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Cheap Car Rentals
Book cheap car rentals from 35+ providers and pay later
Where can I find cheap car rentals?
Finding affordable car rentals has never been easier. At Alternative Airlines, you can search, compare, and book rentals from over 35 trusted providers across the U.S.
With 40+ payment options, including flexible drive now, pay later plans, you can find the right car at the right price and pay in a way that works for you.
Why book cheap car rentals?
Travelling can get expensive, airfares, hotels, and local transport costs are all on the rise and quickly add up. That’s where Alternative Airlines step in. Booking cheap car rentals through Alternative Airlines helps you:
- Make travel affordable by spreading the cost over time.
- Find the best rental deals at popular locations across the U.S.
- Stay in control of your budget with flexible payment options.
Save money, stay mobile, and travel smarter, all with Alternative Airlines.
How to find cheap car rentals 🔎
Rent economy cars 🚗
One of the easiest ways to lower your costs is by choosing a budget-friendly vehicle, such as an economy, compact, or small car. These models are fuel-efficient, cheaper to rent, and perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families.
Book during off peak seasons ⛅️
Timing matters. Booking in the off-peak months (November–March), especially outside major holidays, can help you secure the biggest discounts. January is often the cheapest month to rent a car in the U.S., with lower rates across most destinations. Off-peak seasons can vary by locations in the U.S so make sure to check before you book!
Be flexible with your dates 📆
If your travel dates are flexible, try booking midweek rentals (Tuesday–Thursday). Rates are often cheaper than weekend prices, when demand, and costs, are higher.
Choose the right locations 📌
Airport pick-ups are convenient but usually come with higher fees and taxes. To save money, consider booking your car from a city or local branch instead of an airport location. You’ll often find lower prices, even after accounting for transport to the depot.
Pick a budget-friendly car rental provider 💰
Opting for a budget provider is another smart way to save. Brands like Dollar, Budget, and Thrifty focus on affordable travel and often offer cheaper rates than premium companies. Use our car rental search filters to compare prices across providers and find the best value at your chosen destination.
Pay for your car rental in installments ⏱️
Want to make your rental even more affordable? Split your costs over time with one of our Buy Now, Pay Later options, including Afterpay, Affirm, Klarna, and more. Choose from interest-free Pay in 4 plans or monthly instalments with options that stretch over a year. Pay later, drive now, and manage your budget with confidence.
The best budget car rental providers
Cheap airport car rentals ✈️
Looking to go from runway to road without blowing your budget? You’re in the right place. At Alternative Airlines, we don’t just help you find the best deals on flights from over 600 global airlines, we also make it easy to rent cars from 35+ trusted providers across the USA.
While airport car rentals can be slightly pricier than city locations, they’re unbeatable for convenience and time-saving. To make sure you get the best deal, here are a few smart ways to save:
- Choose an economy or compact car for lower daily rates.
- Compare prices across multiple rental providers in your chosen area.
- Book early, as prices tend to rise closer to your travel date.
The cheapest locations to rent a car in the USA 🗺️
Car rental prices can vary a lot depending on where you’re picking up from; some locations are simply more affordable than others. According to NerdWallet's 2024 report, these are the top 5 cheapest places to rent a car in the U.S.
- Miami (Average weekly price of $377)
- Las Vegas (Average weekly price of $423)
- Orlando (Average weekly price of $449)
- Atlanta (Average weekly price of $455)
- Charlotte, North Carolina (Average weekly price of $473)
The top 5 cheapest airport locations
- Miami International Airport (Average weekly price of $389)
- Harry Reid Airport (Average weekly price of $410)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (Average weekly price of $471)
- Orlando International Airport (Average weekly price of $497)
- Charlotte/Douglas Airport (Average weekly price of $498)
Keep rental costs down - our top tips
Want to avoid unexpected charges? Our top tips will help you keep your rental costs low and your trip stress-free.
Return your rental on time ⏰
Even the most experienced travellers get caught out by late return fees. Most companies only offer a 30–60 minute grace period, so make sure you plan ahead and return your car on time to avoid extra charges.
Keep your rental clean 🧽
Returning your rental with excessive dirt, like mud, sand, food waste, or lingering odours, can result in an unexpected cleaning fee. Keep things tidy and avoid smoking in your rental to steer clear of additional charges.
Check mileage limits 🔋
If you’re planning a long road trip, always check your mileage allowance. Going over your limit can lead to extra costs. For total peace of mind, look for rentals with unlimited mileage, perfect for those cross-country adventures.
Designate a driver 👩
Adding extra drivers can quickly push up your total cost. Stick to one designated driver if possible to keep your rental fee as low as possible.
Everything you need to know about pay later car rentals
Want to make your rental even more affordable? Paying later is a simple way to spread your costs over time, without the stress of big upfront payments.
Find out how our Buy Now, Pay Later options can make renting a car easier and more flexible below.
Book cheap car rentals and pay later
Don’t let upfront costs hold you back. At Alternative Airlines, we’ve partnered with trusted Buy Now, Pay Later providers so you can split your rental costs into smaller instalments that suit your budget.
Here’s how paying later can help you travel smarter:
- Unmatched flexibility: Spread your costs weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, giving you control over your budget.
- Greater accessibility: Dreaming of that luxury upgrade? Paying over time makes premium car rentals more accessible than ever.
Our trusted pay-later partners in the USA
Finding cheap luxury car rentals
Looking to treat yourself to a luxury car rental? You’re in the right place. At Alternative Airlines, we make it easy to find and book high-end rentals, whether you’re after a sleek sports car, a premium electric SUV, or a luxury sedan built for comfort and performance.
Use a buy now, pay later option
One of the best ways to make a luxury rental more accessible is by using a Buy Now, Pay Later plan. At Alternative Airlines, we’ve partnered with trusted brands like Affirm, Klarna, and Cash App Afterpay, so you can split your rental costs into manageable payments over time. That means no large upfront costs, just a smooth, flexible way to drive the car you want, when you want it. Book today, drive tomorrow, and pay later; it’s that simple.
Finding cheaper rates
- Be flexible with your choice of car: You can often save money by choosing a slightly less premium model within the luxury range. For example, a mid-tier BMW or Audi might cost less than a high-end Mercedes or Porsche, while still delivering a luxury experience.
- Consider different types of luxury vehicles: Luxury doesn’t just mean sports cars. Depending on your location, a luxury SUV or electric vehicle may be more affordable than a convertible or performance coupe.
- Book at the right time: Timing is everything. Booking in advance or during quieter, off-peak seasons can unlock great savings. Prices tend to rise during holidays or busy travel periods, so planning ahead can make a real difference.
Ready to book cheap car rentals?
Press the button below to begin your search for car rentals. Choose from over 35 providers across thousands of locations in the United States.
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Cheap car rental FAQs
How do I get cheap on-way car rentals?
Finding an affordable one-way rental is easy with Alternative Airlines. Simply head to the search bar at the top of the page, enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, and tap search.
To get the best deal, use these filters:
- Sort by price - from lowest to highest.
- Select economy or compact cars - they’re cheaper and fuel-efficient.
- Filter by budget providers - like Dollar, Thrifty, and Budget.
You can also save money by returning your rental to a popular drop-off location, like an airport, to reduce relocation fees.
Does buy now, pay later make car rentals cheaper?
Buy now, pay later doesn’t reduce the base price, but it makes your rental more affordable by letting you spread the cost into smaller instalments made weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
It helps you avoid large upfront payments and lets you manage your travel budget with more flexibility.
Is it cheaper to book car rentals off peak?
Yes, booking car rentals during off-peak seasons can save you a lot. In most of the U.S., the off-peak period runs from November to March, with January often offering the lowest rates.
With fewer travellers on the road, rental companies drop prices to attract bookings, making it the perfect time to rent for less.
How do I get cheap long term car rentals?
To find affordable long-term car rentals:
- Compare prices from all providers in your chosen area using our search bar.
- Choose smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, for better fuel efficiency.
- Avoid airport rentals, which often include extra fees.
- Book during the off-peak season (November–March) for additional savings.
Pro tip: Use one of our buy now, pay later options to spread your long-term rental cost into easy instalments.
How do I find cheap car rentals at Alternative Airlines?
At Alternative Airlines, finding budget-friendly car rentals is quick and simple:
- Head to the search bar at the top of the page.
- Enter your pick-up and drop-off details, dates, and age, then press search.
- Use filters to sort by price, car type, and budget providers like Thrifty or Dollar.
- Once you’ve found your ideal car, enter your details and head to check out.
To make it even more affordable, select one of our Buy Now, Pay Later options, including Affirm and Afterpay, to spread your costs over time.
Once your payment has been successful, you’ll receive your booking confirmation and rental details by email (usually within 24 hours).
Who is the cheapest car rental company?
Rental prices vary by location, but some providers consistently offer the best value for money:
- Thrifty
- Dollar Car Rental
- Budget
- ACE Rent a Car
- Payless Car Rental
For the lowest prices, always compare all available providers in your chosen area using our search tool, it’s the quickest way to find and book the best deal.