can you pick up a rental car after midnight

[ColeMarie]

Yes, you can often pick up a rental car after midnight, but it's not a standard service at all locations. The possibility depends heavily on the rental company, the specific location (especially if it's an airport or a neighborhood branch), and how you've arranged your booking.

Airport locations are your best bet. Most major airports have rental car counters that operate 24/7 to accommodate flight schedules. Even if your flight lands at 1 a.m., you can typically proceed to the rental car facility. However, off-airport neighborhood branches often close by 6 p.m. on weekdays and may not open at all on Sundays. Picking up a car after midnight from these locations is usually impossible without a specific pre-arranged after-hours procedure.

Your reservation is key. You must have a booking for the correct date; a reservation for "Tuesday" does not cover a pickup at 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. When making the reservation online, look for options that specify "24-hour pickup" or check the operating hours for your chosen branch. Be prepared for potential after-hours pickup fees, as staffing a location overnight incurs extra costs. Vehicle selection might also be limited to what was pre-assigned to your reservation.

Rental Company	24/7 Airport Availability	After-Hours Fee (Approx.)	Key Consideration
Enterprise	Common at major airports	$25 - $50	Off-airport locations typically close early.
Hertz	Common at major airports	$20 - $45	Gold Member Rewards can streamline the process.
Avis	Common at major airports	$25 - $50	Pre-paying online may lock in a lower rate.
Budget	Common at major airports	$20 - $40	Partner airports may have limited service.
Alamo	Varies by airport	$15 - $35	Often no after-hours fee at some 24/7 airports.

Always call the specific rental location directly a day before your pickup to confirm their after-hours procedure. You might need to call a number upon arrival to have an agent brought to the counter, or use a self-service kiosk.

[LaAnthony]

I did this once when my flight got in super late. The airport was dead, but the rental counter was still open. The process was actually faster than during the day because there was no line. The only downside was that the car lot was pretty picked over—I got stuck with a compact when I reserved a midsize. My advice? Book directly with the airport location, not a branch in the city, and be ready to take what's available.

[Briana]

It's possible, but prepare for extra costs. Rental companies charge an "after-hours" fee for pickups when the location is technically closed, which can add $25 to $50 to your bill. This is on top of the daily rate. To avoid surprises, look for this fee in the fine print of your reservation or call the location ahead of time. If you're on a tight budget, adjusting your travel plans to pick up during standard business hours can save you a decent amount of money.

[McJeremiah]

As a frequent traveler, I rely on 24-hour airport counters. The key is planning. I always book my rental for the exact day and time my flight lands, even if it's 2 a.m. I also enroll in loyalty programs like Hertz Gold or Enterprise Plus. This lets me bypass the counter completely and go straight to the car, which is a huge time-saver in the middle of the night. Without that, you might be waiting for staff to assist you. Confirm everything online before you travel.