ABQ Rental Car Guide: Albuquerque International Sunport
Renting a car at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at ABQ that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at ABQ
Rental cars are at the Sunport Car Rental Center (3400 University Blvd SE), reached by free shuttles that run 24/7, about every 10 minutes.
Board the shuttle in the commercial lane outside the first level of the terminal, outside baggage claim.
ABQ pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Rentals at ABQ include airport charges, typically a concession recovery fee and often a customer facility charge, plus New Mexico and local taxes. ABQ does not publish these amounts on its rental car page, so check your agreement for the exact figures.
That means the daily rate in your quote is not what you pay at ABQ: taxes and airport charges are added on top. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at ABQ
The Sunport Car Rental Center hosts 11 rental brands:
- Ace
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: Hertz, National and Avis (strong loyalty programs that can speed up pickup)
Cheapest base rates: Ace, Payless and Dollar (often lower base rates; compare the all-in total)
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
ABQ-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
The Sunport is close to downtown Albuquerque, so city branches are a short ride away.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Neighborhood branches can undercut airport rates for longer rentals, especially during Balloon Fiesta.
How to save the most at ABQ
- Compare the all-in total. At ABQ, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at ABQ?
Take the free 24/7 shuttle from the commercial lane outside baggage claim to the Sunport Car Rental Center; buses come about every 10 minutes.
What is the average rental car price at ABQ?
There is no reliable average for ABQ: prices jump during the Balloon Fiesta in early October and ease off in quieter months. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at ABQ?
Expect a concession recovery fee, often a customer facility charge, and New Mexico plus local taxes. ABQ does not publish the amounts, so read them off your agreement.
Which rental car company is best at ABQ?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members who want a faster pickup, while Ace, Payless and Dollar often post lower base rates. Judge them on the all-in total.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from ABQ?
Sometimes, since downtown is close by. City branches pay off mainly on longer rentals or during Balloon Fiesta.
Are there any quirks to renting at ABQ?
Plan for three things: no toll roads, winter snow on high mountain routes, and Balloon Fiesta pricing in October.