Car hire in Wausau, United States

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There are 5 car hire providers in Wausau. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Wausau

Hiring a car in Wausau: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, Pickup Regular Cab
Average daily priceR 1,360
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Wausau

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Wausau car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Wausau

  • Cruise into adventure with a cheap rental car in Wausau. With prices averaging R 1,360 a day, you're on the road to better value. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll match you with the perfect ride for the right price.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Wausau is R 1,171.

  • For longer trips, book a weekly rental from R 6,195 and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • To score the best price on a Wausau car hire, it's smart to book in advance. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates approach, and you might be left with fewer choices.

  • Know what kind of coverage comes with your Wausau car hire. Some suppliers include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Wausau.

  • Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Roam without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,873 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around R 2,184, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly R 2,045 a day for one of their rentals.

  • If you're unsure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Premium rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type in Wausau.

Flying to Wausau? Think about an airport pick-up

Compare car hire types in Wausau

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and extra tech features, this Wausau car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Wausau that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Wausau car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so always compare your options.

  • Make life easier when you rent a car in Wausau by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always read your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.

  • Add a car seat to your Wausau car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest option.

  • Bring the right documents to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and a second photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.

  • Driving in the United States may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits are usually about 40kph in urban 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%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.

  • Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.

  • English is the language that most people speak in this country.

Best hotels in Wausau for drivers

  • Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Courtyard Wausau. Offering accessible parking as well as internet access and a games room, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Wausau.

  • Stewart Inn makes life simpler with parking and features such as a laundry and a steam room. It's roughly 0.64 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the range of hotels in Wausau for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Wausau and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Timekeeper Distillery, Marathon Junction and Monk Botanical Gardens give you a real taste of the city.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Wausau

  • Around 48 kilometres south of central Wausau, Stevens Point belongs on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Museum of Natural History and Green Circle Trail.

  • They've perfected the guest experience at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stevens Point and Baymont by Wyndham Stevens Point, two accommodation options with parking in Stevens Point.

  • Add Marshfield to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in Wausau and drive about 56 kilometres southwest to discover major highlights such as Wildwood Zoo and Wildwood Park.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Marshfield at Holiday Inn Conference Ctr Marshfield or Baymont by Wyndham Marshfield. These hotels cater to guests with cars.

  • Not done driving yet? Saint Paul is a popular road trip destination that's about 274 kilometres west of Wausau. Plan to make a few pit stops at Cathedral of St. Paul and Como Park.

  • The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. InterContinental Hotels Saint Paul Riverfront and The Saint Paul Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Saint Paul.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Wausau will set you back around R 1,360 per day or R 10,465 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Wausau is a premium pickup. The most popular is Premium/Luxury, Pickup Regular Cab.
The cheapest car hire company in Wausau is currently Enterprise, followed by National.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Wausau is currently September.
On average, around R 10,465. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Wausau is R 6,195.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Wausau for a whole month is R 43,560. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Wausau, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Wausau that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Wausau.
Most places – Wausau included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 1,171 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,186.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, National and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Avis as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Wausau.