Is It Cheaper To Rent A Car At The Airport Or Somewhere Else?

Renting a car at the airport can be very convenient. The rental desk is often located right next to baggage claim, with a line of attendants ready to hand you the keys. But is it really better to rent a car at the airport or somewhere else instead? Could you save money by renting a car downtown? It all depends, as we'll explain.

It Can Be Cheaper To Rent Downtown

An analysis by NerdWallet found that it's 18.4 percent more expensive on average to rent a car at the airport than downtown in American cities. They based this conclusion on an analysis of car rental prices at the 15 largest airports in the country. In 2024, you could save an average of $86 by booking a seven-day car rental downtown instead of at the airport. Though you might think car rental companies are trying to gouge travelers, the price difference has more to do with fees. Most airports charge car rental companies for the privilege of doing business there. In some cases, airports tack a fee directly onto every rental contract.

However, the reverse might be true with international travel. A more recent analysis by Economy Bookings found that it usually costs less to rent a car at the airport in European cities. Renting downtown, at a railway station, or at a port costs 20 percent more on average.

The takeaway? If saving money is your priority, shop around for the lowest price. Check the airport, downtown, and other easy-access locations.

But It's More Convenient To Rent At The Airport

Easy access: That's the priority for many travelers. This is why so many of us choose to rent a car at the airport instead of searching for a cheaper location. If you need to get to a meeting or the annual family get-together, it isn't worth hailing a cab or waiting for a train to reach another car rental office. The extra trip can be especially painful if you're lugging six suitcases and three young children. And once you factor in the cost of transportation, this could eliminate any savings you would get from renting your car at another location.

If you book ahead of time or as part of a package deal, you may be able to get a good deal on an airport car rental. The lot at the airport often has other advantages, like longer hours, more vehicles to choose from, and more flexibility on mileage limits and other rules. And it's easiest to return the car at the airport, then head straight to the gate for your flight. When convenience really matters, it's better to rent a car at the airport.

Read the original article on Southern Living