Looks like additional fees for renting a car at Phoenix airport are astronomical. Does it make sense to go into town and rent from an off-airport location? if so, where? I'm not at all familiar with Phoenix. Thanks.

It doesn't matter where you rent the car from. We now have a tourist tax (on hotels and rental cars) to help pay for our nice, new ballpark. So, that's the deal.

Get the best rate from an airport rental company,IMHO.Last summer I was with friends and I thought we were going to get the rental car when we got into a car at the A/P.We were headed to a "downtown" location to pick up an off brand car to save $5 a day.We wasted a half day and it just wasnt worth it.All the fees are astronomical anywayz.

Rent the car on Priceline. I always get a full size rental car for $20 a day with unlimited mileage. Check www.biddingfortravel.com if you want to see what folks have gotten cars for on Priceline.

ttt

All the rental rates are going to be high near the airport. Rental companies all collect extra taxes to help pay for our ballpark. However, some areas like Sun City etc. have different taxes and as of Christmas week had lower taxes and therefore were cheaper. So it depends on where you are staying as to what will work out best for you.

And, if you do rent from a downtown location like one poster did, don't worry downtown Phoenix is just minutes from the airport.

I found my best deal through "11th hour vacations" last year. I got a great deal on a convertable - which was perfect for my needs on that trip. Alamo was who the car was from and it was great as you picked up and dropped off right at the front door of the airport. I'd recommend Alamo as it is so convenient.

Happy Trails,
Paul

I was just in Phoenix for 2 weeks. I have noticed the taxes rise over the years to the present (at the airport, approximately 41%, 30% the year before). I finally rented a full-sized car for 2 yeeks from a non-airport-location Budget for exactly half of the price at the airport. location.

If you rent from a large car rental company, you can usually dropoff the car at the airport at no extra charge so why rent at high cost at the airport?