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Picking up a rental car at the airport is very convenient for those arriving by plane, but the benefits go beyond that. Airport locations usually offer a wider selection and greater availability of vehicles, which is especially important if you plan to travel during peak season. In addition, many airport rental offices operate 24 hours a day, making it easier to pick up or return your vehicle during off-hours — such as late-night or early-morning flights.

Rental car offices can be located inside the airport terminal, usually right after baggage claim, or in nearby off-site areas. This second option is common at large airports, like Los Angeles International (LAX) or Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, where there are dedicated car rental centers. When the rental location is off-site, the rental company (or even the airport) provides a free shuttle service to take customers comfortably to the rental desk. Once you arrive, the pick-up process is exactly the same. To find out whether your rental desk is located inside or outside the terminal, check your reservation to see if it mentions in-terminal pick-up or shuttle service to the location.

A shuttle is a free transportation service offered by the rental company (or the airport) when the rental location is outside the terminal or too far to reach on foot. These vehicles usually run frequently, with travel times ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the airport. Even if the rental facility is close, a shuttle may still be necessary since internal airport buses may not reach that specific area. Don’t worry — the service is simple to use. All you have to do is follow the signs at the airport.

At most major international airports, rental companies operate with extended hours or 24/7 service, keeping up with flights that arrive or depart at any time — including overnight. At regional or smaller airports, opening hours may be more limited, typically from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., for example. That’s why it’s always important to check the operating hours of your chosen rental office when making a reservation, especially if your flight falls outside regular business hours.