EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car at Providence T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands around Rhode Island with no reservation fees. Check real-time deals for on-airport and downtown pickups, filter by class or mileage and be on I-95 toward Newport, Boston or the Cape in minutes.
| Feature | PVD Airport Rentals | Downtown Providence Rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 9 national companies on-site. Walk from terminal via Skywalk (5-10 minutes, including moving walkways). Counters usually open 6AM-12AM, extended until last flight arrives. | Fewer locations (major brands only). Generally open business hours (8AM-6PM weekdays) and limited weekend hours. Little to no late-night service. |
| Cost & Fees | Airport convenience includes additional costs - airport rentals incur approximately 10-15% concession fees plus facility charges on top of state taxes. Base rates usually higher. | Often 10-30% cheaper overall (no airport surcharges). Base rates can be lower. However, you'll need transportation from PVD to pick up the car (approximately $20-$40 via rideshare). |
| Wait Times | Moderate - multiple flights arrive at PVD, creating lines at peak times. Many travelers report quick service off-peak. The walkway means no shuttle wait. Loyalty program members can skip the counter. | Usually shorter lines due to fewer customers. However, staffing is often minimal (one agent), so if several customers arrive at once, waits can occur. Reservations recommended. |
| Convenience | Very convenient: walk from flight to rental center. No additional transport needed. Easy highway access to I-95. Rental return is on-site and clearly marked. After-hours returns allowed - drop keys in secure box if counters are closed. | More effort required: after landing, you must get to the city (via taxi/rideshare, commuter rail or hotel shuttle) before renting. Many downtown offices do not offer after-hours drop-off, so you must return during business hours or arrange in advance. |
On average, car rentals at Providence Airport cost around $56 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown: Downtown Providence counters skip the 10-15 % airport concession fee. Even after a $25 rideshare, week-long rentals can still be cheaper.
Time it to demand: Summer and college move-in weeks are price peaks—lock something in 2-3 months ahead. In winter or other slow periods, waiting can score last-minute deals.
Pick up midweek: Shifting pickup to Tuesday or Wednesday often knocks $10-$20 a day off PVD rates compared with Friday starts.
Set price alerts and rebook: Rates shuffle daily. Reserve a cancellable booking, then keep checking our site and switch if the total drops.
Cell phone waiting lot: Free waiting area for pickups (maximum 1 hour)
Rhode Island has a hands-free driving law that prohibits handheld cell phone use
| Road Type | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| School zones | 20 mph (when school is in session and children present) |
| Residential and city streets | 25 mph is the general default in city limits |
| Rural two-lane roads | 45–50 mph on many non-urban state highways |
| Divided highways (non-interstate) | 50–55 mph |
| Interstate highways | 65 mph maximum, lower limits in urban areas |
Rent a car so you can visit:
Newport – mansions, Cliff Walk, harbor
Narragansett & South County beaches – beaches, Point Judith ferry
Block Island (via Point Judith ferry) – lighthouses, Mohegan Bluffs
Boston – Freedom Trail, museums
What documents do I need to rent a car at PVD Airport?
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and a confirmed reservation. If you are visiting from another country, you need to bring your passport. You may also need an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
What is the minimum age to rent a car at PVD Airport?
You usually have to be at least 21 years old. If you're under 25, the company will charge you a young driver fee. Some companies might rent to drivers who are 18 to 20 years old for special reasons, like military travel, or for certain types of cars, but this is rare.
Can I return my rental car after hours?
Yes, all rental companies at PVD Airport let you return cars after hours. Just park the car in the special return area and leave the keys and your rental agreement in the drop box.
Do I need E-ZPass for driving in Rhode Island?
No. Rhode Island only has one toll for regular cars at the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, and it is all-electronic. If you don't have an E-ZPass, cameras will take a picture of the license plate. The rental company will then charge you for the toll and any extra fees. You don't have to get an E-ZPass, but it's handy if you plan to drive in nearby states that also use electronic tolls.
Is there a gas station near the airport?
Yes, you can find several gas stations about a mile or two from the airport on Post Road (Route 1) and Airport Road.
Are there any driving restrictions for rental cars?
Most companies let you drive with unlimited mileage and travel across state lines in the main part of the U.S. They usually let you drive into Canada, but you must tell them when you pick up the car. You should check the policy from your rental company to be sure.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support