The cheapest car rental companies in Salt Lake City

The lowest daily rates in Salt Lake City typically come from Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz, which often undercut the major chains on base pricing. However, the actual cheapest option depends on your rental dates, car type, and pickup location — airport rentals cost more than off-airport branches because of facility fees. Check each company's website directly rather than comparison sites, because rates change hourly and direct bookings sometimes beat aggregators.

Off-airport locations in Salt Lake City — particularly branches on South State Street and in the Sugar House neighborhood — charge 15 to 25 percent less than the airport counter. If you have time to take a rideshare to an off-airport branch, the savings often cover the ride cost. Turo, a peer-to-peer rental platform, can beat traditional companies on economy cars for multi-day rentals, though you pay a platform fee and insurance is separate.

Weekend rates sometimes drop below weekday rates because business travel demand is lower. A Friday-to-Monday rental may cost less per day than a Tuesday-to-Thursday rental for the same car type. Book at least three days in advance to see the full range of pricing — last-minute bookings almost always cost more.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz typically have the lowest base rates, but you must compare the same dates and location across all three because pricing shifts constantly.
  • Renting from an off-airport branch saves 15 to 25 percent compared to Salt Lake City International Airport, though you pay for transportation to get there.
  • Weekend rentals often cost less per day than weekday rentals because business travelers drive up weekday demand.
  • Book at least three days ahead to see all available rates; same-day and next-day bookings carry premium pricing.
  • Decline the rental company's insurance if your personal auto policy or credit card already covers rental cars, which can cut your total cost by 20 to 40 percent.

How insurance and fees affect your final price

The advertised daily rate is not your final cost. Rental companies add a facility fee (usually $3 to $5 per day at the airport), a concession recovery fee (another $2 to $4 per day), and sales tax on the entire amount. These fees can add 30 to 40 percent to the base rate. A $30-per-day car becomes $40 to $42 once fees and tax are included.

Declining the rental company's damage waiver (called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) is the single biggest way to cut costs if you have coverage elsewhere. Check whether your personal auto insurance covers rental cars — most policies do, though some exclude certain vehicle types. Call your insurer before you book. Credit card rental coverage varies by card; American Express and some premium Visa cards cover rentals, but coverage limits and exclusions differ. If you have either, you can skip the rental company's insurance entirely and save $15 to $25 per day.

Fuel charges add up quickly. Rental companies charge $6 to $8 per gallon if you return the car without a full tank, which is roughly double the pump price. Always return the car with a full tank — fill up at a gas station near the rental location, not at the rental counter. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option (you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price), which can save money if you plan to return the car on empty, but most renters waste money on this option.

Booking strategies that lower your total cost

Book directly on the rental company's website rather than through Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline. Those sites add their own markup and sometimes lock you into non-refundable rates. Direct bookings let you modify or cancel without penalty, and you can call the branch directly if you have questions. Many companies offer loyalty discounts (5 to 15 percent off) if you sign up for their free membership program before you book.

Use a price-tracking tool like Hopper or AutoSlash to monitor rates for your dates. These tools let you set an alert and will notify you if the price drops, so you can rebook at the lower rate. Set your alert at least two weeks before your rental date — prices typically stabilize five to seven days out, and rebooking after that point rarely saves money.

Rent a smaller or older model than you think you need. A compact car costs $5 to $15 less per day than a mid-size sedan, and a mid-size costs less than an SUV. If you do not need the space, the savings add up fast over a week-long rental. Avoid peak travel times — mid-June through August and the week between Christmas and New Year — when all companies raise rates across the board.

Where to rent near Salt Lake City if airport rates are too high

Rental branches in nearby towns sometimes undercut Salt Lake City prices, though you need to factor in transportation time. Hertz and Enterprise have locations in Murray (about 15 minutes south) and Midvale (about 20 minutes south) that occasionally offer lower rates than the airport. Call ahead to confirm availability for your dates before you make the trip.

If you are flying into Salt Lake City International Airport and renting a car, consider taking a rideshare or public transit to an off-airport branch instead of renting at the counter. The UTA bus system (bus 573 runs from the airport to downtown) costs $2.50, and a rideshare to South State Street costs $12 to $18. If you save $20 to $30 per day by renting off-airport, the transportation cost pays for itself on a two-day rental.

Comparing Turo and traditional rental companies

Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental platform where private owners list their vehicles. For economy cars and compact SUVs, Turo rates are often 20 to 40 percent lower than Enterprise or Budget, especially for multi-day rentals. However, Turo charges a platform fee (usually 15 to 35 percent of the rental price), and you must purchase separate insurance through Turo or your own policy — rental company insurance does not cover Turo cars.

Turo works best if you want a specific vehicle type (a truck, a luxury car, or an older model) that traditional companies charge premium rates for, or if you are renting for a full week and the daily savings outweigh the platform fee. Turo's cancellation policy is stricter than traditional companies — most owners allow free cancellation only up to 24 hours before pickup, compared to 48 or 72 hours with major chains.

Traditional rental companies remain cheaper for one- or two-day rentals and for travelers who want the simplicity of a single insurance policy. Turo requires more planning and communication with the owner, and you are responsible for returning the car in the condition you received it or paying damage claims directly.

What to check before you book

Confirm the rental location's hours before you book, especially if you are arriving on a weekend or evening. Some off-airport branches close at 6 p.m. or do not open on Sunday. Check whether the location has the car type you want in stock — popular models (compact cars, economy SUVs) sometimes sell out during peak travel times, and the company will offer you an upgrade at no extra charge, but you cannot count on this.

Read the damage policy carefully. Most companies charge $500 to $2,000 for damage claims, and you are liable for the full amount if you decline their insurance. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot — use your phone to document any existing dents, scratches, or stains. This protects you if the rental company tries to charge you for damage you did not cause.

Ask about mileage limits. Most Salt Lake City rentals are unlimited mileage, but some budget companies or long-term rentals charge $0.15 to $0.25 per mile over a set limit. If you plan to drive to Moab, Park City, or other destinations outside the city, confirm unlimited mileage is included before you finalize your booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show a credit card to rent a car in Salt Lake City?

Yes. All rental companies require a valid credit card in your name at pickup, even if you paid with a debit card or cash online. The card is used to place a hold for potential damage charges, typically $200 to $500. Some companies accept debit cards, but they charge a higher hold amount and may require additional documentation.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late fees vary by company but typically run $25 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental rate if you are more than an hour late. Call the rental location as soon as you realize you will be late — some companies waive the first hour if you notify them in advance. Returning the car the next calendar day, even 30 minutes after closing, usually triggers a full extra day's charge.

Can I rent a car if I am under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge a young driver fee of $15 to $30 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies require drivers to be at least 21; others set the minimum at 18. Check the rental company's age policy before you book, because the fee can add $100 to $200 to a week-long rental.

Is it cheaper to rent for a week than day-by-day?

Usually yes. Weekly rates are often 30 to 50 percent lower per day than daily rates, so a seven-day rental may cost less than five days at the daily rate. Compare the weekly rate to the daily rate for your exact dates before you book — sometimes a six-day rental at the daily rate beats a seven-day weekly rate if you do not need the full week.

What if the rental company charges me for damage I did not cause?

Request an itemized damage report with photos before you leave the lot. If you declined their insurance and believe the charge is unfair, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge — most cards offer rental car protection and will investigate damage claims on your behalf. Keep all documentation from the rental agreement and your own photos for at least 30 days after you return the car.