Rental car pickup times: How fast can you get on the road?

After a long tiring journey, the last thing you want is to stand behind a long car rental line. Once you have landed or reached the city center, you just wish to get your keys asap & go.

While sometimes you get to drive off within minutes, sometimes you can be stuck behind other people who are also waiting for their vehicles.

Let’s find out what really determines how fast you can get your rental car. Here we have discussed the wait times, common delays & some smart tips to speed up the pickup process, so you know exactly what to expect before your next trip.

What affects rental car pickup time?

There isn’t just one specific reason that decides your pickup speed. It is dependent on so many factors including airport vs city location, time of day, travel season, your reservation type, lines at the counter and whether you use mobile check-in. Considering all such things, you can be out in minutes or wait close to an hour.

Average time to pick up a rental car

Here’s what our most customers experience:

• For online reservations, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes
• Walk-in rental takes 30 minutes to 1 hour
• During holidays or peak months, the pickup time can go from 30 to 60 minutes or even more

Airport rentals vs city locations: Which is faster?

Airport rentals

To be honest, airports are the most convenient locations but sometimes the pickup process can be slower because:

• There are long lines after flight arrivals
• Sometimes multiple flights land at once
• To reach some rental desks, you require shuttle transfers
• Extra ID checks and paperwork

A few airport examples

• Los Angeles International (LAX) requires a shuttle to reach the rental counter. Therefore, your pickup time could be 25 to 45 minutes.
• Orlando International (MCO) has a huge family travel volume, so during peak times, the wait can be around 45 to 60 minutes.
• At Atlanta (ATL), the rental center is connected by the SkyTrain and most of our customers get their vehicle within 15 to 30 minutes.
• At Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), there are shuttle services available so it takes about 20 to 35 minutes to pick up your hired vehicle.

City/Downtown locations

Downtowns or neighbourhood locations are relatively faster. This is because there are smaller offices with fewer customers, ultimately the paperwork process is also quick. You don’t have to wait too long. Most pickups take just 10 to 15 minutes. You should go for such locations if you don’t need the car immediately at the airport.

What happens during rental car pickup?

Given below is a general pickup process. Understanding this beforehand can help you in estimating your pickup time for your next journey!

Step 1: Arrival

If your arrival is at the airport, walk or take a free shuttle to reach the rental desk. For downtown or any other locations, head straight to the office.

Step 2: Verification

You have to show all the important documents like the Driver’s license, IDP, reservation confirmation etc.

Step 3: Paperwork & Options

At the rental desk, the staff may ask you about additional insurance plans, upgrades, add-ons like GPS, child seats, etc. It requires additional paperwork & time.

Step 4: Vehicle Assignment

After clearing all the formalities, you get the keys. Head to the designated parking area & inspect the vehicle before driving off.

What causes rental car delays?

Here are the most common reasons for a long queue at the rental counters:

• You might be traveling during peak season like summer vacations, holidays or on weekends.
• You have not made an online reservation. Walk-ins require extra processing time.
• In case you have not brought complete documents. Paperwork issues like missing ID or incorrect cards slow everything down.
• There are many people who make insurance decisions at the counter. Because of them, the line gets long as understanding all the options on the spot adds minutes.
• Sometimes, at large airports, due to staff shortage problems, you may notice long queues.

How to pick up your rental car faster

• Reserve your vehicle online in advance as pre-booking reduces a significant amount of wait time.
• Try to use mobile check-ins. There are many companies that let you upload a license, add payment and sign digitally.
• Keep your documents like ID, credit card, booking voucher, etc., ready before reaching the rental desk.
• Try to avoid pickups on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons as these are the busiest times because of business travelers and weekend vacationers.
• If possible, you can choose an off-airport location to skip the line for car rental.

Common queries

• How long does it usually take to pick up a rental car at the airport?

  Pickup times at airports typically range from 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the time of day, season & line at the counter. During holidays or peak travel periods, it can take up to an hour or more, especially at busy airports like MCO, LAX or ATL.

• Is it faster to rent a car at a city location instead of the airport?

  Yes, neighborhood or downtown locations are often much faster because they have shorter lines and fewer customers.

• Can I skip the counter when picking up my rental car?

  Yes, many rental car companies allow you to skip the counter. Some offer online or mobile check-in, while some provide self-service kiosks at the rental location. These options let you verify your details, sign paperwork digitally & head straight to your vehicle without interacting with any agent, helping you save time and avoid long lines. For accurate details, refer to your booking voucher.

• What is the fastest way to pick up a rental car?

  The fastest method to pick up a rental car is by booking online, completing mobile check-in or joining a loyalty program (there are a few suppliers that offer such privileges). In most cases, you are allowed counter bypass. You can go straight to the parking lot and leave in under 5–10 minutes without waiting in line.

• How early should I arrive to pick up my rental car after landing?

  Select your pickup time prior to your flight’s landing time. Plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour after landing at most airports. This gives you time for baggage claim, restroom breaks & shuttle transfers to the rental desk. At larger airports like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or LAX, shuttles alone can take 5 to 10 minutes.

• Will my rental car be held if my flight is delayed?

  Most rental companies monitor flight arrivals (if you have given them your flight details) and give you a grace period after your scheduled pickup time. Providing your flight number during booking is helpful in such situations.

• Does adding extras like child seats or GPS increase pickup time?

  Yes, requesting add-ons such as child seats, GPS units or additional drivers at the rental counter can add extra processing time. These items require paperwork and sometimes vehicle setup, which may add 5 to 15 extra minutes.