How to rent a car at a US airport

The short answer

Book ahead, bring a license and a credit card in the main driver's own name, find out before you land where the rental counters are, and photograph the car before you drive off. Most problems at the counter come from the card, the license or the extras, so sort those out before you travel.

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Key takeaways

Bring a credit card in the main driver's name with room for the deposit hold.
Check whether your airport's rental cars are in the terminal or a shuttle ride away before you land.

1. Book the right car, the right way

Compare the full price with taxes and airport fees, not just the daily rate.
Decide between pay now and pay later: pay now is often cheaper, pay later is easier to change.
Add your flight number. Several big companies hold the car longer for delayed flights when they know your flight.
Booking through a travel site? Changes and refunds usually go through that site, not the counter.

2. Bring the right documents

A valid driving license, held by the main driver. Learner's permits aren't accepted.
A credit card in the main driver's own name, with room for a deposit hold on top of the rental. Debit cards are accepted at some companies with extra conditions.
Visiting from abroad: your passport, and an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English. See our international renters guide.

3. Find the counter

Many US airports have a separate rental car center reached by train or shuttle; others have counters in the parking garage. Our airport counter finder shows where the counters are at 32 US and Canadian airports and how to get there from your terminal.

4. At the counter

Expect a deposit hold on your card, often a few hundred dollars, released after the rental.
Know before you arrive what cover you already have, so you only buy what you need.
Ask how tolls and fuel are billed on your car.

5. Before you drive off, and when you return

Photograph or film every side of the car, the wheels, the windscreen and the dashboard.
Refuel close to the return location and keep the receipt.
Photograph the car and the dashboard again at drop-off, and keep the return receipt.

Questions people ask

What do I need to rent a car at a US airport?

A valid driving license, a credit card in the main driver's name with room for a deposit hold, and for visitors from abroad a passport, plus an International Driving Permit if the license isn't in English.

Can I rent a car at a US airport with a debit card?

At some companies, with conditions such as booking ahead, being 25 or older, showing a return ticket and passing a credit check. A credit card is much simpler.

Is it cheaper to rent a car away from the airport?

Often, because airport locations add extra taxes and fees. Neighbourhood branches can be cheaper but may have shorter hours.

Related help

Written by the OneCall Rental team, which includes people who've worked car-rental reservation calls. Company policies last checked 19 October 2026 on each company's own website. Policies change, so check your own rental agreement too.

OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.

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