What to expect when you rent a car at Salt Lake City International Airport

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has six car rental companies operating from the same facility, so you can compare prices and walk between counters before you commit. All six are located in the ground-level rental car center, a short walk or free shuttle ride from baggage claim. You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own policy or the rental company's coverage — before you can take a car off the lot.

The rental process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes if you've booked ahead and have your documents ready. If you haven't booked, expect 30 to 45 minutes during peak travel times (mornings, evenings, weekends). The companies operating at SLC are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo. Prices vary significantly by company and by the day you're renting, so checking multiple sites before you arrive saves money — but be aware that walk-up rates at the airport are usually higher than pre-booked rates.

Key Takeaways

  • All six rental companies at SLC are in one ground-level building, so you can compare rates in person before deciding.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to rent a car.
  • Pre-booking online typically costs less than renting at the counter, and the rental takes 10 to 20 minutes if your paperwork is ready.
  • Salt Lake City airport charges a 10% facility fee on top of the daily rental rate, which applies whether you book online or at the counter.
  • One-way rentals (picking up at SLC and dropping off elsewhere in Utah or beyond) cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location.

How the rental car facility is laid out and how to get there

When you exit baggage claim, follow signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation." The rental car center is a short walk — about 5 to 10 minutes on foot — or you can take a free shuttle bus that runs continuously from outside the terminal. The shuttle stops at each airline's baggage claim area, so you won't have to search for it.

Once you're in the rental car center, all six companies have counters in the same open space. You can walk the length of the building in a few minutes and see all the rates posted, or you can go straight to the company you've already booked with. The building is climate-controlled and has restrooms, so you can take your time if you're comparing options.

What documents you need and what happens if you don't have them

Bring your valid driver's license — it must be current and match the name on your credit card. A passport works if you're an international driver, but a state ID or provincial license is faster. The rental company will scan your license and run a background check, which takes a few minutes.

You'll also need a credit card in your own name. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but the rental company will place a hold on your account — usually $200 to $500 — that can take several days to release after you return the car. If you don't have a credit card, ask the counter agent whether they accept debit; policies vary by company.

Proof of insurance is the third requirement. This can be your own auto insurance policy (bring the card or a photo of it), your insurance company's app, or the rental company's insurance. If you decline the rental company's coverage and don't have your own insurance, most companies will refuse to rent to you. If you're unsure whether your personal policy covers rental cars, call your insurance agent before you arrive at the airport.

How much it costs and what fees are included in the price

Daily rental rates at SLC vary by car type and by company, but a compact car typically ranges from $35 to $70 per day if you book in advance, and $50 to $100 per day if you rent at the counter. A mid-size sedan runs $45 to $85 pre-booked, and $60 to $120 at the counter. These are ballpark figures — actual prices depend on the season, the day of the week, and how far in advance you book.

On top of the daily rate, Salt Lake City airport charges a 10% facility fee. This fee is mandatory and applies to every rental, whether you book online or at the counter. If your daily rate is $50, you'll pay an additional $5 in facility fees. Some companies also charge a vehicle licensing fee (usually $10 to $15 per rental) and a concession recovery fee (usually $3 to $5 per day). These fees are disclosed before you sign the contract, so read the final quote carefully.

Fuel is separate. You can return the car with a full tank and pay nothing extra, or you can pre-pay for a full tank at the rental counter and return it empty. Pre-paying is usually cheaper than paying the pump price at a gas station near the airport, but only if you actually return the car empty. If you return it half-full after pre-paying for a full tank, you lose the difference.

Insurance and damage coverage: what you're responsible for

When you rent a car, you're responsible for any damage that occurs while you have it — dents, scratches, broken windows, or mechanical damage caused by misuse. The rental company will inspect the car before you leave the lot and photograph any existing damage. When you return it, they'll inspect again and charge you for any new damage.

You have three ways to cover this risk. First, your own auto insurance may cover rental cars; check your policy or call your agent. Second, your credit card may offer rental car coverage if you use that card to pay for the rental — American Express and some premium Visa and Mastercard products do this, but coverage varies. Third, you can buy the rental company's damage waiver, usually called a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This costs $15 to $30 per day and covers most damage, though some companies exclude glass, tires, and undercarriage damage.

If you decline all three options and damage occurs, you'll pay out of pocket. Even minor damage can cost $500 to $1,500 to repair, so this is not a safe bet. Read the terms of your own insurance and credit card coverage before you arrive, so you know what you're covered for.

One-way rentals and drop-off locations in Utah and beyond

If you want to pick up a car at Salt Lake City airport and drop it off somewhere else — say, in Moab, St. George, or Denver — you can do that, but it costs more than a round-trip rental. The extra charge is called a one-way fee or drop-off fee, and it ranges from $50 to $300 depending on how far you're traveling and which company you rent from. A drop-off in Moab (240 miles away) typically costs $75 to $150 extra. A drop-off in Denver (525 miles away) typically costs $150 to $300 extra.

Not all companies have drop-off locations in every town. Enterprise and Hertz have the widest networks in Utah, with locations in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St. George, Moab, and Park City. Budget and Avis have fewer locations. If you're planning a one-way rental, check the company's website before you book to confirm they have a drop-off location where you need it.

How to book ahead and what to do if you arrive without a reservation

Booking online through the rental company's website, or through a travel site like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash, usually gives you a lower rate than walking up to the counter. Prices change daily, so booking a week or two in advance often saves 20 to 40 percent compared to same-day rates. When you book, you'll receive a confirmation number; save this and bring it with you, or have it on your phone.

If you arrive without a reservation, you can rent a car on the spot, but you'll pay the walk-up rate, which is higher. During busy travel times (holidays, weekends, summer), walk-up cars may not be available at all. If you didn't book and the company you wanted is sold out, you can try another company, but they may also be full.

To book online, go to the rental company's website directly, or use a comparison site. Enter your arrival date, time, and location (Salt Lake City airport), and your return date and location. The site will show you available cars and prices. Read the cancellation policy — most allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, but some charge a fee. Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation number.

What to do when you pick up the car and before you drive away

When you get to the counter, have your driver's license, credit card, and confirmation number ready. The agent will ask you to verify your contact information, insurance coverage, and the type of car you booked. They'll explain the fuel policy, damage coverage, and any additional fees. Read the contract before you sign — it lists the daily rate, all fees, the fuel policy, and your liability for damage.

After you sign, the agent will give you the keys and direct you to the lot. Before you drive away, walk around the car and inspect it carefully. Look for dents, scratches, broken lights, and damage to the interior. Take photos or video of any existing damage — use your phone and send the photos to yourself so you have a time-stamped record. If the agent didn't already photograph the car, ask them to do so now, or take your own photos and show them to the agent before you leave the lot. This protects you if the rental company tries to charge you for damage that was already there.

Check that the fuel gauge reads full, the spare tire is in the trunk, and the jack and lug wrench are present. Test the lights, wipers, and air conditioning. If anything is broken or missing, tell the agent when ready — they'll note it on your contract, and you won't be charged for it when you return the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $25 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require 18. Check the rental company's website for their specific age policy before you book. You'll still need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name.

What if I return the car late?

Late fees vary by company, but most charge an hourly rate (usually $15 to $30 per hour) for the first few hours, then a full day's rate if you're more than a few hours late. If you know you'll be late, call the rental company as soon as possible — sometimes they can extend your reservation without charging a late fee. Always return the car with a full tank of fuel, or you'll be charged for fuel on top of any late fees.

Do I have to buy the rental company's insurance?

No. If your own auto insurance covers rental cars, or if your credit card offers rental car coverage, you can decline the rental company's damage waiver. But if you have neither, buying the company's coverage is the safest option. The cost ($15 to $30 per day) is much less than the cost of repairing damage out of pocket.

Can I rent a car with a debit card instead of a credit card?

Some companies accept debit cards, but they'll place a hold on your account — usually $200 to $500 — that can take several days to release after you return the car. A credit card is faster and easier. If you only have a debit card, call the rental company before you arrive to confirm they'll accept it and ask what the hold amount will be.

What's the difference between booking on the company's website and booking through a travel site?

Prices are often the same, but travel sites like Kayak and Autoslash let you compare all companies at once. Some travel sites offer price-match guarantees or discounts. The downside is that if something goes wrong with your reservation, you may have to contact the travel site first, then the rental company. Booking directly with the company is simpler if you need to make changes.