Rental car pick up at the airport: What to consider?

Pick up possibilities at the airport 

• Desk in terminal/Desk outside terminal on airport grounds:

Some car rental companies have their counter or a desk located in the airport building or on the airport grounds, all within walking distance. Therefore, rather than walking off-site to pick up your car, you can go to the car rental company's desk or counter directly after your arrival.

The companies that have their rental desks inside the terminal are generally located close to the arrival hall while the ones outside are located within a car rental area, often a parking lot (e.g. 3 min walk). If you have trouble finding your car rental company, just ask the local airport staff.

• Meet & Greet:

It is a service provided, where a representative will meet you at a designated location, to hand over the keys and paperwork for your rental car. This service is designed to provide a more personalized and convenient rental experience, as you don't have to navigate to the rental car facility or wait in line at the counter to pick up your vehicle. 

• Shuttle bus/Shuttle service:

Some car rental stations are located off-site and hence not easily accessible from the airport. A free shuttle bus will take you from the airport to the rental car station where you can pick up your car. During business hours, the buses run approximately every 10  to 15 minutes. However, depending on the destination, time of day, or season, the shuttle service may be available on-call only. You can also find the relevant information as well as the car rental´s phone number on your rental car voucher.

What are the advantages of picking up a rental car at the airport?

If you book an airport pick-up for your rental car, you will benefit from several advantages:

• Immediate mobility upon arrival at your destination
• Longer and more flexible business hours
• A larger vehicle fleet provides a better chance of getting the vehicle you want

Are there any additional costs when picking up the rental car at the airport?

Additional costs such as airport tax, which is already included in the rate price, apply when you pick up your rental car at the airport and add extra services such as child seats, navigation devices, etc. as well as picking up or returning your rental car outside business hours. These additional services are to be paid at the local rental desk and the car rental company will add the airport tax to the invoice.

Where to find the car rental company?

Usually, you will find information about the car rental desks on the way from the baggage claim to the exit. Your rental car voucher usually indicates the pick up type, by means of “desk in terminal”, “meet & greet” or e.g. shuttle transfer. However, especially at large airports, the search for the desired car rental company can take a little longer - either because the stations are not well signposted or because another partner company represents your car rental company on site.

Hint: If you have trouble finding your car rental company, just ask the local airport staff. Furthermore, you have the possibility to contact the rental car company via phone, the phone number is mentioned on your rental car voucher.

How much time is needed to collect a car at the airport?

We recommend that you allow at least 60 minutes between arrival and pick up to avoid complications. During the vacation season and at peak times, there may also be longer queues at rental car desks. You will need to exercise some patience at popular destinations. If you have booked a shuttle service, you may have to wait 10 to 15 minutes in the parking lot and drive to the rental car station. 

What to do in case of a flight delay?

When you pick up your rental car at the airport, you should provide your flight number to avoid complications. This allows the rental company to be notified of delays. 

Attention: Although the car rental company can view your flight details, you are still obliged to inform them about delays immediately.

Rental car companies are not legally required to reserve your rental car until you are at the airport or to reimburse you for the unused time. However, most car rental companies accept a delay of up to 30 minutes, if your flight is delayed. If your arrival is delayed and it is outside of business hours as a result, additional charges may apply. The amount varies according to the provider and the services required. Please note that as an intermediary, HAPPYCAR cannot give any guarantee regarding availability in case of delayed flights.