How to Find the Car Rental Counter at Airports

• The majority of rental counters can be found in the airport and can often be located by signs, maps or asking for assistance.
• Some rental counters aren’t in the airport, but can be reached by walking or by using a shuttle service.
• Other rental counters may use a ‘Meet and Greet’ service where a representative will meet you.

Finding your way around the airport can be tricky and tiring, especially when you need to find the car rental counter in a busy terminal after a long flight. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to provide you with all the information you need to locate the car rental counter quickly. We'll cover standard procedures for finding the counter within the airport, what to do if the counter is outside the terminal, and how to handle meet and greet services.

Finding the rental counter at the airport

Upon arriving at an airport, locating the car rental counter is often the first step in beginning your journey. Most airports are well equipped with signage and facilities to guide you, but knowing what to look for can save you valuable time.

Common signs and directions

Airports typically use standardized signage to direct passengers to essential services, including car rentals.

Look for signs as soon as you exit the secured area, which is often near the baggage claim . These signs usually feature a car icon or the names of various car rental companies.

You can follow the overhead directional signs throughout the terminal, which will lead you to the car rental area. These may be grouped with other ground transportation options like buses and taxis.

Using airport maps and apps

Airport maps are usually available at information kiosks, in printed brochures, or displayed on walls throughout the terminal. They offer a detailed layout of the airport’s facilities, including car rental counters. Additionally, you could download the airport’s official app if available or visit their website before your trip. Both will include information on where to locate rental counters.

Asking for assistance

If signage or digital resources still need to be clarified, just ask the airport staff for help. Employees generally know the layout and can provide direct instructions on finding the car rental counter. If you can’t see any staff around you, locate the nearest information desk. These desks can offer personalized guidance and sometimes provide maps or written directions.

What to do when the counter isn’t inside the airport terminal

At some airports, especially larger or international ones, car rental counters might be situated outside the main terminal buildings. This could be due to space constraints or organizational policies.

If you find that the rental counter is not within the terminal, here are the most common options to get you on the right track:

Make use of free shuttle services

Many airports provide shuttle services to external car rental facilities. To ensure a stress-free shuttle ride, consider the following points:

• Locate shuttle pick-up points: These are often clearly marked near other ground transportation services and may have signs indicating "Rental Car Shuttle" or similar wording.
• Understand shuttle schedules: Shuttles usually run at regular intervals, often every 5 to 15 minutes, but this can vary depending on the airport and time of day. Checking this in advance can help you manage your time effectively.
• Board the correct shuttle: Make sure the shuttle you board is heading to the correct car rental facility, as some airports service multiple rental companies with different shuttles.

Make your way by foot

Walking may be a feasible option if the rental facility is close enough. Airports that accommodate walking to rental facilities typically feature marked pedestrian paths designed for safety and convenience, which guide you directly to the car rental location. As you make your way, you should watch out for additional signage, ensuring you stay on the correct path and reach the rental facilities without any issues.

Handling ‘Meet & Greet’ services

At some smaller or regional airports, you might find that the car rental company doesn’t have a physical counter inside the terminal. Instead, they offer a 'Meet & Greet' service, where a representative from the rental company meets you upon arrival. This service simplifies the car rental process by providing a personalized hand-off of the rental vehicle.

Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at a predetermined location, often in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with either your name or the rental company’s logo. This service is particularly useful in airports where rental facilities are not immediately adjacent to the terminal or are challenging to locate.

Finding your contact

To make sure your meet and greet is as seamless as possible, be sure to do the following:

• Confirm details before arrival: before you travel, confirm the meeting details with the rental company. Make sure you have the representative’s name, contact information, and any distinctive signs they might use to identify themselves.
• Identify typical meeting points: familiarize yourself with the airport’s layout and the usual meeting points for such services, which are usually at the arrivals gate or a designated waiting area in the baggage claim section.
• Stay in touch: keep your phone handy and turned on after landing to receive updates or instructions from the rental representative, especially if the meeting point changes or there are delays.