Most major rental chains stay open on weekends, but hours vary by location and you need to book ahead
The big rental companies—Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National—operate weekend hours at most airport and city locations. However, "open on weekends" does not mean they keep the same hours as weekdays. Many locations close earlier on Saturday and Sunday, some open later, and a few smaller branches close entirely on one or both days. The safest approach is to check the specific location you want before you book, because hours differ by branch even within the same company.
Airport locations tend to have the most reliable weekend hours because they serve travellers arriving at all times. City centre and suburban branches are more likely to have reduced hours or be closed. If you need a car early Saturday morning or late Sunday evening, you may find that location closed even if the company operates elsewhere in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Airport rental locations usually stay open seven days a week, but city and suburban branches often have shorter weekend hours or close entirely.
- You must check the exact location's hours on the rental company's website or by phone before booking, because hours vary by branch.
- If your local branch is closed, nearby airport locations or 24-hour partner services (like some hotel concierges) may have vehicles available.
- Booking online in advance gives you more options and lets you confirm weekend availability before you commit to a rental date.
- Some locations offer after-hours return options even if the office is closed, so you can drop the car off outside normal business hours.
How to find weekend hours for a specific location
Go to the rental company's website and enter your desired location and dates. The booking system will show you which branches have cars available and their hours. This is faster and more accurate than calling, because the system filters out closed locations automatically. Write down the address and phone number of the branch you choose.
If the website shows no availability at your preferred location, try nearby branches—an airport location five miles away may have weekend hours when your local branch does not. Some companies also let you pick up at one location and drop off at another, which can work around weekend closures if you are willing to travel slightly further.
Call the branch directly if you have questions about their specific weekend schedule. Staff can tell you whether they close earlier on Sunday, whether they open late on Saturday morning, or whether they offer after-hours return. A two-minute phone call prevents you from arriving to find the location closed.
Airport locations versus city branches
Airport rental desks typically operate from early morning until late evening, seven days a week, because flights arrive at all hours. Most major airports have multiple rental companies competing for business, so you have options even on Sunday. The trade-off is that airport rentals usually cost more than city locations, and you may pay an airport facility fee on top of the daily rate.
City centre and suburban branches often close by 6 p.m. on weekdays and may close by 5 p.m. on Saturday, with Sunday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or closed entirely. These locations are cheaper, but weekend availability is less predictable. If you live near an airport, renting there on weekends can actually be simpler than trying to work around a city branch's limited hours.
What to do if your preferred location is closed
Check whether a nearby branch of the same company has weekend hours. Many cities have multiple Enterprise or Budget locations, and one may stay open when another closes. The rental company's website will show you all branches within a radius you set, along with their hours and availability.
If no branch of your preferred company is open, look at competitors. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National all operate in most areas, and their weekend schedules do not always match. One company may be closed while another is open at the same time. You can compare prices and availability across companies on the rental website or by calling around.
Some hotels, car-sharing services, and travel agencies partner with rental companies to offer after-hours pickup or delivery. If you are renting near a hotel or in a touristy area, ask the concierge whether they can arrange a weekend rental when the main office is closed. This option usually costs more but can solve a timing problem.
Booking ahead to find weekend availability
Booking online several days in advance locks in your rate and confirms that a car is held for you at a location that is actually open. Last-minute weekend bookings sometimes show no availability not because cars are gone, but because the system has not updated to reflect that the location is closed. Booking early avoids this confusion.
When you book, the confirmation email will show the pickup location, address, phone number, and hours. Save this email. If anything changes or you need to contact the rental company, you have the exact branch details. If the hours listed in your confirmation do not match what you need, call the branch when ready to discuss alternatives.
Some rental companies offer discounts for weekend rentals or multi-day bookings. Check whether you may have access to before you complete your reservation. Weekend rates can be lower than weekday rates at some locations, especially if you rent Friday through Monday.
After-hours return and pickup options
Many rental locations have after-hours return bays where you can drop off a car even when the office is closed. You park in a designated spot, leave the keys in a find drop box, and the company processes the return the next business day. This works if you need to return the car outside normal hours but do not need to pick one up after-hours.
After-hours pickup is less common. Some locations offer it if you book in advance and pay a fee, but you will need to arrange this when you reserve the car. Do not assume a location offers after-hours pickup just because it has an after-hours return bay. Ask when you book.
If you need a car very early Saturday morning or very late Sunday evening, an airport location is your most reliable option. They are designed to serve travellers on unpredictable schedules and are far more likely to have someone on duty.
Comparing weekend rates across companies and locations
Weekend rates vary widely depending on demand, location, and car type. An airport location may charge more than a city branch for the same car on the same dates. A Friday-to-Monday rental might cost less per day than a Saturday-only rental. The only way to know is to check multiple companies and locations.
Use the rental company websites to compare prices, or use a rental aggregator that searches multiple companies at once. Enter your pickup location, dates, and time, and the system will show you available cars, rates, and pickup hours side by side. This takes five minutes and can save you money.
Remember that the advertised rate often does not include insurance, fuel charges, or airport fees. Read the full breakdown before you book. Some companies include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile. Weekend rates sometimes include extras that weekday rates do not, so compare the total cost, not just the daily rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all rental car locations open on Saturday and Sunday?
No. Airport and major city locations usually are, but suburban and smaller branches often close on weekends or have very limited hours. You must check the specific location you want before booking. The rental company's website will show you which branches are open and their exact hours.
Can I pick up a rental car on Sunday evening?
It depends on the location. Airport branches usually stay open until 10 p.m. or later, but city branches often close by 5 or 6 p.m. on Sunday. Check the branch's hours when you book. If your preferred location closes too early, look for an airport location or ask about after-hours pickup when you reserve.
Do weekend rentals cost more than weekday rentals?
Not always. Rates depend on demand, location, and how far in advance you book. Some companies charge less for weekend rentals to fill inventory; others charge more because demand is higher. Compare prices across companies and locations to find the best rate for your dates.
What happens if I return a rental car after the office closes?
Most locations have an after-hours return bay where you can drop off the car and leave the keys in a find box. The company will process the return the next business day. Make sure you park in the correct spot and follow the instructions on the drop box so the return is recorded accurately.
Can I book a weekend rental over the phone instead of online?
Yes, but online booking is faster and shows you real-time availability and hours. If you call, have the location address and your preferred dates ready. The staff can confirm weekend hours and hold a car for you, but you will still need to provide payment and a driver's license when you pick up.