Planning a trip to Houston? If you’re looking to rent a car, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll provide a complete guide to car rental at Houston International Airport (IAH).
We’ll cover everything from the different car rental companies that operate at IAH to how to get to the rental car center from the airport terminals. We’ll also give you some tips for saving money on your car rental.
The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston Airport) car rental Center is Located at 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston, TX 77032, and is open 24/7. Alamo Rent A Car, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National Car Rental, and Thrifty, operate at the airport and are located at the car rental center.
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My top 6 Rental Car companies at Houston airport.
I’ve tried several car rental companies, and here are my recommendations:
- Sixt Rental Cars is a great option for car rental. Sixt is my favorite because they have the best customer service and always have the car I want ready for me. I love their SUVs, but they also have great economy cars, luxury cars, and vans. Their prices are competitive, and their staff is friendly and helpful. I’ve rented from Sixt several times and have always had a good experience, and I’m sure you will too. Check Sixt Car Rental’s best deals.
- 3.8 Stars, 1,175 Google reviews
- Sixt: opening time 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Call 888-749-8227 to Contact Sixt Car Rental.
- National Car Rental: I’ve rented from National several times and have always been happy with their service. They have many cars to choose from, and their prices are competitive. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Check National Car Rental’s best deals.
- 4.4 Stars, 2,563 Google reviews
- National: opening time 6 am to 11:59 pm
- Call 833-511-1745 to Contact National Car Rental
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise is another excellent option. They have a large fleet of cars, and their prices are very reasonable. They also offer a variety of discounts and promotions. We had family from out of town, and they had a fantastic Chevrolet Suburban ready for us, which was terrific. Check out Enterprises cars.
- 4.3 Stars 3,622 Google reviews
- Enterprise: opening times are 7 am-11:59 pm
- Call +1 833-628-9676 to Contact Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Alamo Rent-A-Car is a good choice for travelers seeking a more affordable option. They offer a variety of car classes, and their prices are typically lower than other car rental companies in Houston Airport. Alamo Rent A Car car rental at Houston. Check out, Alamo.
- Alamo: Opening times 24/7.
- Call +1 833-511-1743 to Contact Alamo Rent-A-Car.
- Hertz is a well-known car rental company that offers a variety of car classes and amenities. They have a large fleet of cars, so you’ll find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Hertz is also a good option for travelers looking for rewards programs. Hertz car rental at Houston airport Check out, Hertz.
- 3.5 Stars, 1,556 Google reviews
- Hertz: Opening Times 6 am to 11 pm.
- Call 281-209-6700 to Contact Hertz.
- Avis is a good car rental company because it offers a variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, SUVs, minivans, luxury cars, and even trucks, but their vehicles are top-of-the-line. Avis is a good choice for travelers seeking a luxurious car rental experience. Avis car rental at Houston Airport. Check out what vehicles Avis has ready for you.
- 3.5 Stars 1,837 Google reviews
- Avis: is open 24/7
- Call (1) 281-443-5800 to Contact Avis.
Ultimately, the best car rental company for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the most important factors to you, such as price, car class, amenities, and rewards programs. Then, compare the different companies to find the best one for you.
Compare the different Car Rental companies to find the best one below.
How do I get to the rental car center at Houston Airport?
The IAH Shuttle is a free Bus between the main terminal and the Rental Car Center. It’s the most convenient way to get to the Rental Car Center, and it only takes about 2 minutes.
If you’re arriving on a flight from outside the United States, you must first take the IAH Shuttle to the Central Terminal. Then, you can transfer to the IAH Shuttle that goes to the Rental Car Center.
You can take a Taxi: Taxis are available at all terminals. The fare to the Rental Car Center is typically around $15. A cheaper option is Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, also available at all terminals. The fare to the Rental Car Center is typically around $10.

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Is there a rental car shuttle at Houston Airport?
Yes, there is a rental car shuttle at Houston Airport. The shuttle departs every 5 minutes from the outside Baggage Claim/Arrivals, Terminals A, B, and C between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and every 10 minutes between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The shuttle ride to the rental car center takes about 5 minutes.
The shuttle is free to use and is accessible to all passengers, regardless of which rental car company they are using. The shuttle stops at the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, located just a short distance from the airport terminals.
Here are the steps on how to get to the rental car shuttle at Houston Airport:
- Follow the signs to “Ground Transportation” after you exit the baggage claim.
- Look for the “Rental Car Shuttles” signs.
- The blue and white shuttle buses are marked “Rental Car Shuttle.”
- Board the shuttle bus that is going to the Consolidated Rental Car Facility.
- The shuttle will drop you off at the rental car center.
Here are the hours of operation for the IAH Shuttle:
The IAH Shuttle operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at Houston International Airport. It departs every 5 minutes from the outside Baggage Claim/Arrivals, Terminals A, B, and C, between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and every 10 minutes between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The shuttle ride to the rental car center takes about 5 minutes.,. The IAH Shuttle connects the Terminals with the Houston Car Rental Center. It’s a great way to get around the airport quickly and easily.
How late can you pick up a rental car at Houston Airport?
The hours of operation for the rental car center at Houston International Airport (IAH) vary depending on the rental car company. However, most companies are open until 2 am. Some companies, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, are available 24 hours a day.
Here are the rental car companies that operate at IAH and their hours of operation:
- Alamo: is open 06:00 am – 11:59 pm. Call +1833-511-17437 to Contact them.
- Avis: is open 24/7 281-443-5800 to Contact them
- Budget: Sun-Sat 5:00 am – 1:00 am. Call (1) 305-876-1820 to Contact them.
- Dollar: 7 am -12 am. Call 281-449-0145 to Contact them.
- Enterprise: 6 am-12 am. Call +1 833-628-9676 to Contact them.
- Hertz: 6 am – 011pm. Call 281-209-6700 to Contact them.
- National: 6 am-11:59 am Call +1 833-511-1745 to Contact them
- Thrifty: 7 am-11 pm. Call (877) 283-0898 to Contact them.
- Sixt: 5 a.m. – 12 a.m. call 888-749-8227 to contact them
Compare the different Car Rental companies to find the best one below.

Here are the steps on how to return a car at Houston Airport:
- Check your rental agreement. Ensure you know the exact location of the rental car return lot, the hours of operation, and any special instructions.
- Fuel the car. If you are required to return the car with a full tank of gas, you can do this yourself or have the rental company do it for you.
- Clean the car. Make sure the car is clean inside and out. If you have any trash or personal belongings in the car, remove them.
- Return the car to the rental car return lot. If you are returning the car to a different location than where you picked it up, follow the signs to the correct lot.
- Go to the rental car return counter. At the counter, you may need to present your rental agreement and driver’s license. You will also need to pay any outstanding charges, such as fuel or late fees.
- Get your rental agreement stamped. Once you have paid all of your charges, the rental agent will stamp your rental agreement. This is your proof of return.
- You can then leave the Rental Car Center and head to your terminal.
Here are some additional tips for returning your car at Houston Airport:
- Allow plenty of time to return your car. The Rental Car Center can get busy, especially during peak travel times.
- Following your rental car company’s instructions if you return your car after hours. Some companies have after-hours drop-off locations, while others require you to leave the keys in a designated box.
- Be sure to scrutinize the car before you return it. If you see any damage, report it to the agent immediately.
Saving Money on Your Car Rental at Houston Airport
- Book your car rental in advance. This will give you more time to compare prices and find the best deal. You can use a website like Kayak or Expedia to compare prices from car rental companies.
- Consider renting a car during the off-season. This is when car rental rates are typically lower. For example, Houston is a popular tourist destination during winter, so car rental rates will be higher if you can. Try to rent a car during the summer or fall months when rates are typically lower.
- Be flexible with your pick-up and drop-off times. You can save money by picking up your car in the morning or late at night. Car rental companies typically charge higher rates for pick-up and drop-off during peak hours.
- Join a car rental loyalty program. This can give you access to discounts and other perks. For example, many car rental loyalty programs offer free upgrades or waived fees.
- Consider renting a car from an off-airport location. Off-airport car rental locations are typically cheaper than on-airport car rental locations. However, it would help if you took a shuttle bus to get to the rental office.
- Read the fine print before you book your car rental. Be sure to understand all of the terms and conditions of your rental agreement, including the cancellation policy and any additional fees that may apply.
Here are some additional tips that you can follow to save money on your car rental at Houston Airport:
- Use a credit card that offers travel rewards. Many credit cards offer points or miles that can be redeemed for car rentals. This can help you save money on car rental, especially if you rent cars frequently.
- Check with your insurance company to see if they offer rental car insurance. Many insurance companies offer rental car insurance as part of their policies. This can save you money on the insurance that you purchase from the car rental company.
- Be sure to inspect the car carefully before you drive it away. Please take note of any existing damage to the vehicle so that you are not responsible for it when you return the vehicle.
What are the different types of airport car rental places?
There are two main types of airport car rental places: on-airport and off-airport. On-airport car rental places are located directly at the airport, while off-airport car rental places are located a short distance away from the airport.
What are the pros and cons of on-airport and off-airport car rental places?
On-airport car rental places are more convenient, as you can pick up and drop off your car at the airport. However, they are also typically more expensive than off-airport car rental places. Off-airport car rental places are less convenient, as you must take a shuttle bus to the rental office. However, they are often much cheaper than on-airport car rental places.
What are the different factors that affect the cost of a car rental?
The cost of car rental can vary depending on several factors, including the type of car you rent, the length of your rental, and the time of year you rent. Other factors that can affect the cost of car rental include your age, your driving record, and whether you have any insurance.
What are the different fees that I may be charged for car rental?
In addition to the rental price, you may also be charged for several other fees, including fuel charges, airport fees, and drop-off fees. Fuel charges are typically based on the fuel the car has when you return it, and the airport charges airport fees for the privilege of renting a car there. Drop-off fees are charged if you return the vehicle to a different location than where you picked it up.
We have provided a comprehensive guide to car rental at Houston Airport. We have covered everything from getting to the rental car center to saving money on your rental. This information will help you plan your next car rental at Houston Airport.
Here are some of the key points to remember:
- The Houston Airport car rental center is at 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston, TX, 77032.
- The IAH Shuttle is a free bus between terminals and the rental car center. It departs every 5 minutes from the outside Baggage Claim/Arrivals, Terminals A, B, and C between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and every 10 minutes between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- The hours of operation for the rental car center vary depending on the rental car company. However, most companies are open until 2 a.m.
- There are two main types of airport car rental places: on-airport and off-airport. On-airport car rental places are located directly at the airport, while off-airport car rental places are located a short distance away from the airport.
- The cost of car rental can vary depending on several factors, including the type of car you rent, the length of your rental, and the time of year you rent.
- In addition to the rental price, you may also be charged for several other fees, including fuel charges, airport fees, and drop-off fees.