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| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | On-site in terminal garage (short walking distance from baggage claim) |
| Available Agencies | Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty |
| Walking Time | About 2-3 minutes from baggage claim to rental counters |
| Hours of Operation | Most counters open early morning until late evening (varies by company, some until midnight) |
| After-Hours Returns | Available for most companies via drop box |
| After-Hours Pickup | Usually not available; align your arrival to counter hours |
| Express Services | Several agencies offer membership programs for express checkout |
On average, car rentals at Manchester Airport cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Weigh airport vs downtown pickup: MHT adds roughly 18 % in concession fees. If you don't mind a 15-min rideshare to a downtown branch, the fare can be cheaper than the airport surcharge.
Peak seasons = reserve early, off-peak = monitor drops: Summer beach trips and Sept–Oct foliage push prices above $60/day, so lock something in 2–3 months out. Winter and early spring often get last-minute markdowns.
Book with free cancellation and keep stalking prices: Lock a car now, then run a quick comparison each week. Re-book if rates dip and cancel the old one—it works more often than you'd think.
Check weekly pricing quirks: A 7-day rental is frequently cheaper than five or six days at MHT. Do the math before confirming.
Speed limits: 35 mph on Brown Avenue near airport; watch for changes
Airport access roads: Follow posted signs for rental return areas
Cell phone lot: Available for waiting before picking up arriving passengers
Short-term spots: Available if you need to enter terminal before returning car
Get a car to visit:
White Mountains – Franconia Notch, Lincoln
Lake Winnipesaukee region – Meredith, Laconia, Weirs Beach
Portsmouth Seacoast – Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke Museum
Concord – State House area, Main Street district
Nashua shopping corridor – Pheasant Lane Mall
Boston – Back Bay, North End

How early should I arrive to return my rental car at MHT?
You should plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before you need to be in the terminal. During busy times like the morning rush and Sunday afternoons, give yourself 30 minutes.
Can I pick up a rental car after my late-night arrival?
You should check the hours for your specific rental company. Most rental counters at MHT close by midnight and they usually don't offer after-hours pickup. If you're arriving on a late flight, make sure to confirm their counter hours beforehand.
Are there differences between rental companies at MHT?
While all major companies have counters in the same area, they can differ in price, vehicle selection and loyalty program benefits. Some companies may offer more SUVs or specialty vehicles.
How does renting at MHT compare to Boston Logan Airport?
MHT usually offers a quicker rental process. You can expect shorter lines, easier access to highways and often lower rates. However, Logan has more flight options and a larger selection of rental cars.
Can I return my car to a different location after renting at MHT?
Yes, you can rent one-way to other New England locations and beyond. Inside New England (to Boston, Portland, etc.), companies often have reasonable one-way fees or sometimes waive them completely.
Is it better to rent at the airport or in downtown Manchester?
Renting at the airport gives you convenience and longer hours, but it costs more due to airport fees. If you rent downtown, you could save about 18%, but you will need to get a ride from the airport. Think about your arrival time and the total cost when you make your decision.
Are EV (electric vehicle) or hybrid rentals available at MHT?
Some rental companies offer hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. Fully electric vehicles are still less common, but rental companies are gradually adding more to their fleets.
What happens if my flight is delayed and the rental counter is closed?
You should call your rental company directly if you can. Some companies will wait for you if your flight is delayed, as long as you provided your flight number when you booked. Otherwise, you will need to find another ride and come back for the car the next day.