Car Rental Richardson, TX

FAQs

What's the best way to get to Richardson from DFW or Love Field airports?
From DFW, take International Parkway to President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) East, then to US-75 if you're going to central or eastern Richardson. From Love Field, take Mockingbird Lane to US-75 North. The drive takes about 25-35 minutes from DFW and 20-30 minutes from Love Field, but you should add extra time during rush hours.

Should I use toll roads around Richardson?
Toll roads like President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) and Dallas North Tollway can save you a lot of time, especially during rush hour. If you use your rental car's toll program, the company will charge you for the toll and a daily service fee. If you plan to use toll roads often, ask your rental company about unlimited toll packages, which can be cheaper.

Is it easy to find parking in Richardson?
Yes. You can find plenty of free parking at most places in Richardson, like shopping centers, restaurants and business parks. The CityLine development has parking garages where some businesses can validate your parking. You can find street parking in downtown Richardson, but be aware that there might be time limits on weekdays.

Should I take my rental car into downtown Dallas or use public transportation?
If you're only making an occasional trip to downtown Dallas, you should consider using the DART rail from a Richardson station. You will avoid traffic and parking costs, which are usually $10-20 per day downtown. If you need to make several stops or travel late at night, a rental car gives you more freedom, even though you will have parking fees and possible traffic.

What's the best vehicle type for a visitor to Richardson?
A midsize sedan works well for most visitors. It gives you a good mix of comfort, fuel efficiency and easy parking. If you are visiting during the summer or traveling with your family, you might want to upgrade for more comfort. SUVs help you see better in traffic, but they cost more to rent and use more gas.

How do I navigate the complex highway interchanges in the Dallas area?
You will need a GPS if you are not familiar with Dallas highways. Major interchanges like the "High Five" (US-75 and I-635) and the "Mixmaster" (I-35E and I-30) can be confusing because they have many levels and exits. Plan your route before you start driving and know which lane you need ahead of time. It can be hard to change lanes in heavy traffic.

What should I do if I encounter severe weather while driving?
When you drive during a thunderstorm, you should slow down and leave more space between your car and the one in front. If you hear a hail or tornado warning, find a strong building and take shelter. For a flash-flood warning, stay away from low-lying roads and never drive through a flooded street. In the winter, bridges and overpasses freeze first. You should drive very carefully or stay off the roads if there are reports of ice.

Are there any scenic drives near Richardson?
While Richardson is mostly suburban, you can take a nice drive around nearby White Rock Lake in Dallas to see the park. For more scenic drives, you can head north to Lake Lavon (about 30 minutes) or east to Lake Ray Hubbard (about 20 minutes). In the spring, the country roads northeast of McKinney are a beautiful drive where you can see Texas wildflowers like bluebonnets.