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Compare car rental prices from top brands at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) in California with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Desks for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and other major brands are steps from baggage claim, so you can be on Highway 41 toward Yosemite or rolling into downtown Fresno within minutes.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 534174
Location Pros Cons
Terminal Rental Counters
  • Immediate access in terminal
  • All major companies represented
  • Hours aligned for flight schedules
  • Wide selection of vehicles
  • Airport fees add approximately 11%
  • Higher base rates than city locations
  • Can be busy after multiple flight arrivals
Rental Car Center
  • Short walk from terminal
  • Consolidated return location
  • Well-organized facility
  • Same airport fees as terminal counters
  • Weather exposure when walking to/from terminal
  • Limited seating/amenities compared to main terminal
Off-Airport Options
  • Lower rates possible
  • May offer pickup service
  • Requires transportation from airport
  • Limited hours compared to airport counters
  • Extra time needed for pickup/return

Available Companies at FAT:

  • Alamo
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Dollar
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
  • National
  • Thrifty

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.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at Fresno Yosemite Airport?

On average, car rentals at Fresno Yosemite Airport cost around $95 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.

How to pay less?
  • 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.

Parking and Driving

Airport Parking (for reference):

  • Short-term: Hourly rates in front of terminal
  • Long-term: Daily and weekly rates available
  • Economy: Lower rates in more distant lots
  • Cell phone waiting area available for pickups

Local Driving Rules from FAT:

  • Airport exit connects directly to McKinley Avenue
  • Highways 41, 99 and 168 are main routes through Fresno
  • Right turns permitted at red lights after a complete stop (unless signed)
  • Speed limits are usually 35-45 mph on major city streets
  • No toll roads in the Fresno area
  • Watch for agricultural vehicles on rural roads outside the city
Why rent a car in Fresno

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

Driving Distances from Fresno Airport

FAQs

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.