How early should you arrive for airport car rental pickup?

Renting a car at the airport is one of the convenient options, but if you do not plan your arrival as per the pickup schedule, things can get a bit tricky. It is one of the most critical aspects of hiring a vehicle. In fact, one of the most asked queries we get from our customers is “How early should I arrive for airport car rental pickup?”

A quick answer: plan for 30 to 60 minutes after landing for domestic airports and 60 to 90 minutes for international airports.

However, you must understand that the right timing for arrival at the airport depends on several factors, including airport size, location of your supplier, luggage, peak travel hours and how you booked your car (online vs offline). This article clears all such doubts and helps you to start your journey without any confusion.

Why timing matters for Airport car rental pickup

Arriving too early or too late can become a big thing for your overall car hire experience. That means:

If you arrive too early

There are chances that counters may not have your vehicle ready, so ultimately you will have to wait for extra time. Additionally, some suppliers can even charge fees for early pickup.

If you arrive too late

You will have to stand in long lines at counters (in case of the peak seasons or generally if it's a big airport). Vehicle availability issues may even rise, along with the risk of reservation cancellation or 'No Show' (some suppliers give you a grace period of 30 minutes to 2 hours).

Therefore, proper timing helps you in avoiding long queues, getting your selected vehicle and starting your trip faster without any hassle.

Factors that you must consider to decide your Airport car rental pickup time

Airport size and layout

Large airports take longer to navigate. Some rental desks are inside the terminals while others require shuttle buses. In such cases alone, you must plan for an extra 10 to 20 minutes. This is why it is important to check your rental provider’s location in advance, which is clearly stated in the rental voucher.

Baggage claim time

Waiting for your luggage adds extra time to your airport exit. If you are travelling with just a cabin suitcase, you can exit early, whereas checked & oversized luggage requires at least 20 to 30 minutes more.

Therefore, if you have checked luggage, it is always better to plan some extra time before picking up your rental car.

Time of day

During peak season, mainly in holidays, weekends, summers and some busy hours like evening arrivals and business travel hours, i.e., Monday mornings & Friday evenings, you might have to wait for 30 to 45 minutes due to heavy crowd.

Your supplier’s pickup process

Providers have their own pickup process. Some follow the traditional counter system wherein you’ll have to wait in line, complete the paperwork and then the keys will be handed over. This requires at least 20 to 40 minutes.

While some suppliers offer self-service kiosks or skip-the-line services. Through this process, you can checkin online, grab the keys & drive off. This way, you get your vehicle in 5 to 10 minutes after you reach the location.

International travel & customs

International arrivals take longer due to the immigration process, customs checks and sometimes baggage delays. So it is recommended to add at least 60 to 90 minutes after landing before scheduling your pickup.

Common queries

• Do airport car rental companies stay open 24 hours?

  Many airport rental companies operate 24/7, especially at major airports. However, smaller airports may have limited hours. Always check the pickup time and office hours before making a reservation.

• Can someone else pick up the rental car for me?

  The person whose name is as the main driver on the booking must pick up the car and show their ID and credit card. You can add additional drivers during pickup if needed.

• What happens if my flight is delayed?

  Most rental companies track your flight if you add your flight number while booking. They often hold your car for a short time, but if your delay is long, it’s smart to call and inform them.

• Can I pick up my rental car earlier than my reservation time?

  Yes, you usually can if cars are available. However, in some cases, your vehicle may not be ready or you may have to pay an early pickup fee. So it is recommended to stick close to your scheduled time.