Best Car Rental Companies of 2024

Although Enterprise may have slightly higher rates in some cities, it's still a favorite for customer service. With more than 7,600 locations across the country, you are bound to find an Enterprise at the airport or city you're visiting. It also has a four-tiered loyalty program, called Enterprise Plus, which allows members to earn upgrades on rentals each year. They can also earn and redeem points for free rental days, receive faster members-only check-ins, and use a dedicated phone number for customer service. (Fun fact: The company was named after the aircraft carrier the founder served on during World War II.)

Across the board, most car rental companies charge additional fees for extra drivers and one-way car drop-offs. But not National. National also lends you equipment, like car seats, ski racks, and GPS devices, for free. National's Emerald Club loyalty program allows you to earn points for free rental days and receive car upgrades in certain cities or countries. And, since National and Enterprise are owned by the same company, you can even earn Enterprise points for renting with National. Plus, you may even already have automatic Executive status with National simply by carrying the right credit card, giving you a guaranteed upgrade when you rent a midsize car or above.

Alamo offers unlimited free mileage as a standard, and if you’re hitting the open road with another person, Alamo outlines a number of circumstances for which it will waive the additional driver fee. These include if the second rental car driver is the spouse or domestic partner of the registered driver, or if the additional driver is a business partner or employer when driving on a corporate contract. If you’re a Costco member, you won’t be charged an additional driver fee either. Other benefits include the Alamo Insider program, which gives customers a guaranteed 5 percent discount. Rotating discounts include deals for military members, AAA members, and free car upgrades for certain categories of drivers.

While Hertz is one of the largest car rental companies worldwide—with more than 1,600 airport locations in the U.S. alone, and coverage in smaller cities, too—it's not the cheapest. Hertz’s daily rate averages $60 (it varies depending on location). While it can be hard to avoid high airport rental car costs, the range of car offerings—business-trip economy cars, high-capacity family cars, Teslas, and luxury cars from Mercedes and BMW—makes Hertz a standout. Also, the company offers up to 30 percent off prepaid reservations, up to 20 percent off for AAA members, and no additional fees for AAA renters ages 20 to 25.

Avis’ average daily rates might be higher than competitors, but you can usually knock down the car rental price with coupons and promotions. For example, U.S. active duty military, military veterans, and National Guard and Reserves members receive up to 25 percent off base rental rates, while union members receive up to 30 percent off pay-now rates. AARP members receive up to 30 percent off base rates, as well. Additionally, if you’re renting in the Northeast (Maine to North Carolina), California, Chicago area, Florida, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, or Puerto Rico, all cars come equipped with an e-Toll device, so you don’t have to think about toll fees. And, signing up for Avis' business program also means a complimentary Avis Preferred membership, which allows customers expedited pick-up and drop-off.

In addition to Budget's 35 percent pre-pay discount, the company also offers rotating limited-time specials, like 10 percent off rentals of five or more days, or SUV rentals for $50 a day. Budget’s wide selection of cars also includes hybrids, like the Toyota Prius; convertibles, like the Chevy Camaro; and pickup trucks, like the Jeep Gladiator. While the pre-pay discount is nice, and the flexible cancellation policy makes it more attractive, do note: Budget will charge $50 for cancellations made outside of 24 hours of your scheduled pick-up, and $150 for cancellations within 24 hours. Additionally, there are no refunds for no-shows or for returning your rental car early.

Lyft is traditionally known as an on-demand ride-share service, but in 2019, the company launched a car rental program, Lyft Rentals, in partnership with the traditional car rental services Sixt and Hertz, in some locations. You can easily reserve your car via the app and select complimentary add-ons, like ski racks, child car seats, and a phone charger. Renting through the website instead of the app is also possible.

Once you drive off the lot, you get unlimited mileage and only have to pay for the gas and tolls you use (other companies may charge a fee for a toll transponder). Lyft's program also offers a $20 credit you can use to get to and from the rental location ($10 each way.) Additionally, locations fulfilled by Sixt rental cars grant you a $10 Lyft credit to use again anytime. To check in, just bring your phone and have your driver’s license ready.