Hertz locations are searchable by address or airport code on their website and mobile app
Hertz operates rental counters at most major airports, in city centres, and at neighbourhood locations across North America and internationally. To find a Hertz near you, go to hertz.com, tap the "Find a Location" button, and enter your city, postal code, or airport code. The search returns all nearby branches with their hours, phone numbers, and what vehicle classes are typically stocked there. You can also call Hertz directly at 1-800-654-3131 to ask about specific locations.
The Hertz mobile app (available on iOS and Android) has the same location search and lets you book and modify reservations from your phone. Airport locations tend to have longer hours and more vehicle variety than neighbourhood branches, but neighbourhood locations often have shorter wait times if you are not flying in.
Key Takeaways
- Search for Hertz locations by city, postal code, or airport code on hertz.com or the Hertz app to see hours, phone numbers, and vehicle availability.
- Airport locations have more vehicles and longer hours but longer queues; neighbourhood branches are often faster if you are renting locally.
- You need a valid driver's licence, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to buy Hertz coverage before you pick up a car.
- Booking online or through the app usually costs less than booking at the counter, and you can often modify or cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup.
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members skip the counter line and go straight to their assigned car, which saves time at busy locations.
What you need to bring to pick up a rental car
When you arrive at a Hertz location to pick up your car, bring your valid driver's licence (a passport alone is not enough in most places), a credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance. If you do not have insurance or do not want to use your own, Hertz sells damage waivers and liability coverage at the counter — these are optional but common, and the cost varies by location and vehicle type.
If someone else will be driving the car, that person must also present a valid licence at pickup. Hertz charges an additional driver fee (usually $10 to $15 per day) for anyone other than the primary renter. Drivers under 25 may face an underage surcharge, typically $25 per day, depending on the location and vehicle class.
How to book online versus at the counter
Booking through hertz.com or the app before you arrive almost always costs less than walking up to the counter. Online bookings lock in a rate, let you choose your specific vehicle class, and often include a free cancellation window of 24 hours before pickup. Counter bookings are subject to availability and real-time pricing, which can be higher during peak travel times.
When you book online, you will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number, pickup location, and rate. Bring that confirmation (or have it on your phone) when you arrive. If your plans change, you can modify the reservation online — changing the pickup date, time, or location — without penalty as long as you do it before the 24-hour window closes. After that window, cancellation fees or rate changes may explore depending on the rate type you chose.
Understanding daily rates, mileage, and fuel charges
Hertz charges a daily rental rate that varies by vehicle class, location, and season. Economy cars cost less per day than SUVs or premium vehicles. Most Hertz rentals in North America include unlimited mileage, meaning you pay the same rate whether you drive 50 miles or 500 miles in a day. Check your confirmation to confirm mileage is unlimited; some special rates or international rentals may have mileage caps.
Fuel is your responsibility. You can prepay for a full tank when you book (Hertz charges a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than local gas stations), or you can return the car with a full tank yourself and pay nothing extra. If you return the car with less than a full tank and did not prepay, Hertz charges you for the missing fuel at their per-gallon rate plus a service fee. The cheapest option is almost always to fill the tank yourself at a gas station near the return location before you drop off the car.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and how it saves time
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is a free membership program that skips you past the rental counter. When you arrive at a participating location, you go straight to the lot, find your assigned car (the app shows you which one), and drive away. No paperwork at the counter, no waiting in line. You pay the same rate as a non-member; the benefit is time, not money.
To join, create an account on hertz.com with your driver's licence number, insurance information, and payment method. Once approved (usually when ready), your membership is active when ready. Gold Plus members also earn points on every rental that can be redeemed for free rental days or upgrades. The program is most valuable if you rent frequently or if you are picking up at a busy airport location during peak hours.
What to do if your preferred location is out of vehicles
During peak travel times (holidays, summer weekends, major events), Hertz locations can run out of the vehicle class you booked. If that happens, Hertz will offer you an upgrade to a larger or more expensive vehicle at no extra charge. You can accept the upgrade or ask to be rebooked at a nearby Hertz location that has your original class available.
If you booked online and want to check real-time availability before you arrive, call the specific location directly — the phone number is on your confirmation email. Staff can tell you whether your vehicle class is in stock and whether an upgrade is likely. If you are flexible on pickup time, arriving early in the morning often means better availability than late afternoon.
Damage waivers, insurance, and what happens if you get in an accident
When you rent a car, you are responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but not always — check your policy or call your insurer before you rent. If your insurance does not cover rentals, or if you want to decline your coverage and use Hertz's instead, you can buy a damage waiver at the counter or online when you book.
Hertz offers several coverage options: a damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day) that covers collision and theft, and a liability waiver that covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. If you get in an accident, report it to Hertz when ready and to local police if there is injury or significant damage. Hertz will investigate the claim and either cover it under your waiver or charge you for repairs. Disputes over damage are common; take photos of the car's condition before you leave the lot and when you return it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car from Hertz if I do not have a credit card?
No. Hertz requires a credit card in your name at pickup to hold as a security deposit. Debit cards are not accepted. If you do not have a credit card, you cannot rent from Hertz; you would need to explore other rental companies that may have different payment policies.
What is the minimum age to rent a Hertz car?
You must be at least 20 years old to rent from Hertz in most locations. Drivers aged 20–24 pay an underage surcharge (typically $25 per day), and some vehicle classes may not be available to drivers under 25. Drivers under 20 cannot rent at all.
Can I return a Hertz rental to a different location than where I picked it up?
Yes. Hertz allows one-way rentals between most locations. A one-way fee applies (usually $20 to $100 or more, depending on distance), and it is added to your total cost. Specify your return location when you book so the one-way fee is included in your quote.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate for each additional 24-hour period or partial day. If you are running late, call the return location as soon as you know — some locations may waive a short delay if you notify them in advance, though this is not may provide.
Does Hertz allow pets in rental cars?
Hertz does not allow pets in rental vehicles, with the exception of service animals. If you are travelling with a pet, you will need to make other arrangements or choose a different rental company that permits animals.