Car Rental Abilene, TX

FAQs

What documentation do I need to access Dyess Air Force Base with my rental car?
To visit Dyess AFB, you need a valid, REAL ID–compliant photo ID from the government or a passport. If you are not in the military, you must get a visitor pass from the Visitor Control Center near the main gate. The staff may ask to see the vehicle registration and insurance papers that the rental company provides. To learn the most current entry rules, you should check the Dyess AFB website or call the Visitor Control Center before you visit.

What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Abilene area?
A standard sedan is fine for most Abilene attractions and for driving in the city. If you plan trips to more rural spots like Buffalo Gap Historic Village, Abilene State Park or ranches in the area, a small SUV might be more comfortable on roads that are sometimes rough. You won't need four-wheel drive for most visitor activities, but it could be helpful in rare cases of bad weather.

Is it better to rent a car at Abilene Regional Airport or from a city location?
If you're flying into Abilene, renting at the airport is convenient and worth the slightly higher cost. If you arrive another way or plan to stay for several days, locations in the city usually have lower rates and no airport fees. Enterprise also offers a pickup service from your hotel or address in Abilene. This service gives you the lower city price and the convenience of an airport rental.

How early should I arrive at the Abilene airport to return my rental car?
Abilene Regional Airport is small and rental car returns are fast. We recommend you arrive 60–90 minutes before your flight. The rental return areas are close to the terminal, and finishing the return process often takes just 5–10 minutes. Give yourself extra time if you are returning the car in the early morning, as fewer staff members may be working.

Are there any toll roads around Abilene?
No, you won't find any toll roads in the Abilene area. You can use all highways, like I-20 and the routes that connect to it, for free. If you travel east toward Dallas–Fort Worth, you will find toll roads as you get closer to that large city area. These roads are clearly marked and are about 150 miles (240 km) or more away from Abilene.

What are the best day trips from Abilene with a rental car?
Some popular day trips you can take include: Albany (about 35 miles/56 km north) for the Fort Griffin State Historic Site; Buffalo Gap (15 miles/24 km south) for its historic village; Sweetwater (roughly 40 miles/64 km west) for the National WASP WWII Museum; San Angelo (about 90 miles/145 km southwest) for Fort Concho and a larger city experience; and Brownwood (around 80 miles/129 km southeast) for Lake Brownwood State Park. You can drive to all these places in about an hour and a half.

Is parking difficult to find in downtown Abilene?
You can find plenty of free street parking and small public lots in downtown Abilene. Unlike in larger cities, you won't find parking meters downtown, but some spots do have a two-hour limit during the day. Once you park, the downtown area is small and easy to walk around, so you can easily visit many museums, restaurants and shops. Even during special events like the Western Heritage Festival, you can usually find a parking spot a block or two from the main events.