IND Rental Car Guide: Indianapolis International Airport
Renting a car at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indianapolis, Indiana. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at IND that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at IND
Rental counters are in the Ground Transportation Center on the first floor of the Terminal Garage, a short walk from baggage claim. No shuttle needed for the on-site brands.
Follow the signs from baggage claim to the Ground Transportation Center. Off-airport Payless and Airport Van Rental customers call for a shuttle just outside the Ground Transportation Center in zone one.
IND pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Rentals at IND include airport charges, typically a concession recovery fee and often a customer facility charge, plus Indiana and local taxes. IND 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 IND: taxes and airport charges are added on top. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at IND
IND hosts 9 on-airport rental brands:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: Hertz, National and Avis (strong loyalty programs that can speed up pickup)
Cheapest base rates: Compare Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt against the majors, since the gap changes with your dates
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
IND-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
IND is southwest of downtown Indianapolis, so city branches are close, but on-site rentals are a walk from baggage claim.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Downtown and north side branches can be worth it for longer rentals that start after a few days in the city.
How to save the most at IND
- Compare the all-in total. At IND, 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 IND?
Counters are in the Ground Transportation Center on the first floor of the Terminal Garage, a short walk from baggage claim.
What is the average rental car price at IND?
There is no reliable average for IND: rates jump around the Indy 500 in May and big conventions. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at IND?
Usually a concession recovery fee, often a customer facility charge, plus Indiana and local taxes. IND does not publish the amounts.
Which rental car company is best at IND?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members, while Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt are worth pricing against them.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from IND?
Rarely for short trips, since the counters are a walk away. Downtown and north side branches can suit longer rentals.
Are there any quirks to renting at IND?
Most trips around Indianapolis are toll-free, but book early for Indy 500 and major convention dates.