The Best Car-Rental Companies for When You Need to Hit the Road
Whether you want to get out of town for a weekend, take an epic road trip, or need to travel for business, at some point, you'll likely need to rent a car. Navigating all the ins and outs of the various rental car companies can be tricky - some companies excel in some areas, such as customer service, while others are tops in categories like value. Read on to learn which are the best car-rental agencies, so no matter what you're using that car for, it can be a hassle-free experience.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Best Overall
According to a customer service satisfaction survey by J.D. Power, the overall top car-rental company is Enterprise. Factors include every aspect of the rental process from ease of rental - there are some 5,800 Enterprise locations across the country - to the reservation process, as well as cost and fees, pick-up/drop-off process, and vehicle performance and appearance.
More: Book Your Flight, Hotel, and Car Rental on These Top Travel-Booking Sites
Hertz
Best for Airport Pickups
If you need to rent a car in a destination you'll be flying to, it makes sense to rent your vehicle right at the airport. Hertz has 1,635 airport locations in the U.S., making it tops in this department. Hertz also offers drivers the convenience of one-way car rentals, as well as unlimited mileage on most vehicles. Plus, it has an expansive selection, including basic four-doors, hybrids, and luxury cars.
Budget Rent a Car
Best for Business Travelers
Budget is popular with business travelers due to its discounted rates - often up to 30% lower than base rates. Other perks include unlimited mileage, free additional drivers (handy if you're on a business trip with a colleague and want to split the driving duties), free rental days, a free FastBreak membership that allows you to skip the counter at pick-up, and a dedicated support team.
National Car Rental
Best Rewards Program
National's Emerald Club loyalty program consistently ranks as one of the best in the industry. In fact, Skyscanner has named it tops on its most current list of car-rental rewards programs.
The program allows members to bypass the check-in counter and choose their own vehicle, and earn points to be used for free rentals. It also has a time-saving drop-and-go feature and waives second driver fees.
Thrifty Car Rental
Best for Value
For the lowest rental rates, be sure to check Thrifty first. The company consistently offers some of the lowest daily rates in the industry on all cars, whether they be economy, compact, or full-size. Plus, it's only $10 per day to add an additional driver. Granted, Thrifty's customer service may not be as spot-on as other car-rental agencies, but its low rates are irresistible to many renters.
Avis Rent A Car
Best for International Rentals
If you travel abroad, whether it be for business or pleasure (or both), you'll likely find an Avis car-rental office at the destination you're visiting. In fact, Avis has locations in more than 150 countries, ranging from Argentina to Zaire. You'll also find deals on international rentals on its website under the Offers tab, such as 15% off base rates in Singapore and 20% off base rates in Canada.
Avis, Hertz, Enterprise … who’s the best?