do rental cars have gps

[LeLila]

Most major rental car companies do not automatically include GPS navigation in their standard rental packages. It is typically offered as an optional add-on, often called a "navigation package" or "GPS unit," for an additional daily fee. The availability of this service varies by company, location, and vehicle class.

The trend, however, is shifting away from built-in GPS units. With the near-universal adoption of smartphones, renters increasingly use their own mobile apps like Google Maps or Waze. Rental companies have recognized this, and many now encourage customers to use their personal devices to avoid the extra cost and complexity of maintaining dedicated GPS hardware.

If you prefer the convenience of a built-in system, you should always check and reserve it in advance. Here’s a quick overview of the typical GPS policies and costs from major US rental companies:

Rental Company	Standard GPS Availability	Typical Daily Cost (USD)	Notes
Enterprise	Optional Add-on	$5 - $15	Subject to availability; must be requested.
Hertz	Optional Add-on	$10 - $15	Available in select vehicle classes.
Avis	Optional Add-on	$10 - $15	GPS units are limited in number.
Budget	Optional Add-on	$8 - $14	Similar policy to Avis (its parent company).
National	Optional Add-on	$5 - $15	Available upon request at the counter.
Alamo	Optional Add-on	$8 - $15	Not guaranteed with every reservation.
Thrifty	Limited Availability	$7 - $12	Varies significantly by airport location.
Dollar	Limited Availability	$7 - $12	Best to call the specific rental location.

Before you rent, consider your options. Using your smartphone is almost always the most cost-effective solution. Just plan for a car charger or a phone mount to ensure safe driving. If you're traveling to an area with poor cell service, you can download offline maps on your phone app, which functions just like a dedicated GPS. Relying on the rental company's GPS can be convenient, but it adds to the total cost of your trip.

[DelMaci]

In my experience, it's a bit of a gamble. They usually have them, but you have to ask and pay extra, like ten bucks a day. I just use my phone. It's way easier and the maps are always up-to-date. I save the money for a better meal or something. Always double-check what you're being charged for at the counter to avoid surprises.

[DiAlan]

As a frequent business traveler, I never rely on the rental car's GPS. The fees are excessive for a service my phone provides for free. The real issue is data roaming when traveling internationally. My solution is simple: I download the area's map for offline use on Google Maps before I leave the hotel Wi-Fi. This gives me reliable turn-by-turn navigation without any cellular data charges, and it's far superior to an outdated rental unit.

[SanWalker]

For our family road trips, we used to get the rental GPS. It was a hassle and expensive for a week-long trip. Now, we just make sure our smartphones are charged and use a sturdy dashboard mount. The whole family can see the route, and the real-time traffic updates on apps like Waze are a lifesaver for avoiding delays. It’s one less thing to worry about at the rental counter.