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

On average, car rentals at Harrisburg Airport cost around $83 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $11 per day.

Car Rental Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)

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Finding a car rental at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across Pennsylvania with no booking fees. Pick up your car on the terminal's ground floor and cruise straight to downtown Harrisburg, Hersheypark, or Lancaster in minutes.

Car Rental Locations & Options

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Car rental counters at MDT are located on the ground floor of the terminal building, just past baggage claim.

Location	Advantages	Considerations
MDT Airport Terminal	All major rental companies present Immediate access after arrival Extended hours	Airport fees increase rates Can be busy during peak travel times
Middletown/Harrisburg East	Potentially lower rates No airport fees	Transportation needed to rental location Limited hours (usually 8AM-6PM)
Downtown Harrisburg	Convenient for Capitol visits No airport fees	15-20 minute drive from airport Limited evening availability

Car Rental Prices

Average: $83/day
From: $11/day

Saving Tips

Compare airport vs. off-airport pickup: Downtown Harrisburg or Middletown branches dodge the 10-15 % airport surcharge. A short rideshare can cost less than the fee.
Time your booking to demand, not just the calendar: Hersheypark season and big events spike prices, so reserve 2-4 weeks ahead for those dates. In quieter months, last-minute deals often beat early rates.
Go weekly if your trip is 4+ days: MDT rentals frequently price weekly packages 15-25 % lower per day than a short daily rental. Slide your pickup/return a day to hit that sweet spot.
Choose a smaller class: Economy or compact cars run about $10-20 cheaper per day and are plenty for I-83 and Route 283 driving.
Refuel off-airport: Fill up on Eisenhower Blvd or Cameron St (5 min from MDT) to avoid the inflated "we'll fill it" charge at the counter.

Car rental prices at Harrisburg Airport 2025/2026

Parking and Driving

Parking Type	Availability	Tips
Airport Short-Term	Limited	Convenient for pickup/dropoff
Airport Long-Term	Abundant	Shuttle service to terminal
Downtown Harrisburg	Moderate	Multiple garages available; street spots metered weekdays
Hershey Attractions	Ample	Paid lots at most attractions
State Capitol Area	Limited	Best to use public garages; street spots strictly enforced

Local Driving Rules

Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) is a toll road
I-83 and I-283 can get congested during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM)
Downtown Harrisburg has many one-way streets
Route 322 through Hershey gets heavy traffic during tourist season
Headlights are required when windshield wipers are in use (state law)

Why rent a car in Harrisburg

Pick up wheels at Harrisburg International Airport to reach Central Pennsylvania's highlights quickly.

Downtown Harrisburg – Susquehanna riverfront, State Capitol Complex
Hershey – Hersheypark, Chocolate World
Lancaster – farmlands, outlet malls
Gettysburg – Gettysburg National Military Park
York – downtown district, Harley-Davidson plant

FAQs

What do I need to rent a car at MDT?

You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and proof of insurance. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring your passport and you may need an International Driving Permit.

How early should I book a rental car at Harrisburg Airport?

To get the best car selection and prices, we recommend you book 2-3 weeks in advance. During the summer or special events like the Hersheypark season and Farm Show, you should book 3-4 weeks ahead.

Are there toll roads near Harrisburg International Airport?

Yes, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) is a toll road. Most rental companies will offer you a toll pass for an extra daily fee of about $3-5, plus the cost of the tolls.

Can I return my rental car after hours?

Yes, most major rental companies at MDT let you return cars after hours. You just need to park in the right area, lock the car and drop the keys in the secure drop box. Make sure to ask about this service when you book.

Is there a gas station at the airport?

No, there are no gas stations right at the airport. You can find the closest ones along Route 230 (Eisenhower Boulevard), about 1-2 miles from the terminal. You should plan for an extra 10-15 minutes to get gas before you return the car.