Should I Rent from an Airport or Off-Site Location?

When it comes to decision making on the choice of a car to rent and where to pick it up from, people get torn between picking the car at the airport or getting it from an off airport location. Each one of them is beneficial in some ways and poses certain specific aspects to consider, which will define your choice.

Convenience Factor

Airport Rental

When renting a car, it's best to rent from agencies right inside the airport. This is because it's easy to rent a car after arriving. To make it even more efficient, you don’t have to go outside to get your car. Instead, follow the signs to the rental counter inside the terminal. Hurry to your car and get in. This option is considerably helpful especially after the tiring flight because it saves time and energy from going elsewhere.

Off-Site Location

Some off-site rental desks may be situated off airport premises, which implies that one will have to take a shuttle or even a taxi to get to the rental company. This may add one more stage to your travel, but it very frequently translates into a reduction of fare or wider choice of cars. Off site rental may also tend to be less crowded and also have faster service than dealing with a counter at the airport.

Cost Considerations

Airport Rental

Car hiring from the airport may also be slightly costly since other stipulated charges or taxes may apply depending on the airport. However, this can differ depending on the place of renting and chosen car rental company. Regarding the location, it is more beneficial to compare the prices for parking inside the airport territory and nearby areas to choose the most reasonable option.

Off-Site Location

Base rates of off-site rentals are usually cheaper because the companies are not subjected to airport taxes and charges. Also, other car rental firms that are stationed off-airport areas may offer different offers or season deals that are not offered within the airport.

Availability of Vehicles

Airport Rental

Large airport car rental sites generally have many car rental companies within the premises, therefore, offering a vast fleet of cars to select from. This can be beneficial in case one has a certain preference or necessity to hire a certain car, for instance a four-by-four for a road trip.

Off-Site Location

Thus, even if the number of rental companies is less in off-site locations, these locations can provide a range of vehicles. It is advisable to book ahead of time to secure a place especially during the holiday seasons or other busy months/areas.

Local Traffic and Accessibility

Airport Rental

The major advantage of renting from the airport is that the car you hire is in direct traffic as soon as you exit the arrival terminal. Customizing oneself to the roads and driving and finding one's way around is not very difficult if one is accustomed to driving a car and has a GPS or any best navigation app with him.

Off-Site Location

Rental offices may be located in less crowded zones and therefore be convenient for moving out of the city or towards attractions without having to meet the busy airport traffic.

Flexibility in Return

Airport Rental

Returning your rental car at the airport is helpful in case you will have to leave through the airport. Almost all the airports have well indicated rental car return centers and there are shuttle services that transport the renters to the terminal.

Off-Site Location

If you are dropping off your rental car at an off airport pickup point perhaps you will have to travel back to the airport through shuttles, which would take slightly longer than if you were to be dropping the car within the airport. On the same note, it can also imply staying away from getting stuck in rush hour traffic especially if near the airport.

Local Policies and Regulations

Airport Rental

While touring or intending to visit your specific airports, you need to note certain guidelines governing the renting of vehicles, parking lots, and driving. It is advisable that you acquaint yourself with such policies in advance in order to avoid getting a shock of your life or having to pay a hefty fine while on your rental spree.

Off-Site Location

Some rental sites may be situated in different areas, and therefore, they operate under different operational conditions, for example, concerning opening, collection and other charges. Do not sign a rental agreement without understanding these terms.

Conclusion

In general, choosing a car at an airport or an off-site location depends on a number of factors, such as convenience, cost, availability and other conditions that may prevail at the time of choosing the car rental service. Evaluating these by your planned travel and your preference will enable you to make the best decision on your rental for your trip.