and drink options include local wineries and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy the nearby Forest Park, perfect for outdoor activities, making St. Charles a great base for exploring.
• Downtown St. Louis: This vibrant neighbourhood offers a mix of family-friendly, city-themed, and outdoor experiences. Key points of interest include the iconic Gateway Arch and the fascinating City Museum, both of which are ideal for cultural exploration. The area is also home to a sports facility stadium and various shopping areas. For dining, options abound with numerous restaurants and breweries, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors wishing to immerse themselves in the city's charm.
• Maryland Heights: Maryland Heights is a dynamic city providing entertainment-themed and family-friendly options. Visitors can explore Westport Plaza and Forest Park, both suitable for outdoor family activities. The neighbourhood features an arena entertainment facility and a shopping mall centre, catering to diverse interests. Dining choices include local wineries and restaurants, making it a comfortable and enjoyable area for travellers seeking a mix of leisure and exploration.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around St. Louis

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 a compact car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. 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 under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may have full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but it can be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around St. Louis

The best value period for renting a car in and around St. Louis is February, when prices are slightly low and demand remains steady. March follows closely, with its lower demand making it an attractive option despite slightly higher prices. April also offers average prices with slightly low demand. However, July is typically the most expensive month, as demand peaks and prices rise, making it a busy time for rentals. June through August also experience heightened demand and prices, resulting in a less favourable rental environment.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	31.6°F (-0.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
April	56.1°F (13.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	77.0°F (25.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average