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Finding a rental car in Garland is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands around Texas with no booking fees. Grab the keys at DFW, Love Field or right in Garland and see real-time deals, mileage limits and toll options before you book.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies present • 24/7 availability • Immediate access after landing |
• Airport fees (approximately 10-15% surcharge) • Further from Garland (25-30 miles / 40-48 km) • Possible wait times during peak periods |
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | • Closer to Garland than DFW • Major rental companies available • Good option for Southwest Airlines passengers |
• Airport fees apply • Smaller selection than DFW • Still 20 miles (32 km) from Garland |
| Garland Local Offices | • No airport fees • Convenient for those already in Garland • Usually shorter wait times |
• Limited business hours • Often closed Sundays • Transportation needed from airport |
Airport Rental Process:
Getting to Garland Rentals:
On average, car rentals in Garland cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $27 per day.
Compare airport vs Garland pick-ups: local offices skip the 10-15 % airport fee. A $30 rideshare from Love Field can save $100+ on a week-long rental.
Grab a free-cancellable reservation for big events (State Fair, Cowboys games, spring break), then recheck and rebook if the price drops.
Slide your dates: weekend rentals (Fri–Mon) usually beat mid-week rates in the Dallas business market.
Choose economy or midsize, not the "everything's bigger in Texas" upgrade—cheaper daily rate and better gas mileage in stop-and-go I-635 traffic.
Need 5–6 days? Book the weekly plan; in DFW it often costs less than paying the daily rate.
Refuel in suburb stations on TX-78 or I-635 where gas is 40-60¢/gal cheaper than airport pumps, avoiding steep refuel charges.
| Area | Parking | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Garland Downtown | • Free parking in designated city lots • Street parking available |
• Time limits may apply on weekdays • Square and downtown events may affect availability |
| Firewheel Town Center | • Abundant free parking • Covered garage options |
• Mall parking can fill during holidays and weekends • Follow directional signs in garage levels |
| Downtown Dallas | • Metered street parking • Numerous garages |
• Rates vary depending on location and duration • Consider apps for finding available spots |
| Lake Ray Hubbard | • Parks and marinas have designated lots • Some boat ramps require fees |
• Arrive early on summer weekends for best spots • Some parks have entrance fees that include parking |
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Dallas area has extensive toll road network including:
Book a rental so you can visit:
Lake Ray Hubbard – marinas, fishing piers, lakeside parks
Downtown Dallas – museums, arts district, shopping districts
AT&T Stadium Arlington – NFL games, concerts
Fort Worth Stockyards – rodeo arenas, livestock exchange, saloons
Legacy West Frisco – shopping, dining, entertainment venues
Firewheel Town Center – retail stores, restaurants, movie theater
Which airport is better for renting if I'm staying in Garland?
If you're flying into the Dallas area, Dallas Love Field (DAL) is closer to Garland than DFW International. However, DFW has more rental companies, so you might find better prices there. Think about which airline you're flying, what kind of car you want and the traffic when you decide.
Do I need a toll tag for driving in the Dallas area?
You don't need a toll tag, but Dallas has many toll roads that can save you a lot of time. Rental companies usually have toll programs where they charge you for the toll and add a daily service fee. If you plan to use toll roads a lot, ask the rental company if they have a package for unlimited tolls.
What's the best way to avoid traffic in the DFW metroplex?
If you can, try not to drive during rush hour (7-9 am and 4-6:30 pm on weekdays). You should use a map app on your phone that shows live traffic. You could also take toll roads like the President George Bush Turnpike to get around Dallas faster, though they do cost extra.
Is parking difficult to find in Garland?
No, you can usually find parking easily, and it's often free. Big shopping centers like Firewheel Town Center have plenty of free parking. In downtown Garland, you can find public lots and street parking. Most restaurants and stores in Garland have their own lots for you to use.
How do the HOV (carpool) lanes work in Dallas?
To use the HOV lanes on highways like I-635 and I-30, you need at least two people in your car. These lanes are usually open from 6-9 am and 3-7 pm on weekdays. Some have barriers and you can only enter or exit at certain points. Others are just regular lanes marked with diamond symbols. You should always check the signs to see the rules.
What should I do if I encounter severe weather while driving?
If you're driving in a heavy thunderstorm, you should slow down and leave more space between you and the car in front. If it gets dangerous because you can't see well or it's hailing, pull over somewhere safe. A good spot is under a gas station roof. If you hear a tornado warning, get inside a strong building for shelter. Never try to outrun a tornado in your car.
Is it worth driving to attractions in Fort Worth from Garland?
Yes, places in Fort Worth like the Stockyards, Cultural District and Botanic Garden are great for a day trip. It takes about an hour to drive there. You should plan to spend a full day to get the most out of your visit and try to avoid driving during rush hour for a better trip.
What's the best vehicle type for a visitor to Garland?
A mid-size sedan is a good choice for most visitors because it's comfortable, gets good gas mileage and is easy to park. If you're visiting in the summer or planning long road trips in Texas, you might want to get a bigger car for more comfort. An SUV can help you see better in traffic, but it will cost more to rent and for gas.
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