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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find competitive rental car prices at Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare offers from Hertz, Enterprise, Avis and more just steps from baggage claim, then hop on TX-44 to reach downtown Corpus Christi or Padre Island in under an hour. Book early to lock in low Corpus Christi car rental rates for busy summer and spring break travel.
CRP Airport offers a convenient rental car facility for arriving travelers.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| CRP Airport Rental Facility | • Adjacent to terminal (walking distance) • No shuttle required • All major rental companies present • Convenient hours aligned with flights • Easy pickup and drop-off process |
• Airport fees and surcharges (approximately 10%) • Rates may be higher than off-airport locations • Limited premium/specialty vehicle selection • Smaller inventory than major city airports • Possible wait times after multiple flight arrivals |
| Downtown Corpus Christi | • Lower rates possible (no airport fees) • Convenient if staying downtown first • Several national brands represented |
• Transportation needed from airport (20 minutes) • Limited hours compared to airport • Often closed evenings and Sundays • Extra step in journey after flight |
| Hotels with Car Rental Desks | • Convenient for hotel guests • Potential package deals with room |
• Very limited vehicle selection • Advance reservation essential • Restricted hours • Not available at all properties |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals at Corpus Christi Airport cost around $82 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $41 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup: CRP tacks on about 10 % in airport fees. If you're heading downtown first, a $25 rideshare then a downtown pick-up can still come out cheaper overall.
Season matters: lock in spring-break and summer rentals 2–4 weeks early, but in fall or winter you can often snag last-minute discounts or free upgrades.
Toggle your dates: a 5–7-day "weekly" rate is frequently cheaper than 4–5 individual days. Play with pick-up and return times on the comparison site to find the sweet spot.
Go small to save on gas: compact and economy cars sip less fuel on coastal drives and board the Port Aransas ferry with no oversize worries.
Understanding where to park and local driving rules will make your Corpus Christi visit better.
| Area | Parking Options | Local Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Area | • Short-term spots (hourly and daily options available) • Long-term lot • Cell phone waiting lot |
• 30 mph speed limit on airport property • Light traffic around terminal • Well-marked rental return signage |
| Downtown Corpus Christi | • Street meters (limited hours) • Public garages (daily rates) • Free spots in some areas evenings and weekends |
• One-way street grid in business district • Watch for pedestrians near seawall • Event restrictions during festivals |
| Beach Areas | • Free spots at most public beaches • Beach permits may be required |
• Reduced speed limits on Park Road 22 • Salt exposure for vehicles |
| Port Aransas/Island Areas | • Ferry waiting lines during peak periods • Beach permits required • Limited spaces in downtown Port Aransas |
• Ferry crossing procedures (stay in vehicle) • Potential brief waits for ferry crossings • High pedestrian activity in beach towns |
Important Local Regulations:
Rent a car to visit:
Padre Island National Seashore – Park Road 22, beach permit areas
Port Aransas – ferry crossing, beach town center
Rockport and Fulton – waterfront district, art galleries
King Ranch (Kingsville) – ranch visitor center, wildlife tours
How far is the rental car facility from the terminal at CRP?
The rental car building at Corpus Christi International Airport is right next to the main terminal, so you can easily walk there. Unlike bigger airports, you don't need a shuttle. You can walk straight from baggage claim to the rental counters and then to your car in the nearby lot. The walk takes less than 5 minutes.
What rental car companies operate at CRP Airport?
Major rental companies at CRP include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty. All of them have counters in the main terminal and keep their cars right there. This selection gives you competitive prices and a good range of cars to choose from.
Do I need a special vehicle for visiting beach areas?
You can use a standard rental car for all paved areas, including the roads to Padre Island and Mustang Island. However, if you plan to drive right on the beaches, you will need a permit, and we recommend a car with higher clearance. If you'll be doing a lot of beach driving, you should ask for an SUV with 4-wheel drive. We don't recommend driving a standard sedan on the sand.
Is it worth paying the airport premium for renting at CRP rather than downtown?
For most people, the convenience of renting at the airport is worth the extra 10 percent cost. To rent downtown, you need transportation from the airport (a taxi or rideshare costs $20–30), and those locations may have shorter hours. You can save time and start your trip right away by renting at the airport. This convenience is especially helpful for shorter visits.
Can I take a rental car on the Port Aransas ferry?
Yes, you can take a rental car on the Port Aransas ferry and it's free. The ferry runs 24/7 and leaves about every 5–20 minutes, depending on how busy it is. On summer weekends and holidays, you might have to wait 30–60 minutes. Stay in your car during the crossing. The trip takes about 3–5 minutes.
What documents do I need to rent a car at CRP Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. You only need to show proof of insurance if you say no to the rental company's coverage and use your own policy or a credit card benefit instead. If you are an international visitor, you must show a passport and your home license. If your license is not in English, you also need to show an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most companies rent to drivers who are 21 and older. Some will rent to 18–20-year-olds in Texas for an extra fee. Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver fee of about $25–30 per day.
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