What Enterprise Rent a Car offers at airports
Enterprise operates rental desks at most major airports in the United States and Canada, alongside their off-airport locations. At an airport counter, you rent a vehicle the same way you would at a street-side branch—you show your driver's license, provide a credit card, and sign a rental agreement. The main difference is convenience: the car is waiting in an airport lot rather than requiring a shuttle ride to an off-site facility, and you can pick it up when ready after landing or drop it off before your flight.
Enterprise's airport locations typically stock the same vehicle classes as their other branches: economy cars, midsize sedans, SUVs, and vans. Pricing at airport counters is often higher than off-airport rates because airports charge Enterprise a concession fee, which gets passed to renters. You will also pay airport facility charges on top of the base rental rate—these are mandatory fees that the airport itself collects, not Enterprise's choice.
The rental agreement you sign covers damage liability, insurance options, fuel policy, and mileage terms. Enterprise's standard agreement includes a damage waiver option (called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), which limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. You can decline this if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental vehicles, but you remain liable for any damage if you do.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise airport counters are located in the baggage claim or ground transportation area, and you can pick up a car when ready after landing without waiting for a shuttle.
- Airport rental rates include both Enterprise's base price and mandatory airport facility charges, making airport pickups more expensive than off-airport branches.
- You must present a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance (or purchase Enterprise's coverage) to complete the rental.
- Enterprise's fuel policy typically requires you to return the car with a full tank or pay a refueling charge, so fill up near the airport before dropping off.
- Damage to the rental car is your responsibility unless you purchase the Loss Damage Waiver or have coverage through your personal insurance or credit card.
Finding the Enterprise counter and checking in
Enterprise desks at airports are usually located in the baggage claim area or ground transportation level, clearly marked with signage. You do not need a reservation to rent from Enterprise—walk-ups are accepted—but having a reservation number speeds up the process. You can make a reservation online at Enterprise.com, by phone, or through a travel booking site.
When you arrive at the counter, have your driver's license, credit card, and reservation confirmation (if you made one) ready. The agent will verify your license, run your credit card, and ask about insurance coverage. If you do not have personal auto insurance or a credit card that covers rentals, Enterprise will offer you their Loss Damage Waiver and additional liability coverage. These are optional but recommended if you lack other coverage.
The entire check-in process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The agent will explain the fuel policy, show you the vehicle's condition on a damage report, and point you toward the rental lot. Read the damage report carefully and note any existing scratches, dents, or interior wear before you leave the counter—this protects you from being charged for damage you did not cause.
Understanding Enterprise's fuel and mileage policies
Enterprise's standard fuel policy is "full to full": you pick up the car with a full tank and must return it with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, Enterprise will refill it and charge you their per-gallon rate, which is typically higher than local gas station prices. The charge appears on your final bill after you return the car.
Some Enterprise locations offer a prepaid fuel option, where you pay for a full tank upfront at a discounted rate. This is useful if you know you will use most of the tank and do not want to hunt for a gas station before returning the car. Ask the rental agent whether this option is available at your airport location.
Mileage is typically unlimited on Enterprise rentals, meaning you pay no extra charge for driving the car any distance. This is standard across most U.S. airport rentals. However, always confirm this on your rental agreement, as some specialty vehicles or promotional rates may have mileage limits.
Insurance, damage liability, and what happens if the car is damaged
When you rent from Enterprise, you are responsible for any damage to the vehicle unless you purchase their Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). The LDW limits your liability to a small deductible (usually $0 to $500, depending on the coverage level you choose) if the car is damaged or stolen. Without it, you could be charged the full cost of repairs, which can exceed $1,000 for significant damage.
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, and many credit cards (especially premium cards) include rental car coverage. Before you rent, call your insurance company or check your credit card's benefits guide to confirm what is covered. If you have coverage, you can decline Enterprise's LDW and save the daily fee. If you lack coverage, purchasing Enterprise's LDW is the safer choice.
If the car is damaged during your rental, report it to Enterprise when ready. Do not attempt repairs on your own. When you return the car, the agent will inspect it and document any new damage. Enterprise will then contact you with a repair estimate. If you purchased LDW, you pay only the deductible. If you did not, you pay the full repair cost.
Returning the car and avoiding extra charges
Enterprise airport returns are straightforward: drive to the rental lot, park in a designated return space, and walk to the return counter. The agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and verify the mileage. This process takes about 5 minutes. Keep your rental agreement handy in case questions arise.
The most common extra charge at return is a fuel refill fee. To avoid this, fill the tank at a gas station near the airport before you return the car. Gas stations near airports are more expensive than those farther away, but still cheaper than Enterprise's refueling rate. Plan to refuel 30 to 60 minutes before your return time to avoid rushing.
Late returns incur additional charges. If you return the car after your agreed return time, Enterprise will charge a late fee, which varies by location and how late you are. If you know you will be late, call Enterprise as soon as possible—they may extend your rental period at the standard daily rate rather than charging a late fee.
Comparing Enterprise airport rates to other options
Enterprise airport rentals are typically more expensive than off-airport branches because of airport concession fees and facility charges. If you have time before your trip, compare Enterprise's airport rate to their off-airport locations and to competitors like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National. Some travelers find that renting from an off-airport branch and taking a taxi or rideshare to the lot saves money, though this depends on the distance and your time constraints.
Airport facility charges are mandatory and identical across all rental companies at a given airport—you cannot avoid them by switching brands. However, base rental rates vary. Check Enterprise.com, Kayak, Expedia, and Autoslash to compare prices across companies and locations. Book directly with Enterprise if their rate is lowest, as third-party booking sites sometimes charge additional fees.
If you rent frequently, Enterprise's frequent renter program (Enterprise Plus) waives some paperwork and can offer discounts. Membership is free and you can enroll online or at the counter.
What to bring and what to expect on arrival
Bring your driver's license, a valid credit card, and proof of insurance (your insurance card or a screenshot of your policy). Your driver's license must be current and have not been suspended. Most Enterprise locations require renters to be at least 21 years old; drivers under 25 may pay an additional young driver fee.
If you are an international visitor, bring your passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country's driver's license. Some countries' licenses are not recognized in the U.S., so an IDP is safer. Enterprise will ask for your address and phone number to complete the rental agreement.
Expect the counter to be busy during peak travel times (early morning, evening, and weekends). If you have a reservation, you will move through the line faster. If you do not, wait times can range from 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many agents are working and how many customers are ahead of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I do not have a credit card?
Most Enterprise locations require a credit card to hold the rental. Some branches may accept a debit card with a large hold placed on it, but this varies by location and agent discretion. Call your airport's Enterprise counter before you arrive to confirm whether a debit card is accepted.
What if I need to extend my rental after I have already picked up the car?
Call Enterprise as soon as you know you need extra time. They will extend your rental at the daily rate if the car is available. Extending by phone is faster and cheaper than returning the car late and paying late fees. Have your rental agreement number ready when you call.
Does Enterprise charge for additional drivers?
Enterprise allows one additional driver at no charge if they are a spouse or when ready family member and present their driver's license at the counter. Additional drivers beyond that typically incur a daily fee. Inform the agent at check-in if you plan to have another person drive the car.
What happens if the car breaks down during my rental?
Call Enterprise's roadside information number (on your rental agreement) when ready. Enterprise will arrange a tow to a repair facility or send a replacement car to you. You are not responsible for the repair cost. Do not attempt to drive a car that is unsafe or making unusual noises.
Can I return the car to a different Enterprise location instead of the airport?
Yes, Enterprise allows one-way rentals to other branches. However, you will typically pay a one-way fee in addition to the rental rate. Ask the agent at check-in whether a one-way return is available and what the fee is. This is useful if your trip ends in a different city.