Planning a trip with Amtrak and need a rental car at your destination? Booking at the right time can save you money and ensure vehicle availability. In this guide, we’ll cover the best time to book a rental car, tips for securing the lowest price, and how Amtrak passengers can easily arrange rentals.
When Is the Best Time to Book a Rental Car?
The best time to book a rental car is typically 1 to 3 weeks before your travel date, when prices are lower and availability is still good. Here’s what Amtrak passengers should know:
Book Early (4-6 Weeks in Advance)
Booking too early like 4 to 6 weeks ahead can lead to higher rates due to demand forecasts. For the lowest price, aim to reserve 7 days in advance, use free cancellation options, and monitor price drops with tools like AutoSlash or KAYAK.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings
Waiting until the last week (or even a few days before) can result in limited availability and higher prices. Some locations may run out of economy cars, leaving only premium (and expensive) options.
Rent During Off-Peak Seasons
- Best Months: January, February, September, and October (excluding holidays).
- Worst Months: Summer (June-August) and major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break).
Weekday vs. Weekend Rentals
- Cheaper Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
- More Expensive: Weekends (Friday-Monday) due to higher demand.
Compare Multiple Rental Companies
Check prices from different providers like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget—Amtrak’s partners to find the best deal.
How Amtrak Passengers Can Book Rental Cars?
Amtrak makes it easy to add a rental car to your journey. Here’s how:
Book Online via Amtrak’s Website
- Visit Amtrak’s official page
- Enter your travel dates & destination to compare real-time prices
Popular Amtrak Stations with Rental Car Services
Many major Amtrak stations have on-site rental counters or nearby rental locations
| Station | Rental Providers Available |
|---|---|
| Chicago (CHI) – Union Station | Hertz, Enterprise, Avis |
| Los Angeles (LAX) – Union Station | Budget, Enterprise, Hertz |
| New York (NYP) – Penn Station | Avis, Budget, Enterprise |
| Washington, D.C. (WAS) – Union Station | Hertz, Avis, Enterprise |
| Seattle (SEA) – King Street Station | Budget, Enterprise, Hertz |
Rental Car Types & Pricing (Average Daily Rates)
Compare economy, compact, midsize, SUV, and luxury rental cars with average daily rates to find the best option for your Amtrak trip
| Car Category | Example Models | Avg. Daily Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa | $30-$50 | Solo travelers, budget trips |
| Compact | Honda Civic, Ford Focus | $40-$60 | Couples, small groups |
| Midsize | Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata | $50-$80 | Families, comfort |
| SUV | Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee | $70-$120 | Road trips, extra space |
| Luxury | BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz | $100-$200 | Business trips, special occasions |
Pro Tips for Amtrak Passengers
Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned traveler, these expert tips will help you make the most of your Amtrak journey:
Check Rental Car Locations Near Your Amtrak Station
Don’t assume every Amtrak stop has a rental car agency. Verify availability and operating hours well in advance. Many rental agencies require a separate shuttle ride from the station.
Consider One-Way Rentals
If your Amtrak journey is a one-way trip, you might need a one-way rental car. These can be more expensive, so factor that into your budget.
Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms
Don’t just stick to one rental car company’s website. Use aggregators like Kayak, Expedia, Priceline, and directly check major rental car company sites (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National) for the best deals.
Book with Free Cancellation
If you’re unsure of your plans, many rental car bookings offer free cancellation up to a certain point. This allows you to lock in a good rate and then re-book if a better deal comes along.
Consider Rental Car Alternatives
For short distances or city exploration, ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft), local taxis, or public transportation might be more cost-effective than a rental car, especially if parking is an issue.
Check Here: Best Time to Book Hotel for Amtrak Passengers
Conclusion
For Amtrak travelers looking to rent a car, timing is key to saving money and securing availability. Booking 1–2 weeks before your travel date often yields the best rates, especially at stations with limited inventory. While last-minute deals can be cheaper, they come with risks—so reserving early with free cancellation gives you flexibility and peace of mind. Compare prices, check station-specific rental options, and rebook if rates drop. With smart planning, Amtrak passengers can enjoy seamless transfers and affordable car rentals at their destination.
FAQs on Best Time to Book Rental Car
Booking 1–2 weeks before your train arrival typically offers the best rates and availability.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer the lowest rates due to lower demand.
Yes! Early bookings often unlock promotional rates, especially through Amtrak’s rental partners like Hertz and Enterprise.
Major stations like Chicago Union and New York Penn often have rental counters nearby. Always check station-specific options.
Book your train first, then reserve a rental car to match your arrival time and avoid scheduling conflicts.
No, not all stations offer rental services. Use Amtrak’s station locator or rental company websites to confirm availability.
Most allow free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before pickup—ideal for flexible travel plans.
Absolutely. If you booked with free cancellation, you can rebook at a lower rate and save.
Yes, members can earn points and access exclusive rental discounts through Amtrak’s travel partners.
Seasonality, station size, local events, and inventory levels all impact pricing—monitor rates and book smart.
