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Find lower car rental prices at McAllen International Airport (MFE) with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare on-airport counters and nearby city locations in one search, then hit the Rio Grande Valley highways to La Plaza Mall, South Padre Island or the Hidalgo border crossing with a ride that fits your trip.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 538484
Location Pros Cons
McAllen International Airport (MFE) • Immediate access upon arrival
• Several major rental companies on site
• Extended hours for most counters
• Simple return process at same location
• Generally higher rates due to airport fees
• Potential wait times after busy flight arrivals
• Limited selection during peak seasons
McAllen City Locations • Potentially lower rates than airport
• Sometimes larger selection of vehicles
• Located near hotels and shopping centers
• Requires transportation from airport
• More limited hours (often closed evenings and Sundays)
• May have more restrictive policies

Car Rental Prices

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

On average, car rentals at McAllen Airport cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare airport vs city pickups: McAllen city branches often run 15-20 % cheaper than MFE Airport. Add the cost of a quick rideshare from the terminal—if the total is still lower, book in town.

  • Shift your dates: Picking up Tue-Thu instead of a weekend usually knocks a few bucks off the daily rate around McAllen.

  • Use the "weekly rate hack": A 5-7-day booking can be cheaper than four separate days. Do the math before you lock it in.

  • Watch the calendar: Fall (Sep-Oct) is the sweet spot for bargains. Winter Texans and Spring Break send prices soaring, so compare early for those periods.

  • Re-shop a week out: Prices at MFE often dip close to pickup. If your original deal is beatable, cancel and rebook for free on most platforms.

  • Return full: Fill up at one of the cheap gas stations on 10th Street before driving back to the airport and skip the premium refueling charge.

Parking and Local Driving

Location Parking Type Where to Park
McAllen International Airport Paid lot and garage Short-term and long-term options available
La Plaza Mall Free Plenty of space but can get crowded on weekends and holidays
Downtown McAllen Metered street parking and public lots Meters enforced Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, free on Sundays
South Padre Island Mix of free beach access and paid lots Limited free spots during peak season, paid lots available
Quinta Mazatlan Free Space available for this McAllen World Birding Center
McAllen Convention Center Free Large area available during events
  • Speed limits: 30 MPH in city, 70–75 MPH on highways and expressways
  • School zones strictly enforced (20 MPH when lights flashing)
  • Border Patrol checkpoints on highways leading north from McAllen (keep identification ready)
  • Right turn on red permitted after complete stop unless signed otherwise
  • Seatbelts required for all passengers
  • Texting while driving prohibited throughout Texas
  • No handheld phone use in school zones
  • Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles (state law)
  • No alcohol in passenger compartment (open container law strictly enforced)
Why rent a car in McAllen

A rental car lets you quickly reach beaches, wildlife refuges and shopping hubs spread across the Rio Grande Valley.

  • South Padre Island – beaches, water activities

  • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park – birding trails, wildlife observation

  • La Plaza Mall – shopping, dining

  • Downtown McAllen – art galleries, nightlife

  • Corpus Christi – Gulf Coast shoreline, aircraft carrier museum

Driving Distances from McAllen Airport

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in McAllen?

You will need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. If you don't want the rental company's insurance, some agencies might ask you for proof of your own U.S. auto insurance. International visitors should bring a passport. Depending on your home country, you may also need an International Driving Permit along with your regular license.

Can I drive my rental car into Mexico?

Most rental companies don't let you take their cars into Mexico. If you need to cross the border, you must get written permission from the rental company and buy special insurance to cover the car in Mexico. This adds about $25-40 per day to your rental cost.

Are there any special requirements for crossing Border Patrol checkpoints?

You should have valid ID ready for all passengers and be prepared to state your citizenship. Keep the rental agreement in the car. You will find checkpoints on every major road leading north from the Rio Grande Valley.

What's the best vehicle for visiting South Padre Island?

A regular sedan works just fine for South Padre Island since all the main roads are paved. An SUV will give you more space for beach gear, but you only really need one if you have to carry surfboards or other large items.

How does the toll system work in the Rio Grande Valley?

The only tolls most visitors pay are on the international bridges to Mexico. They charge a fee each time you cross, which you can pay in cash (U.S. dollars). Some bridges also let you pay using electronic tags such as TxTag/EZ TAG. There are no toll highways right in the McAllen area at this time.

Is it worth paying for the GPS option with my rental?

Most people find that using their smartphone for directions works well enough in the McAllen area. Cell service is usually good throughout the Valley. We still recommend you download offline maps for trips to remote areas or if you plan to cross into Mexico, where you might have to pay for data roaming.

What's the minimum age to rent a car in McAllen?

Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They also charge an extra fee of about $25-35 per day for drivers who are under 25.

Are there any roads to avoid in the McAllen area?

The major roads are usually safe and in good shape. On some rural roads, you might find farm traffic or bumpy surfaces. You should avoid unmarked dirt roads, especially near the border, as they might lead to private property or areas you're not allowed to enter.