Are Rental Cars More Expensive at the Airport? Cost & Saving Tips

Renting a car at the airport is approximately 18% more expensive than downtown or online car rentals. For instance, an average car rental from most U.S. airports would cost between $52 to $90 for Economy class. On the contrary, downtown car rentals offer cars ranging from $30 to $65 in the United States of America.

However, the slightly higher prices of renting cars at the airport become worthwhile. Primarily because these airport cars provide a premium and hassle-free experience to the travelers arriving in the city. Moreover, airports house a collection of renowned car rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis Budget Group, among others.

Therefore, to break down the airport car rental cost and ways to make such cars more affordable, all the essential details are mentioned on this page.

Why is it Expensive to Rent a Car at the Airport?

The chief reason behind this stark cost variation is that most of the airports charge high taxes and concession fees. The airports provide an ideal location for car rental companies to cater to the majority of passengers and gain significant profits.

However, to take advantage of such opportunities, the car rental companies often have to pay 10% of the total rental charge. These fees are regarded as airport surcharges. Along with this, in the United States, Customer Facility Charges are also imposed on car rentals. 

Thus, these additional charges eventually lead to a higher airport car rental cost for flyers purchasing transportation from the arriving airport.

To explore more, flyers can visit the Car Rental available at DFW Airport, LAX Airport, and JFK Airport.

Which Airports Costs Cheaper Car Rentals?

Although most of the airport rentals are immensely costly, certain airports across the U.S.A. still offer budget-friendly options. Chiefly, the reasons behind such reduced costs are that some airports in the United States have high traffic. To serve a dense population, airports are associated with numerous car companies.

In such a scenario, intense competition can be witnessed among rental companies. Hence, making the overall price extremely economical for several passengers. During several situations, the airport cars can be cheaper than downtown rentals as well. Some of the airports that follow this model in the U.S.A. are listed below:

• Tampa International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Harry Reid International Airport
• Orlando International Airport

Are Airport Car Rentals Worth It?

Now that customers have a fair idea that renting cars is usually overpriced within the airport premises. It is important to know what its benefits are and how such cars can be supportive for several flyers.

To highlight, airports are in partnership with many renowned car rental companies that increase the car choices for customers. Furthermore, these rentals are conveniently available outside the airport terminals.

Also, these cars offer a premium experience to the travelers. Apart from this, unlike downtown car rentals, airport ones keep operating daily for 24 hours, therefore widening the booking window.

Corporate Travelers

For Corporate Travelers, renting a car from the airport itself is an asset. To purchase cars from downtown, they have to commute through another mode of transportation to reach the city centre. Then also, to find a decent car in downtown is again time-consuming.

In addition, most of the business-centric flies under stringent schedules. So, to avoid any wastage of time in car hunting, booking a car from the airport is a better alternative. Even most of the multinational companies pre-book airport cars for their clients to reflect professionalism.

Families

Equally significant, for passengers who are flying in groups or families. They generally have tons of luggage, and old members, as well as children, are part of such extended families. Thus, to purchase cheaper cars, they have to use public transportation to reach downtown.

So, to avoid unnecessary traveling inconveniences. The passengers prefer hiring a car from any of the renowned companies available outside the airport. At times, during the peak seasons or at crowded airports, where competition is high and prices are low, it can be a profitable deal.

Budget-Friendly Passengers

On the contrary, for the cost-conscious travelers who are traveling alone or among youngsters. They can travel an extra mile to the city centres and hire a car from there. By doing so, passengers can save a hefty amount of money on airport surcharges.

How to Book Cheaper Rental Cars at the Airports

Above all, for the group of passengers who don’t have many options other than to rent a car from the airport. Here are some of the tips and tricks to rent a car at affordable prices.

• Direct Booking: Firstly, flyers who have their flights confirmed can visit the official car rental website. On the platform, passengers can book trips to redeem coupon codes and discounts provided by Car companies.
• Book in Advance: Customers are often advised to book their cars in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes. However, the booking should be 7 to 4 days before the flight, not months prior to the scheduled flight.
• Compare Prices: Another way to grab cars at lower prices, passengers can use renowned Search Engines to compare prices of different companies. Of which, the cheapest of all can be easily selected. Some of these websites are Kayak, Skyscanner and Rentalcars.com.
• Loyalty Programs: The passengers who have pre-enrolled for premium membership programs of famous car rental companies. With Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Enterprise Plus, and Emerald Club, they can enjoy special and cost-friendly offers in booking cars.
• Airline Programs: Apart from the membership programs. Travellers who have registered under the membership programs of airlines that allow points redemption for cars, such as Southwest Airlines. Subsequently, they can also find lower fares on car rides.

Summing Up…

Car Rentals are generally more expensive at the airport terminal in comparison to downtown rentals. These cars are conveniently available 24x7 and offer a premium experience to the customers. Thus, a cost breakdown and overall tips to make the car rental cheaper across the airport are clearly explained on this page.