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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Skip the shuttle because counters are inside baggage claim and cars are a short walk away, letting you hit I-580 or Lake Tahoe in minutes. We pull live prices from Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise and other brands so you can lock in a low price AWD SUV early for ski season or Burning Man.
Unlike many airports that require shuttles to off-site facilities, RNO provides a convenient rental experience in the terminal and vehicles parked nearby.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Counter Location | Inside baggage claim area (main terminal) |
| Vehicle Location | Adjacent parking garage (short walking distance) |
| Operating Hours | Approximately 6am to midnight (varies by company) |
| Companies | Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty |
| Local Provider | Reno-Tahoe Rental Car (off-airport shuttle service) |
Rental Process:
1. After collecting luggage, proceed to rental counters in baggage claim
2. Complete rental agreement at counter
3. Walk to adjacent parking garage
4. Locate your vehicle in the designated company's section
5. Exit garage following signs to airport exit and I-580/US-395
On average, car rentals at Reno Tahoe Airport cost around $106 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Check downtown vs airport pickup: RNO adds hefty airport concession fees (total taxes can hit 30-40 %). Compare prices for a Reno city location—sometimes even with a quick rideshare the off-airport option wins.
Know the peak windows: Burning Man and ski-season weekends sell out months ahead, so early booking is smart then. For quieter weeks like mid-November or mid-spring, last-minute deals often pop up—watch price trends rather than locking in too far out.
Play with pickup/return days: Weekend rates spike; shifting to a Monday-Thursday rental or extending by a day can be cheaper than a tight Fri-Sun window. Use our comparison calendar to eyeball the sweet spot.
Stick with the smallest class you can live with: Economy cars have the largest fleet at RNO and usually stay cheapest. If they run out, you often score a free upgrade anyway.
| Area | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Counters | Main terminal, baggage claim level | All companies in one area |
| Pickup Area | Parking garage connected to terminal | Short walk from counters |
| Return Area | Same parking garage, follow "Rental Return" signs | Clear directional signage |
| Terminal Access from Return | Short walk back to main terminal | No shuttle needed |
Return Process: 1. Fill gas tank before returning (stations available near airport) 2. Follow airport signs to "Rental Car Return" 3. Enter parking garage and follow signs to your company's return area 4. Park in designated area and take keys/rental agreement to return desk 5. Complete return paperwork at the desk or drop keys in after-hours box 6. Walk to terminal (around 2-5 minutes)
Nearest Gas Stations to Airport:
Rent a car so you can visit:
Lake Tahoe – North Shore, South Shore
Virginia City – Comstock Lode district
Truckee, CA – Donner Pass
Carson City – Nevada State Capitol
Do I need to take a shuttle to pick up my rental car at RNO?
No, all the big rental car companies have counters right inside the baggage claim area. They park their cars in the garage next door, so you can walk straight to your car after you finish the paperwork.
What are the busiest rental periods at Reno Airport?
People rent cars most often on winter weekends (Friday–Sunday) during ski season, summer weekends and the Burning Man event in late August. Holiday weekends are also very busy.
What's the minimum age to rent a car at RNO?
Most companies need you to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. If you're under 25, you'll usually pay an extra "young driver" fee of about $25 per day. For some special cars, the company might require you to be 25 or older.
Can I return my rental outside of business hours?
Yes, most companies at RNO let you return cars after they close. You should look for a key drop box or instructions for after-hours returns. Remember to keep your gas receipt and take photos of the car's condition and mileage for your records.
Should I reserve a car in advance or rent upon arrival?
You should definitely reserve your car ahead of time, especially during busy times. During Burning Man, ski season weekends and summer holidays, the rental companies can run out of cars completely. You can usually only get a last-minute rental when it's not a busy time of year.
How do I handle chain requirements if driving to Lake Tahoe in winter?
Most rental car companies don't let you use tire chains on their cars. If you're planning to drive to Lake Tahoe in the winter, you should reserve an all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) car early. These cars have all-season tires with an M+S rating, and they can usually handle roads that require chains (R-1 and R-2 rules) so you won't need to install any.
Do rental cars come with snow tires in winter?
Regular rental cars usually have all-season tires, not special snow tires. A few rental companies in Reno, but not at the airport, offer cars that have snow tires for driving in winter. You have to book these cars separately, and they usually cost more.
How much time should I allow when returning my car before a flight?
The rental car return is in the same garage as the terminal, so you should plan for about 20–30 minutes to get from your car to your gate when it's not busy. During busy times like Sunday afternoons or holidays, you should give yourself 30–45 minutes, especially if you need to check bags.
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