You can rent a car from several types of providers, primarily airport rental counters, neighborhood locations of major brands, and online car-sharing platforms. The best choice depends on your needs for convenience, cost, and vehicle type. Major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have a strong presence at airports and cities, while services like Turo offer a peer-to-peer model with more unique vehicle options.
Major Rental Car Companies
These are the traditional players, known for their reliability and extensive fleets. Renting from an airport location is convenient but often includes additional fees and taxes. Renting from a neighborhood branch can sometimes be cheaper.
- Top Brands: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, Thrifty, Dollar, Sixt.
- Where to Find Them: Primarily at airports, in city centers, and suburban locations.
Car-Sharing and Peer-to-Peer Services
This is a more modern approach, often compared to Airbnb for cars. You rent a vehicle directly from a private owner.
- Top Platform: Turo.
- How it Works: You book a specific car listed by an owner through an app. Pick-up and drop-off arrangements vary (e.g., at an airport lot or a residential neighborhood).
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and Aggregators
These sites don't own the cars but allow you to compare prices from various rental companies in one place.
- Examples: Expedia, Kayak, Priceline, Rentalcars.com.
- Benefit: Easy price comparison. However, you are ultimately renting from the company you select.
| Rental Method | Example Companies | Typical Pros | Typical Cons |
|---|
| Major Company (Airport) | Hertz, Avis, Enterprise | Maximum convenience, large fleet, 24/7 support | Higher fees, potential for long lines |
| Major Company (Neighborhood) | Enterprise, Hertz | Often lower rates, less crowded | May require shuttle/travel from airport |
| Peer-to-Peer (P2P) | Turo, Getaround | Unique car choices, potentially lower cost | Insurance can be complex, variable owner reliability |
| Online Aggregator | Kayak, Expedia | Fastest way to compare multiple companies | Terms/fees may differ from booking site |
To get started, use an aggregator to compare base prices for your dates, then check the specific company's website for any member deals or promotions. Always read the rental agreement carefully, especially regarding fuel policies, mileage limits, and insurance coverage.
