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Phoenix Airport Car Rental (PHX)

Every major brand is at Sky Harbor's Rental Car Center, reached by the free PHX Sky Train from the terminals.

Where do you pick up a rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor?

At the PHX Rental Car Center. Take the free PHX Sky Train from your terminal to the Rental Car Center station, where all the major rental companies have counters and cars.

Last reviewed . Rules vary by rental company — check your rental terms before you book.

Picking up your rental car at PHX

Follow the PHX Sky Train signs from baggage claim and ride to the Rental Car Center station.

Counters and cars are in the same facility.

Terminal layouts and shuttle stops change. For the latest pickup directions, check the official Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport website or your booking confirmation.

Returning your car at PHX

Follow the Rental Car Return signs to the Rental Car Center.

Take the Sky Train back to your terminal. Allow extra time on the way back: refuel, return the car, have it checked in, then ride back to the terminal before check-in and security.

Rental companies at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Major brands that operate at this airport. Availability and prices change by date — the search shows the live list for your trip.

BudgetEnterpriseAlamoNationalDollarThrifty

Airport or off-airport pickup?

Scottsdale and Tempe branches avoid airport fees for longer stays. Phoenix–Mesa Gateway (AZA) serves some low-cost airlines.

Leaving PHX: routes, tolls and traffic

No toll roads
Arizona has no toll roads, so you can skip the toll program.
Heat
In summer, turn on the AC and let the car cool before driving, and use a sunshade when parked.

Which car to rent at PHX

Rental requirements

  • A valid driver's license, held for at least a year at most companies. Visitors can usually rent on their home license; if it isn't in English, carry an International Driving Permit or official translation alongside it.
  • Minimum age is 21 at most major companies, and drivers under 25 pay a daily young-driver surcharge. New York and Michigan require companies to rent to drivers from 18, with surcharges.
  • A credit card in the main driver's name. Some locations accept debit cards with extra checks — often a return travel itinerary at airports, a larger deposit or a credit check.
  • International renters should also bring a passport.

More detail: What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car? · What Is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in the USA? · Can You Rent a Car With a Debit Card? Rules & Tips · International Driving Permit (IDP) — Do You Need One and How to Get It

Insurance and deposit

  • Collision and loss damage waivers (CDW/LDW) are optional. Before you accept one at the counter, check whether your own auto policy or a credit card benefit already covers rental cars — many do, with conditions.
  • Liability cover varies by state and company. Supplemental liability (SLI) raises the limit and is worth considering if you don't have a personal auto policy, including as an international visitor.
  • A security deposit is held on your card at pickup and released after the car is returned and checked. It can take several business days to disappear from your statement, and holds are larger on debit cards and premium cars.

More detail: Do You Need Insurance to Rent a Car? · What Is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)? · How Much Is a Rental Car Deposit? How Holds Work

Fuel policy and additional fees

  • Full-to-full is usually the cheapest fuel policy: you collect the car full and return it full. Prepaid fuel only saves money if you return the tank nearly empty, and refueling charges on a car returned short are well above pump prices.
  • Airport rentals include airport concession recovery fees and facility charges on top of the rate. State and local rental taxes apply everywhere.
  • Other common extras: additional-driver fees, young-driver surcharges, toll-program charges, one-way drop fees, child seats and late-return charges. Read the rental terms before you pay so you know which charges are included and which are added at the counter.

More detail: Car Rental Fuel Policies Explained — Which One Should You Choose? · Hidden Car Rental Fees — The Complete Guide to What to Watch Out For · How are tolls and traffic fines handled? · Can someone else drive the car?

PHX car rental guides

FAQ

PHX Car Rental — FAQs

Everything you need to know about renting a car

Compare car rental prices at PHX

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