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Finding a car rental at Albany International Airport (ALB) is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across New York with no booking fees. All rental counters are right inside the terminal, so you can grab your keys and head to downtown Albany, Saratoga Springs or the Adirondacks within minutes. Book early for fall foliage weekends and winter trips to lock in low rates on AWD SUVs and other popular cars.
| Company | Location | Hours | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | Main terminal, lower level | Usually 5am-11:30pm | Counter in baggage claim |
| Avis | Main terminal, lower level | Usually 5am-12:30am | Counter in baggage claim |
| Budget | Main terminal, lower level | Usually 5am-12:30am | Counter in baggage claim |
| Dollar/Thrifty | Main terminal, lower level | Usually 7am-11pm | Counter in baggage claim |
| Enterprise | Main terminal, lower level | Usually 5am-11:30pm | Counter in baggage claim |
| Hertz | Main terminal, lower level | Usually 5am-1am | Counter in baggage claim |
| National | Main terminal, lower level | Usually 5am-11:30pm | Counter in baggage claim |
Facility Layout: All rental counters are conveniently located in the main terminal on the lower level near the baggage claim area. Rental cars are parked in dedicated sections of the parking garage adjacent to the terminal, requiring only a short walk.
On average, car rentals at Albany Airport cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $65 per day.
Compare airport vs. downtown pickup: ALB adds roughly 10-15 % in concession fees. A quick rideshare to a downtown branch can be cheaper overall, so run the numbers on both locations before you lock in.
Use those Albany-specific discounts: State capital = loads of deals. If you're a government employee, university staff, or traveling on business, punch in those codes for extra savings.
Tweak your dates: A 7-day "weekly" rate can cost less than a 4- or 5-day rental. Slide your pickup or return by a day in the comparison tool and watch the price drop.
Book early only for peak periods: Fall foliage (late Sept–Oct), college graduations, and July weekends sell out fast. Otherwise, last-minute deals often pop up in quieter months like November or February.
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby Toll Roads | NY State Thruway (I-87 south of Albany, I-90) | Cashless tolling system |
| Massachusetts Turnpike | I-90 east (if heading to Boston) | Electronic tolling |
| Toll Collection | E-ZPass or Toll by Mail | No physical toll booths on NY Thruway |
| Rental Toll Options | Rental transponders available through the rental company | May be worthwhile if using Thruway frequently |
Toll Management Strategies:
Get a car rental so you can visit:
Downtown Albany – New York State Capitol, Empire State Plaza
Saratoga Springs – Saratoga Race Course, spas
Lake George – beaches, cruises
Adirondack towns – trailheads, lakes
Hudson Valley – Rhinebeck, Hudson
Berkshires – Lenox, Tanglewood
How long does the rental pickup process take at Albany Airport?
You can usually get your car in 10-20 minutes after you reach the counter. During busy times like Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, it might take 20-30 minutes. Because Albany is a smaller airport, getting your car is generally faster than at major hubs.
Is there a shuttle to the rental car area at Albany Airport?
No, you don't need a shuttle. You'll find all the rental counters inside the main terminal near baggage claim and the rental cars are parked in the garage right next to it, so you can just walk over. This makes picking up your car much easier than at bigger airports that have separate rental centers.
What's the best strategy for returning a rental car when flying out of ALB?
You should plan for about 20 minutes to return the car. Follow the signs to "Rental Car Return" in the parking garage. After you drop off the car, it's a short walk to the terminal. If you need to fill up the tank, you can find several gas stations on Wolf Road and Albany Shaker Road near the airport.
Can I pick up a rental car after a late-night arrival?
Most rental companies change their hours to match the flight schedule. However, if you have a very late arrival (after midnight), you may need to make special plans. You should call your rental company before your trip to confirm their hours or arrange another way to get your car.
What's the most efficient route from Albany Airport to downtown Albany?
You have two main options:
1) Take Albany Shaker Road to I-87 South, then I-90 East to downtown exits or
2) Take Wolf Road to Central Avenue (Route 5) directly into the city.
The interstate route is faster when traffic is light, while Central Avenue may be a better choice during rush hour.
Do I need to worry about traffic when returning my rental to ALB?
Yes, you might hit delays during the morning rush hour (7-9 a.m.) on I-87 and I-90, especially if you are driving from the south or east. Wolf Road near the airport also gets busy during lunch and from 4-6 p.m. You should allow extra time if you need to return the car during these hours.
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