Airport vs City Pickup: Where to Get the Cheapest Car Rental?
When booking a rental car, most travelers focus on price, vehicle type and insurance. But one factor that can significantly affect the final cost is the pickup location.
The most frequent options are the airport and downtown. What should you choose? Is it better to pick up the car at the airport or go to the city center and take the car from the city office?
The answer depends on your priorities, travel schedule and rental duration. However, keep in mind that city pickup is almost always the cheapest way to rent a car.
Airport pickup: Pros and cons
Airport pickup is the most convenient option, especially after a long flight. Rental desks are located inside or near the terminal and vehicles are waiting for you within walking distance.
This option has significant advantages:
- no need for taxis or public transport to go from the airport to city center
- immediate departure from the airport
- ideal for late-night arrivals
- perfect for families with luggage
However, this convenience often comes at a cost. The most important disadvantage of picking up the car at the airport is that it is more expensive than city pickup.
This happens because airport locations have additional fees, such as:
- airport fees
- premium location charges
- higher operating costs
- increased demand pricing
Because of these factors, airport rentals may cost 10–25% more than the same vehicle rented from a downtown office.
City pickup: Pros and cons
The greatest advantage of city pickup is that it is cheaper than airport pickup. Plus, you enjoy faster customer service, as city offices are less crowded than airport locations.
However, keep in mind that this comes with greater inconvenience as you should take a taxi or public transportation to go from the airport to city center.
If you are about to rent a car for 2-3 days, this inconvenience and the extra cost for transportation is usually not worth the car rental saving. On the other hand, for longer car rentals, the daily fee saving is something you should definitely consider.
How to decide
Choosing a city pickup can be a smart choice if you:
- are going to stay in the city center
- plan a longer rental (4+ days)
- arrive during daytime
- want to reduce total travel costs.
On the other side, airport pick up is a better option if you:
- arrive late at night
- travel with children or heavy luggage
- have limited time
- plan to leave the airport area immediately
- want a fully convenient travel experience
Remember that the right choice is the one that balances comfort, timing and cost.
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Abbycar has 100+ stations all over the world to choose among airport and city pickup and find the most convenient and value for money choice that suits your budget and your total needs!
AbbyCar Car Rental Experts
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Abbycar’s articles are created by experienced car rental professionals specializing in international travel. With deep knowledge of rental processes, insurance, and local regulations, our goal is to provide accurate, transparent, and reliable guidance to travelers worldwide.
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