Enterprise has locations in most towns and cities, and you can find your nearest one through their website, phone line, or by searching online maps
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates thousands of locations across North America, and most are in residential neighbourhoods rather than just at airports. To find the branch closest to you, go to enterprise.com, enter your city or postal code, and the site will show you every location within a set distance, along with hours and phone numbers. You can also call Enterprise's main line (1-800-RENT-A-CAR in the US, 1-844-RENT-A-CAR in Canada) and ask for your nearest branch, or search "Enterprise rental near me" in Google Maps to see locations with directions and current hours.
Enterprise locations vary in size. A small neighbourhood branch might have 20 to 30 vehicles on hand, while an airport location or large city branch could have hundreds. If you need a specific vehicle type—a truck, SUV, or van—calling ahead to confirm availability before you visit saves a wasted trip. Many branches can also reserve a vehicle for you over the phone or online, holding it for a set number of hours.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise.com and Google Maps both show you the nearest locations, hours, and phone numbers in seconds.
- Neighbourhood branches are often faster than airport locations because they have shorter queues and simpler check-in processes.
- Calling ahead to confirm a specific vehicle is in stock takes five minutes and prevents you from arriving to find it rented out.
- Enterprise allows you to reserve online or by phone, and most branches hold reservations for 24 hours unless you specify a shorter window.
- You will need a valid driver's licence, proof of insurance, and a credit card to complete a rental, regardless of which location you visit.
What documents and information you need before you arrive
Enterprise requires the same paperwork at every location. Bring your valid driver's licence (a passport alone is not enough; you need a government-issued photo ID that shows driving privileges). You also need proof of insurance—either your own policy card or a letter from your insurer showing your policy number and coverage dates. If you do not have personal insurance, Enterprise offers damage waiver and liability coverage at the rental counter, though this costs extra.
You will also need a credit card in your own name to hold the rental. Enterprise does not accept debit cards as the primary payment method, though some locations may allow a debit card if you also provide a cash deposit. The credit card is used to authorize a hold for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit (usually $200 to $500, depending on the vehicle). The hold is released when you return the car, assuming there are no damage charges.
If you are renting under a corporate account, a frequent renter program, or with a discount code, have that information ready. Enterprise's website lets you add these details when you make a reservation, which speeds up check-in. If you booked through a third-party site like Kayak or Autoslash, bring your confirmation email or booking reference number.
How to reserve a vehicle online versus in person
Reserving online through enterprise.com takes about five minutes and locks in your rate. You enter your pick-up location, dates, times, and vehicle type preference, and the site shows you the price upfront. Online reservations also let you add extras like GPS, additional drivers, or insurance before you arrive, which can speed up the rental counter process. Most online reservations are held for 24 hours; if you do not show up or cancel within that window, the hold expires and the vehicle becomes available to other customers.
Walking in without a reservation is still possible at most Enterprise locations, especially neighbourhood branches that are less busy than airport counters. However, you risk the specific vehicle type you want being rented out, and you may pay a higher rate than you would have reserved online. During peak travel times (summer holidays, long weekends, or major events), walk-in availability drops sharply.
If you have already booked through a third-party rental site, you still need to go to the Enterprise location to complete the rental. Bring your confirmation number; the counter staff will look up your reservation and process it from there. Some third-party bookings are non-refundable, so check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy before you commit.
What happens at the rental counter and how long it takes
When you arrive, give the counter staff your driver's licence, insurance card, and credit card. They will ask you to confirm the vehicle type, rental dates, and any extras you want (insurance, GPS, additional driver). They will also ask whether you want to refuel the car yourself before returning it or have Enterprise refuel it for you at a premium rate. Most renters choose to refuel themselves at a gas station before drop-off, as it is cheaper.
The staff will then walk you through the damage inspection. You and the agent will walk around the vehicle together, and they will point out any existing scratches, dents, or interior wear. This is documented on a form or tablet. Look carefully and speak up if you see anything they miss—this protects you from being charged for damage you did not cause. Take photos of the vehicle's condition on your phone if you want a personal record.
The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes at a neighbourhood location, longer at busy airport counters. Once paperwork is complete, you will receive your rental agreement (a multi-page contract), keys, and a fuel receipt or card if you are using Enterprise's fuel service. Read the agreement before you leave the counter; it outlines your liability, mileage limits, and damage coverage.
Neighbourhood branches versus airport locations
Enterprise neighbourhood branches are often faster and less crowded than airport locations. A small-town or suburban branch might have only one or two agents on duty, but they also serve fewer customers at once. You can usually walk in, complete a rental, and drive away in 15 to 30 minutes. Airport branches handle dozens of customers per hour, especially during peak arrival times, so queues can stretch to an hour or more even if you have a reservation.
Neighbourhood branches also tend to have a smaller, more predictable fleet. If you need a compact car or mid-size sedan, a local branch is likely to have several. If you need something specific—a full-size truck, a luxury SUV, or a van—an airport or large city branch is more likely to stock it. Pricing can also differ slightly between locations; airport branches sometimes charge more because of higher operating costs.
If you are renting for a one-way trip (picking up in one city and dropping off in another), you will need to use locations that support one-way rentals. Most Enterprise branches do, but smaller rural locations may not. When you search online or call, specify that you need a one-way rental, and the system will show you only branches that can handle it.
Understanding Enterprise's pricing and what affects your rate
Enterprise's daily rental rates vary by location, vehicle type, and how far in advance you book. A compact car in a small town might cost $35 to $50 per day, while the same car at a major airport could cost $60 to $80 per day. Luxury vehicles, SUVs, and trucks cost more. Booking online in advance usually gives you a lower rate than booking at the counter on the day of rental.
Your rate also depends on your age and driving record. Drivers under 25 may pay an underage surcharge (typically $15 to $25 per day). If you have a poor driving record or recent accidents, some locations may refuse to rent to you or charge a higher rate. Corporate accounts, frequent renter programs, and membership discounts (AAA, military, government) can lower your rate by 10 to 30 percent, depending on the program.
The quoted rate usually includes unlimited mileage in the US and Canada, though some promotional rates may have mileage limits. Always confirm this before you complete the rental. Taxes, airport fees (if applicable), and insurance are added to the base rate. If you add a GPS unit, additional driver, or fuel service, those are separate line items on your final bill.
Insurance, damage coverage, and what you are responsible for
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but you need to check your policy before you rent. Call your insurer and ask whether your coverage extends to rental vehicles and whether there are any exclusions (some policies exclude commercial use or rentals outside your home country). If your insurance does cover rentals, you do not need to buy Enterprise's damage waiver.
If you do not have personal insurance or your policy does not cover rentals, Enterprise offers a Damage Waiver (called Loss Damage Waiver in some regions) that costs $15 to $30 per day, depending on the vehicle. This waiver means you are not responsible for damage to the rental car, though it does not cover theft, traffic violations, or fuel charges. Enterprise also offers liability coverage if your personal policy has gaps.
If you decline all coverage and damage occurs, you are liable for the full repair cost. Even minor damage—a cracked windshield, a dent, or interior stains—can cost $500 to $2,000 to repair. Enterprise will charge your credit card for repairs after you return the vehicle, sometimes weeks later. This is why confirming damage at pick-up and understanding your insurance coverage before you arrive matters.
Returning your rental and avoiding extra charges
Return your vehicle to the same location where you rented it, unless you booked a one-way rental to a different branch. Most Enterprise locations are open until 6 p.m. on weekdays and have limited weekend hours; check the location's hours before you rent to make sure you can return on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a premium hourly rate, depending on how late you are.
Refuel the car before you return it if you chose the self-refuel option. Enterprise charges a premium (often $5 to $8 per gallon) if they refuel it for you, so filling up at a gas station beforehand saves money. Return the vehicle with a full tank; if the fuel gauge shows anything less, Enterprise will charge you for a full tank at their premium rate, regardless of how much fuel you actually used.
Return the keys and your rental agreement to the counter. The staff will do a final damage inspection and compare it to the pick-up report. If there is new damage, they will photograph it and explain the charge. If everything is in order, your credit card hold will be released within a few business days. Keep your rental agreement for your records in case questions arise later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent from Enterprise if I do not have a credit card?
Most Enterprise locations require a credit card in your name to hold the rental. Some branches may accept a debit card if you also provide a cash deposit (usually $500 to $1,000), but this varies by location. Call your nearest branch to ask about their debit card policy before you arrive.
What if I need to cancel or change my reservation?
You can cancel or modify an online reservation through enterprise.com up until your pick-up time. If you booked through a third-party site, check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy; some third-party bookings are non-refundable. Cancelling directly with Enterprise is usually free if you cancel before your pick-up date.
How old do I have to be to rent from Enterprise?
Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 18 in most locations, though drivers under 25 pay an underage surcharge. Some vehicle types (luxury cars, large trucks) may have a higher minimum age. Call your local branch to confirm the age policy for the specific vehicle you want.
Can I add another driver to my rental after I pick up the car?
You can add an additional driver at pick-up, and they will be listed on your rental agreement. Adding a driver after you have left the lot is not possible; you would need to return to the branch. If you think you might need a second driver, add them when you make your reservation or at the counter before you leave.
What if the car breaks down while I am renting it?
Enterprise provides roadside information 24/7. Call the number on your rental agreement or the key tag, and they will send help or arrange a tow. You are not responsible for mechanical failures; Enterprise covers repairs and will provide a replacement vehicle if the repair takes time. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself.