Budget truck rental locations and hours in Salt Lake City

Budget operates several truck rental locations across the Salt Lake City area, with the main downtown location at 333 South State Street and additional branches near the airport and in outlying neighborhoods. Most locations are open seven days a week, though hours vary — downtown typically runs 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., while airport locations often stay open later to match flight schedules. Call ahead to confirm hours for the specific location you plan to use, since seasonal changes and staffing can shift opening times.

The airport location (Salt Lake City International Airport) is the most convenient if you're arriving by plane, but it charges a facility fee on top of the base rental rate. If you have time and are renting locally, the downtown or neighborhood branches often have lower total costs since they don't add airport surcharges. Budget's website shows all active locations and lets you check real-time availability for specific truck types and dates.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget has multiple Salt Lake City locations, with the downtown branch at 333 South State Street and additional sites near the airport and in residential areas.
  • Truck availability and pricing vary by location and date, so comparing the same rental dates across different branches can save you money.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your name to complete the rental.
  • One-way rentals to other states are possible but cost significantly more than round-trip rentals, and you should reserve these well in advance.
  • Budget's damage waiver and insurance options add to the base rate, so understanding what your personal auto policy covers before renting can reduce unnecessary costs.

What documents and payment methods you need

Budget requires a valid driver's license (U.S., Canadian, or international with English translation), a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent a truck. The credit card is used to hold a security deposit — the amount depends on the truck size and your location, but typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. This hold is released after you return the truck undamaged, but it does tie up that credit limit during the rental period.

Proof of insurance can come from your personal auto policy, your renter's or homeowner's insurance (if it covers vehicle rental), or a credit card that includes rental car coverage. Budget will ask to see this documentation before you drive off the lot. If you don't have coverage through any of these sources, Budget offers its own damage waiver and liability options, which add to your daily rate. Bring the actual insurance card or a digital copy on your phone — a screenshot of your policy number alone usually isn't enough.

Truck sizes and what they cost per day

Budget's truck lineup in Salt Lake City typically includes 10-foot cargo vans, 14-foot box trucks, 16-foot box trucks, and 20-foot box trucks, with pricing that changes based on demand and season. A 10-foot van might rent for $30 to $50 per day during off-peak periods but climb to $70 or higher during summer moving season or holiday weekends. Larger 20-foot trucks start around $50 to $70 per day off-season and can exceed $100 during peak times.

These daily rates don't include mileage fees (Budget typically charges per mile for trucks), fuel, insurance add-ons, or facility fees at the airport location. A three-day local move in a 14-foot truck might cost $150 to $250 in base rental, plus $30 to $60 in mileage if you drive 100 to 200 miles, plus any damage waiver you purchase. Always get the full quote before committing — the final total is often 40 to 60 percent higher than the advertised daily rate once all fees are added.

Comparing one-way versus round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental means you pick up and return the truck to the same Budget location. A one-way rental lets you pick up in Salt Lake City and drop off at a different Budget location — for example, in Denver or Las Vegas. One-way rentals cost substantially more because Budget has to position the truck back to Salt Lake City later, and you're paying for that repositioning cost upfront.

For a 14-foot truck, a round-trip local rental might cost $100 to $150 total, while a one-way rental to Denver could run $300 to $500 or more. If you're moving out of state, the one-way option may still be cheaper than renting locally and hiring a separate return trip, but you should compare both. Reserve one-way rentals at least a week in advance — availability is more limited, and last-minute one-way bookings often have steep premiums or no trucks available at all.

Damage waivers, insurance, and what your personal policy covers

Budget offers a damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW) that covers collision and theft damage to the truck, excluding wear and tear and items you leave inside. This typically costs $15 to $25 per day and is optional. Before you buy it, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card rental coverage already protects you — many policies do, and adding Budget's waiver means paying twice.

Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you rent and ask specifically whether rental trucks are covered and what the deductible is. Some policies exclude commercial-use rentals or have low limits on truck rentals. If your coverage is weak or nonexistent, Budget's waiver is worth the cost. If you're covered, skip it and save $15 to $25 per day. Budget also sells liability coverage, which is separate from the damage waiver — your personal policy usually covers this, so verify before buying.

Fuel, mileage, and hidden fees to watch for

Budget charges for fuel separately from the rental rate. You can return the truck with a full tank and pay nothing extra, or return it partially empty and pay Budget's per-gallon rate, which is typically 30 to 50 percent higher than local gas prices. The smartest approach is to fill up at a gas station near the Budget location before you return the truck — you'll pay market rates instead of Budget's markup.

Mileage fees vary by truck size and location. A 10-foot van might charge $0.50 to $1.00 per mile, while a 20-foot truck could be $1.00 to $1.50 per mile. For a 100-mile round trip in a 14-foot truck, expect $50 to $100 in mileage charges alone. Airport location rentals add a facility fee (usually $10 to $15 per day) on top of the base rate. Late return fees kick in if you bring the truck back after your agreed time — typically $40 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental if you're more than a few hours late. Read the full rental agreement before signing to catch these details.

How to reserve a truck and what to expect at pickup

You can reserve a Budget truck online at Budget's website, by phone at their Salt Lake City locations, or through third-party rental sites like Kayak or Autoslash. Online reservations often show lower rates than phone bookings, but always call the specific location to confirm availability and get the final quote with all fees included. Reservations hold the truck type and price for 24 hours; after that, the rate may change if demand shifts.

At pickup, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early with your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. The agent will walk you through the truck's condition, pointing out any existing damage on a checklist — photograph or video the truck's exterior and interior before you leave the lot, so you have proof of its condition if a dispute arises later. Ask about the truck's fuel level, odometer reading, and any mechanical quirks (power steering, brake feel, mirror adjustments). Don't sign the agreement until you understand every charge and have confirmed the return location, date, and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Budget truck if I'm under 25?

Budget rents to drivers 18 and older in most states, but drivers under 25 may face an additional young driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) and may not be able to rent the largest trucks. Call your local Budget location to confirm their age policy and any extra charges before you book.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees start when ready after your agreed return time and typically run $40 to $50 per hour, or a full day's rental charge if you're late by several hours. If you think you'll be late, call the location as soon as you know — they may extend your reservation without penalty if they don't have another rental scheduled.

Can I add a second driver to my Budget truck rental?

Yes, Budget allows additional drivers for a fee (usually $10 to $15 per person per day). The second driver must present a valid driver's license and be listed on the rental agreement before either of you drives the truck. Both drivers are covered under the same insurance and damage waiver.

Do I need to return the truck with a full tank of gas?

You can return it with any fuel level, but Budget charges a per-gallon rate that's higher than local gas prices. Filling up at a nearby gas station before return saves money. Budget will note the fuel level on the agreement, so be honest about how much you use.

What if the truck breaks down during my rental?

Call Budget's roadside information number (on your rental agreement) when ready. Budget covers mechanical breakdowns under the rental agreement, and they'll either repair the truck or send a replacement. You're not responsible for the repair cost, but you may be charged for time spent waiting if the breakdown was caused by misuse.