






Find competitive rental car prices at El Paso International Airport (ELP) with Road Genius. Check rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare on-airport desks with off-airport Montana Avenue deals in one quick search and grab wheels that put downtown, Fort Bliss and the I-10 jump to New Mexico within reach.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ELP Terminal Rental Counter |
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| Off-Airport (Montana Ave) |
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On average, car rentals at El Paso Airport cost around $81 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare airport vs. Montana Ave rates. Off-airport spots (1 mile away) dodge the 11% concession fee and can chop ~$100 off a week's rental. Add the $10-$15 rideshare cost and see which total wins.
Play with pickup times. Mid-morning or early afternoon arrivals face shorter lines and often lower prices than the 5 pm flight rush when cars get scarce and rates spike.
Join the free loyalty program and pre-check-in online. You skip the counter upsell dance and shave 15-20 min off pickup time—which means you can choose a cheaper vehicle class before they're all gone.
Downsize when the desert allows. Driving mostly on I-10? An economy or compact will handle it fine and guzzle less gas than an SUV—fuel easily runs $0.30-$0.40/gal higher on airport-side stations.
Airport Parking vs. Rental Return:
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental car so you can see:
Fort Bliss – museums, installations
Las Cruces, New Mexico – markets, wineries
White Sands National Park – dunes, scenery
Carlsbad Caverns National Park – caverns, bats

How much time should I allow for picking up a rental car at ELP?
You should plan for 30–45 minutes to get your rental car during busy times (late afternoon/evening). When it's less busy, you might only need 15–20 minutes. You should add extra time if you haven't filled out your paperwork online beforehand.
Are there any fees specific to ELP Airport car rentals?
Yes. Rental companies at ELP Airport charge an airport concession recovery fee of about 11%. They don't charge this fee at locations outside the airport. This fee is on top of standard taxes and any extra insurance you choose.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours if I have an early flight?
Yes. All major rental companies at ELP let you return your car after hours. You just need to park in the special return area, fill out the return envelope and drop the keys in the secure box.
Is it worth renting from an off-airport location near ELP to save money?
Yes, you might be able to. Locations on Montana Avenue, about a mile from the airport, could save you over $100 on a week's rental. But remember to add the cost of getting there (a rideshare is about $10–$15) and keep in mind they have shorter business hours.
What's the most efficient way to return a rental car when departing from ELP?
When you get close to the airport, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." You should plan on 15–20 minutes to return the car and walk back to the terminal. Make sure you have your rental paperwork ready and the gas tank is full so the company doesn't charge you extra.