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HRL Airport offers a convenient rental car facility for arriving travelers.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| HRL Airport Rental Facility | • All major rental companies present • On-site counters in terminal • Easy access to vehicles • Hours aligned with flight schedules • Competitive rates among companies |
• Airport fees (approximately 10%) • Limited premium vehicle selection • Smaller inventory than major city airports • Advance reservation recommended • Fewer flight options than larger airports |
| Harlingen City Locations | • Lower rates possible (no airport fees) • Convenient if staying in city first • Enterprise offers pickup service |
• Limited hours compared to airport • Often closed evenings and Sundays • Transportation needed from airport • Smaller selection of vehicles |
| McAllen Airport (MFE) | • Alternative if HRL inventory limited • Different selection possible • Comparable rates for comparison |
• 35 miles (56 km) from Harlingen • Transportation required between airports • Added journey complexity |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals at Valley International Airport cost around $82 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare airport vs. city pick-up: HRL adds about 10% in airport fees. If you're overnighting in Harlingen, grabbing a car from an in-town branch can offset the quick Uber from the terminal.
Cross-check nearby airports: Throw McAllen (MFE) into your search. A 35-mile (56 km) drive can sometimes beat HRL prices when inventory is tight during Winter Texans or Spring Break.
Play with dates: A 5–7-day "weekly" rate often undercuts 4 individual days. Shifting your pickup by a day can unlock the cheaper bracket.
Stick to economy/compact: Valley highways are flat and paved. Smaller cars cost less up front and sip gas at 30+ mpg.
Refuel in town, not at the pump-it-empty kiosk: Stations on Ed Carey Dr. or Harrison Ave. run 10–15% cheaper than airport rates, and skipping prepaid fuel keeps cash in your pocket.
Join the free loyalty clubs: Even basic membership can score a no-fee upgrade or skip-the-counter perk, handy when lines build during spring break influx.
| Area | Parking Options | Local Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| HRL Airport | • Short-term parking available • Long-term lot available • Cell phone waiting lot |
• 30 mph speed limit on airport property • Well-marked rental return signage • Light traffic around terminal |
| Downtown Harlingen | • Free street parking in most areas • Public lots with no charge • Time limits in some business sections |
• One-way streets in older downtown grid • Watch for pedestrians in shopping district • School zones with reduced speeds |
| South Padre Island | • Free parking at many beach access points • Paid lots at major attractions • Beach permits required for vehicle beach access |
• Limited spaces during peak season • Salt exposure for vehicles • One main road through island with lower speed limits |
| Border Areas | • Secured paid lots for border crossing • Long-term parking available |
• Follow all border crossing signage • Consider leaving vehicle in US for Mexico visits • Border wait times vary throughout day |
Important Local Regulations:
Get a rental so you can easily:
South Padre Island – beaches, nightlife
Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge – bird species, coastal trails
Brownsville – historic downtown, border culture
McAllen – shopping centers, dining districts
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at HRL Airport?
Getting your rental car at Valley International Airport is usually quick. From the time you get off the plane to when you drive away, it often takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can find the rental counters in the main terminal and the cars are parked in nearby lots you can walk to. During busy travel times like Spring Break or the winter visitor season, you should allow a bit more time.
What rental car companies operate at HRL Airport?
Major rental companies at HRL include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National/Alamo. You can find all of them at counters in the main terminal and they keep their cars right at the airport. Having several companies means you can find good prices and a nice variety of cars, though they might have fewer luxury or special cars than you would find at bigger airports.
Can I take my rental car to Mexico?
Most major rental companies do not let you take their cars into Mexico from Harlingen. If you must drive to Mexico, some special agencies near the border might rent you a car with the right Mexican insurance, but you would need to arrange this ahead of time and bring extra paperwork. Many visitors find it easier to park in a secure lot on the U.S. side and walk across the bridge or use Mexican transportation.
Do I need a special vehicle for visiting South Padre Island?
A standard rental car is fine for visiting South Padre Island, since all the main roads are in good shape. However, if you plan to drive on the beach, you will need a permit and we recommend you get a vehicle that sits higher off the ground. If you plan on doing a lot of beach driving, consider asking for an SUV with four-wheel drive. We do not recommend taking a standard sedan to drive on the sand.
What documents do I need to rent a car at HRL Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. You usually don't need to show proof of your personal auto insurance, but it can speed things up if you plan to decline the rental company's coverage. International visitors need a passport and either an International Driving Permit (if their license is not in English) or their foreign license. Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young-driver fee of about $25–35 per day.
What should I know about Border Patrol checkpoints?
When you drive north from Harlingen on any major highway (like toward Corpus Christi or San Antonio), you'll reach a Border Patrol checkpoint about 70 to 100 miles (113 to 161 km) up the road. All drivers must stop and an agent will ask about your citizenship. If you are an international visitor, you should carry your passport. These stops usually take just a few minutes, unless agents need to do a second inspection.
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