4.6 Rental cars can be a burden

If you must rent a car, there are several large rental operations in Las Vegas. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty are at McCarran Airport. Be aware, however, that it is often cheaper if you can avoid picking up your car at the airport. By picking it up at your (or a nearby) hotel, you can often eliminate one day's rental and airport surcharges. There is a $3 per day fee for rentals made at the airport.

To rent a car, you must be 21 years of age, have a major credit card and a valid driver's license. (Drivers 21 to 24 years of age are assessed an additional charge.) And many rentals do not include taxes or surcharges which can add another 25% or more to the cost. Be sure you are quoted the total cost before you leave the rental counter so that there will be no surprises.

The car rental business in Las Vegas is VERY competitive and prices vary widely. Let it be known that you are shopping for the lowest price. Cost is normally around $25 to $30 per day (or $150 to $200 a week) for a mid-size automobile with unlimited mileage and you pay for the gas. You can check Las Vegas car rental costs here and here. (Note that Travelocity's prices include all local taxes.) Always fill the tank before returning the vehicle, as rental car companies will charge more for gas than if you filled it yourself.

Airport Rent-A-Car - (702) 795-0800 - (800) 631-8909
Alamo - (702) 263-8411 - (877) 227-8367
Allstate - (702) 736-6147 - (800) 634-6186
Avis - (702) 261-5595 - (800) 831-2847
Budget - (702) 736-1212 - (800) 527-0770 - Rental desk at several hotels.
Dollar - (702) 739-8408 - (800) 800-4000 - Rental desk at several hotels.
Enterprise - (702) 795-8842 - (800) 736-8222
Hertz - (702) 736-4900 - (800) 654-3131
National - (702) 261-5391 - (800) 227-7368
Payless - (702) 736-6147 - (800) 729-5377
Thrifty - (702) 896-7600 - (800) 367-2277
Value - (702) 733-8886 - (800) 468-2583
X-Press International Rent-A-Car - (702) 891-0807 - (800) 795-2277.