Las Vegas (LAS) Rental Car Guide

Quick Summary

Approximately 30-45 minutes from deboarding the plane to a rental counter. All rental companies are located at the Rent a Car Center. This is off site, and will require a shuttle to get to. Shuttles run from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Its about a 10-15 minute shuttle ride.

Time to reach rental counters

Best companies overall

National - Emerald Aisle bypasses all the headache of renting a vehicle. Choose any car at the midsize rate, get in, and go. Skipping the counter is worth spending a little more.

SIXT - Sixt has the most premium fleet in Las Vegas. (and in the U.S for that matter) Incredible pricing during off-peak seasons that rival or beat the budget brands. Lines at the Las Vegas location move very quickly, and the rental process at the counter typically only lasts around 3-5 minutes. Generally have every type of vehicle available, including high end luxury vehicles. As of writing, they do not offer a counter bypass option in Las Vegas yet.

Enterprise - Enterprise offers one of the most consistent rental experiences in the industry, with newer vehicles, strong customer service, and reliable availability at most airports. Expect higher pricing, but a smoother, more dependable overall experience.

Best for budget travelers

Sixt - The Las Vegas location has very competitive pricing. Before booking with anyone else, be sure to check what Sixt is offering. You'll often find them offering brand new X3's at the same price as a midsize SUV from their competitors.

Thrifty - Offers some of the cheapest rates at most airports, making it appealing for quick trips or tight budgets. Service and fleet quality can vary, and wait times will be long during peak seasons.

Budget - Budget lives up to its name with consistently low prices and wide vehicle availability. Expect longer lines during peak times, but it’s a solid pick for travelers who want the lowest upfront cost without major compromises.

Rental Car Center Location

The Rent-a-Car Center sits a few miles south of the airport terminals. You'll need to take the shuttle from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 to get here. At the center, each rental company has its own counter and parking area.

Shuttles run 24/7 and typically depart everyone 5-15 minutes. The ride from either terminal 1 or 3 is about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic, so keep that in mind when you drop your vehicle off.

You will drop your vehicle off at the rental car center, not at any of the airport terminals.

Return Instructions

Where to Return Your Vehicle

As you approach the airport area, follow signs for “Rental Car Return / Rent-A-Car Center”.

• The entrance to the Car Return Garage is off Gilespie Street.

• Once inside, follow the overhead signs to your rental company’s return lane.
  
  After you park and complete the check-in, you’ll walk through the lobby area and out to the shuttle pickup zone at the front of the building.

Shuttle Back to the Terminals

• Shuttles back to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 depart from the front of the Rent-A-Car Center.

• You should allow yourself extra time here, I always expect around 45 minutes from drop off to terminal, as shuttle frequency and travel time can vary with traffic and passenger volume.

Fuel

Don't forget to refuel your vehicle before you drop of if you opted out of the rental companies prepaid fuel option. Filling up further away from the airport will save you a few cents per gallon, but there is also a gas station a few seconds down the road from the rental car facility.

Toll Roads and Express Lanes

Do You Need a Toll Pass in Las Vegas?

No, Nevada currently has no toll roads at all. Only consider a toll pass if you're traveling from Las Vegas to a state with tolls in a rental car.

Best Rental Car Companies in Las Vegas

National - Fastest and Easiest

National is a top choice at LAS for one simple reason: Emerald Aisle saves you time. There’s no counter, no upsell pressure, and no waiting in line after a long shuttle ride. You can check in on the app, walk straight to the aisle, choose your own car, and drive out without speaking to anyone. For travelers who value speed and convenience, National is hard to beat.

Best for: Business travelers, loyalty members, anyone who wants the fastest pickup.

Sixt - Best Fleet, Options, and Service

Sixt offers the most premium fleet at Las Vegas, with everything from Toyota Camrys and Hyundai Sonatas to BMW XMs, Hummer EVs, and even G-Wagons at certain times. If you want something stylish, newer, or more luxurious than what most rental companies offer, Sixt is the standout. They’re also a great choice for travelers who enjoy variety and are open to upgrading.

Best for: Travelers wanting luxury vehicles or premium SUVs.

Enterprise - Most consistent

Enterprise delivers one of the most dependable rental experiences. They maintain a newer fleet, offer strong customer service, and have pretty fast lines in Las Vegas They may not be as fast as National or as flashy as Sixt, but they’re consistently good.

Best for: Long-term renters, anyone wanting a smooth, predictable experience.

Budget - Good Prices, Solid Consistency

Budget offers some of the most competitive mainstream pricing at LAS while still delivering a generally reliable experience. For the price, they offer good value and manageable service times. Travelers looking to save at LAS should look through the rates at Budget.

Best for: Travelers searching for the best daily rate.

Insider Tips for Renting at LAS

• Book early for major events. Vegas fills up for big conventions, fight nights, sports weekends, and New Year’s. Cars genuinely sell out during those periods.

• Allow more time for returns on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings. That’s when everyone is leaving, and the rental center + shuttles get busy.

• Check A/C before leaving the facility. Turn the vehicle on, and check the A/C. If it’s not blowing cold after a bit, swap the car before you hit the highway.

• Consider parking fees on the Strip. Some hotels charge daily parking, parking some days cost me more than the rental car itself.