Renting a Car at the Airport vs. Downtown Locations

For any tourist arriving in a new city, convenience often comes to the fore in considerations and the same can be said for car hire. Renting at an airport vs. downtown can make all the difference between a positive and less-than-positive travel experience during your journeys. On our blog today, we share with you the pros and cons of each option.

Renting a Car at the Airport vs. Downtown

There are a number of advantages for each option in the choice between renting a car at the airport or from a downtown location. While Airport rentals offer unmatched convenience, allowing you to pick up your vehicle immediately after landing, which is especially beneficial for travelers with very busy schedules, downtown rental locations may offer better prices and local information. Let's discuss those advantages in detail.

Advantages of Renting a Car at Airport

1.  Convenience in Your Lap

The biggest advantage of car rental companies at an airport would be the convenience factor. After traveling by air for hours, you don't even wish to pass through the normal city road going into the office for the car rental. With the airport car rentals, one is immediately at hand, thus hitting the road sooner.

2.  Available at Odd Hours

Most airport rental services stay open later to support travelers whose flights come in in the late evening or early morning. This means you're also less likely to suffer from an inability to find an open rental service, regardless of your trip's scheduling.

3.  Numerous options

Airports typically have numerous on-site rental companies, so you have the option of many different vehicles. You may find a compact car, an SUV, or perhaps something luxurious. The choices are endless and readily available at your arrival terminal.

Advantages of Renting a Car at Downtown

1. Potential Cost Savings

Another advantage of getting into downtown locations is that you get this at a more reasonable price compared to others, which would save you some amount of money, where you might use it on something else during your travel.

2. Local Tips

Renting from a downtown location can also enable one to connect with the locals and/or the staff who often possess tips or insights on places to visit. Thus, one would, in turn, be directed to the best local attractions or restaurants, perhaps hidden gems that are less seen on typical tourist radar.

3. Less Traffic and Hassle

In some cities, areas around airports can get very congested and confusing at times, especially when trying to get to or away from your destination at peak travel times. An advantage of renting a car downtown is that you can avoid the congestion that sometimes occurs when picking up your vehicle. This can give you a jump-start on a more pleasant journey.

Also Read: Essential Things to Know Before Renting a Car

Things to Consider Before Renting a Car

Location Counts

Consider where you will be spending most of your time. If you're sticking around town,  downtown rental may be more convenient. Conversely, if you're flying out to another place, the convenience of saving time by flying out of an airport location may be the best choice.

Transportation Expenses Over and Above Rent

If you are renting from the city center, then you should consider the cost of getting to the downtown area. Taxis, rideshare, or public transport will add both time and money to your total travel costs.

Time of Day

Check out your times of arrival and departure for flights. If one is to arrive late at night or leave early in the morning, then downtown airport rentals would be the most logical choice in case of any last-minute scrambles.

Conclusion

It really depends on your needs, budget, and travel arrangements, but at Simba Car Hire, we are more flexible in offering options that best suit you—whether you prefer convenient access to the airport or the potential savings of a downtown location.

No matter where you decide to pick up your rental, our team will do their best so that your journey is as smooth as possible and as fun as it can be. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you on the road!