Visitors wishing to reach the official website should visit dfwairport.com
Car Rental Services at DFW Airport
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area has one of the largest car rental markets in the United States. In this context, passengers passing through DFW International Airport will find the main companies in the sector at the Rental Car Center, available 24 hours a day.
Car rental booking
FAQs about Car Rental at DFW
How do I get to the Rental Car Center?
The center is not in the terminals. You must follow the "Rental Car" signs on the lower level of your terminal and take the dedicated blue and white shuttle bus. They run every 10-15 minutes, operate 24 hours a day, and the ride takes about 10 minutes.
Which companies are the most reliable?
According to the most recent user experiences, National, Enterprise, and Alamo form the "trust triumvirate," offering the fastest and most transparent processes. National stands out especially for business travelers.
Should I pay tolls with the agency?
Dallas has many toll roads. Agencies usually charge a high daily administrative fee (+ $15/day) plus the cost of the toll. If you have your own tag (NTTA) or can set your GPS to "avoid tolls," you will save money.
Image
AI-generated image
Traveler's Manual: Avoid Scams and Surprise Charges
Renting a car at DFW can be tricky if you're not paying attention. We have detected worrying patterns in certain companies that you should be aware of.
The "Smoking Fee" Scam
Users of Budget and Avis have reported fraudulent charges of between $250 and $450 for "smoke cleaning" days after returning the car, even as non-smokers.
Strategy:
Before handing over the keys, record a slow and detailed video of the car's interior, showing that it is clean and ash-free. If possible, have the employee sign the receipt confirming "No odors/Clean" on the spot.
Fake "Mandatory" Insurance
At counters of "budget" companies like Thrifty, Dollar, or Fox, some agents try to pressure you by saying that agency insurance is "mandatory by Texas law," rejecting your credit card or personal insurance. This is false.
Strategy:
Bring a printed copy of your personal insurance policy or your credit card's coverage letter. Stand firm and politely but confidently reject unwanted extras.
Specific Alert: Fox Rent A Car
This company accumulates reports of hidden mandatory fees and problematic deposit holds. The initial "cheap" price often doubles at the counter.
Strategy:
If you decide to rent with them for the price, read the fine print carefully and be prepared to defend your budget at the counter. If you can, opt for another company to avoid stress.
The rental facility is located at 2424 E. 38th Street, near the south entrance of the airport.
Arriving Passengers: After collecting your baggage, follow the Rental Car signs to the designated pick-up area on the lower level of the terminal. Board the Rental Car shuttle bus. Buses run 24 hours a day, depart every 10-15 minutes, and arrive at the Rental Car Center in approximately 10 minutes.
Departing Passengers: Before boarding, follow signs to return your car at the Rental Car Center. For transport from the facility to your terminal, board the Rental Car shuttle. This service operates 24 hours a day and departs every 10-15 minutes.
The following are the authorized car rental companies serving the airport, along with a summary of user experiences to help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
Advance booking is recommended. Check availability HERE
Car Rental Companies
Advantage
+1 800 777 5500User Experience: Reviews for Advantage at DFW are scarce, but generally point to long wait times and perceived insufficient staffing during peak hours. Some customers have had positive experiences, but others suggest caution and allowing extra time.
Alamo
+1 833 635 0437User Experience: One of the favorites for families and leisure travelers. Stands out for its "Skip the Counter" option, allowing you to go straight to the car if you checked in online. Staff is described as friendly, and the return process is quick with no surprises.
Avis
+1 800 633 3469User Experience: Presents serious operational challenges. Users report wait times of up to 3 hours and issues with charging electric vehicles. Caution: There are multiple reports of smoke cleaning fees ($250+) applied erroneously. Document the car's condition well.
Budget
+1 800 218 7992User Experience: Shares infrastructure and issues with Avis. Lines can be extremely long during peak hours. As with its sister company, there is a red alert for surprise charges for "cigarette smell." Review your final invoice meticulously.
Dollar
+1 866 434 2226User Experience: Mixed to negative reviews. Complaints focus on aggressive pressure to buy unnecessary additional insurance and lack of availability of reserved vehicles. Customer service is inconsistent.
Enterprise
+1 833 635 0439User Experience: Highly recommended. Remains one of the top-rated companies at DFW for professionalism and vehicle quality. Users highlight that even if there is a line, it moves fast, and the treatment is respectful and efficient.
Fox
+1 323 593 7485User Experience: Caution Alert. Although initial prices are low, many users report the final cost doubles due to hidden mandatory fees and forced insurance. There are also complaints about deposit retention and toll charges weeks later.
Hertz
+1 972 453 4600User Experience: Mixed opinions. "President's Circle" members usually have better luck, but general users report long waits and vehicles that are sometimes not clean or smell bad. Double-check fuel and toll charges.
National
+1 833 635 0438User Experience: The star option for business travelers. Its "Emerald Aisle" allows you to choose any car and go, saving a lot of time. Consistently praised for speed and absence of aggressive sales tactics.
Payless
+1 972 456 7939User Experience: Currently has a very low reputation. Users report counters closing early, forcing use of Avis lines (already long), and a limited vehicle fleet. Recommended to avoid if punctuality is important.
Sixt
+1 888 749 8227User Experience: Good option if looking for high-end cars (Mercedes, BMW). Service is generally friendly and efficient, though they are strict with damage inspection. Be sure to check and note any scratches before leaving the lot.
Thrifty
+1 877 283 0898User Experience: Similar to Dollar. Beware of agents falsely claiming certain insurances are mandatory by state law. If you get past that barrier, cars are usually fine, but the counter process can be frustrating.
What to consider before renting a car?
Having a vehicle at your disposal offers comfort and advantages. Although the public transport system covers the city well, there are many places worth visiting and long distances are common.
However, as in any big city, you must take into account that traffic can be intense, especially during rush hours, which can cause gridlock. You must also consider the additional costs involved in renting a car. In addition to the fuel you will have to replenish before returning the vehicle, it is common for major roads and accesses in the metropolitan area to include tolls.
You will need a valid driver's license (either national or international), and it is advisable to rent a car that has comprehensive insurance. Whenever possible, use reputable rental agencies, preferably those with offices at the airport for greater convenience. Also have a GPS handy (if the vehicle does not have its own navigation system).
Remember to respect traffic signs, speed limits, and do not drink alcohol if you are going to drive. US authorities are usually very strict in enforcing rules, and consequently, penalties are usually very severe in case of any infraction.
In downtown areas, try to use private parking lots, especially during business hours, because there is often very little space available. This way you will also avoid receiving unexpected fines.