Need a car for your Phoenix trip? This simple guide helps you pick the best rental company at Phoenix Airport (PHX). Find top choices like Alamo, National, Enterprise, Sixt, Avis, and Hertz for your perfect ride.
Table of Contents
Ready for Phoenix? You’ll Need a Car!
Imagine this: You’re in sunny Phoenix, and you want to see everything – the big city, amazing desert trails, and maybe even a quick trip to a red rock town nearby. To do all that, you really need a car!
Sure, you can call a taxi or use buses, but they don’t give you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. It is not practical or if it is practical then it is not convenient. Think about it again. Having your own car just makes everything easier.
But with so many car rental places, how do you choose? Don’t worry, we’ve done the looking for you. This guide will help you pick the best car rental company in Phoenix so you can have a great trip.
Part 1: Your Best Car Rental Choices in Phoenix
We looked at what makes a good car rental company: happy customers, lots of different cars, easy airport pick-up, clear prices, and good reward programs. Here are the top ones:
Alamo
Why it’s great: People often say Alamo is easy to use, especially if you check in online before you go. They’re often a good deal for families. When I was looking into this, I saw lots of comments from families who liked how quick and easy Alamo made things, especially with kids.
Best for: Saving money, families, quick online check-in.
Insider Tip: Always use their online check-in feature. It genuinely speeds up the process at PHX. You can often choose your specific vehicle within the reserved class, which is a nice perk. Look out for their “Free Express Path” or similar programs for even quicker exits.
National Car Rental
Why it’s great: If you join their free Emerald Club, you can often skip the counter and just pick your car right away from a special section.
Best for: People who rent cars often, business trips, saving time at the airport.
Insider Tip: Join the Emerald Club before your trip. Even if it’s your first time, the benefits are immediate at PHX. Don’t go to the counter; follow the signs for Emerald Aisle once you get to the rental car center. You’ll thank yourself and me for the saved time.
Enterprise
Why it’s great: They are famous for being super helpful with customers. Plus, if you’re not at the airport, they might even pick you up. They also have many different types of cars. I read stories where Enterprise staff really helped people out, even when things went wrong, which shows they care about their customers.
Best for: Great customer service, if you need a pick-up somewhere else, lots of car choices.
Insider Tip: If you’re not picking up at PHX, look for an Enterprise branch near your hotel. Their “We’ll Pick You Up” service (check if available in your specific area) can be incredibly convenient for getting to the rental office.
Sixt
Why it’s great: Sixt often has nicer, newer, or even luxury cars. And sometimes, their prices for these fancier cars are surprisingly good.
Best for: If you want a bit of luxury, or a stylish car.
Insider Tip: Don’t assume Sixt is always more expensive. Always include them in your price comparisons, especially if you’re looking for a mid-size or higher category car. Their deals can sometimes beat traditional “economy” options for a better ride.
Avis
Why it’s great: Avis is a trusted name. They have a good reward program (Avis Preferred) that makes renting faster. They’re a solid choice for many types of travelers. It is very reliable and straightforward choice.
Best for: People who like a trusted company, loyalty program users.
Insider Tip: Like National, if you’re an Avis Preferred member, make sure your reservation is linked to your membership. This will allow you to go straight to your car or to a dedicated kiosk, bypassing the main counter queue at PHX.
Hertz
Why it’s great: Hertz is another very well-known company. Their reward program (Gold Plus Rewards) also helps you get your car faster. They have a big selection of cars.
Best for: People who rent cars often, loyalty program users.
Insider Tip: If you’re considering Hertz, sign up for their Gold Plus Rewards program. It costs nothing and can save you significant time at the PHX rental car center. It’s especially useful during peak travel times when lines can be long.
Part 2 Link of Official Sites
Here are the official website links for each of the car rental companies mentioned:
1. Alamo: https://www.alamo.com/
2. National Car Rental: https://www.nationalcar.com/
3. Enterprise: https://www.enterprise.com/ (Note: Their main corporate site is enterprisemobility.com, but the direct rental site is enterprise.com)
4. Sixt: https://www.sixt.com/
5. Avis: https://www.avis.com/
6. Hertz: https://www.hertz.com/
Part 3: What to Think About When You Rent a Car
It’s not just about picking a company. Here are other things to keep in mind:
1. Price vs. What You Get: Don’t just pick the cheapest car. Look at what’s included (like basic insurance) and how good their service is. Sometimes paying a little more means less hassle.
2. What Kind of Car?
Just staying in the city? A small car (sedan) is fine.
Going on desert adventures or with family? An SUV might be better.
Want to feel the sun? A convertible could be fun.
3. Where to Pick Up: Picking up at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is super easy. Sometimes, places away from the airport are cheaper, but then you have to figure out how to get there.
4. Car Insurance: Check if your own car insurance covers rental cars, or if your credit card does. Then decide if you need to buy more insurance from the rental company.
5. Gas Rules: The “full to full” rule is usually best. This means you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full.
6. How Far Can You Drive? Most airport rentals give you unlimited miles, which is great for exploring. But always check it.
7. Extra Drivers: If someone else will drive, ask if there’s an extra cost or if they need to be on the rental paper.
8. Help on the Road: Ask what happens if you have a flat tire or a problem. Do they offer roadside help?
Part 4: Simple Tips for a Smooth Rental
Here are some smart tips to make your car rental easy:
1. Book Early: Phoenix is popular, especially in spring and fall. Book your car ahead of time to get a good price and make sure you get the car you want. A friend told me that during baseball spring training, rental cars were really hard to find and super expensive if you waited too long.
2. Compare Prices: Look at prices on different websites (like Kayak or Expedia) but also check the rental company’s own website. Sometimes they have special deals.
3. Join Loyalty Programs: They’re usually free to join and can give you perks like faster pick-up.
4. Check the Car First: Before you drive away, walk around the car. Take pictures or a video of any scratches or dents you see. Show them to the rental staff so you don’t get blamed for them later.
5. Toll Roads: Phoenix has some special lanes that cost money to drive on. Ask the rental company how their cars handle these tolls so you don’t get surprised with a bill later.
6. Use Your Phone for Maps: Your phone with Google Maps or Waze is usually the best way to get around. Bring a phone holder for your car.
7. Know Where to Drop Off: Make sure you know exactly where to return the car at the end of your trip and what time.
8. Keep Papers Handy: Keep your rental agreement and the company’s phone number somewhere easy to reach, just in case.
Conclusion
Having the right rental car really makes a big difference for your Phoenix trip. By checking out companies like Alamo, National, Enterprise, Sixt, Avis, and Hertz, and using our simple tips, you can easily find the perfect car.
Share this content:
