Airport car rental desks are usually in the terminal or a connected building, and you can reserve online before you arrive
Most airports have rental counters in the baggage claim area or a dedicated rental car facility a short walk or shuttle ride away. The major companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo — operate at most airports, along with regional and independent operators. You do not have to book in advance, but reserving online before your trip locks in a rate and lets you skip the counter line.
To rent a car at an airport, you will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's coverage). Some companies ask for a second form of ID. If you are under 25, expect to pay a young driver surcharge, usually $15 to $30 per day, and some companies may not rent to you at all — check their age policy before you book.
Airport rental rates are typically higher than off-airport locations because the airport charges rental companies a concession fee. You may save money by renting from a location a few miles away, but the cost of a taxi or rideshare to get there often erases the savings.
Key Takeaways
- Reserve your rental online before arrival to lock in the rate and avoid waiting at the counter.
- Bring your driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — some companies require a second ID.
- Airport rental desks are in the terminal or connected facility; shuttle buses run frequently if the lot is off-site.
- Drivers under 25 pay a daily surcharge and may face restrictions; check the company's age policy when you book.
- Airport rates are higher than off-airport locations, but transportation costs usually make off-airport rentals more expensive overall.
How to find rental companies at your airport
Search "[your airport code] car rental" to see which companies operate there. Major airports have 8 to 12 options; smaller airports may have 3 to 5. The airport's official website lists all rental partners and their counter locations, usually under "Ground Transportation" or "Car Rental".
If you do not know your airport code, search "[your city] airport code" — for example, LAX for Los Angeles, ORD for Chicago, or ATL for Atlanta. Once you have the code, you can compare rates across companies on travel sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash, which show prices from multiple renters side by side.
Regional and independent companies sometimes undercut the major chains. Enterprise, for instance, has locations at nearly every airport and often runs promotions for members of AAA or military. Budget and Alamo tend to have lower base rates but may charge more for add-ons like GPS or additional drivers.
What to expect when you arrive at the rental counter
If you reserved online, check in at the counter with your confirmation number, driver's license, and credit card. The agent will verify your reservation, ask about insurance coverage, and present you with the rental agreement — a multi-page contract that outlines the terms, mileage limits, fuel policy, and damage liability.
Read the fuel policy carefully. Most companies require you to return the car with a full tank or charge you a premium per gallon for fuel they add. Some offer a "pre-purchase" option where you pay for a full tank upfront; this is worth it only if you know you will return the car nearly empty. Ask whether mileage is unlimited or capped — airport rentals are usually unlimited, but confirm before you sign.
The agent will also ask about damage coverage. If your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you can decline the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) and save $15 to $30 per day. If you do not have coverage, the CDW is worth buying. Do not assume your credit card covers it — call your card issuer before your trip to confirm.
Insurance and liability options at the rental counter
Rental companies offer several coverage options, and understanding them prevents expensive surprises. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car from an accident; it usually costs $12 to $30 per day and comes with a deductible of $500 to $1,500. Liability coverage covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property; most states require you to carry this, and your personal auto policy usually extends to rentals, but confirm with your insurer.
Personal Effects Coverage reimburses you for theft of items in the car; it is rarely worth the cost unless you are traveling with expensive equipment. Roadside information covers towing and lockouts; your auto club membership or credit card may already include this.
Before you arrive at the airport, call your auto insurance company and ask: "Does my policy cover rental cars? What is my deductible? Am I covered if I decline the rental company's CDW?" Also ask your credit card issuer whether they cover rental car damage. If both say yes, you can decline the rental company's coverage and save money. If neither covers rentals, buy the CDW at the counter.
Getting from the airport to the rental lot
At most airports, rental car counters are in the terminal near baggage claim, and the rental lot is a short walk or shuttle ride away. Follow signs for "Car Rental" or "Ground Transportation." If the lot is off-site, the rental company runs free shuttle buses that depart every 5 to 15 minutes from the terminal.
When you reach the lot, the agent will walk you to your car, point out any existing damage, and have you sign a damage inspection form. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior with your phone before you leave the lot — this protects you if the rental company later claims you caused damage you did not. Check the fuel gauge, test the lights and wipers, and make sure the spare tire and jack are in the trunk.
Ask the agent how to return the car. Most airport rentals require you to return the vehicle to the same lot during business hours, usually 24 hours a day. Some companies allow one-way rentals to a different city for an additional fee, but this is rare at airport locations.
Comparing rates and booking your reservation
Rental rates vary by day of the week, season, and how far in advance you book. Generally, booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead gives you the best rates. Weekday rentals are cheaper than weekend ones, and off-season travel (September through May, excluding holidays) costs less than summer.
When you compare prices online, make sure the quote includes all taxes and fees. Airport rentals are subject to airport concession fees (usually 10 to 15 percent), vehicle licensing fees, and local sales tax. The total can be 30 to 40 percent higher than the base rate. Some sites show the full price upfront; others add fees at checkout. Read the fine print before you book.
If you find a lower rate after you have booked, most companies let you modify your reservation online at no penalty. Check your confirmation email for a link to change or cancel. If you cannot find the link, call the rental company's customer service number — it is on your confirmation.
Special situations: One-way rentals, young drivers, and international visitors
A one-way rental means you pick up at one airport and drop off at another. Most major companies allow this, but you will pay a drop-off fee, usually $50 to $200 depending on distance. Book one-way rentals online and confirm the drop-off location before you arrive.
Drivers under 25 face age surcharges and sometimes cannot rent at all. Some companies (Enterprise and Budget, for example) rent to drivers as young as 20 or 21 but charge $25 to $35 per day. Others require drivers to be 25 or older. Check the company's age policy on their website before you book; if you are under 25, call the rental counter directly to confirm they will rent to you.
International visitors need a valid passport, an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their home country's license is not in English, and a credit card. Some companies require an IDP even if your license is in English; ask when you book. Rental rates for international visitors are the same as for U.S. residents, but insurance rules may differ — check whether your home country's auto insurance covers U.S. rentals, or buy the rental company's coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I do not have a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card for the security deposit, which is typically $200 to $500. A few companies accept debit cards, but they may hold a larger deposit or require additional documentation. Call the rental company before your trip to ask about debit card rentals at your specific airport location.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late fees vary by company but typically run $25 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental charge if you are more than a few hours late. If you know you will be late, call the rental company as soon as possible — some will waive or reduce the fee if you notify them in advance. Check your rental agreement for the exact late fee policy.
Do I have to buy a tank of gas before I return the car?
No. Most companies charge you for fuel they add if you return the car less than full. However, their per-gallon rate is usually higher than a gas station's, so it is cheaper to fill up yourself at a station near the airport before you return the car. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for this.
Can I add another driver at the counter?
Yes, but there is usually a fee of $10 to $15 per day per additional driver. The additional driver must present a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old (or 21 at some companies). It is cheaper to add the driver when you book online, so do that before you arrive if possible.
What if the rental company charges me for damage I did not cause?
This is why the damage inspection form and your photos are critical. If the company charges you after you return the car, request a copy of the damage photos and the repair estimate. If the damage was not on your inspection form, dispute the charge with your credit card company — they can often reverse it if you have documentation that the damage was pre-existing.