EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rentals from major providers at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Grab your keys just steps from the terminal in the consolidated rental center and reach the Riverwalk in under 20 minutes via US-281. Book ahead for spring break, summer or Fiesta weeks to secure your preferred vehicle and enjoy a smoother pick up.
SAT Airport offers a convenient consolidated rental car facility connected to the terminals.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Consolidated Rental Facility |
|
|
Direct access via elevator/walkway in Terminal B |
| Off-Airport City Locations |
|
|
Best for longer stays when immediate car access isn't needed |
| Hotels and Rental Desks |
|
|
Call hotel concierge to confirm availability |
Terminal Access: The consolidated rental facility is accessible via a short indoor walkway from Terminal B or by following signs from Terminal A. No shuttle is required, making SAT one of the more convenient airports for car rentals.
On average, car rentals at San Antonio International Airport cost around $57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $16 per day.
Compare airport vs off-airport pickups: SAT's city branches often run 15-25 % cheaper. Factor in a $15–25 rideshare from the terminal—if you're in town 3+ days, the math usually favors the off-airport deal.
Shift your dates: In San Antonio, midweek rentals (Tue-Thu) regularly undercut weekend prices. Use flexible-date search to see the sweet spot before locking in.
Peak-event alert: Fiesta (April), Spring Break (March) and summer school holidays drive prices up fast. Book a cancelable rate early, then re-check and rebook if costs drop.
Right-size the car: Hill Country roads are paved and downtown streets are tight. Unless you're hauling a crew, an economy or compact works fine and sips less fuel (gas near the airport is ~$0.20/gal cheaper than downtown).
| Area | Options | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Riverwalk | Garages, lots, street meters | Varies | Read meter regulations carefully. Some garages offer evening or weekend discounts. Hotel valet can be expensive. |
| The Alamo Area | Public garages, limited street | Varies | High demand area with limited spots. Arrive early for best availability. Some validation options at restaurants. |
| Pearl District | Garage and street spots (some free for a limited time) | Some free options, otherwise varies | Validation available at some businesses. Popular area with limited street spots. Follow garage signage carefully. |
| Market Square | Public lots, street | Varies | Cash often preferred at surface lots. Active enforcement of meter limits. Busier on weekends. |
| Shopping Areas | Free lots at malls | Generally free | Plenty of spots at major malls. Some time restrictions at restaurant areas. Covered spaces available at upscale centers. |
| Return to Airport | Short term and long term lots | Varies | Follow "Rental Car Return" signs. Gas stations are available on airport approach roads. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for return process. |
Downtown Navigation: Many downtown streets are one way; follow GPS carefully
School Zones: 20 mph limits when flashers are active, usually 7–9 AM and 2–4 PM on school days
River Crossings: Limited bridge crossings over the San Antonio River; plan routes accordingly
Construction: Ongoing projects on I-10, Loop 1604 and US-281; check for current closures
Flood-Prone Areas: During heavy rain, some low water crossings close; heed "Turn Around Don't Drown" warnings
Historic Districts: Narrow streets and limited spots in King William and Monte Vista areas
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
Downtown Riverwalk – restaurants, river barges
The Alamo – mission museum
SeaWorld San Antonio – park, shows
Six Flags Fiesta Texas – roller coasters, concerts
Texas Hill Country – wineries, Fredericksburg
New Braunfels – Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Guadalupe River
How do I access the rental car facility at SAT Airport? From Terminal A, follow signs for "Rental Cars" to the walkway that connects to Terminal B, then keep following the signs. From Terminal B, take the elevator or escalator to the ground level and follow signs to the main rental facility. You won't need a shuttle.
What are the fuel options when returning my rental to SAT? Most companies ask you to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you rented it, which is often a full tank. You can find several gas stations 5 to 10 minutes from the airport on Airport Boulevard and Nakoma Drive. Filling up the tank yourself saves money. A rental company's refueling charge is much higher, around $9–12 per gallon.
Is a special type of vehicle needed for visiting the Hill Country? A standard sedan will work just fine for most Hill Country driving, as the roads are in good condition. But if you plan to visit areas that are farther out or smaller wineries, a small SUV could be more comfortable on the gravel roads you might find. You won't need a four-wheel drive for the usual tourist routes.
Are there any toll roads around San Antonio I should know about? Right now, San Antonio does not have any toll roads in the city. If you drive north toward Austin, the main toll road is State Highway 130 (and the connecting SH-45) east of I-35. Most rental cars come with a toll transponder that automatically bills tolls to your rental agreement and adds a daily service fee.
What parking options are best for visiting the Riverwalk? You can find several public parking garages a short walk from the Riverwalk. They usually charge $10–20 for all-day parking. The city-operated Riverbend Garage and Houston Street Garage offer good access. If you're staying at a Riverwalk hotel, their valet parking is a convenient choice and costs about $25–35 per day.
Do I need to make advance parking arrangements for popular attractions? You usually don't need to reserve parking ahead of time for most San Antonio attractions. We do recommend arriving early (before 10 AM), especially if you're visiting the Alamo during the busy tourist season. Some downtown restaurants offer valet parking and hotel guests often get priority parking access.
How early should I arrive at the rental car facility before my flight? You should plan to get to the rental car facility at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and about 3 hours before an international flight. Returning the car takes about 15–20 minutes. You'll also need time for the short walk back to the terminal and to clear security.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support