Car Rental - Helena

 

Rent a car in Helena, Montana, a city with a sense of adventure in Lewis and Clark country. This state capital developed during the Montana gold rush, is full of historic buildings and is surrounded by wild landscapes to explore.

Our Helena car rental office is located at Helena Regional Airport, only a few minutes’ drive from this compact city’s heart. You can explore it and the magical Montana hills in your choice of vehicle. If you’re traveling with family, we have SUVs with room for everyone, while business travelers and couples may prefer something sleeker such as a cabriolet or sedan.

Beyond the city limits, you’ll find the Lewis and Clark National Forest, while excellent transport links means you’re only a day trip from Great Falls, Butte, Missoula and Idaho Falls. Renting a car means you’ll get to avoid public transport and explore Helena at your own pace.

Reserve your rental car in Helena today for a true taste of the old West. 

Helena Locations

A Quick Guide to Helena

Montana State Capitol

1301 East 6 Avenue, MT, 59601

Helena is home to the state’s handsome capitol building, built from granite and sandstone in a neoclassical style. The building’s main section was finished in 1902 and the wings ten years later. The decorative highlight is undoubtedly the copper dome, although the superb range of historical paintings, framed in gold, is impressive too. Visiting Helena with family? Hop in a holiday car rental and enjoy the ride with your loved ones. 

Last Chance Gulch

MT, 59601

Today’s gulch is far cry from the creek that existed here in 1864. The site of the gold discovery that gave birth to Helena, it’s now a pedestrian mall lined with stores, restaurants, hotels and historic buildings. What’s noticeable is the lack of chains— this is a place that prides itself on its independent businesses. 

Reeder’s Alley

212 South Park Avenue, MT, 59601

To get a feel of what Helena was like during the gold rush, make your way to Reeder’s Alley and discover the remains of the old city. The log cabins and atmospheric buildings are your gateway to learning about how the miners—and their families— who sought their fortunes in Montana lived.

Residence Inn by Marriott

2500 East Custer Avenue, MT, 59602

Close to both the airport and I-15, Marriott’s Residence Inn is geared towards longer stays, although those on short visits who want that ‘home from home’ feeling will feel welcome here, too. Rooms with living areas and full kitchen give you plenty of space, and the hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and child’s splash pool. Lay back and relax after a day exploring Helena with your Hertz rental car. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown

22 North Last Chance Gulch, MT, 59601

This is a hotel offers a prime location in the heart of Downtown. Theaters, museums, restaurants, stores and cafes line the streets surrounding it, while the hotel itself boasts modern rooms, an indoor pool and Ristorante Bella Roma, serving authentic Italian fare. 

Home2Suites by Hilton Helena

3325 North Sanders Street, MT, 59602

Just by I-15, the large suites at this Hilton are perfect for business visitors and small families who want to self-cater. There are living areas, kitchens and ergonomic working walls for those who want to catch up while they’re on the road. Rooms are pet friendly, parking is free and the indoor pool is a great place for a few laps.

Ristorante Bella Roma

22 North Last Chance Gulch, MT, 59601

Inside the DoubleTree hotel, this might just be the best Italian restaurant in the city. Authenticity is the secret, with homemade elements from the bread to the pasta, sausage and even the cannoli shells. There are superb renditions of all the much-loved classics, while a wagyu filet mignon with peppercorn brandy sauce is the choice if you want to push the boat out. Business dinners are ideal here, pop in a sleek car rental and bring your clients here for one of Helena’s finest Italian fare. 

Benny’s Bistro

108 East 6 Avenue, MT, 59601

There’s a buzz about Benny’s that emanates from the open kitchen. With ingredients drawn largely from local producers, the wide-ranging menu ranges from paninis to Thai curries, succulent burgers and perfectly cooked steak with all the trimmings.

Brewhouse

939 Getchell Street, MT, 59601

For superior pub food and an always-on atmosphere, Brewhouse is the place to be. Pull up a seat for shareable snacks such as wings and nachos or tackle the generous pizzas and burgers. Treat yourself to the blackened prime rib sandwich or sizzling steaks.

Driving In and Around Helena

  • Downtown Helena has paid street parking with hourly rates for your rental car. The fee is payable at a kiosk. On-street parking is free after 5PM, at weekends and on federal holidays.
  • 131 W 6 Ave Garage (59601) in Downtown offers 800 spaces and is free to use at weekends. It has an hourly charge from 5AM-8PM.
  • Lot 4 (59601) on Cruse Ave has one hour of free parking, then hourly charges with a maximum of $15 per day. It’s ideal for access to Laat Chance Gulch, Fire Tower Park and numerous city landmarks.

 

  • Interstate 15 (I-15) runs north to south through Montana, slicing through the center of Helena. Join it south for Butte, Idaho Falls and Utah. North it leads to Great Falls, Shelby and the border with Canada.
  • US Highway 12 (US 12) runs across the entirety of Montana from east to west and is known as the Lewis and Clark Highway. It overlaps with US 287 to the east of Helena, diverting southeast around the Missouri River.
  • US Route 280 (US 280) is called York Road in Helena and leads northeast to Helena Valley Reservoir and the Missouri River. Renting a car makes it easier to traverse the gorgeous landscape. 

 

How to Get From Helena Regional Airport to Helena

The airport is around four miles northeast of Downtown Helena with your holiday or business car rental:

  1. Leave the airport on Skyway Drive.
  2. Take a left for Washington Street.
  3. Turn right on to Cedar Street, which becomes North Last Chance Gulch.
  4. Take a right for West Lyndale Avenue.
  5. Turn left on to North Benton Avenue.

 

How to Get From Helena to Bozeman

The fast-growing and laidback city of Bozeman is around two hours southeast of Helena. Drive on the US 287 South for approximately 62 miles, then merge on to the I-90 East for Billings. Take Exit 306 for Bozeman. Renting a car in Helena means you’ll get to travel on your own schedule.

 

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