Las Vegas Car Rentals – Tips and What to Expect

Finding deals on Las Vegas car rentals is easier that you think!

Rent a car in Las Vegas if you want the freedom to drive yourself around or if you plan on exploring outside the city during your stay. One of the best perks of staying in a Las Vegas hotel is that parking is free at the hotels parking lots.

If you plan on driving along the Vegas Strip, remember traffic is heavy and it can take up to twenty minutes to reach a destination that would be a few minutes away without traffic.

The typical car rental options are available (economy, mid-size, full-size, etc.); however, if you’re feeling adventurous or want to travel in style, did you know that you can rent a motorcycle or luxury sports car? The rental price will depend on the type of car you rent.

Las Vegas Car Rental Tips

Compare Rates between Car Rental Companies Online

Car rental companies that are known for their low rates might not always be the best deal. It is easy to compare car rental rates when you book your car online. Web sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz allow you to search for the best rental car deals available by city or airport location. Make sure fees and taxes are included when comparing costs.

You can also set your price if you are not picky about the particular Las Vegas rental car you drive or the company you rent from. Web sites such as Priceline and Hotwire offer great discounts if you are willing to be locked into a price before finding out which car rental chain will be providing the car. Well-known companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Hertz offer cars through Priceline and Hotwire.

Note: Although you don’t know the specific car, you do know the car class.

Check out individual Las Vegas rental car company websites for sales and discounts. Many times, online quotes are lower than rates received when making a reservation over the phone.

Look beyond the national car rental chains. To search for rental car deals from independent car rental agencies and smaller chains, check out Carrentalexpress.com. This website allows you to search for rental car deals by city and airport.

Book Your Car Early

Book your Las Vegas car rental as soon as you know your vacation dates. Renting a car at the last minute could result in paying much higher rates and the vehicles available to choose from could be limited.

If a better deal comes along, you can cancel your original reservations and take the deal. Just make there are no penalties for canceling the reservation.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Wholesale membership clubs, automobile clubs, insurance companies, and organization memberships offer car rental discounts. If you belong to AAA, AARP, or Costco, be sure to check for discounts on car rentals.

Get Deals on Weekend and Weekly Rates

Did you know that some Las Vegas rental car companies offer lower rates on the weekends, up to fifty percent lower than the daily rates offered during the week? If you are flexible, you might get a better deal leaving on the weekend.

You should also check for specials on weekly rates. Renting a car for five days (paying the daily rate times five) could cost you more that the weekly car rental rate.

Rent from an Off-Airport Location

Car rental rates at airports are higher than off-airport locations. Check for deals at Las Vegas car rental agencies that are located near where you will be staying. You should then factor in how much it will cost to travel by taxi or bus to pick up and drop off your car at the rental agency. Make sure it’s worth it since this is your vacation!

McCarran Airport Rent-A-Car Center – What to Expect

The McCarran Rent-A-Car Center is open 24 four hours and is located three miles from the airport (approximately 8 minutes). Check the McCarran airport website for advisory notices regarding potential delays due to construction or roadwork that is in process.

When you arrive at the Baggage Claim area, there are signs that direct you to the shuttles that will take you to the rental car companies. When you arrive at the Rent-A-Car Center, you can pick up your car if it was reserved ahead of time, or you can rent a car upon arrival. Keep in mind that lines can be long if you’re are picking up or dropping off your car at a busy time of the day.