What to expect when you rent at PHX
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has rental counters from six major companies in the baggage claim area, plus a seventh option off-site. You walk out of security, collect your bags, and the rental desks are directly ahead — no shuttle required. Most companies have you in a car within 15 to 30 minutes if you have your driver's license, a credit card in your name, and a reservation. Without a reservation, wait times stretch longer and rates jump significantly.
The six on-site companies are Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Alamo. Fox Rent A Car operates from a location about two miles away and runs a free shuttle from the airport. Each company maintains its own counter and lot, so you do not move between them — you go to the one you booked with. Rates at PHX vary by season and day of week. Summer (June through August) is slower and cheaper; winter (December through February) and spring break (March through April) are peak and expensive. A compact car might run $25 to $40 per day in summer but $60 to $100 per day in winter. Booking ahead locks in a rate; walk-up rates are almost always higher.
Key Takeaways
- Book your rental before you arrive — walk-up rates at PHX are typically 30 to 50 percent higher than advance reservations.
- Bring your driver's license, a credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance if you plan to decline the rental company's coverage.
- The six on-site companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo) have counters in baggage claim; Fox Rent A Car is off-site with a free shuttle.
- Winter and spring break rates are two to three times higher than summer rates for the same car class.
- Fuel, tolls, and parking are your responsibility unless you buy the rental company's add-ons; read your contract before you leave the counter.
Documents you need at the counter
Bring your valid driver's license — a passport alone will not work. If you are an international driver, bring your license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English. The rental agent will scan your license and run a background check; this takes a few minutes.
You must present a credit card in your own name. Debit cards are rarely accepted, and prepaid cards are almost never accepted. The company will place a hold on the card — typically $200 to $500 depending on the car class — to cover potential damage or fuel charges. This hold is not a charge; it releases when you return the car undamaged and with a full tank. If you have your own auto insurance, bring your insurance card or a digital copy on your phone. You can decline the rental company's damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) if your personal policy covers rental cars. Check your policy before you arrive — many do not, and some cover only collision, not theft. If you are unsure, buy the rental company's coverage; it costs $15 to $30 per day but removes your financial risk.
Comparing the six on-site companies
| Company | Counter location | Typical pricing tier | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Baggage claim, east side | Mid-range | Newer cars, frequent discounts |
| Hertz | Baggage claim, center | Mid-range to premium | Gold Plus loyalty program |
| Avis | Baggage claim, west side | Mid-range to premium | Preferred Plus loyalty program |
| National | Baggage claim, center | Mid-range to premium | Executive Plus loyalty, car choice |
| Budget | Baggage claim, east side | Budget-friendly | Lower base rates, older fleet |
| Alamo | Baggage claim, center | Budget-friendly | Lower base rates, newer fleet |
Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and National typically charge more but offer newer vehicles and more frequent promotions for loyalty members. Budget and Alamo undercut on base price but may have older cars or fewer add-on options. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive company for the same car class on the same day can be $15 to $25 per day, so comparing quotes across all six before you book saves money.
If you belong to a loyalty program with any of these companies, log in before you book. Members often see rates 10 to 20 percent lower than the standard quote, and some programs waive the underage driver fee or offer free upgrades. The loyalty program is free to join, and you can sign up at the counter if you have not already.
Fuel, tolls, and damage charges
You are responsible for returning the car with a full tank. If you do not, the rental company charges you for fuel at a per-gallon rate that is typically 50 to 100 percent higher than retail gas prices. The easiest option is to fill up at a gas station near the airport before you return the car — there are stations within a mile of PHX on all sides. Do not rely on the rental company's "prepay fuel" option unless you are certain you will use most of the tank; you do not get a refund for unused prepaid fuel.
Arizona has no toll roads, so tolls are not a concern within the state. However, if you drive into California or Nevada, some roads charge tolls. The rental company will bill you for tolls if you do not pay them at the time. Ask at the counter whether the car has a toll transponder and how tolls are handled. Damage charges are where most disputes happen. The rental company photographs the car before you leave the lot and again when you return. If there are new dents, scratches, or broken parts, you pay for repairs. The charge can range from $100 for a small scratch to $3,000 or more for major damage. If you decline the Loss Damage Waiver, you are liable for the full repair cost. If you accept it, you typically pay a deductible of $0 to $1,500 depending on which waiver level you choose.
Picking up your car and what to check
After you sign the contract, the agent gives you a lot ticket and directions to your car. Walk to the lot, find your assigned space, and do a full inspection before you drive away. Check all four sides for dents and scratches. Look at the windshield and windows for chips or cracks. Test the lights, wipers, and air conditioning. Open the trunk and check for damage inside. Take photos or video on your phone of any existing damage and show them to the agent before you leave the lot.
The agent will have already noted major damage on the contract, but small scratches or interior wear are straightforward to miss. If you find something after you drive away, return to the lot when ready and report it. If you wait until you return the car, the company will assume you caused the damage. Check the fuel gauge — it should read full or nearly full. If it does not, report it to the agent and ask them to top it off or adjust your contract. You do not want to be charged for fuel you did not use.
Returning your car and avoiding extra charges
Return the car to the same rental company lot where you picked it up. Most companies offer a grace period of 29 minutes past your reservation time before they charge you for an extra day. If your flight lands late or traffic is heavy, call the rental company and ask for a time extension — they often grant them at no charge if you ask before you are late.
Fill the tank at a gas station near the airport before you return. The rental company will inspect the fuel level and charge you if it is not full. Return the car during business hours if possible — after-hours returns are processed the next day, which can delay refunds and make it harder to dispute charges. Keep your rental agreement and receipt. The company will email you a final invoice within a few days. Review it for unexpected charges — tolls, fuel overages, or damage claims. If you see something wrong, contact the company's customer service line when ready with your receipt and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
Yes, but most companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $30 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; a few require 25. Check the rental company's policy when you book. You will still need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name.
What happens if I return the car late?
Most companies give a grace period of 29 minutes. After that, you are charged for a full extra day, even if you are only an hour late. If you know you will be late, call the rental company and ask for an extension — many grant them at no charge if you ask in advance.
Do I have to buy insurance from the rental company?
No. If your personal auto insurance covers rental cars, you can decline the rental company's Loss Damage Waiver. Check your policy before you arrive. If you do not have coverage, buy the rental company's waiver — it costs $15 to $30 per day but protects you from repair bills.
Is it cheaper to rent off-site instead of at the airport?
Sometimes. Off-site locations in Phoenix often have lower base rates, but you pay for a shuttle or rideshare to get there. The time cost and transportation cost often outweigh the savings. Compare the total cost — rental rate plus transportation — before you book off-site.
What if the car breaks down while I am renting it?
Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready. The number is on your rental agreement. They will send a tow truck or arrange a replacement car. You are not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during your rental period.