6 Best Phoenix Airport Car Rental Companies — Browse Tips on Renting a Car in Phoenix in 2024

Phoenix is one of those travel destinations where you’ll most likely need a car to get around. Luckily, you can easily rent a car at the Phoenix airport. However, there are a few caveats. For example, rental car shortages make reserving your car ahead of your trip a necessity. Additionally, the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport rental car center isn’t located in the same building as the airport. You will need to take a shuttle from the airport to get there.

Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car at the Phoenix airport, as well as which car rental companies at Phoenix airport are the best.

Which Car Rental Companies are Best at Phoenix Airport?

Twelve car rental companies operate out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Some of these are local or regional, but most are recognizable national brands. Accordingly, these are the six best of those national brands based on the most recent reviews from travelers.

1. National Car Rental 

National Car Rental is unquestionably one of the best-ranked rental car companies at the Phoenix airport. With a 4.5-star rating on Google and an 8.9 ranking on Kayak, few travelers have had poor things to say about this particular National location (at this time). 

National offers a broad selection of cars, as well as a robust rewards program, the Emerald Club. It is also worth noting, though, that National doesn’t always offer the best pricing, compared to other providers. Because of this, if you prioritize budget-friendliness over a luxurious experience or a large selection of cars, this is something to consider.

Still, however, all around, National offers a lot of nice features that make it a worthwhile consideration. These features include Drop & Go service, so you can simply roll up to the lot, drop off your rental, and head to your gate for your departing flight, with no need for a lengthy check-out experience. The location also offers Emerald Aisle service, which allows you to bypass the check-in counter, choose any car you want within a certain area of the rental lot, and then pay a flat fee.

Pros: This National location offers 24-hour service and especially easy pick-up and drop-off processes that make for a more convenient rental experience. 

Cons: National is typically a little pricier than some of the other rental providers at PHX. 

Phone: (800) 275-4771

Hours: 24 hours 

Google Rating: 4.5 stars

Kayak Rating: 8.9 (Excellent)

Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at National

2. Alamo Rent a Car

Alamo likewise boasts an excellent rating among reviewers on both Google and Kayak, with travelers mentioning the easy rental experience and great customer service. The main complaints seem to be related to long waits during the pick-up process, but that can be easily avoided by using the self-service and skip-the-counter options.

Alamo’s self-service kiosk allows you to check in, on your own, before going to pick up your car on the rental lot. The skip-the-counter option is even faster, allowing you to go directly to your car, no kiosk required. There’s also an accelerated check-in option available when you book your rental, to save time at the counter if you do want to work with a rental rep.

There are lots of ways to save time on picking up your rental with Alamo so that you can avoid those pesky wait time complaints. As such, you just have to make sure you indicate you want to take advantage of those options at the time of booking.

Beyond all this convenience, though, one of the best perks about renting with Alamo is the lower prices. Alamo is consistently one of the more affordable rental car providers. 

However, don’t expect anything fancy with Alamo’s rewards program. If you’re hoping to earn lots of points to transfer to another travel rewards program, you’ll want to go with a different provider.

Pros: Expect affordable prices and a convenient pick-up process.

Cons: You could deal with long lines if you don’t pick the correct options at the time of booking. The Alamo rewards program is also lackluster.

Phone: (800) 462-5266

Hours: 24 hours 

Google Rating: 4.4 stars

Kayak Rating: 8.9 (Excellent)

Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at Alamo

3. Enterprise 

Enterprise is known in general for offering a wide selection of vehicles (including luxury cars) and a high level of service, and that’s no different at the Phoenix airport Enterprise location. Accordingly, reviewers frequently note the friendly and helpful staff, easy check-in process, and clean vehicles. 

Enterprise also offers a clear-cut, easy-to-use, and rewarding loyalty program, Enterprise Plus. For every dollar you spend with Enterprise, you earn a point, which you can then redeem for things like free rental days. The program is furthermore split into various earning tiers or statuses, and, as you earn more points, you move up in tiers and thus receive more perks. It’s very similar to an airline loyalty program, so will appeal to frequent or business travelers who are always trying to get the most out of their points or miles. 

Enterprise, however, may not always be your most affordable option — but then, you do get what you pay for.

Pros: Enterprise boasts high ratings for customer service and car cleanliness, lots of cars to pick from, and an expansive loyalty program.

Cons: Enterprise isn’t always the most affordable rental car provider on the lot.

Phone: (800) 736-8222

Hours: 24 hours 

Google Rating: 4.3 stars

Kayak Rating: 8.8 (Excellent)

Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at Enterprise

4. Avis Car Rental

With Avis Car Rental, you’re getting further from the “best of the best” and closer to the middle of the pack. However, if you can find a good deal with Avis in Phoenix, the company is worth considering for an upcoming trip. 

While this particular location may have a negative review here or there, Avis overall combines a lot of the positive elements from the above providers. For example, Avis often offers rentals at great prices, while also giving travelers access to a pretty nice rewards program. Avis Preferred lets you earn points for renting and then use points for future rentals, as well as accessories and add-ons (like GPS or SiriusXM Radio). 

As far as the negative factors that take this rental provider from great to just good, complaints include slow service and less-than-stellar car conditions.  

Pros: Avis often offers good deals on its rentals, as well as a pretty good rewards program. 

Cons: You might not receive the same level of service that you might at another provider.

Phone: (800) 331-1212

Hours: 24 hours 

Google Rating: 3.3 stars

Kayak Rating: 7.9 (Good)

Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at Avis

5. Hertz 

Much like Enterprise, Hertz is also a widely known car rental brand that delivers a lot in the way of quality and experience. When you rent with Hertz, you can expect a wide array of vehicles, a robust rewards program, and extra services that help make the rental experience as quick and convenient as possible. However, also like with Enterprise, you’ll pay for that level of service. Accordingly, Hertz would not be your most budget-friendly pick at the Phoenix airport, in most cases. 

Despite its stellar national reputation, the Hertz location at Phoenix airport does sport a handful of bad reviews on its record. Common complaints center around poor customer service, but also long wait times. 

Pros: Hertz offers a wide selection of vehicles and also the perks that come with a nationwide rental program.

Cons: This particular Hertz location has undoubtedly received some poor reviews for its customer service.

Phone: (800) 654-3131

Hours: 24 hours 

Google Rating: 3.4 stars

Kayak Rating: 7.2 (Good)

Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at Hertz

6. Sixt

Sixt is a mid-range rental car provider that’s maybe not as well known as some of the other providers on our list, though it is growing in popularity. Sixt offers a variety of newer vehicles and provides digital check-in options, so you can get from the airport to vacation faster than ever. 

Reviewers rave about the customer service and the vehicles available. However, several note that dealing with customer service in the event of a cancellation or similar issue can be a bit frustrating. Also, it’s worth noting that this particular location is not open 24/7, like many of the other car rental providers at the Phoenix airport. Because of this, if your flight arrives at an odd time, you may not be able to pick up your rental car right away.

Pros: This rental car company provides quite a few car options, as well as mobile pick-up and drop-off features.

Cons: Customer service can be lacking if an issue arises. The location is also not open 24/7. 

Phone: (888) 749-8227

Hours: 7 a.m.–1 a.m. (24-hour return available) 

Google Rating: 3.8 stars

Kayak Rating: 8 (Excellent)

Click Here to See the Best Car Rental Deals at Sixt

Comparing the 6 Best Car Rental Companies at Phoenix Airport

Get a quick glimpse of these six best car rental companies so you know which is best for you.

Brand/Rental Provider	Google/Kayak Rating	Types of available vehicles	Budget or Luxury?
National	4.5/8.9	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Mid-range
Alamo	4.4/8.9	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Budget
Enterprise	4.3/8.8	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Luxury
Avis	3.3/7.9	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Mid-range
Hertz	3.4/7.2	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Luxury
Sixt	3.8/8	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Mid-Range

There are, of course, other car rental companies at Phoenix’s airport. Here’s how the remaining six, lesser-ranked car rental companies stand up. 

Brand/Rental Provider	Google/Kayak Rating	Types of available vehicles	Budget or Luxury?
Budget	2.8/6.5	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Budget
Dollar	1.3/7.9	Cars, trucks, SUVs, luxury vehicles	Budget
Fox	1.9/5.3	Cars, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Budget
NU Car Rentals	2.5/5.2	Cars, trucks, SUVs	Budget
Payless	2.4/6.4	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Budget
Thrifty	2.2/7	Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles	Budget

Tips for Renting Cars at the Phoenix Airport 

Think one of the above best car rental companies at Phoenix’s airport might be a good fit for your upcoming travel needs? If so, make sure to follow these tips, so as to guarantee the smoothest rental process possible.

• Make your reservation as soon as possible.

As soon as you book your flight, go ahead and book your rental as well. Rental cars are in short supply at the Phoenix airport and the rental car companies only have a limited number of vehicles available. Accordingly, to ensure you get the type of vehicle you want, at the best price, book in advance.

• Leave extra buffer time in your schedule, especially if you’re in a rush. 

Try to leave at least a little buffer time in your schedule, between your flight arrival and your rental pick-up time, as well as your rental drop-off time and your flight departure time. Afterwards, you’ll be glad you have that extra buffer in the event of any unforeseen delays. Even if there aren’t any delays, the buffer will account for the time needed to take the shuttle between the airport and the rental car center. 

• Can’t find what you’re looking for? Look elsewhere.

If you can’t find the exact rental car you want at Phoenix’s airport, or the exact rental car you want for an agreeable price, look elsewhere. The airport isn’t the only place to rent a car, although it might seem that way occasionally. Generally, you’ll find a range of rental car offices throughout the city, giving you more options. The only downside to renting from one of these other locations is that you’ll need to arrange other transportation from the airport, to the rental car office (if, of course, the rental car office doesn’t offer a shuttle or similar service).

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.