What to expect when you rent from Enterprise at Harry Reid International Airport

Enterprise operates a rental counter at Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran), located in the baggage claim area on the ground floor. You can pick up a car when ready after landing, or reserve one in advance through Enterprise's website or phone line. The rental process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, assuming your documents are in order.

Enterprise at the airport charges a daily rate that varies by car type and season — summer and convention weekends cost more than other times. You'll also pay a facility fee (set by the airport), a Nevada tax, and possibly a damage waiver if you don't decline it. The total bill is often higher than the base rate you see quoted online, so read the full price breakdown before you confirm a reservation.

The airport location is busier than off-airport Enterprise branches, especially during peak arrival times (late afternoon and evening). If you're renting during a major convention or holiday weekend, expect longer lines. Booking ahead doesn't eliminate the wait at the counter, but it does lock in your rate and car type.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise's airport counter is in baggage claim on the ground floor, and you can rent a car the same day you land or pick up a pre-reserved vehicle.
  • The quoted daily rate does not include the airport facility fee, Nevada sales tax, or optional damage waiver, so your final bill will be higher than the advertised price.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or Enterprise's) to complete the rental.
  • Airport rentals cost more than off-airport branches, and rates spike during Las Vegas conventions and holiday weekends.
  • The counter is slowest between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., so arriving earlier or later can cut your wait time.

Documents and requirements you need to bring

Bring your valid driver's license — Enterprise will not rent to you without it, and it must not be expired. If your license is from outside the United States, bring your passport as well. Enterprise accepts licenses from all U.S. states and most countries, but the counter staff can tell you on the spot if yours presents a problem.

You need a credit card in your own name to complete the rental. Enterprise places a hold on the card for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit (usually $200 to $500, depending on the car). The hold is released when you return the vehicle, but it ties up that amount on your card for several days. Debit cards are not accepted for the initial hold, though some Enterprise locations accept them for the final payment — call ahead if you plan to use a debit card.

Bring proof of insurance. This can be your own auto insurance card or policy document, or you can purchase Enterprise's damage waiver at the counter. If you have your own coverage, the rental company will ask whether your policy covers rental cars and whether you want to decline their waiver. If you don't have insurance and decline the waiver, you are liable for any damage to the vehicle.

How to reserve a car online or by phone

Visit Enterprise.com or call 1-800-RENT-A-CAR to reserve a vehicle before you arrive. Online reservations take about five minutes and lock in your rate. You'll need your driver's license number, the dates and times you need the car, and your credit card information.

When you book online, you can choose your car type (economy, midsize, SUV, etc.) but not a specific vehicle — Enterprise assigns the actual car when you arrive. If you have a preference for a particular model, mention it at the counter and the staff will do their best to accommodate you, but they cannot may provide it.

A reservation does not reduce your wait time at the counter. You still have to check in, verify your documents, and sign the rental agreement. However, a reservation does lock in your rate, which protects you if prices rise between the time you book and the time you pick up the car.

Understanding the total cost and what's included

The daily rate you see quoted is the base price for the car. On top of that, Enterprise adds the Clark County airport facility fee (currently around $12 per day, but this changes), Nevada sales tax (8.375% in Las Vegas), and any optional charges you select.

The optional damage waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) costs roughly $15 to $25 per day and covers damage to the rental car. If you decline it and your own insurance doesn't cover rentals, you pay for any damage out of pocket. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage — check your card's benefits before you decline the waiver.

Fuel is not included. You can return the car with a full tank, or you can prepay for a full tank at the counter and return it empty. Prepaying is usually cheaper than paying the pump price at a nearby gas station, but only if you actually return the car empty. If you return it with fuel remaining, you lose the prepaid amount.

GPS units, child seats, and additional drivers cost extra. If you need any of these, add them when you book online or request them at the counter. Additional drivers must have a valid license and be present at pickup.

Returning the car and what happens if you're late

Return the vehicle to the Enterprise lot at Harry Reid Airport on your scheduled return date and time. The address and directions are on your rental agreement. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to return the car, turn in the keys, and complete the paperwork.

If you return the car late, Enterprise charges you for the extra time. A few hours over is usually rounded to a half day or full day, depending on Enterprise's policy at that location. If you know you'll be late, call the airport location and ask whether they can extend your reservation — sometimes they can adjust the due time without charging you extra.

When you return the car, the staff will inspect it for damage and check the fuel level. If there's damage you didn't report when you picked up the car, you'll be charged for repairs. If the tank is not at the level you agreed to, you'll be charged for fuel. Review the car's condition with the staff before you sign off, and ask them to note any existing damage on your agreement.

Comparing Enterprise to other rental companies at the airport

Harry Reid Airport has counters for Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo in addition to Enterprise. All of them charge similar base rates, but the total cost varies by company because of different damage waiver pricing and fuel policies. Enterprise's damage waiver tends to be in the middle of the range — not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.

Enterprise's main advantage is its off-airport locations throughout Las Vegas. If you want to return the car somewhere other than the airport, Enterprise has more branches than most competitors, which can save you money on airport facility fees. However, if you're returning at the airport anyway, the choice between companies comes down to rate, car availability, and your personal preference.

Check rates across all companies for your specific dates and car type before you book. Prices change daily, and one company may be significantly cheaper than the others on your travel dates. Use Google Flights, Kayak, or Autoslash to compare all companies at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up a rental car before I land, or do I have to wait until I arrive?

You must be present with a valid ID to pick up the car, so you cannot collect it before you land. You can reserve it in advance, which locks in your rate, but you pick it up at the counter after you clear baggage claim. The earliest you can pick up is when the counter opens, which is typically one hour before the first scheduled flight arrival.

What if I want to return the car to a different Enterprise location instead of the airport?

You can return it to any Enterprise branch in Las Vegas. When you book, select the return location you want, and the rate will adjust — off-airport returns are usually cheaper because you avoid the airport facility fee. Make sure the branch is open at your return time, especially if you're returning early morning or late evening.

Do I have to buy Enterprise's damage waiver if I have my own car insurance?

No. If your auto insurance policy covers rental cars, you can decline Enterprise's waiver and use your own coverage. Bring your insurance card or policy document to the counter so the staff can confirm your coverage. If your policy does not cover rentals, you should purchase the waiver or you'll be liable for any damage.

What happens if the car breaks down while I'm driving it?

Call Enterprise when ready at the number on your rental agreement. They will arrange a tow and provide a replacement vehicle or other transportation. You are not responsible for mechanical failures — Enterprise maintains the fleet and covers breakdown costs.

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer than I planned?

Yes. Call the airport location as soon as you know you need more time, and they will extend your reservation if a car is available. The extended days will be charged at the current rate for that date, which may be higher or lower than your original rate. Extending by phone is faster than returning the car and renting again.