budget rental car travel agency

  • Travel Agents Website
  • Manage Booking
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Get started
  • Book a Budget Van

Get A Quote

EU-2017_Budget_Dog.jpg

Retail Travel Agent

Start Booking!

171_120_keys.jpg

Car Hire Made Easy

Check out our guide for more information!

171_120_ocean.jpg

Locations Guide

Find out more about our Budget locations

Welcome to the Budget Travel Agents Website

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

  • Car Rentals

The 10 Best Car Rental Companies in 2024 [Rates, Service, Loyalty, and More]

Amar Hussain's image

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

The 10 Best Car Rental Companies in 2024 [Rates, Service, Loyalty, and More]

Best Car Rental Companies by Category

Price comparisons, advantage rent a car, alamo rent a car, avis car rental, budget car rental, dollar car rental, enterprise rent-a-car, national car rental, sixt rent a car, thrifty car rental, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When it comes to renting a car, it can be daunting as to which car rental company to choose. Many travelers will opt for what appears to be the cheapest base rate, but depending on your requirements, you may get stung with expensive extras such as damage waivers, car seats, or toll policies .

If your search unveils pretty comparable rates, then you may want to consider a rental company with rave reviews for customer service or with the slickest pick-up and return process.

Regular renters will benefit from joining a loyalty program that offers up the highest point earnings and lowest redemption rates for free rental days.

We’ve detailed 10 of the best car rental companies to help you decide which one is right for you.

  • Best for the Cheapest Base Rates: Sixt rent a car
  • Best for Customer Service: Hertz
  • Best for the Most Locations Throughout the U.S.: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  • Best for Comfort and Quality of Vehicles: Sixt rent a car
  • Best for Prepaid Car Rentals: Avis
  • Best for the Most Rewarding Loyalty Program: Dollar Car Rental
  • Best for Avoiding Additional Fees: Enterprise
  • Best for the Slickest Return Process: Alamo Rent a Car

To assess which car rental companies offer the most competitive rates, we completed quote comparisons for a 7 day rental of a standard category car.

Example 1 : Renting from Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Example 2: Renting from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

For the same dates and category of car, rates vary drastically between rental companies. For example 1, Dollar charges over $190 more than Sixt, which is just over $27 extra per rental day.

You can see that Avis and Budget offer the biggest discounts for prepaying when making a reservation. In the case of example 2, the pay on arrival rate is widely more expensive for Avis than competitors.

Advantage Rent A Car

With only 34 offices across the U.S., Advantage doesn’t offer the widespread locations of Enterprise or Hertz . Still, with international coverage and new and next-to-new car models at budget prices, it’s a good option.

Expressway Membership Program

When drivers sign up for the Expressway program, they receive an instant reward for either a free rental day or a car upgrade . All 4 tier levels receive a random reward after every rental, and Gold and Platinum members also benefit from the choice of a free GPS, toll pass, or car seat for the duration of their rental.

It takes just 3-4 rentals to move from the base tier to Silver, 5-6 rentals from Silver to Gold, and 7+ rentals from Gold to Platinum. The higher the tier, the more benefits you’ll receive.

Advantage Mobile App

The Advantage mobile app simplifies the booking process, allowing customers to search and book vehicles, along with receiving real-time estimates of when your car will be ready.

Fees for Optional Extras

As with many car rental companies, fees for added extras vary depending on the branch you’re renting from. For states with non-specific laws or fee caps, Advantage is on the high side , charging up to $13.49 per day for extras such as additional drivers or car seats.

Pros and Cons of Advantage

  • Expressway members earn rewards from the moment they sign up
  • Cheaper than average rental rates
  • Agreements should be checked thoroughly before signing to review any possible charges for extras you may have declined at the counter
  • Higher fees for optional extras and young driver surcharges

Alamo Self Serve Kiosks

Alamo is the biggest car rental company for international travelers renting in North America, with offices located in all major U.S. airports. Compared to the likes of Enterprise and Hertz, Alamo’s presence is actually a lot smaller, with around 250 offices across the U.S. Still, that didn’t stop Alamo scoring highly in the J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction study of 2019 .

Online Check-In and Self-Serve Kiosks

With an overall satisfaction rate of 4/5 in the J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction study of 2019, Alamo excels in streamlining the rental experience , enabling customers to use self-serve kiosks or to skip the counter entirely by checking in online. When checking in online or using the kiosks, customers can choose to add drivers, upgrade their vehicle, or add extras such as toll packages or a GPS.

Pick-Up and Return Process

At many U.S. airports, those customers checking in online may proceed to the rental garage and choose their car based on their requested car class. The process is really efficient and who doesn’t love skipping a queue? Alamo scores a respectable 8.8/10 for customer reviews on RentalCars.com , with many reviewers praising the pick-up and drop-off process at countless locations.

Membership Discount

Although Alamo isn’t the cheapest rental car company out there, it does offer a 5% discount for Alamo Insiders members , which is free to register for if you’re renting in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, or Mexico. Where available, a further 5% can be saved by prepaying your rental fee when booking in advance — just watch out for the cancellation fee ($50-$100) should your plans change.

Pros and Cons of Alamo

  • A slick operation for vehicle pick-up and drop-off, with the opportunity to avoid the counter queues all together if you choose
  • 5% member discount on all rentals
  • Often on the expensive side compared to other rental car companies
  • Cancellation fees apply when prepaying your rental fee

Avis Car Rental

The original innovator in the rental car industry, Avis  was the first company to rent vehicles from airport locations and has now expanded to operate in over 165 countries worldwide. With over 1,400 locations in the U.S., you’re never too far from an Avis office.

Advanced Payment Savings

Avis is one of the most expensive car rental companies out there, particularly when choosing to reserve a vehicle and pay on pick-up. With that in mind, you’ll want to take advantage of its prepaid rates that offer up to 30% off the standard fee . Just be aware that if your situation changes and you don’t require the rental, that a cancellation fee of $50 would be charged with more than 24 hours’ notice and $150 for less than 24 hours’ notice.

Promo Codes and Special Offers

Another way to save on Avis’ above-average rental fees is to take a look at its Offers page, available for U.S. or international rentals. Avis posts discount codes for a variety of offers, from money off renting from neighborhood locations to a free weekend day as part of a longer rental.

Avis Preferred Loyalty Program

Drivers can sign up for the Avis Preferred program  and earn points towards free rentals and accessories , such as roadside assistance, GPS, or child seats. Members earn 1 point per qualifying dollar spent on rentals and 2 points per dollar spent on accessories. Once reaching specific thresholds for the number of rentals or total spend, drivers will become Avis Preferred Plus members where point earnings are up to 3 per dollar spent.

Pros and Cons of Avis

  • Regular promo codes and special offers bring rental fees closer to cheaper rates of other car rental companies
  • Avis Preferred Points earnings on accessories are higher than competitors, and redemption rates are slightly lower
  • Extras such as damage waivers and roadside assistance are at the higher end, but Avis offers bundles to save money
  • Most expensive rates of any car rental agency

Budget Car Rental Desk

As Budget is part of the Avis Budget Group, it’s not surprising that both brands have a lot of crossover with policies and offers that you see on both websites. Similar to Avis, Budget has nearly 1,400 neighborhood and airport offices nationwide. What is dissimilar is the rental price, with Budget being the cheaper of the 2 (as the name would suggest).

Prepaid Discounts

Like Avis, Budget offers significant discounts of up to 35% if drivers prepay for their rental at the time of booking. The usual prepay conditions apply for cancellations, so if you need to cancel, you’ll pay $50-$150 depending on when you cancel.

Free Additional Driver for Spouses

Budget enables customers to add their spouse as an additional driver for free, provided they meet the standard driver requirements. With additional driver fees of up to $13 per day, this can save you a pretty penny on your bill — especially if you are renting outside of California or a state that allows free additional drivers for spouses.

Fastbreak Loyalty Program

Budget’s Fastbreak program is a little different from other rental car companies as it doesn’t work on a point earning and redemption system. Instead, members receive fast-tracked service when picking up and dropping off a vehicle.

Members also receive exclusive deals ; for example, at the time of writing, Budget was sending members $25 of Budget Bucks after renting twice before the end of the year.

Pros and Cons of Budget

  • Free additional driver for spouses across all states
  • Huge discounts of up to 35% when prepaying on booking
  • Charges a daily e-toll fee even on the days that you don’t use a toll

Dollar Rent A Car

Dollar is part of The Hertz Corporation (along with Thrifty) and has 260 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Although it is known as a budget car rental company, Dollar was actually on the expensive side when we obtained quote comparisons. Thankfully, the company has regular promotions to bring its base rate down.

Dollar isn’t renowned for its impeccable customer service, scoring just 1.5/5 with Trustpilot.com , but if you’re looking for the most rewards from a loyalty program or for frequent flyer partners, it’s a good option.

Special Offers and Discounts

Dollar offers 15% off weekday or weekend rentals when signing up to receive promotional emails. Or, for customers that have already registered, savings can be found under the Specials tab on the Dollar website. At the time of writing, this included 10% for young renters and 10% off for AAA members.

Like most car rental companies, Dollar allows customers to prepay their rental fee for a reduced rate. Provided the booking is 24 hours before pick up, customers can prepay and save up to 20% off of the base rate.

Dollar Express Rewards

Dollar’s loyalty program is one of the most generous out there, offering favorable redemption fees along with additional membership benefits.

At select locations, members can skip the counter and head straight to the parking lot to collect their car, and spouses can be registered as an additional driver for free.

Members earn 1 point per dollar spent on rentals and accessories with redemption fees starting from 500 points per day (for other programs, this is usually around 700).

Pros and Cons of Dollar

  • Generous loyalty program with low redemption fees and great benefits
  • Generous partner travel rewards such as 125 hotel points per rental day with IHG Rewards
  • Blackout days for Express Rewards free rental days
  • Poorly reviewed customer service standards ( 1.5/5 with Trustpilot.com )

Hot Tip: If you have status with another car rental program, you may be eligible for an elite status match .

Enterprise Customer Service

With over 4,500 neighborhood and airport branch offices, Enterprise  is the largest car rental company in the U.S. Combined with its sister companies Alamo and National, Enterprise Holdings has offices located within 15 miles of 90% of the U.S. population, so it is by far the most accessible. Enterprise was one of the top performers in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study , scoring 5/5 in all but 1 category.

Enterprise’s rental fees tend to be on the higher side, but compared to its competitors (excluding Alamo and National), its fees for optional extras such as child seats or a GPS are quite a bit cheaper. Drivers aged 21-24 can also save a bit of money on daily young driver surcharges as non-state specific fees are $5-$15 cheaper per day versus its competitors.

Toll Policies

Enterprise also has one of the most reasonable toll policies , along with Alamo and National, with a cap of $19.75 per rental period. Advantage and Dollar have a considerably higher cap of $90 per rental period, so if your journey takes you through several electronic toll booths, then you’ll want to consider Enterprise.

Membership Program

The Enterprise Plus program is free to join and allows members to earn points towards free car rentals . Frequent renters qualify for tier status and can reach Silver, Gold, or Platinum status to achieve bonus point earnings and free car upgrades.

Pros and Cons of Enterprise

  • Lots of office locations throughout the U.S. to call into for assistance should you encounter an issue
  • Lower fees for optional extras and young driver surcharges
  • Higher than average rental rates
  • Membership program points earnings are not as generous as Hertz or National

Hertz Car Rental Center

Hertz is one of the largest car rental companies in the U.S. with over 3,000 neighborhood and airport locations. With reasonable rates and excellent customer service, its easy to see why it was the highest-rating car rental company in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction study.

Hertz has a good range of standard car models, but for an extra special treat, customers can rent from the Hertz Dream Collection , including an Aston Martin DB11 Volante or a Lamborghini Huracan Evo.

Best Rate Guarantee

Hertz puts a lot of emphasis on booking direct and offers an attractive price matching policy . Not only will Hertz match the rate for the same Hertz vehicle group and rental period, but it will also take off an additional 10% once the claim has been verified.

Hertz Fast Lane Powered by CLEAR

Hertz Fast Lane Powered by CLEAR is available at 14 Hertz locations in the U.S. Having bypassed the check-in counters, registered customers can pick up their vehicle and exit the parking lot more efficiently using CLEAR identification.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Customers can sign up for the Hertz loyalty program to earn 1 point per dollar spent and work their way up to Five Star or President’s Circle status for more benefits. All membership tiers can skip the counter for check-in, use e-returns for quicker processing, and receive a free a CLEAR security program airport trial.

Point redemptions are on the higher side starting at 750 points for a day’s rental, but members are not restricted to any blackout periods.

Pros and Cons of Hertz

  • Price match plus 10% off for the same Hertz car and rental period
  • No blackout periods for reward rentals and generous member benefits
  • Higher than average redemption rates compared to other loyalty programs
  • High cancellation fees for prepaid reservations — $100 when canceled more than 24 hours before pick up and $200 when canceled within 24 hours of pick up

National Car Rental Emerald

Owned by Enterprise Holdings, National is the little sister company of Enterprise Rent A Car with just over 330 office locations across the U.S. National dropped a couple of positions in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction study  compared to the 2018 survey but is still highly regarded for its customer service.

Emerald Club Loyalty Program

The Emerald Club  is for frequent customers that want to earn rental credits towards free rental days, along with a whole host of other benefits. All members can choose any car (midsize or above) on the Emerald Aisle when booking a midsize car, and all members receive 1 rental credit for every eligible rental.

Emerald Club members can redeem 7 credits for a free rental day, whereas Elite members (Executive and Executive Elite) require less rental credits to redeem against a free rental day. Executive members only require 6 rental credits, and Executive Elite members need only 5 rental credits.

Emerald Aisle

The Emerald Aisle is available to Emerald Club members when renting in the U.S. or Canada, and when booking a midsize car, customers can bypass the counter and head straight to the Emerald Aisle to choose any make and model they like (the keys are ready in the car).

Corporate Program

National is well-known for its corporate rental programs for small- and medium-sized businesses. Favorable contracted rates allow businesses to rent a vehicle at the drop-of-a-hat without incurring high last-minute fees.

Pros and Cons of National

  • Emerald Club members pay no additional driver fees for family and business associates
  • The Emerald Aisle allows customers to choose their car
  • Like its sister companies, National’s rates are at the higher end

Sixt Car Rental

Only entering the North American market in 2011, Sixt is one of the newest rental agencies and has grown at a tremendous rate with over 60 offices throughout the U.S. Sixt offers a new and premium fleet of German and American cars, with vehicles at an average of 3 months old.

Although it’s got some of the newest cars available, Sixt offered up some of the cheapest rates available when we searched for quotes.

Savings on Long-Term Rentals

Sixt offers particularly favorable weekly rates when reserving a vehicle for more than 28 days . At the time of writing, a Jeep Grand Cherokee could be booked from just $122 per week with a long-term rental.

Sixt Advantage Circle

The Sixt Advantage Circle consists of different levels of reward cards that allow members to collect points with other partners such as airlines and hotels, as well as receive rental benefits. When signing up, customers will receive a Sixt Express card that allows members to skip the usual formalities at the counter and receive low self-service rates.

After 3 rentals, members will receive a Sixt Gold card, after 10 rentals members receive a Sixt Platinum card, and to reach Diamond card status, members must await an invitation. Elite tier cardholders receive benefits such as free additional drivers, discounts of up to 20%, and free upgrades.

Hot Tip:  Sixt will status match to your loyalty membership level with other rental companies, airlines, or hotels. Simply send the relevant documentation detailing your status level to  [email protected]  and you could reach Platinum level after your first rental.

Pros and Cons of Sixt

  • Cheap rental rates
  • New premium fleet of vehicles
  • Less office coverage across the U.S compared to other rental companies

Thrifty Car Rental Jeep

Thrifty is part of the Hertz Corporation, and like sister company Dollar, the main focus is on value for money . Saying that, whereas most other car rental companies mostly always offer discounted prepaid rates, these are hard to find with Thrifty.

With 472 locations across the U.S., Thrifty offices can be found in neighborhood locations and at major airports. Customers in a rush will love Thrifty’s Timesaver Check-in, where you can complete your details in advance to skip the formalities at the counter.

Blue Chip Rewards Program

The Blue Chip Rewards program enables members to earn points towards free rental days and has lots of additional benefits such as free additional driver (spouse or domestic partner), skipping the counter to head straight to the lot, and priority counter service .

Members receive 1 point per dollar spent, and the redemption rate is pretty low — starting at 500 points for a weekend day.

Partner Offers

Thrifty works in conjunction with lots of airline and hotel partners for increased points earnings. At the time of writing, customers could earn triple Alaska Airlines miles when renting with Thrifty or double points with Southwest Rapid Rewards.

Pros and Cons of Thrifty

  • Generous redemption offers with the Blue Chip Rewards program
  • Limited availability for prepaid rates
  • Customer service reviews are on the negative side ( 1.5/5 for Trustpilot reviews )

Choosing the best car rental company will depend on your requirements. If cost is the deciding factor, then rates can depend on how far in advance you book and how long you’re renting for. Budget offers up to 35% off for prepaying when reserving your vehicle, and Sixt has some great rates on long-term rentals over 28 days.

If receiving the best customer service is of the utmost importance, then Hertz is the company to go with. Hertz snatched the top spot from Enterprise in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, having achieved 5/5 for all but 1 category.

If you’re a regular renter, most car rental loyalty programs offer a standard 1 point for every dollar spent, although Avis offers 2 points per dollar spent on accessories. Where members really feel the benefits is when the redemption rates are lower, and Dollar and Thrifty both have low redemption rates starting at 500 points for a weekend day rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best car rental company.

According to the J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study 2019 , Hertz is the best car rental company scoring 856 points from a 1,000 point scale.  The survey looked at factors such as overall customer satisfaction, reservation process, check-in and return process, and airport shuttle service.

What is the easiest car rental company?

Some car rental companies, such as Alamo, offer self-serve kiosks to make the pick-up process quicker by skipping the counter queues. Alamo also enables customers to check-in online and skip the counter all together, so they can head straight to the lot to pick up their vehicle. Hertz customers who are registered with CLEAR can use CLEAR verification instead of visiting the counter.

If you’re renting from the airport, you’ll want to check whether the rental company is on airport property as off-airport branches can take longer to reach riding shuttle buses.

Is Hertz cheaper than Enterprise?

We ran multiple quote comparisons and by large, found Enterprise to be more expensive than Hertz. Prices differed from $70 to up $200 for both prepay and pay on pick-up options.

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

The Ultimate Guide to Dollar Car Rental [Dollar Express Rewards Loyalty Program]

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

  • Best Rental Cars

Budget Rent-A-Car

Budget Rent-A-Car Reviews

Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.

About Budget Rent-A-Car

This profile has not been claimed by the company . See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review .

ConsumerAffairs has collected 2,678 reviews and 3,303 ratings.

  • Top reviews
  • Most helpful

A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

  • 4,400,296 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

Reviewed Dec. 5, 2023

Kayla at the Budget on Bryant Irvin in Fort Worth TX called to inform me that the call center booked my reservation with them but they j have no cars available, mind you they did this because I have reservations & the place don't have cars either so this had me so frustrated but the way she stayed calm and listened to me with a resolution was worth it, it is hard to find customer service reps as professional & all about coming up with resolutions instead of excuses & leave you with it ain't nothing they can do, I just want her to know I was a little sad today and after speaking with her that seem caring and showed that I mattered is a fresh of breath air, thank you so much, I will come back & recommend everybody to Budget on Bryant Irvin.

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2023

The pick up was fast and the drop off was fast and convenient. Great customer service from Ranger and Unique overall great experience/clean car and great price for the service we needed. Saw the same service to those in there waiting

Not sure how to choose?

Get buying tips about Rental Cars delivered to your inbox.

Thanks for subscribing.

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

Reviewed July 24, 2023

Last week, my granddaughter and I rented a car while vacationing in the Grand Cayman Islands. The cost was very reasonable, and the service was excellent. We were fortunate to have Jonathan during both our check-in and check-out process. He provided A plus service.

Reviewed May 26, 2023

On many occasions that we have rented from the Budget location at the McLaren airport. It's always been a pleasurable experience. The staff is very helpful and the manager that has helped us a few times. His name is Michael **. Is always very knowledgeable, and seems to be a real leader for the staff. Experience leaves us to come back the next time we are in Las Vegas.!

Reviewed March 5, 2024

I rented a car coming back home. From Pennsylvania to Tampa, Fl. Around 1300 miles, 19 hours. Started raining on the way, I felt the car hydroplaning, since I'm experienced driver, just lowered the speed and carefully went through the storm. When I arrived home and parked the car, I saw the tires. Completely bad, pretty much showing the wires! Really, really bad inspection on those cars, and it was my bad that I didn't checked it, you feel you're safe just because you're renting a car from a company. Never trust!

budget rental car travel agency

When I returned the car at MIA there was huge line of cars waiting for the Budget return. There was not enough Budget staff to process the returns and it was extremely chaotic situation. I was told by your employee just to leave the contract on the dashboard and that the car is officially returned. He did not provide me with any receipt even when I asked. He said “All is good, don’t worry, you can go”. That was at 5:10 pm. Exactly at that time my rental contract ended and my credit card on file should have been removed by Budget from The Highway Toll Authority for any charges incurred after that time. Not only were we charged $17.28 for fuel (we filled the car right next to the airport), we were also charged for two tolls we did not go through.

The fact that Budget allowed my credit card to be charged by The Highway Toll Authority for charges incurred after the rental contract ended is their fault and they should work on the resolution of this. Even after I contacted The Highway Toll Authority (as Budget suggested) since they did not give me receipt when I returned the car, I cannot prove that the car was not driven by me through the two tolls. This is a scam. Budget is willfully and knowingly giving all customers overcharges in small amounts, $17.00 here, $8.00 there) in the hopes people won't call them out on these little charges. Beware of this car rental company. I feel a class action lawsuit coming on.

Reviewed March 3, 2024

Well when you call customer service and they explain if you drop at a different location you may get a small drop off fee but must likely not. Well I did drop and I don’t consider $300.00 a small charge on a $450.00 rental agreement, so I call customer service and as per usual the first person says I need a manager, rudest female agent I have ever spoken with, won’t get into the details of her rudeness but bottom line is she said her employee I spoke with mislead my son and myself as we had 2 rentals. I had called when I booked and asked again at pick up and was told it wasn’t going to be a problem.

So we drop off at the other drop off and the check in guy said, "That’s ridiculous fee on your bill." He said, "Talk to the writer at the desk. He can definitely help," he was able to reduce to 150 instead of 300 and told us to call customer service tomorrow and they can remove the rest, they pretty much laughed at me and said another manager would call me back, been 12 hours. Nothing yet, at least this person wasn’t rude to me. Hopefully hear tomorrow at some point but I won’t hold my breath as I was told I would get emails from both people I spoke to and I have received nothing. One be 36 hours and other 12. Basically they don’t care about their customers and I will walk before I ever rent here again.

Reviewed March 1, 2024

When I arrived at the Budget garage parking area at Norfolk International Airport ORF to drop off my vehicle, the two staff members in that area told me I needed to go down to the desk in the airport to close out my account because they didn’t know how to do it. I thought that was odd but I went with it. When I got to the counter I stood in the Avis line because they were the ones that gave me the vehicle when I arrived in Norfolk a couple of weeks ago and there was no line. The Avis representative told me she could not help me because it was a Budget vehicle.

I explained to her that she was the representative that issued me the vehicle when I got here a few weeks ago. She then proceeded to tell me that she could not help me because she did not have Budget's website up at the moment, and directed me to go stand in a very long line at Budget. This was very aggravating because I had a plane to catch and did not expect this unnecessary delay. After waiting for about 30 minutes to turn my keys in and close out my paperwork, the lady at the Avis desk who still did not have a line at her desk, and could not help me 30 mins earlier called the gentleman behind me in the Budget line so she could help him.

A lady named Laura at the Budget desk that helped me was shocked that the Avis representative did that. Laura was very helpful and apologetic about my situation but the lady at the Avis desk could care less, even after I told her I had a plane to catch. She just looked at me and said, “What do you want me to do about it?” To add insult to injury while rushing to the gate I received a call from a Portsmouth, Virginia number which was another Budget/Avis representative to ask me if I turned my keys in when I dropped the car off in the garage. So, I had to stop what I was doing to explain the whole situation over again. One job Budget rental car, one job. Thanks to Laura at the Norfolk Budget desk, she is the only one in the series of events that help me make it to my flight on time.

Reviewed Feb. 29, 2024

I returned my Budget rental car to the Tampa airport on February 18th. My ear buds fell through a hole inside the console and could not be reached so Ilona told me they needed to get a mechanic to get them out and that she would send them to me. She told me to go to the budget lost and found website and file a report to confirm everything so I did that and it showed that they found them. According to the website I have to pay $38.71 to have them shipped to my home even though I didn't forget them and leave them there. They're there because it is Budget's fault my ear buds are still in Tampa!

I called the number Ilona gave me, **, to talk to her if I had any questions. When I first called the lady said they would let Ilona know that I called and she would call me back but she never did. I have called that number numerous times since then and nobody answers the phone. Finally someone answered the phone yesterday and told me that they would pass this on to Mike who is the lost and found manager and he would call me. Of course he never did. Now I tried to call again and of course nobody answers the phone. When I called customer service to explain this to them they said there's nothing they can do about it. You have to deal with the local office in Tampa, but no one in Tampa will answer the phone or return any of my calls! Stay away from Budget!

I rented a car in LA and the service was HORRIBLE. I will never rent with them again. The cost when booking online appeared lower, but all the extra charge once there made it the same as their competition, if not more. I had requested a car by 1pm and didn't get it until 7pm ... The 1st thing was getting off the terminal: shuttles for all other rental companies were coming about every 5-10 min. We waited over 1h to see the 1st Budget shuttle, and it finally arrived. It was full. The line was too big to fit in the 2nd one so we had to wait for the 3rd one (about 2 hrs waiting). When we finally arrived on the rental site, there was a crazy line at the counter (hundreds of people). It was raining that day and the line was so long that most of the wait was outside, with no roof to protect us from the rain (for info, I was travelling with a toddler and a 8 month pregnant woman, yet no one came to offer them a sit or shelter inside... Actually, they were denying access to the office because it was too crowded).

After waiting about 2.5 hours ... the person at the counter gave us attitude (probably tired and frustrated to deal with tired and frustrated people). I was told I could only get a 2 seater convertible (when I had rented a standard size) which didn't work because I needed a child seat in the back. She left for 15 min and came back saying they only had pick up trucks which I declined. She left for another 15 min and finally gave us the key to a standard size. I had to wait another 15 min because I was not given a baby seat (which was in my reservation, it was also obvious because my toddler was with me and I had declined the previous cars because I needed the seat ...).

When I walked to the parking lot, there were hundreds of standard size cars on the parking lot!! Almost only standard size cars. They may have been reserved, but I had reserved one so I don't know why we waited an extra hour at the counter for that... The car also had low tire pressure and the tank was not full (missing a little bit but no one was there to assist). When I specified this exiting the lot, I was told I had to go back inside and ask them to adjust the contract or refill (which I didn't want to do after going through what I had to go through). Anyway, this was the worst rental experience I ever had. I usually don't even wait when renting with Enterprise or Hertz (I can go direct to the car and pick what I want from a selection available). Not only it turned out to be more expensive, but we went through a really bad experience and had a lot of attitude. Avoid at all cost, the rental will not be less expensive as it seems when you book online.

Budget Rent-A-Car author review by Lauren Fix

Founded in 1958 to appeal to the cost-conscious consumer, Budget is one of the most popular car rental brands. It serves renters in over 120 countries from its more than 3,000 locations. Budget is owned by Avis Rental Car.

Business-friendly rates: Business customers can save up to 30 percent on car rentals with a BudgetBusinessProgram account.

Prepay and save: For customers who book and pay in advance, the Pay Now rate saves up to 35 percent on the cost.

Inexpensive no-show fee: At Budget, the fee for a no-show is only $50 on a missed pickup; everything else is refunded.

Discounts: Active duty, retired military and their families can all save up to 25 percent on rentals. AARP members can enjoy savings of up to 30 percent off Budget base rates when renting a vehicle from a participating location in the contiguous U.S. and Canada. Rent a car for up to four consecutive days, including a Saturday night, and save $20.

Fast reservations: Budget advertises a 60-second reservation process, letting travelers reserve the vehicle of their choice on the go and in just a minute.

Truck rental: Budget features a reliable, diverse commercial truck fleet, nearly 1,900 convenient U.S. locations, daily, weekly, monthly, local and one-way rentals for business or moving.

budget rental car travel agency

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, sector analyst, journalist, author, keynote speaker and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news and safety issues. Her analysis is honest and straightforward. Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, NewsMax, The Daily Flash show and more.

Budget Rent-A-Car Company Information

 alt=

Get the news you need delivered to you

Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. We value your privacy. Unsubscribe easily.

You’re signed up

We’ll start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. We value your privacy. Unsubscribe easily.

  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • Small business guide
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

What Is the Best Car Rental Company?

JT Genter

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

By availability

By loyalty program, by customer satisfaction, rental car alternatives, what is the best car rental company.

Each car rental company would like to claim that it offers the best perks and most options. But which one is actually the best car rental company?

While that may change depending on when and where you want to rent a car, let's compare the major car rental companies head-to-head on three important elements: availability, price and loyalty program.

For this analysis, we are considering eight major rental car brands:

Enterprise.

These eight brands are all members of three larger car rental companies. 

Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, National and Alamo).

Avis Budget Group (Avis and Budget).

Hertz Corporation (Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty).

Winner: Enterprise

Each major car rental company group offers approximately the same number of rental locations. But Enterprise's fleet clearly stands out as the largest. While that won't guarantee Enterprise always has a car available, Enterprise certainly has more cars to go around.

However, note that Avis, Budget and Hertz offer car rental locations in more countries. So, these brands might be the best option depending on where you're traveling.

Number of rental car locations

The major car rental company groups each have an expansive global reach. But which offers the most options?

We don't have enough time to count all the locations ourselves. So, here's a recap of each car rental company group's reach based on their latest investor filings.

When looking at each rental company individually, the picture is a bit more nuanced. Enterprise boasts more than 9,500 locations in nearly 100 countries and territories, while Alamo has just 1,100 locations across 84 countries.

Compared to Enterprise, the Hertz brand offers fewer locations (around 8,500) but more countries (146). Avis offers even fewer locations (around 5,500) but the most countries (165). That makes it hard to determine a single winner by the number of locations alone.

Size of rental car fleet

Since the number of locations netted mixed results, let's turn to the size of each company's fleet. And here's where we find a clear winner.

During 2022, Enterprise grew its fleet to more than 2.1 million cars. Meanwhile, the Hertz group maxed out at 547,400 vehicles, and Avis' rental fleet averaged 479,672 vehicles in 2022.

That means Enterprise's fleet is approximately double the combined fleets of Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty and Avis/Budget.

The fleet size paired with its larger number of locations makes Enterprise the clear winner by availability.

NerdWallet completed a comprehensive analysis of rental car prices .

By checking prices for hundreds of rental car options, we identified the cheapest and most expensive airport locations , whether you should book in advance or wait until the last minute and whether it's worth commuting to a downtown location instead of renting from the airport.

This analysis also established the cheapest and most expensive car rental companies , and there was a clear winner and loser. For comparable one-week rentals, Enterprise offered the lowest rates (average $480), and National charged the highest (average of $695).

All other car rental companies were similar, falling in a range between $542 and $589 for a weeklong rental.

Winner: Enterprise Plus

Once again, Enterprise comes out on top. Enterprise Plus offers the most traveler-friendly loyalty program of the three major car rental companies because:

It offers members a straightforward earning rate.

It has the lowest-cost redemptions.

Its expiration policy is generous, lasting three years.

Avis Preferred gives Enterprise some competition thanks to a minimum earning rate on rentals. However, Avis' extremely short expiration period can make it hard for travelers to build up points over time.

» Learn more: Credit cards that include elite status with rental car companies as a perk

Enterprise Plus

Travelers earn 1 Enterprise Plus point for every dollar spent on car rentals — before taxes, fees, fuel and surcharges. Free rental days start at 600 points.

That means you can earn a free rental day after spending $600 in base rental fees. Enterprise Plus points expire only if a member is inactive for more than 36 months (three years).

Avis Preferred

Avis Preferred members earn 1 point per dollar spent on rentals and 2 points per dollar spent on accessories — earning a minimum of 100 points per rental. Reward days start at 700 points, meaning you'll earn a free rental day for, at least, every seven rentals.

While Avis Preferred doesn't have blackout dates, reward days are grouped into levels based on the standard base rate for the rental. A 700-point redemption will only get you a free rental worth up to $50 base rate.

The downside is that Avis Preferred points expire if you don't have qualifying activity at least every 12 months.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Gold is the base level in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program. Like Avis and Enterprise, Hertz members earn 1 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards point per dollar spent.

However, Hertz has devalued its Gold Plus Rewards programs twice in the past three years — generally with little to no notice.

As of the time of writing, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards redemptions start at 950 points for a 1-day Standard Rewards redemption or 1,900 points for a 1-day AnyDay Rewards redemption. Those are significantly higher redemption rates than those charged by either Avis or Enterprise.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points expire after 18 months of no rental activity.

CREDIT CARD RENTAL BENEFITS CAN TAKE YOU FARTHER

A number of popular travel credit cards can save you money on car rentals. Some give you bonus rewards for travel expenses in general or rental cars in particular. Some provide collision coverage that allows you to decline the "insurance" offered by the rental agency. Some give you elite status with rental car loyalty programs. Among cards with rental benefits:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase United Airlines Mileage Plus Credit Card

on American Express' website

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

• Primary rental car coverage with reimbursement up to the cash value of most rental vehicles.

• Booking a car rental through Chase Ultimate Rewards® earns 5 points per dollar spent.

• Redeeming points to book travel through Chase — including renting cars — gives you 25% more value per point.

• Primary rental car coverage that reimburses up to the cash value of most rental cars.

• Other day-of-travel benefits for United flyers include a free checked bag, priority boarding and lounge passes.

• Complimentary elite status with Avis, Hertz and National, which entitles the member to upgrades and discounts.

• Secondary rental car coverage.

• Other benefits include expansive airport lounge access and hundreds of dollars' worth of travel credits.

• Terms apply.

• Primary rental car coverage with reimbursement up to $75,000.

• Booking a car rental through Chase Ultimate Rewards® earns 10 points per dollar spent.

• Redeeming points to book travel through Chase — including renting cars — gives you 50% more value per point.

• Cardholders eligible for special benefits from Avis, National and Silvercar.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

» See more options: Best credit cards for rental cars

Based on all the above, it's no surprise that Enterprise ranked the highest in overall customer happiness, according to the October 2023 J.D. Power 2023 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study.

Enterprise maintained this ranking from this report for the third year in a row. National came in as the runner up and in Alamo received third place in customer satisfaction.

This ranking only considers the legacy rental car companies that offer a classic car rental service (e.g. you pick the keys up at a counter from a human, drive the car off the lot and return it at the same place you got it).

However, there's a growing number of rental car alternatives that offer some distinguishing — and compelling features. Many are peer-to-peer rental companies that operate sort of as an Airbnb for cars and include companies like Turo and Getaround . Because those cars are typically owned by regular people looking to make some side hustle income off a car otherwise sitting idle, these companies can often be cheaper.

Another interesting player, Kyte , stands out because it delivers the car to you. If time is money, then Kyte could also be a big winner.

Enterprise takes this competition in a unanimous decision. Enterprise offers the largest fleet, the lowest prices, the best rental car loyalty program overall and was also ranked as #1 in customer satisfaction per a study from JD Power.

With that said, Enterprise doesn't offer locations in as many countries as Avis, Budget and Hertz. If you're traveling outside of Enterprise's approximately 100-country reach, Avis and Budget are more likely to be around to serve your car rental needs.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-10x Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

budget rental car travel agency

Which car rental company is right for you?

Juan Ruiz

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

When we need to rent a set of wheels, we all want a good-looking car that won't break the bank. Today, car rental satisfaction has hit an all-time high, according to J.D. Power's 2019 North American Rental Car Satisfaction Study. With the simplicity of downloaded apps, renting a vehicle has never been easier.

There are many factors to take into consideration in choosing a car rental company. Are you looking for the lowest possible price? Do you need car seats for kids ? Are you a business traveler who needs to speed through pickup and drop-off? Does the company charge extra for one-way rentals?

Whether you're planning a road trip, attending work meetings or just visiting a new city, here's a deep dive into how to select the rental car company that's right for you.

New to The Points Guy? Sign-up for our daily newsletter and check out our beginner's guide .

Best for frequent renters

National car rental.

(Photo by Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

When it comes to business travelers, who are the most frequent car renters, National was the most expensed car rental service and the top-rated rental company in 2019, according to data from Certify. Enterprise Holdings, the parent company of National (in addition to Alamo and Enterprise) and the largest rental-car company in the world, offers some reciprocal benefits between the Enterprise and National brands. It also has the newest vehicle fleet in the rental car industry.

Related: The best credit cards for car rentals

Members of National Car Rental's Emerald Club loyalty program can earn a free rental car after seven rental credits (one credit for each rental) with either brand, skip the counter lines and get rental clearance for an additional driver for free.

Travelers in a hurry can use National's Drop & Go feature that allows them to drop the car and keys off and National takes care of the rest.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express (any version) or any World Elite Mastercard , you are granted automatic National Emerald Club Executive status that guarantees upgrades (when you reserve a midsize or above), 20% discount on rentals and access to the executive area where you can select a full-size vehicle and only pay the midsize rate -- an amazing feature for traveling families.

Related: Your points, miles and loyalty guide to National Car Rental

(Photo by tupungato/Getty Images)

With a wide range of perks and benefits, including expedited drop-offs and free vehicle upgrades, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is one of the best car rental rewards programs for frequent renters. Hertz Gold status is its basic free membership and includes benefits such as skip-the-counter pickup, e-Return for expedited drop-off, no additional driver fees and a generous four-hour grace period before an extra day is charged.

Related: Best credit cards for car rental coverage

Hertz has two elite status levels: Five Star and President's Circle (the top-tier level), which offer benefits such as car upgrades, bonus points and a free CLEAR trial membership. The latter status allows you to select from the widest vehicle fleet options available, guarantees confirmed one-class upgrades, maintains a dedicated customer service line and gives you the freedom to choose any vehicle in the President's Circle section of the Hertz Ultimate Choice lot.

If you hold elite status with Delta or United Airlines, you can earn Hertz Five Star or President's Circle status thanks to a reciprocal partnership. To take advantage of these reciprocal status levels, eligible Delta flyers should visit this site , while United Premier members should head to this page .

Related: National Emerald Executive Aisle or Hertz Ultimate Choice President's Circle

Best for budget travelers

Budget rent a car.

(Photo by Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

True to its name, Budget Rent A Car has some of the lowest car rental rates in the industry, with an average rental cost of about $35 per day -- 23% less than the average price. If rock-bottom pricing is the priority but you still want a recognizable car-rental company, Budget can save you up to 35% off when you prepay at the time of booking instead of at pickup.

Budget has vehicles ranging from the Ford Fiesta to a sporty Chevy Camaro. They also have hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius and Lexus GS 450h F Sport. Budget's Fastbreak loyalty program is free and it allows members to proceed directly to the lot and choose their own vehicle. A few times a year, Budget will offer enticing promotions to its Fastbreak members such as rent twice now through Dec. 31, 2020, and the company will email you $25 in Budget Bucks to use toward a future rental.

Budget has a large footprint of airport and city locations all over the world. For the frugal traveler, Budget is worth considering.

Discounted rental car companies

Price-conscious renters should also look at discount brands, such as Advantage, Fox and Payless. Although you won't find these low-budget rental providers in every city nor should you expect the newest fleet of cars, you will sometimes discover rock-bottom prices. However, be wary and read through the rate details to avoid any surprise fees. And don't forget to use AutoSlash to look for a quote. Or, if you book directly with a car rental agency, have AutoSlash monitor your reservation for a price drop.

Related : How to save money on car rentals with AutoSlash

Best for families

budget rental car travel agency

You could argue that Silvercar belongs under the "best for luxury" category, given its Audi-only fleet, but families should take notice. Silvercar offers the A4 sedan, Q5 crossover SUV, A5 Cabriolet convertible and Q7 three-row SUV. Its mobile app, friendly concierge service and Peg Perego child car seats help take the hassle out of renting a car for families.

Its prices are a bit higher than the competition but include extras like GPS, XM Sirius Radio, Wi-Fi and a child car seat along with an uncomplicated rental process. In addition, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can save up to 30% off their Silvercar rental thanks to its Visa Infinite discount .

You can find Silvercar at the following locations:

  • Austin-Bergstrom (AUS)
  • Boston Logan (BOS)
  • Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
  • Charlotte Douglas (CLT)
  • Dallas Love Field (DAL)
  • Denver International (DEN)
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL)
  • McCarran International in Las Vegas (LAS)
  • Los Angeles International (LAX)
  • Miami International (MIA)
  • Miami South Beach
  • Newark Liberty (EWR)
  • New York City — Brooklyn: Williamsburg and Downtown; NYC: Manhattan Columbus Circle and Manhattan West 42nd Street
  • John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA)
  • Orlando International (MCO)
  • Sky Harbor International in Phoenix (PHX)
  • San Diego International (SAN)
  • Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)
  • Salt Lake City (SLC)
  • San Francisco International (SFO) and San Francisco Downtown — Union Square
  • Tampa International (TPA)
  • Dulles International (IAD) in Washington, D.C.

Related : What you need to know when renting from Silvercar

Best for luxury rentals

budget rental car travel agency

When you rent from Sixt , you can expect German brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche or American brands like Buick, Cadillac and Tesla. Best of all, luxury comes at a reasonable price -- sometimes comparable to the cost of a compact rental car from the popular competitors. If you can get a luxury car for the same price as a basic four-door sedan, why not choose the former?

The German company has grown significantly in the U.S. since it entered the market in 2011. Sixt offers luxury-car rentals in more than 2,200 locations worldwide, making it convenient to drive in style no matter where you might be. Renting with Sixt means you get 24/7 customer service and roadside assistance.

Sixt also offers a loyalty program, Sixt Advantage Circle. After only three rentals you can earn Gold Card status, which is good for 10% discount on future rentals, a free additional driver and exclusive offers.

(Photo by Lou Armor/Getty Images)

From exotic sports cars to luxury sedans and SUVs, the Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise features one of the largest selections of premium, high-end rental vehicles. The fleet offers Ferraris, Maseratis, Porsches, Bentleys, Range Rovers and more.

Available in the U.K., Canada and more than 50 locations in the U.S., the Exotic Car Collection customizes its Exotic Car Collection fleet in each local market based on customer demand.

Contact Enterprise's Exotic Car Collection by submitting a request form or calling 1-866-4-LUX-CAR.

Related: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

Best for one-way rentals

Your journey doesn't have to start and end in the same place but with some rental car companies impose drop-off fees when you rent a car in one location and drop it off in another -- and rates are sometimes much higher for one-way car rentals versus round-trip at the same location.

Hertz consistently offers some of the best deals for one-way rentals and there are no drop-off fees on most rentals. Budget doesn't charge a drop-off fee, but returning the car at a different location without notifying the agent can result in a $45 minimum charge. From time to time during the slower months of travel, you'll find deals as low as $7 per day for one-way rentals to and from Florida.

Avis offers a fantastic one-way deal for customers looking to rent a vehicle for 12 hours one-way from an airport to downtown (valid Thursdays and Fridays) or downtown to the airport (valid Sundays and Mondays), with no drop-off fee. Rates start at $9.99 for full-size rental cars (or below) and $14.99 for premium vehicles and SUVs.

Before renting a car, familiarize yourself with the company's one-way policy. If there's an ounce of doubt, call the branch directly to check if there's a drop-off fee for one-way rentals.

Related : Credit cards that offer elite status for car rentals

Bottom line

Today, travelers can choose a rental car, bypass the counter at pickup (and drop-off) and drive away in a matter of minutes. Whatever reason you have for renting a car, there is a company that can meet your needs.

budget rental car travel agency

Cheap Car Rentals in Moscow City Centre

Include AARP member rates

Membership is required and verified at pick-up.

All the big car rental brands = easy price comparison

Book your flight + hotel + car together to get the biggest discount

Free cancellation on most car rentals, and you can book now and pay later!

Top Car Rental Deals in Moscow City Centre

Chevrolet Spark

Don't see what you're looking for?

Moscow city centre car rentals.

On your next trip to Moscow City Centre, don’t build your exploring around public transportation schedules. Instead, rent a car in Moscow City Centre and venture out whenever and wherever you like.

Benefits of renting a car

Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, picking up a cheap rental car in Moscow City Centre will help you see things at your own pace. Visit various attractions and go sightseeing at will instead of forking out money on rideshares or figuring out which bus or train connections you’ll need to make. You can even go on a road trip and see what the area around Moscow City Centre has to offer.

Jazz up your getaway

Car rental companies make it easy to pick out the perfect set of wheels for your trip. Need to impress some company higher-ups? Request a luxury vehicle with leather seats and surround sound. Want to cart the entire family around? An SUV or minivan will hold everyone in safety and comfort. Traveling by yourself or with your sweetheart? Pull out all the stops with a sports car and step on the gas. We can almost feel the wind in your hair!

Comfort and convenience

Book a rental car from Moscow City Centre Airport and start your adventure as soon as you land. There’s no need to scour car rental company websites to find your best ride. Instead, rent a car in Moscow City Centre from Travelocity and save money while you do.

Car Rental Locations of Moscow City Centre

  • Car rentals in Kitay-Gorod

Nearby Locations

  • Car rentals in Northern Europe
  • Car rentals in Eastern Europe
  • Car rentals in Mytishchi
  • Car rentals in Dolgoprudny
  • Car rentals in Dedovsk

Airport Locations

  • Car rentals at Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO)
  • Car rentals at Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA)

Supplier locations

  • Europcar 5 Komsomolskaya Square 5 Meet And Greet
  • Europcar 29 Zemlyanoi Val
  • Europcar 2 Kievsky Square

Popular International Car Rental Destinations

  • Car rentals in Las Vegas
  • Car rentals in New York
  • Car rentals in Orlando
  • Car rentals in London
  • Car rentals in Paris
  • Car rentals in Cancun
  • Car rentals in Miami
  • Car rentals in Los Angeles
  • Car rentals in Rome
  • Car rentals in Punta Cana
  • Car rentals in Riviera Maya
  • Car rentals in Barcelona
  • Car rentals in San Francisco
  • Car rentals in San Diego County
  • Car rentals in Oahu
  • Car rentals in Chicago

More ways to wander Moscow City Centre

Most popular, additional information about expedia group.

  • KAYAK for Business NEW

Compare rental car deals to find the right one.

Search rental cars by destination, find car rentals.

Save money on rental cars by searching for car rental deals on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for rental car deals on hundreds of car rental sites to help you find the cheapest car rental. Whether you are looking for an airport car rental or just a cheap car rental near you, you can compare discount car rentals and find the best deals faster at KAYAK. KAYAK also compares deals for many different car types. Whether you’re looking for luxury car rentals , SUV rentals , van rentals , pickup truck rentals , convertible car rentals , cargo van rentals or minivan rentals, you’ll find them all on KAYAK.

Orlando Rental Cars

  • Celebration car rentals
  • Oak Ridge car rentals
  • Hunters Creek car rentals
  • Orlovista car rentals
  • Windermere car rentals
  • Williamsburg car rentals
  • Doctor Phillips car rentals
  • Buena Ventura Lakes car rentals
  • Lockhart car rentals
  • Oviedo car rentals
  • Alafaya car rentals
  • Bay Lake car rentals
  • Lake Hart car rentals
  • Goldenrod car rentals
  • Union Park car rentals
  • Belle Isle car rentals $15+
  • Winter Park car rentals $31+
  • Four Corners car rentals $31+
  • Lake Buena Vista car rentals $32+
  • Sanford car rentals $32+
  • Kissimmee car rentals $33+
  • Holden Heights car rentals $35+
  • Winter Haven car rentals $37+
  • Lake Mary car rentals $43+
  • Maitland car rentals $44+

Denver Rental Cars

  • Federal Heights car rentals
  • Sheridan car rentals
  • Foxfield car rentals
  • Wheat Ridge car rentals $35+
  • Thornton car rentals $35+
  • Glendale car rentals $41+
  • Westminster car rentals $49+

Boston Rental Cars

  • Winthrop car rentals
  • Chestnut Hill car rentals
  • Newton car rentals $23+
  • Norwood car rentals $24+
  • Everett car rentals $28+
  • Medford car rentals $30+
  • Chelsea car rentals $30+
  • Waltham car rentals $31+
  • Needham car rentals $34+

Phoenix Rental Cars

  • Litchfield Park car rentals
  • Anthem car rentals
  • Mesa car rentals $39+
  • Scottsdale car rentals $41+
  • Tempe car rentals $41+
  • Gilbert car rentals $47+
  • Queen Creek car rentals $47+

San Diego Rental Cars

  • Del Mar car rentals
  • La Mesa car rentals $34+
  • Lemon Grove car rentals $38+
  • Santee car rentals $41+
  • Encinitas car rentals $44+
  • Solana Beach car rentals $44+
  • Coronado car rentals $48+

Brooklyn Rental Cars

  • Woodmere car rentals
  • Union City car rentals
  • Queens car rentals $17+
  • West New York car rentals $33+
  • Hoboken car rentals $35+
  • Bayonne car rentals $36+
  • Inwood car rentals $53+

Dallas Rental Cars

  • Euless car rentals
  • Farmers Branch car rentals
  • Coppell car rentals
  • Irving car rentals $26+
  • Mesquite car rentals $33+
  • Grand Prairie car rentals $44+
  • Colleyville car rentals $55+

New York Rental Cars

  • Carteret car rentals
  • Bronxville car rentals
  • Edgewater car rentals
  • Elmont car rentals
  • Tenafly car rentals $35+
  • Little Ferry car rentals $35+
  • Fairview car rentals $36+
  • North Bergen car rentals $39+

San Francisco Rental Cars

  • Sausalito car rentals
  • Emeryville car rentals
  • Burlingame car rentals $23+
  • South San Francisco car rentals $24+
  • Daly City car rentals $24+
  • San Bruno car rentals $47+
  • Colma car rentals $50+

Chicago Rental Cars

  • Rolling Meadows car rentals
  • Harwood Heights car rentals
  • Oak Park car rentals $24+
  • Skokie car rentals $41+
  • Berwyn car rentals $42+
  • Mount Prospect car rentals $48+
  • Blue Island car rentals $50+

Seattle Rental Cars

  • Lake Forest Park car rentals
  • Tukwila car rentals
  • Des Moines car rentals
  • Kenmore car rentals
  • Newcastle car rentals
  • Edmonds car rentals
  • Mercer Island car rentals
  • SeaTac car rentals $22+
  • Bellevue car rentals $24+
  • Kirkland car rentals $26+
  • Federal Way car rentals $29+
  • Kent car rentals $31+
  • Woodinville car rentals $32+
  • Bothell car rentals $34+
  • Auburn car rentals $34+
  • Burien car rentals $34+
  • Renton car rentals $34+
  • Redmond car rentals $34+
  • Shoreline car rentals $43+

Miami Rental Cars

  • South Miami Heights car rentals
  • South Miami car rentals
  • Fisher Island car rentals
  • The Hammocks car rentals
  • Hallandale car rentals $30+
  • Hialeah car rentals $42+
  • Miami Lakes car rentals $44+

Washington, D.C. Rental Cars

  • Kensington car rentals
  • Brookmont car rentals
  • National Harbor car rentals
  • Silver Spring car rentals $24+
  • Alexandria car rentals $26+
  • Oxon Hill car rentals $29+
  • Hyattsville car rentals $51+

Salt Lake City Rental Cars

  • Holladay car rentals
  • North Salt Lake car rentals
  • Taylorsville car rentals
  • South Salt Lake car rentals $35+
  • Millcreek car rentals $37+
  • West Valley City car rentals $42+
  • Murray car rentals $42+

Los Angeles Rental Cars

  • Monterey Park car rentals
  • Monrovia car rentals
  • Sherman Oaks car rentals
  • San Gabriel car rentals
  • Tujunga car rentals
  • Temple City car rentals
  • Hermosa Beach car rentals
  • Santa Clarita car rentals $25+
  • Pasadena car rentals $26+
  • Rosemead car rentals $29+
  • Beverly Hills car rentals $29+
  • Culver City car rentals $37+
  • Alhambra car rentals $37+
  • Lawndale car rentals $39+

Las Vegas Rental Cars

  • Sunrise Manor car rentals
  • Winchester car rentals
  • Summerlin South car rentals
  • Nellis AFB car rentals
  • Enterprise car rentals
  • Spring Valley car rentals
  • Paradise car rentals
  • Whitney car rentals
  • North Las Vegas car rentals $27+
  • Henderson car rentals $31+

Fort Lauderdale Rental Cars

  • Broadview Park car rentals
  • Lauderhill car rentals
  • Hollywood Beach Gardens car rentals
  • Coconut Creek car rentals
  • Lauderdale-by-the-Sea car rentals
  • Dania Beach car rentals $8+
  • Hollywood car rentals $31+
  • Davie car rentals $34+
  • Pompano Beach car rentals $35+
  • North Lauderdale car rentals $38+
  • Margate car rentals $41+
  • Plantation car rentals $49+
  • Lauderdale Lakes car rentals $51+
  • Wilton Manors car rentals $64+

Atlanta Rental Cars

  • Clarkston car rentals
  • Chamblee car rentals $27+
  • Smyrna car rentals $27+
  • Dunwoody car rentals $33+
  • Panthersville car rentals $37+
  • Peachtree Corners car rentals $37+
  • Riverdale car rentals $43+

Tampa Rental Cars

  • Temple Terrace car rentals
  • Carrollwood car rentals
  • Greater Northdale car rentals
  • Seffner car rentals
  • Pinellas Park car rentals $44+
  • Citrus Park car rentals $44+
  • Oldsmar car rentals $64+

Houston Rental Cars

  • West University Place car rentals
  • Cypress car rentals $35+
  • Humble car rentals $40+
  • Cinco Ranch car rentals $48+
  • Jersey Village car rentals $52+
  • Bellaire car rentals $52+
  • Seabrook car rentals $55+

Portland Rental Cars

  • Happy Valley car rentals
  • Metzger car rentals
  • Milwaukie car rentals $22+
  • Tigard car rentals $22+
  • Clackamas car rentals $29+
  • Tualatin car rentals $31+
  • Aloha car rentals $32+

Frequently asked questions

  • How does KAYAK find such low rental car prices? KAYAK compares rental car prices from all major car rental companies such as Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Payless and more to find you the best deal.
  • How do I find the best car rental deals on KAYAK? A simple rental car search at https://www.kayak.com/cars scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather car rental deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare your options for your preferred rental car type and easily choose the best car rental deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.
  • What is special about comparing rental car deals on KAYAK? Looking for the lowest price? We can make that happen. Our car rental price sort gives you quick access to the cheapest and/or the most expensive deals—it’s your trip, so it’s up to you. Sometimes, the same rental car deal will be available on several provider sites. All of these providers are made visible for you to choose from, but we highlight one main car rental provider based on things like customer popularity or ratings.
  • What kind of cars can I rent on KAYAK? On KAYAK you can find deals on all types of rental cars including small, medium, large, SUV, van, luxury, pickup truck, convertible and commercial vehicles.
  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental? Renting a car can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or you’re renting in a new country. Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
  • What is the minimum age to rent a car? The minimum legal age to rent a car depends on the country where you’re renting. In the USA and Canada, drivers must typically be at least 21. However, some states and provinces allow drivers as young as 18 years old to rent a car. In Europe and Asia, the minimum age varies between 18 to 21 years old but some agencies might require drivers to be at least 25. Keep in mind that most agencies add daily fees for renters below 25 years old.
  • Can I return a rental car to a different location? You want to pick up a car rental in one city and drop it off in another location? We can arrange that for you. When performing a car rental search on KAYAK, simply select the option "Different drop-off". You'll then be able to enter both your desired pick-up and drop-off locations. Most car rental agencies call this option a "one-way rental" and charge a return fee.
  • Can new drivers rent a car? New driver policies vary for each car rental agency. While some require renters to hold a driver’s license for a minimum of 1 year, others only ask for a valid driver’s license for the duration of the rental period. We recommend new drivers to confirm the requirements directly with the rental agency.
  • Can I rent a car without a credit card? Renting a car without a credit card is less common but not impossible. Many agencies allow debit card car rentals from airport locations as long as you provide proof of return travel. Be aware that the agency might run a credit check on you and will most likely place an authorized hold on your account as a security deposit. If you plan on paying with a debit card, it’s always a good idea to check the conditions with the rental agency before booking.
  • Can I drive cross country in a rental car? In the USA, it's typically not an issue to drive across state lines or to cross the border to Canada. However, you'll most likely pay an extra insurance fee if you want to travel to Mexico. Similar rules apply to Europe, as you'll need to cover a cross-border fee if you want to cross from one country to another. Failing to do so will most likely invalidate your car rental insurance. Crossing borders in Africa and Asia is generally more difficult and additional border documentation is necessary. We recommend always informing the rental agency about your planned itinerary.
  • Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or off-site? You will generally find the best deals if you select an off-site airport location. Airport car rental agencies offer a very convenient option for renters who want to pick up a car directly on-site. However, as demand is often higher, prices also tend to get slightly more expensive. Some off-site rental agencies offer shuttle service from the airport.

budget rental car travel agency

  • Siteservice

You may prefer one of our worldwide web sites.

  • Get a Quote
  • Car Guide
  • Rental Locations
  • Business Renters
  • Manage Booking
  • Autumn Car Hire Savings
  • US Airtours
  • US Airtours Splashpage

Online Booking

EU-Existing-Website_630x274.jpg

Latest Offers

Special partner offers, new budget locations.

Take a look at some of our 150+ new locations and check out some of the great discounts across Europe when you prepay!

10 percent off rentals in the USA or Canada

USA & Canada Offer

10% Off Rentals in the USA or Canada!

emirates-skywards_logo_JPEG.jpg

Emirates Skywards

Earn more miles when you book with Budget

We give you more for your Budget

Mobile_Website_270x111_B.jpg

Mobile Website

With our new mobile website booking with budget can be quick, simple and on the go!.

reason_space_world_map.jpg

New Locations

Budget have recently opened new locations in the UK, France and Spain, including in the Canaries!

reason_space_mmcar.jpg

Miles & More

Budget is now a partner of Miles & More. Earn Miles with our new partner.

Budget Rent-A-Car

  • English (CA)
  • Deutsch (DE)
  • Deutsch (CH)

The 5 best budget travel companies in the US

Best online travel agency for business travel, 1. travelperk: the one agency for all your business travel needs.

Travelperk Best Budget Travel Companies In The Us 1024x372

  • Extensive inventory of travel services
  • Flexible booking with FlexiPerk
  • Safety alerts with TravelCare
  • Integrated travel policy & approval flows
  • Centralized invoicing
  • Easy & real-time expense reports
  • Carbon offsetting with GreenPerk
  • 24/7 customer support with a 15s target
  • Integration with 3rd party tools , such as expense management or HR software like Expensify and BambooHR

Traveler Street Coffee

Start saving money on business travel for your company today!

The best budget travel agencies in the usa for leisure travel, 2. trafalgar.

Trafalgar Best Budget Travel Companies In The Us

  • Savings and offers for groups of 9 travelers or more
  • Live chat customer support
  • Custom group tours for groups of 10 travelers or more
  • Savings of up to 15% on last-minute deals
  • “MyTrafalgar” portal enables travelers to personalize upcoming trips
  • Solo traveler options

3. Costsaver

Costsaver Best Budget Travel Companies In The Us

  • Savings for groups of 9 travelers or more
  • Couple travel packages
  • Loyalty program discounts of 5%
  • Custom tours for groups of 10 travelers or more

4. Intrepid Travel

Interpid Travel Best Budget Travel Companies In The Us

  • 18-29s tours
  • Active adventures (hiking, biking, kayaking, etc)
  • Adventure cruising
  • Family tours
  • Wildlife and polar tours
  • Women’s expeditions (all-female tours)
  • Urban Adventures day tours

5. Exoticca

Exoticca Best Budget Travel Companies In The Us 1024x409

  • Over 300 itineraries within more than 60 countries
  • Focus on small group tours
  • Several travel styles, including interest, season, and type of group travel
  • Itineraries include local experiences and day trips
  • Traveler app for direct access to a 24/7 customer support team
  • Multilingual customer support

Wrapping up: Which budget travel company is best for you?

Train Plane Travel

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

  • See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
  • Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
  • Never miss another update. Stay in touch with us on social for the latest product releases, upcoming events, and articles fresh off the press.

Woman Driving Car On Freeway Pexels Peter Fazekas 1386648

The 5 best car rental companies in Czech Republic

Person driving car Jackson David 1op1rp1rEnA Unsplash

The 5 best car rental companies in Malta

Woman Driving Car Jenny Ueberberg jI6rCVv9IFk Unsplash

The 5 best car rental companies in Greece

  • Business Travel Management
  • Offset Carbon Footprint
  • Flexible travel
  • Travelperk Sustainability Policy
  • Corporate Travel Resources
  • Corporate Travel Glossary
  • For Travel Managers
  • For Finance Teams
  • For Travelers
  • Thoughts from TravelPerk
  • Careers Hiring
  • User Reviews
  • Integrations
  • Privacy Center
  • Help Center
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Modern Slavery Act | Statement
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Share full article

Advertisement

Renting a Car Abroad: Don’t Get Taken for a Ride

In an illustration, a young man and woman are seen in the front seat of a convertible car, driving through a landscape that suggests Italy, with cedar trees and a villa in the background.

By Eric A. Taub

“Throw the keys through the kiosk’s open window. We’ll get the car when we open later”: Those slightly unorthodox drop-off instructions I once received from a Hertz manager in Croatia illustrate some of the differences U.S. travelers might encounter when renting a car abroad.

It pays to familiarize yourself with the local policies and protocols ahead of time. Here’s what you need to know before you accept the keys.

You may need an international driver’s license

If you have a U.S. driver’s license, an international driving permit is officially required (along with your state-issued license) in Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand, although its use is not universally enforced. It’s also a good idea to carry an I.D.P., a booklet — slightly bigger than a passport — that translates a U.S. license into 10 languages, when renting a vehicle in a country whose language is not written in Roman letters.

An I.D.P. costs $20, is valid for one year and is issued to any applicant by a local AAA office (the only issuer in the United States authorized by the State Department). You must apply for one in the country that issued your regular driver’s license.

Familiar brands may be franchisees

Car rental brands familiar to Americans operate throughout the world; those include Alamo, Avis, Hertz, National, Sixt and others. You can reserve a vehicle through a company’s U.S. website or through a rental aggregator such as Autoeurope.com , to compare rates.

The overseas branches of U.S. companies may not always be owned by the parent company. The discussion boards on websites like Tripadvisor abound with commenters calling out franchise operations of major chains for not providing the service they expect from a U.S. operation.

Franchise or not, disputes with a foreign branch should always be directed to the U.S. customer service operation, according to Hertz and Autoeurope.

Check minimum (and maximum) age requirements

The minimum age to rent a car varies by country and company, and it’s indicated on each rental agency’s website. Most countries charge a “young driver” surcharge for renters under 25. Some countries, such as France and Germany, allow (but do not require) companies to rent to 18-year-olds, but 21 is the typical minimum rental age for most.

At the other end of the spectrum, Hertz won’t rent a vehicle in Northern Ireland to anyone older than 79; those from 75 to 79 must have a doctor’s letter stating that they are in good health, as well as a letter from their insurance company proving that they haven’t had an accident within the past five years.

Cut costs with a stick shift

Cars with manual transmissions are still popular in many European countries, so if you’re comfortable driving one, select that option. Renting a car with an automatic transmission can typically cost an additional 30 percent or more.

Check your credit card’s rental insurance coverage

Many U.S.-issued credit cards cover damage to your international rental car if you’re in an accident, as long as you charge the entire rental fee to the card. Some issuers also require that the same card be used to make the reservation for the insurance to be valid. That collision coverage is primary, unlike in the United States, where your personal vehicle insurance would cover the costs while your rental insurance would pay for any deductible amount. Even if your credit card covers damage to your rental vehicle, you will be responsible for the cost of damage to any other vehicle if the accident is deemed to be your fault.

Be warned that standard rental insurance for American Express cardholders is not available in Australia, Italy and New Zealand, and other cards may have different restrictions.

Familiarize yourself with local driving and parking laws

Before you go, learn each country’s rules , including the meaning of various road signs and markings. For instance, simply because you see other vehicles parked with their wheels on the sidewalk — common in European cities with narrow streets — that does not mean that it’s legal to do so.

Autoeurope.com has driving tips for dozens of countries, not all in Europe, and Britain’s Automobile Association lists road rules for six European countries. Don’t forget that many places besides Britain drive on the left (including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and numerous Caribbean islands). And if you get a ticket, don’t ignore it. The rental agency will eventually collect from you, along with an administrative fee .

Seatbelt laws are often strictly enforced, with a separate fine — sometimes issued on the spot — for each occupant not wearing one.

Finally, many European cities restrict driving in central or historic areas to residents only or those driving low-emission vehicles. Entering these limited-traffic zone areas can incur heavy fines, plus an added fee from your rental company. Watch for signs and gates (commonly marked “ZTL” in Italy ).

Know your fuels

Diesel engines are very common in other countries; putting diesel in a gas engine or vice versa can cause serious — and costly — damage .

While fuel pumps are color-coded to indicate what they dispense, those colors vary by country and region. Fuel requirements are listed on a sticker on the inside of the filler door.

In the United States, black indicates gasoline while green designates diesel. In Iceland and other European countries, it’s the opposite: green for gasoline and black for diesel.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Expedia travel: search hotels, cheap flights, car rentals & vacations, search for travel.

  • Things to do

Add a flight

Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels with Member Prices. Also, members save up to 30% when you add a hotel to a flight

Discover your new favorite stay.

budget rental car travel agency

Big spring savings: Save 25% or more

Explore stays in trending destinations.

Sedona showing landscape views and mountains

Palm Springs

Scottsdale showing street scenes, night scenes and tropical scenes

Santa Barbara

Playa del Carmen showing a sandy beach, landscape views and tropical scenes

Playa del Carmen

Last-minute weekend deals, image gallery for trump international hotel las vegas.

Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

Image gallery for the wayfarer san diego.

The Wayfarer San Diego

Image gallery for omni los angeles hotel at california plaza.

Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza

Los angeles, image gallery for omni san francisco hotel.

Omni San Francisco Hotel

San francisco, image gallery for the mark.

Image gallery for Prince Waikiki

Prince Waikiki

Image gallery for silver legacy resort casino at the row.

Pool

Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW

Image gallery for the upham hotel.

Terrace/patio

The Upham Hotel

Image gallery for quartz hotel & spa.

Quartz Hotel & SPA

Image gallery for hotel yllen eiffel.

View from room

Hotel Yllen Eiffel

Image gallery for chaminade resort & spa.

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Image gallery for westgate palace hotel / universal / i-drive.

Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive

Image gallery for trump international hotel & tower chicago.

Terrace/patio

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Image gallery for 1 hotel nashville.

Terrace/patio

1 Hotel Nashville

Image gallery for atlanta marriott perimeter center.

Pool

Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center

Image gallery for omni royal orleans hotel.

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

New orleans, image gallery for the lancaster hotel.

Exterior

The Lancaster Hotel

Image gallery for the oxford hotel.

The Oxford Hotel

budget rental car travel agency

Earn OneKeyCash on eligible flights, hotels, cars, and more

budget rental car travel agency

See our curated list

budget rental car travel agency

Save, collaborate, and book with Trip Planner

budget rental car travel agency

Get planning

budget rental car travel agency

Flight deals ready to take you to the most-loved places

  • Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Top Hotel Deals on Domestic Destinations

  • Top Hotels in Boston, MA
  • Top Hotels in Houston, TX
  • Top Hotels in Chicago, IL
  • Top Hotels in Pigeon Forge, TN
  • Top Hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Top Hotels in Los Angeles, CA
  • Top Hotels in Nashville, TN
  • Top Hotels in San Francisco, CA
  • Top Hotels in Miami, FL
  • Top Hotels in New Orleans, LA
  • Top Hotels in Atlantic City, NJ
  • Top Hotels in Orlando, FL
  • Top Hotels in Las Vegas, NV
  • Top Hotels in Anna Maria Island, FL
  • Top Hotels in New York, NY
  • Top domestic Hotels

Top Hotel Deals on International Destinations

  • Top All-inclusive Resorts in Turks and Caicos
  • Top All-inclusive Resorts in Puerto Rico
  • Top Hotels in Paris
  • Top Hotels in Puerto Rico Island
  • Top Hotels in Rome from $35
  • Top All-inclusive Resorts in Bahamas
  • Top Hotels in San Juan
  • Top Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
  • Top Hotels in Tokyo
  • Top All-inclusive Resorts in Mexico
  • Top Hotels in Cancun
  • Top All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun
  • Top Hotels in London
  • Top Hotels in Niagara Falls
  • Top Hotels in Toronto
  • Top international Hotels

Top Domestic Flights

  • Flights to Las Vegas
  • Flights to Hawaii
  • Flights to New York
  • Flights to Orlando
  • Flights to Miami
  • Flights to Los Angeles
  • Flights to Maui
  • Flights to Houston
  • Flights to Dallas
  • Flights to Denver

Top International Flights

  • Flights to Puerto Rico
  • Flights to Tokyo
  • Flights to Kannur
  • Flights to Mexico City
  • Flights to London
  • Flights to Cancun
  • Flights to Manila
  • Flights to Cabo San Lucas
  • Flights to Bali
  • Flights to Bora Bora

Save today on vacation packages

  • Las Vegas vacation packages
  • Hawaii vacation packages
  • New York vacation packages
  • Miami vacation packages
  • Disneyland vacation packages
  • Florida vacation packages
  • Orlando vacation packages
  • New Orleans vacation packages
  • Key West vacation packages
  • Maui vacation packages

Book international flights & hotels together to save

  • Cancun vacation packages
  • Punta Cana vacation packages
  • Aruba vacation packages
  • Europe vacation packages
  • Caribbean vacation packages
  • Bahamas vacation packages
  • Italy vacation packages
  • London vacation packages
  • Turks and Caicos vacation packages
  • Paris vacation packages

Top places to visit domestically

  • Visit Los Angeles
  • Visit Las Vegas
  • Visit New York
  • Visit Chicago
  • Visit Orlando
  • Visit Dallas
  • Visit Atlanta
  • Visit Phoenix
  • Visit Miami
  • Visit Houston

Visit places internationally

  • Visit the Bahamas
  • Visit Vancouver
  • Visit Mexico
  • Visit Cabo San Lucas
  • Visit Cancun
  • Visit Punta Cana
  • Visit Australia
  • Visit London
  • Visit Aruba
  • Visit Paris

Airport & car rental deals

  • Car rentals in Los Angeles
  • Car rentals in Orlando
  • Car rentals in Las Vegas
  • Car rentals in Denver
  • Car rentals in Phoenix
  • Car rentals in Chicago
  • Car rentals in Fort Lauderdale
  • Car rentals in New York
  • Car rentals in Atlanta
  • Car rentals in Houston

Find cheap car rentals at international airports

  • Car rentals in Dublin
  • Car rentals in Vancouver
  • Car rentals in Toronto
  • Car rentals in Dubai
  • Car rentals in Paris
  • Car rentals in Cancun
  • Car rentals in Puerto Rico
  • Car rentals in Rome
  • Car rentals in Calgary

Top Deals on Vacation Rental Destinations

  • Search all Vacation Rentals
  • Top Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals
  • Top Vacation Rentals in Florida
  • Top Vacation Rentals in New Jersey
  • Top South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals
  • Top Galveston Vacation Rentals
  • Top Miami Vacation Rentals
  • Top Tampa Vacation Rentals
  • Top Orlando Vacation Rentals
  • Top Daytona Beach Vacation Rentals
  • Top Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals
  • Top Oahu Vacation Rentals
  • Top Geneva-on-the-Lake Vacation Rentals
  • Top Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals
  • Top Jersey Shore Vacation Rentals
  • Top South Padre Island Vacation Rentals

Popular cruise destinations

  • Cruises to Bahamas
  • Cruises to Mexico
  • Cruises to Hawaii
  • Cruises to Alaska
  • Cruises to Caribbean
  • Cruises to Europe
  • Cruises to Bermuda
  • Cruises to Africa
  • Cruises to Australia & New Zealand
  • Cruises to Canada & New England

Cruise departure ports nearby

  • Cruises from Galveston
  • Cruises from Miami
  • Cruises from New York
  • Cruises from Tampa
  • Cruises from Long Beach
  • Cruises from Boston
  • Cruises from Charleston
  • Cruises from Port Canaveral
  • Cruises from San Francisco
  • Cruises from Norfolk

Other Vacation ideas

  • Travel Trends 2024
  • Christmas Vacation Deals
  • Weekend Getaways
  • Plan your Vacation
  • Vacation Deposit and Payment Plan
  • Expedia Group wildlife guidelines
  • All Inclusive Vacations
  • Ski Vacations
  • Beach Vacations
  • Golf Vacations
  • Kid Friendly Vacations
  • Luxury Vacations
  • Romantic Vacations
  • Adventure Vacations

More destinations

  • All Destinations

The Wall Street Journal

Want an Actual Travel Deal? Rent a Car.

Gone are the days where renting a car meant spending upward of $80 or even $100 a day—if you could even find a car.

Nationally, the cost to rent a car has fallen, online travel agencies and leisure-industry analysts say. Car-rental prices are averaging $38 a day nationwide, according to travel-search company Hopper. That’s down 8% from last year, or $3. It’s a significant turnaround for travelers, who just a few years ago witnessed prices soar roughly 80% higher than prepandemic levels for a car.

Taking a vacation is still more expensive than it was before the pandemic, with hotel prices and many other parts of the travel experience rising. But travelers are less likely to run into the sticker shock that came with car rentals in recent years, and don’t need to fear that the agency will run out of cars.

“It’s one of the few areas in travel where there’s actually a little bit of price relief for the consumer,” says John Healy, an analyst at Northcoast Research, an equity research company.

Helping mitigate the rental-car issues seen in recent years is a greater supply of new cars. This has enabled rental-car agencies to maintain or grow their fleets to account for higher demand. And the expansion of upstart companies like Sixt and Turo has added competition in popular markets, offering travelers more opportunities to save money.

These improvements are occurring across the country, industry analysts say. Even markets like Hawaii, where a few years ago travelers reported renting U-Hauls amid a rental-car shortage, have more cars to go around and lower prices.

According to Priceline, the national average daily rate to rent a car in April is $65, down about 1.5% from a year ago. Prices have fallen more steeply in some popular markets.

On average, a rental car costs around $61 a day in Boston in April, down nearly 28% from a year ago, Priceline’s data show. During that same time frame, daily rental-car rates dropped about 26% in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and more than 16% in Orlando, Fla.

Here come reinforcements

The biggest driving force behind the drop in rental-car prices is the fresh supply of new vehicles. Clogs in the supply-chain and a global chip shortage a few years ago sharply reduced the number of new vehicles on the market.

That supply crunch coincided with a return to robust travel demand. Agencies regularly ran out of cars to rent, and often kept cars in their fleet longer than usual.

As of February, the supply of new vehicles across the auto industry had risen to the highest level since June 2020, according to a report from Cox Automotive. And the average transaction price of a new vehicle was down 4% over the past year as of January, according to Kelley Blue Book. Rental agencies are passing those savings on to travelers.

With automakers selling more cars, rental agencies are replenishing their fleets. That’s led to major improvements in terms of customer satisfaction, says Michael Taylor, practice lead for travel intelligence at J.D. Power. The cars being rented out are generally cleaner and in better condition, and waits to pick up cars have improved now that there are more to go around, he says.

Particularly during off-peak periods—think Florida in mid-May—discounts are easier to find now compared with a couple of years ago, says Chris Woronka, lodging and leisure analyst at Deutsche Bank. (You should still watch out for costly fees.)

More options for lower prices

The rental-car market is expanding, reflecting the growth of newer entrants to the industry. These companies are far smaller than Enterprise, Avis, Budget and Hertz, Priceline Chief Executive Brett Keller says, but could still benefit anyone planning a getaway.

“Any cars being added to the network is a good thing,” he says.

German rental company Sixt operates 100 rental stations across 22 states. Sixt launched in Pittsburgh in February and several markets last year, including Vail, Colo.

Companies like Turo and Getaround are aiming to upend the traditional rental-car model by bringing an Airbnb-style approach to the market.

Woronka has one caveat for travelers: While the cost to rent a car has improved in recent months, it remains more expensive than it was before the pandemic, especially during peak travel periods.

“We could see prices firm up again,” he says.

—Sign up for the WSJ Travel newsletter for more tips and insights from the Journal’s travel team.

Write to Jacob Passy at [email protected]

Want an Actual Travel Deal? Rent a Car.

AAA EXCLUSIVE CAR RENTAL DEALS

SPECIAL SAVINGS AND BENEFITS WHEN YOU RENT WITH HERTZ, DOLLAR, OR THRIFTY

  • BENEFITS INCLUDE:
  • ui-check UP TO 20% SAVINGS
  • ui-check FREE ADDITIONAL DRIVER
  • ui-check FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT
  • ui-check SAVINGS ON PREPAID FUEL

AAA Rental Car Search

budget rental car travel agency

Exclusive discounts and benefits for AAA members who rent from Hertz include*:

  • Discounts up to 20% off the base rate on all Hertz rentals
  • Free AAA additional driver
  • Free use of one child safety seat
  • 10% off Prepaid Fuel
  • Waived AAA Young Renter (20-24yrs) fee
  • Loss Damage Waiver Limited to $5,000 in an event of an accident
  • International benefits and discounts on standard car rentals**

budget rental car travel agency

AAA members can get discounted rates and benefits when renting with Dollar.^

  • Save up to 15% off the base rate on all Dollar rentals

budget rental car travel agency

AAA members renting from Thrifty get the following savings and benefits*:

  • Save up to 10% off the base rate on all Thrifty rentals

Terms and Conditions

*Discounts applies to pay later base rate. Discount will vary depending on date, location, length of rental, car class & other factors. Taxes and fees excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation. Benefits available at participating Hertz locations in the U.S; Canada and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Additional Driver and Young renter must be a AAA member, have a credit card in their own name and meet standard rental qualifications. Child safety seat is subject to availability. Gas savings is only valid when prepaid fuel option is purchased at pickup. Customer’s responsibility for damage to the rented vehicle is limited to $5000, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. If Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is purchased in connection with the rental, Hertz will waive the customer’s financial responsibility for any loss or damage to the rental vehicle, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. Loss of use fee will be waived provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. HGPR enrollment offer is for AAA members who enroll at AAA.com/Hertzgold. Valid for new Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (HGPR) members only. Points will be added to HGPR members after first paid Gold rental. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card.

** International discounts applies to pay later base rate. Taxes and fees excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation to receive savings and benefits. Valid at participating locations in Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom + 80 other countries on select vehicles. Free Additional Driver is not valid in Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. AAA members must present a valid AAA membership card for identification at the time of rental. Authorized additional driver name(s) must appear on the rental agreement.

^ Discounts applies to pay later base rate. Taxes and fees excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation to receive savings and benefits. Benefits available at participating Dollar locations in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Additional Driver must be a AAA member, have a credit card in their own name and meet standard rental qualifications. Child safety seat is subject to availability. Additional driver and child safety seat will be handled at the counter. Gas savings is only valid when the prepaid fuel option is purchased at pick-up. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card.

± Discounts applies to pay later base rate. Taxes and fees excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation to receive savings and benefits. Benefits available at participating Thrifty locations in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Additional Driver must be a AAA member, have a credit card in their own name and meet standard rental qualifications. Child safety seat is subject to availability. Additional driver and child safety seat will be handled at the counter. Gas savings is only valid when the prepaid fuel option is purchased at pick-up. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card.

FREE TO JOIN HERTZ GOLD PLUS REWARDS ®†

The #1 loyalty car rental program making renting faster and more rewarding..

  • 1 Free rental day for AAA members.
  • Skip the counter at 50+ airports and go straight to your car. 1
  • Ultimate Choice - Pick your car from our best fleet ever and go.
  • Drop the keys and go at return
  • Earn points toward free rental days and upgrades. 2

AAA Classic/Plus members: JOIN NOW

AAA Premier members get all the benefits above, plus an automatic upgrade to Five Star status with 25% more points each rental.

AAA Premier members: JOIN NOW

Are you a AAA Premier member who is already a Hertz Gold Plus Reward member? 

UPGRADE NOW   to Five Star status.

* Valid for AAA members with new HGPR enrollment. Points will be added to gold profile after first paid Gold rental.  1 Available at select locations.  2 Free day excludes taxes and fees.

IMAGES

  1. Ultimate Guide to Budget Car Rental [Budget Fastbreak Program]

    budget rental car travel agency

  2. Budget Rent-A-Car

    budget rental car travel agency

  3. Budget Rent a Car Logo and symbol, meaning, history, PNG, brand

    budget rental car travel agency

  4. Budget Car Rental FAQ

    budget rental car travel agency

  5. Budget Car Rental Has A New Logo

    budget rental car travel agency

  6. Budget Car Rental App

    budget rental car travel agency

VIDEO

  1. Rental car

  2. Miami Airport Budget Rental Car

  3. Travel Hack: How to rent a car under 21 for cheap (Rent a U-Haul)

COMMENTS

  1. Travel Agent Car Rentals Program

    Book rental cars using your IATA number and take advantage of special Budget Car Rental travel agent commissions, great rates, and loyalty programs. ... In recognition of the business brought to us by travel agencies, Budget pays 5% commission on the base rate of leisure rentals and commercial rentals where there's no individually established ...

  2. Travel Agents Website

    00 10 20 30 40 50. Car group. Select a car group. I have a membership or discount number. BCN / Rapid Rez number: Get a Quote. Prev.

  3. Discount car rental rates and rental car deals

    Save on car rentals when you plan your trip with Budget Car Rental. Enjoy the best deals, rates and accessories.

  4. The 12 Best Websites for Finding Cheap Car Rentals [2024]

    9. Costco Travel. The first thing you'll notice when searching for a rental car on Costco Travel is it includes only 4 major rental agencies — Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. The search results are displayed in an easy-to-read chart that highlights the cheapest price for each car type in red.

  5. The 10 Best Car Rental Companies in 2024 [Rates, Service]

    Best for Customer Service: Hertz. Best for the Most Locations Throughout the U.S.: Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Best for Comfort and Quality of Vehicles: Sixt rent a car. Best for Prepaid Car Rentals: Avis. Best for the Most Rewarding Loyalty Program: Dollar Car Rental. Best for Avoiding Additional Fees: Enterprise.

  6. Budget Car Rental USA Reservations FAQs

    Frequently asked questions about available Budget Car Rental services. Find out everything Budget has to offer when you rent a car from us. Sign into your Budget Account. Sign into your Budget Account ... The travel agency or online booking agent "owns" any reservation you originally made with them, so their reservation cancellation processes ...

  7. One-Way Car Rental Deals

    Get a cheap one-way car rental from Budget! Travel one-way across the US, or take advantage of deals for Northeast to Southeast trips and airport rentals. Sign into your Budget Account ... If you pre-authorize an additional driver when you make your Budget rental car reservation, that person can return your rental car. ...

  8. Car Rentals from Avis, Book Online Now & Save

    Car rental included as a part of a package rate (e.g. airfare + hotel + car rental, hotel + car rental, airfare + car rental) does not qualify. Car rental rates found on an auction or wholesale websites which do not display the name of the car rental company until after purchase, do not qualify. Car rental rates obtained from a website that ...

  9. Guide to Budget Rental Car's Fastbreak Program

    If you link your Amazon and Budget Fastbreak account through the Fastbreak website, you'll receive an Amazon.com gift card valued at 10% of your rental price, and as much as a 30% discount off ...

  10. Top 2,676 Reviews From Legit Budget Rent-A-Car Buyers

    It serves renters in over 120 countries from its more than 3,000 locations. Budget is owned by Avis Rental Car. Business-friendly rates: Business customers can save up to 30 percent on car rentals ...

  11. The Best Car Rental Company

    Thrifty. These eight brands are all members of three larger car rental companies. Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, National and Alamo). Avis Budget Group (Avis and Budget). Hertz Corporation ...

  12. Car Rental Moscow City Centre

    Compare from agencies. Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel, and car to save even more. One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Enjoy maximum flexibility with penalty-free cancellation on most car rentals.

  13. Car Rentals at Moscow Domodedovo Airport

    You can also find several located along the airport road, nearer to the airport itself. 25% of our users found rental cars at Moscow Domodedovo Airport for $23 or less. Book your rental car at Moscow Domodedovo Airport at least 3 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

  14. Best rental car companies for all types of travelers

    True to its name, Budget Rent A Car has some of the lowest car rental rates in the industry, with an average rental cost of about $35 per day -- 23% less than the average price. If rock-bottom pricing is the priority but you still want a recognizable car-rental company, Budget can save you up to 35% off when you prepay at the time of booking ...

  15. Cheap Car Rentals in Moscow City Centre Book Now!

    More ways to wander Moscow City Centre. Car Rentals in Moscow City Centre. Whether you're looking for a compact car or large truck, choose from 55+ suppliers & Book your Rental Car today! Travelocity has the best prices backed by our Price Match Guarantee.

  16. Car Rental Moscow City

    Book now and get FREE cancellation on your selected Cheap Moscow City car rental + pay at pick up! Expedia partners with + suppliers to get you the lowest prices & great deals on short and long term car rental. ... Featured car rental suppliers Compare from agencies. Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel ...

  17. Car Rentals: Find Cheap Car Rentals & Rental Car Deals

    Save money on rental cars by searching for car rental deals on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for rental car deals on hundreds of car rental sites to help you find the cheapest car rental. Whether you are looking for an airport car rental or just a cheap car rental near you, you can compare discount car rentals and find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

  18. Rent a Car Worldwide

    Car Rental rates from other car rental companies (including but not limited to Avis, National Enterprise, Alamo, Sixt, Dollar, Payless, etc) do not qualify. Rates obtained through the use of discounts, coupons, upgrade offers, pre-negotiated (e.g.. group, government, corporate, tour, insurance replacement rentals) or similar rates do not qualify.

  19. The 5 best budget travel companies in the US

    The best budget travel agencies in the USA for leisure travel. 2. Trafalgar. Trafalgar is one of the largest online tour companies, offering 303 different guided tours across 72 countries and six continents, including India, Vietnam, and Thailand.

  20. Tips for Renting a Car Abroad

    The minimum age to rent a car varies by country and company, and it's indicated on each rental agency's website. Most countries charge a "young driver" surcharge for renters under 25.

  21. Expedia Travel: Vacation Homes, Hotels, Car Rentals, Flights & More

    Your one-stop travel site for your dream vacation. Bundle your stay with a car rental or flight and you can save more. Search our flexible options to match your needs. Skip to Main Content. ... Add a car. Search. Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels with Member Prices. Also, members save up to 30% when you add a hotel to a flight

  22. Want an Actual Travel Deal? Rent a Car.

    Gone are the days where renting a car meant spending upward of $80 or even $100 a day—if you could even find a car. Nationally, the cost to rent a car has fallen, online travel agencies and ...

  23. Exclusive Car Rental Deals

    Discounts up to 20% off the base rate on all Hertz rentals. Free AAA additional driver. Free use of one child safety seat. 10% off Prepaid Fuel. Waived AAA Young Renter (20-24yrs) fee. Loss Damage Waiver Limited to $5,000 in an event of an accident. International benefits and discounts on standard car rentals**.