Enterprise locations are in most towns and cities, but finding the nearest one and understanding what to expect takes a few specific steps
Enterprise operates rental counters at airports, in downtown areas, and in suburban neighborhoods across North America. Unlike some rental chains that concentrate at major airports, Enterprise runs local branches — the kind you can walk into without flying anywhere. Finding one near you means using their location search tool on their website, calling their reservation line, or checking Google Maps. Once you find a branch, you'll need a driver's license, proof of insurance or a credit card, and typically a second form of ID. Rental rates, vehicle availability, and age requirements vary by location, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
The fastest way to start is enterprise.com's location finder or a call to 1-800-261-7331. Both will tell you which branches are near you, what vehicles they have in stock, and whether they can handle a same-day pickup. If you're renting during peak travel season — summer, holidays, or spring break — calling ahead is especially important because popular locations can run short on economy and mid-size cars.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise's website location finder shows addresses, hours, phone numbers, and available vehicle types at each branch.
- You can reserve a car online, by phone at 1-800-261-7331, or in person, and most branches let you pick up same-day if you call ahead.
- Minimum age to rent is typically 21, but drivers under 25 usually pay a daily surcharge that varies by location and vehicle class.
- Bringing your own insurance card or using a credit card's rental coverage can lower your total cost compared to buying Enterprise's damage waiver.
Using Enterprise's Location Search Tool
Go to enterprise.com and click "Find a Car" or "Locations." Enter your city, zip code, or street address. The search returns a list of nearby branches sorted by distance, with each location showing its street address, phone number, hours of operation, and which vehicle types are usually in stock. Some branches are open seven days a week; others close on Sunday or have limited weekend hours. The website also shows whether a location offers one-way rentals (pick up in one city, drop off in another) — not all branches do.
Call the branch directly before driving over. Availability changes daily, and a location might be out of the vehicle class you want. The staff can also tell you whether they have a car ready for same-day pickup or whether you'll need to wait. Peak travel seasons mean fewer economy cars available because more people are traveling, so confirming by phone takes the guesswork out of your trip.
Reservation Methods and Pickup Speed
You can reserve online at enterprise.com, by phone at 1-800-261-7331, or by walking into a branch. Online reservations lock in a rate and let you add extras like GPS or a second driver before you arrive. Phone reservations go through the same system and give you a confirmation number. In-person reservations at the branch work if you're nearby and want to rent when ready, though you'll pay whatever rate is available that day rather than a pre-booked rate.
Pickup usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're at the counter. You'll sign the rental agreement, provide your driver's license and insurance information, and hand over a credit card for the security deposit (typically $200 to $500, depending on the vehicle). If you reserved online or by phone, the paperwork is faster because your details are already in the system. Same-day rentals are usually possible if you call by mid-afternoon, but availability depends on what other customers are returning that day.
Age Requirements and Young Driver Surcharges
Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 21 at most locations. Drivers under 25 pay a daily surcharge — the amount varies by branch and vehicle type, but typically ranges from $15 to $30 per day. Some locations have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle classes like full-size SUVs or premium cars. A few locations in specific states may have different minimums; calling ahead confirms the policy at your chosen branch.
Drivers under 21 cannot rent from Enterprise in most places, though a handful of locations in specific states may have exceptions. If you're under 25, ask about the surcharge when you call or reserve — it's a real cost that changes your total rental price. Some credit cards or insurance policies cover young driver fees, so check your benefits before paying Enterprise's surcharge.
Insurance, Damage Coverage, and What to Bring
Bring your driver's license, a second form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card), and proof of insurance or a major credit card. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars — check your policy or call your insurer before renting. If it does, you don't need to buy Enterprise's damage waiver, which typically costs $15 to $30 per day. If your insurance doesn't cover rentals, or if you're using a credit card's rental coverage, bring that card and the card's coverage details (usually in your cardholder agreement or on the issuer's website).
Enterprise's Damage Waiver removes your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen, but it's expensive over a week-long rental. If you have no coverage through insurance or a credit card, the damage waiver is worth buying. If you do have coverage, declining Enterprise's waiver and using your own coverage saves money — just make sure your coverage actually applies to rentals before you sign the agreement.
Rates, Vehicle Availability, and Seasonal Pricing
Enterprise's daily rates depend on the vehicle class, location, and how far in advance you book. Economy cars typically cost less than mid-size sedans, which cost less than SUVs. Booking a week ahead usually locks in a lower rate than booking the day before. Rates are highest during summer vacation, winter holidays, and spring break. Weekend rates are sometimes higher than weekday rates at the same location.
Vehicle availability also shifts with the season. Summer and holidays mean fewer economy cars available because more people are traveling. If you need a specific vehicle type, book early and confirm availability by phone a few days before your rental. If your preferred vehicle isn't available, Enterprise will offer you an upgrade at the same price or a downgrade with a refund — ask which option they're offering before you accept.
One-Way Rentals and Drop-Off Locations
Enterprise allows one-way rentals at many locations, meaning you can pick up in one city and drop off in another. Not all branches accept one-way returns, so check the location search tool or call ahead. One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals from the same branch because Enterprise has to move the car back. The fee varies by distance and vehicle type — renting in a small town and dropping off in a major city costs more than the reverse.
If you're planning a one-way rental, book it online or by phone so the system knows where you're dropping off. Showing up at a branch and asking for a one-way rental on the spot may not be possible if that branch doesn't handle returns, or the fee might be higher than if you'd booked ahead. Some branches are drop-off only, meaning you can return a car there but can't pick one up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car same-day if I call in the morning?
Yes, if you call by mid-afternoon and the branch has a vehicle in your class available. Availability depends on what customers are returning that day. Calling ahead gives the branch time to prepare your paperwork, which speeds up the pickup process. During peak travel times, same-day rentals may not be possible even with advance notice.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. A few hours over might be charged as a partial day; significantly late returns are charged as an extra full day. Call the branch as soon as you realize you'll be late — some branches have grace periods, and calling ahead may help you avoid the highest fees.
Do I need a credit card to rent from Enterprise?
Yes, Enterprise requires a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) for the security deposit, even if you're paying with cash or debit. The deposit is held but not charged unless there's damage or other charges. Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit at most locations.
Can I add a second driver after I pick up the car?
Yes, but it's cheaper to add them when you reserve. Adding a driver at pickup may incur an additional daily fee. If you're unsure whether you'll need a second driver, ask about the fee when you call — it's usually $5 to $15 per day per additional driver, but varies by location.
What if the branch doesn't have the car I reserved?
Enterprise will offer you an upgrade to a larger vehicle at the same price, or a downgrade with a refund of the difference. You can also ask to wait if another car is expected back soon, though this isn't always possible. Booking early and confirming availability a few days before your rental reduces the chance of this happening.