Where and how to return your rental car at XNA
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) has a consolidated rental car facility located about one mile from the terminal. When you land, follow signs for "Rental Car Return" or "Car Rental" — they direct you to a separate building, not the main terminal. Most rental companies operate from this single location, so you won't be driving between different lots.
The return process is straightforward: drive to the rental facility, park in the designated return area, turn off the engine, and leave the keys in the car or hand them to an attendant. An employee will meet you, inspect the vehicle for damage, and confirm your mileage. You'll receive a receipt on the spot or by email within a few hours. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
If you're returning the car after hours, most companies have after-hours drop-off lanes with clearly marked parking spots. You leave the keys in a find drop box or in the vehicle itself (the rental agreement will specify which), and the company processes the return the next business day. Check your rental contract for your company's specific after-hours procedure before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- The rental car return facility is one consolidated building about one mile from the XNA terminal, not at the terminal itself.
- Follow "Rental Car Return" signs from the airport; all major rental companies operate from the same location.
- Standard returns take 10 to 15 minutes and include a vehicle inspection and mileage confirmation.
- After-hours returns use a drop-off lane or find drop box; check your rental agreement for the exact procedure your company uses.
- Request a receipt at return or confirm you'll receive one by email so you have proof of the return date and time.
Fuel and damage checks before you return
Most rental agreements require you to return the car with a full tank of gas. If you don't, the rental company will charge you for a fill-up, usually at a rate higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. A few blocks from XNA, you'll find gas stations on South 46th Street and near the airport entrance roads. Fill up before you head to the return facility so you're not charged a fuel surcharge.
Before you drive to the return lot, do a quick walk-around of the car. Take photos or video of the exterior, interior, and dashboard on your phone. Note any existing dents, scratches, or stains. When the attendant inspects the vehicle, point out anything you documented so there's no confusion about whether damage happened during your rental. If the company tries to charge you for damage you didn't cause, you'll have evidence.
Check under the seats and in the trunk for personal items before you leave the car. Once you've handed over the keys, retrieving something you left behind becomes much harder and may involve a storage fee.
What happens if you return the car late
Late returns at XNA are charged by the day, not by the hour. If your contract says the car is due at 11:59 a.m. and you return it at noon, you'll typically be charged for a full extra day. Some companies offer a grace period of 30 minutes to an hour, but don't count on it — check your rental agreement for the exact policy.
If you know you'll be late, call the rental company as soon as possible. They may be able to extend your reservation and adjust the rate, or they may charge you the late fee regardless. Either way, calling ahead is better than showing up late without notice. The company's customer service number is on your rental agreement and on your confirmation email.
Returning a damaged or mechanical problem vehicle
If the car has a mechanical issue — warning lights on the dashboard, strange noises, or anything that doesn't feel right — tell the attendant before you leave the return lot. Document the problem in writing on the return paperwork so the company can't later claim you caused the damage. Take photos of any warning lights or damage and keep them with your receipt.
If you hit something during your rental or notice damage you didn't cause, report it to the rental company when ready, either at return or by phone within 24 hours. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove you weren't responsible. Your rental agreement includes a damage liability section that explains what you're responsible for and what the company covers under their insurance.
One-way rentals and returning to a different location
If you rented the car at XNA but need to return it somewhere else in Arkansas or a neighboring state, you'll pay a one-way or drop-off fee. This fee varies by company and destination — returning to Little Rock Regional Airport costs less than returning to a city several hours away. The fee is set when you book, so check your confirmation email to see what you agreed to.
Return the car to the location specified in your rental agreement. If you return it to the wrong location, the company may charge you a misroute fee on top of the one-way fee. Confirm the address and hours of the return location before you leave XNA, especially if you're returning to a smaller city where rental offices may have limited hours.
Getting to the airport after you return your car
Once you've returned the car, you need to get back to the terminal. Most rental facilities at XNA have a shuttle bus that runs continuously between the return lot and the terminal. Look for the shuttle stop near the rental building — it's usually clearly marked. The ride takes about 5 to 10 minutes and is free.
If the shuttle isn't running or you miss it, you can call a taxi or rideshare service from your phone. Uber and Lyft both serve XNA. The cost from the rental facility to the terminal is usually $5 to $10, depending on surge pricing. Some rental companies also offer courtesy phones near the return desk if you need to call a taxi.
Keeping your receipt and checking your final bill
Request a printed receipt at the return desk, or confirm that the company will email you one. The receipt shows the return date, time, mileage, and any charges added at return (fuel, damage, late fees). Keep this receipt until you see your final credit card statement, which may take a week or two after you return the car.
Review your final bill carefully. Check that the mileage matches what was recorded at return, that you're not being charged for damage you reported, and that any fuel charges match what you actually owed. If you see a charge you don't recognize, contact the rental company's customer service within 30 days. Most companies have a dispute process, and they're more likely to adjust the charge if you contact them quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to clean the car before I return it?
No, but excessive dirt, trash, or stains may result in a cleaning fee. A quick sweep of the interior and removal of your belongings is enough. If you spilled something or the car is visibly dirty, mention it to the attendant at return so the fee is documented and you can dispute it if it seems unreasonable.
What if I return the car and then realize I left something inside?
Contact the rental company's customer service when ready with your rental agreement number. They can check the vehicle and hold items for you, but there may be a storage or retrieval fee. The sooner you call, the better your chances of recovering the item before the car is cleaned or rented again.
Can I return the car to a different rental company's location?
No. You must return the car to the company you rented from. If you rented from Enterprise, return it to Enterprise; if you rented from Hertz, return it to Hertz. All companies operate from the same XNA facility, but they maintain separate return areas and systems.
What if the fuel gauge isn't working and I can't tell if the tank is full?
Tell the attendant at return that the gauge is broken and ask them to verify the fuel level visually or with a stick. Have them note this on your return paperwork so you're not charged for a fill-up you actually completed. Get a copy of the paperwork with their notation.
Is there a fee for returning the car early?
No. Early returns are free — you won't be charged for the unused days. You'll only pay for the days you actually rented the car. This is one of the few things that works in your favor, so if your plans change and you can return early, do it.