Phoenix Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Phoenix

Renting a car in Phoenix offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your needs, whether you are travelling with family or on a business trip. Phoenix boasts several key attractions, including Camelback Mountain, ideal for outdoor adventures, and Tempe Town Lake, perfect for scenic and romantic experiences. A car allows you to conveniently visit other popular destinations such as Mesa, which features the Mesa Arts Center and the Desert Botanical Garden, or Scottsdale, known for the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Tempe also offers attractions like Camelback Mountain and the Desert Botanical Garden. Having your own vehicle means you won't rely on public transport, making it easier to enjoy the diverse experiences Phoenix has to offer, from city sights to nature excursions. With so much to see within a short drive, a rental car is a practical choice for making the most of your trip to Phoenix and its vicinity.

Most popular car rentals in Phoenix

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers a great balance of space and manoeuvrability, making it perfect for navigating both urban and rural areas around Phoenix. With comfortable seating and ample luggage capacity, it allows you to explore the region at your own pace while keeping your belongings secure.
• Fullsize: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases—ideal for families and groups. The fullsize vehicle provides extra room for passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone. This option is excellent for longer journeys or when travelling with additional gear, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore the attractions in and around Phoenix.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV offers a versatile option for those wanting a bit of extra space without the bulk of larger vehicles. Its design makes it suitable for both city driving and outdoor adventures, allowing you to enjoy the flexibility that comes with renting a vehicle in Phoenix.

Top rated car suppliers in Phoenix

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a top choice among travellers in Phoenix, boasting two rental locations in the area. Known for its friendly service, Alamo offers a seamless rental experience with clean vehicles and minimal wait times. Most customers opt for the Midsize SUV and Fullsize options, making it a reliable choice for those looking to explore Phoenix comfortably. With an overall rating of 8.4 out of 10, Alamo stands out for its dedication to customer satisfaction.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental features over five locations in and around Phoenix, providing ample options for travellers. This supplier is popular for its extensive fleet, particularly the Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles, which cater to various needs. The convenience of multiple rental locations combined with positive experiences makes Thrifty a solid option for those wishing to navigate the city and its surroundings with ease.
• Fox Rental Cars: With one rental location in Phoenix, Fox Rental Cars offers a focused selection for customers seeking quality vehicles. Known for its Midsize SUV and Fullsize SUV options, Fox caters to those looking for comfort and space during their travels. While it has a more limited presence compared to others, Fox is dedicated to providing a satisfactory rental experience, making it a viable choice for visitors exploring the Phoenix area.

Where to stay in Phoenix

• Scottsdale: Located in the heart of Phoenix, Scottsdale offers a vibrant city-themed experience ideal for families and business travellers alike. Visitors can enjoy the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West for a cultural holiday, and explore Camelback Mountain for stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Tempe Town Lake is also nearby, perfect for romance or outdoor activities. With shopping malls and numerous dining options, Scottsdale is a great base for exploring the area.
• Mesa: Mesa is a fantastic destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, situated conveniently in the Phoenix vicinity. The Mesa Arts Center provides a cultural escape, while the Desert Botanical Garden is perfect for those looking to enjoy nature. Tempe Town Lake offers scenic views and romantic spots. With its shopping centres and golf venues, Mesa presents a balanced mix of activities for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
• Paradise Valley: Nestled near Phoenix, Paradise Valley is known for its luxurious city-themed offerings and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Franciscan Renewal Center for a cultural experience, or enjoy the adventures at Camelback Mountain. Tempe Town Lake is again a nearby highlight for outdoor activities. With ample shopping options and excellent dining experiences, Paradise Valley serves as a tranquil yet accessible escape in the region.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Phoenix

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, use Expedia’s filters to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you prevent unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind should any unforeseen events occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a simple process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid any additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Phoenix

The best value period to rent a car in and around Phoenix is July, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. June also offers a good option, with similarly low demand and pricing. Following this, prices and demand are average from August to September, making it another reasonable choice. However, October tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and steady demand, while November continues this trend with moderately high prices and demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	58.6°F (14.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
March	66.0°F (18.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
April	74.5°F (23.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
May	82.0°F (27.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	92.3°F (33.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
July	95.7°F (35.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
August	94.8°F (34.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
September	89.8°F (32.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	77.7°F (25.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average