'%3E%3Ccircle cx='0' cy='0' r='7' fill='%23fff'%3E%3CanimateTransform attributeName='transform' type='scale' begin='-0.24691358024691354s' calcMode='spline' keySplines='0.3 0 0.7 1;0.3 0 0.7 1' values='0;1;0' keyTimes='0;0.5;1' dur='0.6407407407407407s' repeatCount='indefinite'/%3E%3C/circle%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cg transform='translate(50 50)'%3E%3Ccircle cx='0' cy='0' r='7' fill='%23fff'%3E%3CanimateTransform attributeName='transform' type='scale' begin='-0.12345679012345677s' calcMode='spline' keySplines='0.3 0 0.7 1;0.3 0 0.7 1' values='0;1;0' keyTimes='0;0.5;1' dur='0.6407407407407407s' repeatCount='indefinite'/%3E%3C/circle%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cg transform='translate(75 50)'%3E%3Ccircle cx='0' cy='0' r='7' fill='%23fff'%3E%3CanimateTransform attributeName='transform' type='scale' begin='0s' calcMode='spline' keySplines='0.3 0 0.7 1;0.3 0 0.7 1' values='0;1;0' keyTimes='0;0.5;1' dur='0.6407407407407407s' repeatCount='indefinite'/%3E%3C/circle%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Book the best rental car in Missouri
Explore Missouri with the freedom of a rental car and discover the state's diverse attractions whenever you wish to. While cities like Camdenton, St. Louis and Kansas City have public transport facilities, major state parks, forest reserves, scenic drives and rural sites in Missouri can only be explored or are best experienced with a car.
For example, the historic Route 66 road trip is meant to be explored in a personal vehicle. Similarly, some of the remote wine & historic regions like Hermann & Augusta Wine Trails can only be visited with a car because you would require a reliable commute to hop between remote hillside vineyards and historic German villages.
That is where VIP Cars helps by bringing the best car rental deals in Missouri from multiple local and global brands in one place. With just a single search, you can find a vehicle that best suits your itinerary and budget.
Where to pick up/return a rental car in Missouri, US
We offer convenient car rental pickup/drop-off locations across Missouri's major airports, downtown business districts, suburban communities and select hotel locations.
Whether you are arriving by air, planning a city stay or exploring the Ozarks by road, choosing the right pickup and return point can help you save time and start your journey more efficiently.
-
Airport car rental locations
Missouri's major airports are among the most popular car rental pickup points for visitors arriving from across the US and abroad.
When making a reservation, you can select a pickup location that matches your arrival airport. Our partner suppliers allow you to collect your rental car shortly after landing and begin your journey without relying on taxis, rideshares or public transportation.
Airport locations typically offer the widest selection of vehicle categories and extended operating hours.
Some of the most popular airport car rental locations in Missouri include:
-
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
-
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
-
Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF)
-
Branson Airport (BKG)
-
Columbia Regional Airport (COU)
-
-
Downtown car rental locations
Downtown rental branches are a practical choice if you are staying in city centers and do not require a vehicle immediately upon arrival. These locations provide easy access to business districts, hotels, restaurants and local attractions.
Popular downtown pickup locations include:
-
Downtown St. Louis
-
Downtown Kansas City
-
Downtown Springfield
-
Downtown Columbia
-
Downtown Jefferson City
-
-
Suburban car rental locations
Suburban rental offices offer additional convenience for local residents and if you want to pick up your vehicle outside city centers. These locations often provide easier parking access and may be less crowded than airport branches.
Common suburban car rental pickup areas include Chesterfield (Saint Louis metropolitan area), St. Charles, Saint Louis Clayton, Lee's Summit (Kansas City metropolitan area), Gladstone and Joplin.
These locations are popular among customers renting vehicles for regional road trips, family vacations and business travel throughout Missouri.
-
Hotel delivery car rental services
Some of our listed suppliers operating in Missouri may offer hotel delivery and collection services at select properties (subject to supplier availability and location-specific policies). This option can be especially convenient if you are staying in major tourism and business destinations like Downtown Saint Louis hotel districts or Kansas City hotel areas.
Note: If you plan to use hotel delivery, you should confirm availability with your selected supplier before booking, as service areas, fees and delivery conditions vary by location and rental company.
One way car rental deals in Missouri
With us, you can pick up a vehicle in one Missouri city and return it to another, making it a convenient option for road trips, business travel and multi-destination itineraries.
Missouri's major cities and airports are well connected by interstate highways, making one-way rentals particularly popular among visitors arriving at one airport and departing from another.
Popular one-way car rental routes in Missouri
-
St. Louis to Kansas City
Distance: ~250 miles (402 km) Time: 3.5 to 4 hours -
Kansas City to Branson
Distance: ~250 miles (402 km) Time: 4 to 4.5 hours -
St. Louis to Branson
Distance: ~250 miles (402 km) Time: 4 to 4.5 hours -
Springfield to St. Louis
Distance: ~215 miles (346 km) Time: 3 to 3.5 hours -
Kansas City to Springfield
Distance: ~165 miles (266 km) Time: 2.5 to 3 hours -
Columbia to St. Louis
Distance: ~125 miles (201 km) Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car in Missouri
-
Book a short-term car rental early
Demand for rental cars often increases during weekends in Branson, Table Rock Lake and the Lake of the Ozarks, particularly from late spring through early fall. Reserving your vehicle in advance (3 to 4 weeks) can help secure better rates and preferred car categories.
-
Verify toll road requirements before traveling
If you are taking routes into Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois or other nearby states, check whether electronic toll payment options are available with your rental vehicle.
-
Check parking options in Downtown areas
If you are staying in the city centers of Jefferson City, verify parking availability before booking. This can help you decide whether an economy car, midsize sedan or larger SUV is the most practical choice for your trip.
-
Confirm additional driver requirements
For road trips covering multiple Missouri destinations, adding a second driver can be beneficial. Before booking, review the supplier's additional driver policy, eligibility requirements and any associated fees.
-
Familiarize yourself with Missouri speed limits
Speed limits on Missouri's rural interstates can reach 70 mph, whereas urban interstate sections are often lower. Residential neighborhoods, school zones and downtown areas typically have significantly reduced limits. So paying attention to posted signs can help you avoid costly fines.
-
Hire an SUV for outdoor adventures
Renting an SUV is highly recommended in Missouri if your itinerary includes outdoor adventures. This is because for popular places like Mark Twain National Forest, the roads are uneven and an SUV provides higher ground clearance to tackle such terrain.
Additionally, places like the Ozark Mountains have unpredictable weather, especially between late Autumn & early Spring; there are chances of driving on icy and snowy roads. Therefore, an SUV is the safest choice to go with for such areas.
-
Opt for monthly car rental deals
If you are staying in Missouri for 30+ days, booking a vehicle for a longer duration is more economical than weekly rentals. Such deals are very popular among students in University towns such as Columbia (University of Missouri), Springfield (Missouri State University) and Bolivar (Southwest Baptist University) who need transportation for a semester or summer session without buying or leasing a car.
