How to find a cheap car hire deal in Waterloo
Pick up a cheap rental car in Waterloo for an average of $161 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the major providers, making it easy to compare prices and book.
$114 is the cheapest daily price for a home in Waterloo.
Staying a little longer? Book a weekly home from $800 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Book early to snap up the best price for a Waterloo car hire. As well as cheaper rates, you're more likely to find a car that fits your style or needs.
Explore the offers available from leading providers like Enterprise.
Whether you book with Enterprise or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Waterloo car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Waterloo.
Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $162 a day.
Coming in second is this provider, offering daily rates of around $180.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $186 a day for one of their homes.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Compact home category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Waterloo.
Flying to Waterloo? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Waterloo trip by picking up a car hire at Waterloo Airport. The city centre is about 8 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Waterloo
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Waterloo gets you moving without breaking the bank. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are great for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this Waterloo car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Waterloo that fits a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Waterloo car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Waterloo by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher fee, so always go over the policies before locking in your reservation.
Add a car seat to your Waterloo car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest way to go.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Driving in the United States might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to cover you in every situation.
Best hotels in Waterloo for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at Executive Residency By Best Western Waterloo & Cedar Falls. Offering accessible parking as well as air conditioning and a fitness centre, this hotel is about 0.32 kilometres from central Waterloo.
Or take advantage of the parking at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Falls, IA. The city centre is roughly 8 kilometres from this stay, which also features a pool and a 24-hour front desk.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Waterloo and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car hire deal in Waterloo and your hotel. From Lost Island Themepark to George Wyth Lake and Hartman Reserve Nature Centre, there's plenty to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Waterloo
Navigate your way to Cedar Rapids. Around 80 kilometres southeast of central Waterloo, you'll find must-do sights like African American Museum of Iowa and Indian Creek Nature Centre.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Cedar Rapids include Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids Cid Eastern Iowa Airport and Tru by Hilton Cedar Rapids Westdale.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Waterloo and head for Marion, which is around 80 kilometres southeast. Highlights like Granger House Museum make the drive here worth it.
Marion has some good accommodation options including Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cedar Rapids and Best Western Plus Longbranch Hotel Convention Centre. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Take off to Madison, around 241 kilometres east of Waterloo. From Olbrich Botanical Gardens to Chazen Museum of Art, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Hilton Madison Monona Terrace and Super 8 by Wyndham Madison South have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Madison.
