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Available Companies at FAT:
Additional Notes: Rental car counters are located inside the main terminal building at FAT and most rental car lots are within walking distance. No shuttle buses are required at this compact airport, making the rental process efficient for arriving passengers.
On average, car rentals at Fresno Yosemite Airport cost around $95 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Price-check airport vs. downtown Fresno – airport convenience costs about 11% extra. If you can grab an Uber to a city branch you might save enough to cover the ride.
Lock in early for summer park trips & graduation weekends – Yosemite season (May-Sep) and May/June commencements push rates up fast, so snag a deal 2-3 weeks out. Off-peak months? Last-minute bargains pop up.
Play with pickup/return times – starting on a Tuesday or Wednesday and ending within the same 24-hour clock can trim daily fees.
Stretch to a weekly rate – renting 5-7 days often drops the per-day cost by 15-25% around FAT. Even if you only need six days, the weekly plan can be cheaper.
Stack discounts – plug in AAA, AARP, Costco or corporate codes when you compare; they routinely chop 10-20% off.
Skip prepaid fuel, refill nearby – hit the Chevron on McKinley Ave or stations along Blackstone before returning to dodge the pricey refueling charge.
Airport Parking (for reference):
Local Driving Rules from FAT:
Get a car so you can easily:
Yosemite National Park – Half Dome, Yosemite Valley
Kings Canyon National Park – General Grant Grove
Sequoia National Park – Giant Forest
Bass Lake – boating, fishing
Clovis – Old Town shops, farmers market
San Joaquin Valley – farms, vineyards

How much time should I allow for picking up a rental car at FAT?
Because FAT is a small airport, most people can get their rental car in 15-30 minutes after getting to the counter. You should plan for more time during busy travel seasons or when many flights arrive at once.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting the national parks from FAT?
A standard sedan works for most of the year. If you visit in winter (December–March), you should consider an SUV with good ground clearance. You might need tire chains during winter storms and most rental contracts don't allow you to use them. You should always check your company's rules about chains.
How far in advance should I book a rental car at FAT?
For the summer national-park season (May–September), you should book at least 2–3 weeks early to get the best choice of cars and prices. For winter travel (not including holidays), one week ahead is usually enough. You should book even earlier for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Are there any additional fees I should be aware of when renting at FAT?
On top of the main rental price, you can expect to pay an airport concession recovery fee (about 11%), a Customer Facility Charge (currently about $6 a day, for up to five days), sales tax and sometimes a California tourism fee. All together, these can add 15-25% to the price you were first quoted. Optional insurance, extra drivers, fees for young renters, GPS and other add-ons will also cost you more.
Can I return my rental outside of business hours at FAT?
Yes. Most rental companies at FAT let you return the car after hours. You'll need to park in a special spot and put the keys and the completed contract in a secure drop box. You should confirm the exact process with your rental company before your trip, as it's different for each one.