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| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Within Gilbert |
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| PHX Airport |
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| Chandler/Mesa |
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Location Note: Enterprise has the strongest presence in Gilbert itself, while other companies have locations in neighboring Chandler and Mesa.
On average, car rentals in Gilbert cost around $85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Price-check suburban vs. airport pickups – Gilbert, Chandler or Mesa branches usually run about 25-30 % cheaper than PHX, even after you add a rideshare from the terminal.
Time your booking to the season – lock in 4-6 weeks ahead if you're coming for spring training (Feb-Apr) when cars vanish fast. Visiting in the summer heat? Last-minute deals are common.
Compare weekly vs. daily rates – stays of 5+ days often cost less on a flat weekly plan than paying per day.
Mind business hours – neighborhood counters close around 6 pm and some shut on Sundays. Schedule pickup/drop during open hours so you don't get hit with after-hours fees.
Heritage District (Downtown): Free public lots and street parking
San Tan Village Mall: Plenty of free parking
Parks and Recreation Areas: Free parking at most parks and trailheads
Residential Areas: Generally unrestricted in shopping and commercial areas
Grid System: Gilbert follows the Phoenix metro grid system. Major streets run at one-mile intervals.
Speed Limits:
School Zones: Strictly enforced 15 mph when flashing; Gilbert has many schools
Traffic Cameras: Some intersections in Gilbert and neighboring cities have red-light cameras
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Heritage District, Downtown Gilbert – restaurants, nightlife
San Tan Mountain Regional Park – trails, wildlife
Superstition Mountains & Apache Trail – canyons, mining towns
Scottsdale – Old Town district, art galleries
Tempe & ASU campus – college sports, Mill Avenue
Spring training ballparks (Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale) – Cactus League games

Is it better to rent a car at the airport or in Gilbert?
If you plan to stay mostly in Gilbert, you can save around 25–30% by renting a car in town. You'll avoid the extra airport fees. However, you will need a ride from the airport to the rental office. For short trips of a day or two, the savings might not be worth the trouble. For longer stays, renting locally can save you a lot of money.
What's the best way to get from the airport to Gilbert if I'm renting there?
You can take a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft for about $35–45. A taxi costs a bit more. You could also check if your hotel offers an airport shuttle. Some rental companies, like Enterprise, may pick you up from your hotel in Gilbert, but not from the airport itself.
How is parking in Downtown Gilbert/Heritage District?
Downtown Gilbert (Heritage District) has free parking in several public lots, garages and on-street spaces. During busy dining hours from Thursday to Saturday evenings, parking can fill up. You can usually find a spot within a block or two of where you're going. Since parking is free, you don't need to get it validated.
What vehicle type is best for visiting Gilbert?
Most visitors find a standard mid-size car works well for exploring Gilbert and the Phoenix area. Families might prefer an SUV or a minivan for more space. The streets in Gilbert are wide and in good condition, so you don't need a special vehicle to get around.
How far in advance should I book a rental car when visiting Gilbert?
For most of the year, booking 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time is fine. However, during the busy season from February to April, more people visit for baseball spring training. You should book 4 to 6 weeks in advance then. In the summer, more cars are usually available and the prices are lower.
Can I reach Gilbert's attractions without a rental car?
You can use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft in Gilbert, but it will be inconvenient and costly if you plan to explore a lot. Gilbert doesn't have much public transportation, so a rental car is the easiest way for visitors to see many attractions.