SAT Rental Car Guide: San Antonio International Airport
Renting a car at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in San Antonio, Texas. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at SAT that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at SAT
Rental counters are in the lobby of SAT's Consolidated Rental Car Facility, connected to the terminals. No shuttle needed.
In Terminal B, take the elevator or escalator up to the Sky Bridge and walk across to the facility. Follow the rental car signs.
SAT pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Rentals at SAT include Texas' 10% motor vehicle rental tax (rentals of 30 days or less), Bexar County's 5% venue tax on short-term rentals, a daily customer facility charge that funds the rental car facility, and any concession recovery fee. Check your agreement for the airport fee amounts.
That means the daily rate in your quote is not what you pay at SAT: taxes and airport charges are added on top. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at SAT
SAT lists 11 rental brands at its rental car facility:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Fox
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: Hertz, National and Avis (strong loyalty programs that can speed up pickup)
Cheapest base rates: Fox, Payless and Sixt (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
SAT-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
SAT sits north of downtown San Antonio, so city branches are close but add a rideshare.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Downtown branches can work for travelers who only need a car for a day trip to the Hill Country.
How to save the most at SAT
- Compare the all-in total. At SAT, 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 SAT?
In Terminal B, take the elevator or escalator up to the Sky Bridge and walk across to the Consolidated Car Rental Facility; no shuttle needed.
What is the average rental car price at SAT?
There is no reliable average for SAT: 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 SAT?
Texas' 10% motor vehicle rental tax, Bexar County's 5% venue tax on short-term rentals, a daily customer facility charge that funds the rental facility, and any concession recovery fee.
Which rental car company is best at SAT?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members, while Fox, Payless and Sixt often post lower base rates. Compare the all-in totals.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from SAT?
Downtown branches can suit travelers who only need a car for a Hill Country day trip.
Are there any quirks to renting at SAT?
Terminal C construction can cause detours on airport roads, and toll roads toward Austin bill by plate.