Where to rent a car in Fayetteville

The major national rental chains operate in Fayetteville, mostly at or near Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY). Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all have locations there. If you're flying in, you can pick up a car at the airport counter before you leave the terminal. If you're renting locally without flying, Enterprise and Budget also have downtown and midtown locations that don't require an airport trip.

Local independent rental companies exist in Fayetteville as well, though they tend to have smaller fleets and less flexible return policies than the national chains. Check Google Maps or call ahead to confirm hours and current availability, since smaller operations sometimes close on Sundays or have limited weekend staff.

Prices vary significantly between companies and by the day of the week. A car rented on a Friday costs more than the same car on a Tuesday. Booking online in advance usually costs less than walking up to a counter, and booking directly through a company's website sometimes undercuts third-party booking sites.

Key Takeaways

  • National rental companies at Fayetteville Regional Airport include Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National, with some also operating downtown locations.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent a car.
  • Airport rentals include a 10 percent airport facility charge on top of the daily rate, so off-airport locations cost less if you can reach them.
  • Damage waivers and additional insurance are optional add-ons that cost extra; check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars.
  • One-way rentals (picking up in Fayetteville and returning elsewhere) cost significantly more than round-trip rentals at the same location.

What you need to bring to rent a car

You must have a valid driver's license issued by any U.S. state or a valid passport with a U.S. visa if you are an international driver. The license or passport must be current and match the name on the credit card you use to pay. Some rental companies require the driver to be at least 25 years old; younger drivers (typically 18 to 24) may rent but will pay a daily surcharge of $15 to $30.

A credit card in your name is required. The rental company will place a hold on the card for the full estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit, usually $200 to $500. Debit cards are not accepted for the hold, though some companies will accept a debit card if you also show a second form of ID and proof of insurance. Prepaid cards do not work.

Proof of insurance is not legally required in Arkansas to rent a car, but most rental companies will ask whether you have it. If you do, bring your insurance card or a declaration page from your policy. If you don't, the rental company will offer you a damage waiver or collision damage waiver (CDW) to purchase. These are optional but cost $15 to $30 per day.

Airport rental charges and facility fees

Renting from the airport is convenient but costs more. Fayetteville Regional Airport charges a 10 percent facility fee on top of the daily rental rate. A $50-per-day car becomes $55 per day at the airport. This fee applies only to airport locations, not to downtown or midtown branches of the same company.

If you have time and transportation to an off-airport location, you can avoid this fee. Enterprise and Budget both have locations within a few miles of the airport that you can reach by taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle. The savings on the facility fee alone often cover the cost of getting there.

Damage waivers and optional insurance

A collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) limits your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. Without one, you are responsible for the full repair cost or the car's value. With one, you typically pay a deductible (usually $0 to $1,000) and the rental company covers the rest.

These waivers cost $15 to $30 per day and are optional. Before you buy one, check your personal auto insurance policy or your credit card's rental car coverage. Many personal policies and premium credit cards (especially American Express and some Visas) cover rental cars automatically. If your coverage is already in place, buying the rental company's waiver is redundant and a waste of money.

Read the fine print of any waiver you purchase. Some exclude damage from off-road driving, racing, or driving under the influence. Some require you to report damage within a certain time frame or to file a police report for theft. Ask the rental agent what is and is not covered before you sign.

One-way rentals and drop-off fees

A one-way rental means you pick up the car in Fayetteville and return it in a different city. This costs significantly more than a round-trip rental—sometimes double or triple the daily rate. The rental company charges a drop-off fee to cover the cost of moving the car back to its home location.

If you need a one-way rental, compare prices across companies before you book. Some companies charge a flat drop-off fee ($50 to $200) plus the daily rate. Others charge a percentage of the rental cost. The cheapest option depends on the distance and the specific route.

If you are returning the car to a different location within Fayetteville (for example, picking up at the airport and returning downtown), this is usually free or costs a small fee ($10 to $25). Ask when you book whether there is a charge for a different return location.

Fuel and mileage policies

Most rental cars in Fayetteville come with a full-to-full fuel policy. You pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, the rental company will charge you for a fill-up at their pump, which costs more per gallon than a gas station. Some companies charge a flat fee ($5 to $10) plus the cost of fuel; others charge only for the fuel itself.

Mileage is usually unlimited on daily rentals in Fayetteville. You can drive as far as you want without extra charges. Weekly and monthly rentals sometimes have mileage limits (for example, 100 miles per day), so confirm this when you book if you plan a longer rental.

Booking online versus at the counter

Booking online before you arrive almost always costs less than booking at the rental counter. Online rates are typically 20 to 40 percent cheaper because the company knows demand in advance and can manage inventory. If you book at the counter without a reservation, you pay the walk-up rate, which is higher.

Book directly through the rental company's website rather than through a third-party site like Kayak or Priceline if possible. Third-party sites sometimes show a lower headline price but add fees at checkout that the company's own site does not. Read the full price breakdown before you confirm any booking.

If you book far in advance (two weeks or more), you can usually cancel or modify your reservation for free. If you book within a few days of your rental date, cancellation policies become stricter. Check the cancellation terms before you book, especially if your plans might change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I don't have a credit card?

Most rental companies require a credit card in your name to place a hold for the damage deposit. Some will accept a debit card if you also show a second form of ID and proof of insurance, but this is not may provide. Call the rental company directly to ask whether they accept debit cards before you arrive.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late fees vary by company but typically run $25 to $75 per hour or a fraction of the daily rate. Some companies charge a flat fee for returns up to a certain time (for example, one hour late). Check your rental agreement for the specific policy, and call ahead if you know you will be late so the company can note it on your reservation.

Do I need an international driver's license if I'm visiting from another country?

No. A valid passport with a U.S. visa is sufficient. Some rental companies also accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country's license, but it is not required. Bring your passport and your home country's driver's license to be safe.

Can I add another driver to my rental?

Yes. Additional drivers must present a valid driver's license and be listed on the rental agreement. Some companies charge a fee ($5 to $15 per day) for each additional driver; others do not. Ask when you book whether there is a charge for a second driver.

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

Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready. The number is on your rental agreement and on the key tag. The company will arrange a tow or send a replacement vehicle to you. You are not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during the rental period.