JAX Rental Car Guide: Jacksonville International Airport
Renting a car at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Jacksonville, Florida. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at JAX that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at JAX
Rental counters are on the lower level of the terminal next to baggage claim, and cars are in the parking garage next to the terminal. No shuttle needed.
A 2025 fire in the Hourly Garage moved rental car pickups and returns during repairs. Follow the current Rental Car Return signs, as layouts can change while work continues.
JAX pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Florida adds a $2 per day rental car surcharge (first 30 days), plus 7.5% sales tax (6% state plus Duval County's 1.5% in surtaxes) and airport charges such as a concession recovery fee. Check your agreement for the exact amounts.
These charges are added on top of the quoted base rate, so a cheap headline price at JAX can look very different at checkout. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at JAX
JAX 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: Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt (usually the lowest 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
JAX-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
JAX is north of downtown Jacksonville. Counters are steps from baggage claim, so off-airport rarely pays off for short trips.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Southside and beach branches can be cheaper for longer rentals.
How to save the most at JAX
- Compare the all-in total. At JAX, 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 JAX?
Counters are on the lower level next to baggage claim, and cars are in the parking garage next to the terminal. Follow the current signs, since garage repairs after a 2025 fire have moved some operations.
What is the average rental car price at JAX?
There is no reliable average for JAX: rates move with season, demand and car class, and airport charges come on top. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at JAX?
Florida's $2 daily rental surcharge, 7.5% sales tax (6% state plus Duval County's 1.5% in surtaxes), and airport charges such as a concession recovery fee.
Which rental car company is best at JAX?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members, while Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt usually have the lowest base rates.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from JAX?
Rarely for short trips. Southside and beach branches can be cheaper for longer rentals.
Are there any quirks to renting at JAX?
A few local roads, like the First Coast Expressway, are cashless tolls, and garage repairs can shift return lanes.