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| Location Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| On-airport Rental Counters | Available immediately after your flight, Walk from terminal to counters, Extended hours matching flight schedules | Airport facility fees increase rates, Busier during weekday mornings and Sunday evenings |
| Off-airport/City Locations | Lower rates without airport fees, Sometimes offer pickup service | Transportation needed to reach location, Limited business hours, Possible delays during pickup |
On average, car rentals at Huntsville Airport cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $39 per day.
Compare on-airport vs off-airport desks: HSV's city branches often skip airport facility fees. If your flight times are relaxed, grab a rideshare to an off-airport lot and pocket the difference.
Dodge the business-traveler rush: Weekday mornings and Sunday nights are peak (defense-contractor crowd). Picking up Tuesday–Wednesday mid-afternoon or late evening usually scores lower rates and shorter lines.
Go small, save big: Huntsville roads are flat and well-paved, so a compact or economy car handles everything from I-565 to Research Park. Smaller class = lower daily price and fuel bill.
Stretch to a weekly rate: Staying 5+ days? Weekly pricing at HSV often beats a string of daily rates by 20-30 percent. Do the math before locking in.
Airport Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car rental to get to:
U.S. Space & Rocket Center – museum exhibits, Saturn V rocket
Downtown Huntsville – restaurants, brewpubs
Cummings Research Park – aerospace campuses, defense offices
Monte Sano State Park – hiking trails, picnic areas
Lake Guntersville – boating marinas, fishing spots
Nashville or Birmingham – music districts, cultural landmarks

Are rental cars at HSV within walking distance of the terminal?
Yes, you can find the rental car counters in the baggage claim area. The companies park the cars in a garage right next to it, so it's an easy walk.
What is the best time to pick up a rental car to avoid lines?
You will usually find shorter lines in the mid-afternoon (2–4 p.m.) or late evening. Try to avoid Monday mornings and Sunday evenings because business travelers and people coming back from the weekend make the lines longer.
Do I need an SUV or four-wheel drive in Huntsville?
A standard car is fine for most driving in Huntsville. You only need four-wheel drive if you plan to travel when it snows, which is rare, or explore unpaved roads in nearby state parks.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before a flight?
You should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before you need to be at your gate. Returning the car is quick, but you need to leave time to get your luggage from the car to the terminal.
Are there electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at or near HSV Airport?
Yes, you can find EV charging stations in the HSV Airport parking areas. Also, Huntsville is adding more charging stations around the city, especially near big hotels and shopping centers.