Budget Car Rental Groton CT - Your Local Connection to Southeastern CT

Budget Car Rental Photos

Budget Car Rental Introduce

For those of us living in or frequently visiting the scenic southeastern corner of Connecticut, having access to reliable and affordable transportation is key to enjoying everything our region has to offer. Whether you're flying into Groton-New London Airport (GON) for a business trip, returning home from a journey, or simply need a temporary vehicle to explore our coastal towns and attractions, a trustworthy car rental service is invaluable. Today, we're taking a closer look at Budget Car Rental, conveniently located at 155 Tower Ave in Groton.

Budget Car Rental is a well-known name in the rental industry, often favored by travelers looking for economical options without compromising on essential services. Their presence at the Groton-New London Airport means they are strategically positioned to serve both arriving passengers and local residents in Groton, Mystic, New London, and the wider southeastern Connecticut area. While the experience at any service-oriented business can sometimes vary, understanding the general offerings and key aspects of this Budget location can help you make an informed decision for your next rental.

This article will provide a detailed overview of the Budget Car Rental branch at the Groton-New London Airport. We'll cover its specific location and accessibility, the range of services and vehicles typically available, and explore customer insights to give you a comprehensive and factual picture. Our aim is to help you determine if this Budget location aligns with your car rental needs as a local user in Connecticut.

Location and Accessibility

Budget Car Rental in Groton, Connecticut, is conveniently situated directly at the Groton-New London Airport (GON). The exact address is:

155 Tower Ave, Groton, CT 06340, USA

This location within the airport complex offers significant accessibility advantages for both air travelers and local residents. If you're flying into Groton-New London Airport, the Budget rental counter is typically located within the terminal, often near the baggage claim area. This allows for a very short walk from your arrival gate to the rental counter, minimizing hassle and maximizing efficiency in getting you on the road quickly. After completing your paperwork, your rental vehicle is usually a short walk away in the designated car rental lot.

For Connecticut residents coming from Groton, New London, Mystic, or other nearby towns, Tower Avenue provides direct access to the airport facilities. The branch's location just off I-95 (Exit 88) further enhances its accessibility for those driving from wider areas in southeastern Connecticut. Unlike larger, busier international airports, GON generally offers a more manageable and less stressful environment for picking up and dropping off rental cars. This combination of airport convenience and local road access makes the Budget branch at GON a practical choice for a variety of rental needs.

Services Offered

Budget Car Rental provides a range of services designed to offer value and convenience to its customers. The Groton-New London Airport location at 155 Tower Ave typically offers the following:

Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Budget offers a variety of vehicle categories to suit different travel needs and budgets. This generally includes:
- Economy and Compact Cars: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or those prioritizing fuel efficiency for local errands or short trips. Examples might include a Kia Rio or similar.
- Mid-size and Full-size Sedans: Offering more comfort and space for families or business travelers. Examples include Toyota Corolla or Toyota Camry.
- SUVs: Ranging from intermediate to full-size, suitable for more passengers, extra luggage, or navigating various Connecticut landscapes. Options might include a Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, or Chevrolet Suburban.
- Minivans: Excellent for larger families or groups, providing ample seating and cargo space. Chrysler Pacifica or similar.
- Specialty Vehicles: Depending on availability, this can include convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible), luxury cars (e.g., Genesis G70), premium sedans (e.g., Toyota Crown), or even electric vehicles (e.g., Kia EV6, Tesla Short Range Model 3) and hybrids (e.g., Toyota Prius Hybrid).
- Passenger Vans: For larger groups, 12-passenger and 15-passenger vans (like the Ford Transit) may be available, ideal for group excursions or team travel.
- Pickup Trucks: Available for hauling or specific project needs. (e.g., Toyota Tacoma).
Flexible Rental Durations: Budget caters to both short-term rentals (daily, weekend, weekly) and longer-term needs, including monthly car rentals for up to 11 months, which can offer significant savings for extended stays or temporary vehicle requirements.
Online Reservation and Management: Customers can easily browse vehicle options, compare rates, and make or manage reservations through Budget's website and mobile app. This allows for convenient pre-booking and often provides access to online-only deals.
Optional Add-ons: To enhance the rental experience, Budget typically offers various optional extras, including GPS navigation systems, child safety seats (available in different sizes), satellite radio, and various protection plans (such as Loss Damage Waiver and Supplemental Liability Insurance) for added peace of mind.
Fastbreak Membership: For frequent renters, the Fastbreak membership allows for expedited service. Members can skip the counter lines and proceed directly to their car by simply showing their driver's license, and also enjoy faster returns.
Special Offers and Discounts: Budget frequently provides various discounts, coupons, and promotional offers, including savings on longer rentals or free upgrades, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
After-Hours Return: As an airport location, Budget at GON generally offers convenient after-hours return options, allowing customers to drop off their vehicle even when the counter is closed, typically by parking in a designated area and using a key drop box.
Disability Services: Budget is committed to meeting the needs of customers with disabilities, offering services such as hand controls, spinner knobs, transfer boards, swivel seats, and panoramic mirrors, often at no extra cost (advance reservation recommended).

Features / Highlights

The Budget Car Rental branch at 155 Tower Ave in Groton, located at the Groton-New London Airport, has several features and highlights, though it's important to consider varied customer experiences:

Airport Convenience: Its location directly at the Groton-New London Airport (GON) is a significant highlight. For those flying in or out, the proximity of the counter to the baggage claim and a short walk to the car lot offers a very efficient pick-up and drop-off process, especially compared to larger, more bustling international airports.
Competitive Pricing and Promotions: Budget is generally known for offering competitive rates and frequent discounts. They often have promotions for longer rentals, free upgrades, and a "Best Rate Guarantee" to attract customers looking for value.
Fastbreak Program: For loyal customers, the Fastbreak membership offers a streamlined experience, allowing them to bypass lines and expedite their rental process, which can be a considerable time-saver.

However, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges highlighted in customer reviews, as these represent real-world experiences and are important considerations:

Customer Service Inconsistencies: Some reviews point to significant issues with customer service. One detailed account describes a 2 hour 45 minute wait, a "very bad mood" employee who was "ignoring me," and a representative who blamed customers for long lines. Another review mentions a "FRAUD ALERT!" due to being charged for insurance that was not requested or mentioned, requiring a lengthy process to receive a partial refund. These incidents highlight potential inconsistencies in staff demeanor, communication, and transparency regarding additional charges.
Vehicle Availability Issues: A major concern raised is the issue of pre-paid reservations not being honored due to lack of available cars, with no clear estimate on when a vehicle might be ready. This can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive to travel plans.
Upselling and Unclear Charges: The complaint about being charged for unwanted insurance, despite a prepaid voucher, suggests a concern with aggressive upselling tactics or a lack of clear explanation during the contract signing process.
Slow Processing Times: Despite being a smaller airport, the review detailing "comically slow snails pace" processing times from counter representatives is a significant red flag, indicating potential inefficiencies in their system or training.

These varying experiences suggest that while Budget at GON offers the advantage of airport convenience and potential cost savings, customers should exercise "extreme caution" (as one reviewer advised), particularly by thoroughly reviewing contracts and confirming vehicle availability directly.

Contact Information

For direct inquiries, reservations, or assistance regarding your car rental at Budget Car Rental in Groton, Connecticut, please use the following contact details:

Address: 155 Tower Ave, Groton, CT 06340, USA

Phone: (860) 405-8378

Mobile Phone: +1 860-405-8378

It is highly recommended to call the branch directly for specific questions regarding vehicle availability on your desired date, especially if you have a pre-paid reservation, or for current operating hours, as these can sometimes vary or be affected by unexpected circumstances. Proactive communication can help mitigate potential issues.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Groton and the surrounding southeastern Connecticut region, Budget Car Rental at 155 Tower Ave, located within the Groton-New London Airport (GON), offers a convenient and potentially cost-effective option for their car rental needs. Its location directly at the airport makes it highly accessible for those flying in or out, providing a swift transition from air travel to ground transportation, a significant advantage over navigating larger, more complex airports.

Budget's appeal often lies in its competitive pricing and frequent promotional offers, which can be attractive for locals seeking to economize on their temporary vehicle needs, whether for a quick errand, a family visit, or exploring the many attractions of coastal Connecticut. The variety of vehicles available, from compact cars for efficient local travel to SUVs and minivans for larger groups, means there's generally an option to fit diverse requirements. Programs like Fastbreak also aim to streamline the process for returning customers, promising efficiency.

However, it is important for locals to be aware of the varied customer experiences reported. While some may find the service smooth and satisfactory, others have encountered significant issues with vehicle availability despite reservations, long wait times, and concerns regarding transparency in billing. Therefore, while suitable for its convenient airport location and potential savings, we advise local users to approach their rental with clear communication, confirming all details, reviewing contracts thoroughly, and being prepared to patiently navigate the process, especially during busy periods. By doing so, you can still leverage the benefits of a locally accessible car rental service to explore and enjoy everything southeastern Connecticut has to offer.

Budget Car Rental Details

Service options
Onsite services

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Budget Car Rental Location

Budget Car Rental

Connecticut Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region Groton Tower Avenue

155 Tower Ave, Groton, CT 06340, USA

Budget Car Rental Reviews

An average rating of ★3 from 33 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

EDITOriginal review (1/5 stars): FRAUD ALERT! I rented a prepaid car including full damage insurance from this station. Waited 20 minutes for an employee to appear – in a very bad mood, ignoring me for a few minutes then with barely no words presenting a contract for me to sign. Turns out this included insurance (which I already had) – which was in no way offered or mentioned. Just "sign here". Which I did, since I had a full voucher for my rental.Edit: After being contacted by Budget, they reviewed the charges and refunded a large portion of the extra charges ($275.78 of $291.54). Again, I had a prepaid voucher, so there should not have been extra charges. My time is too valuable to waste over $16, so I'm adjusting the review to 2/5 stars and advising anyone to use extreme caution when renting here.
Jan 14, 2025 · Ulrich Beinert
Observations of a customer while waiting 2 ¾ hours in line at the Budget rental counter: We flew into Charleston international airport for an extended family weekend. Our flight was on-time and landed at 4:10pm. I went immediately to the rental counter while the fam went to get the luggage. I got to the Budget/Avis counter at 4:15ish. The line was long but there were 3 customer service reps processing everyone. After about an hour waiting and only moving up a few feet, a 35ish year old male came from the back room to let us know the line was our fault. He informed us, the customers waiting, that the long wait was due to more than 1 person per party being in the line and we have not completed the pre-registration. A few people in the front of the line informed him that the pre-registration form link was not working with android phones. It would only allow the form to be properly submitted using an iphone. He elevated it voice more and in a more stern tone informed the 75+ customers waiting it was our fault. He then walked out the automatic doors heading toward the parking garage. I have several points to make on the Budget/Avis employee anger and blaming us:#1 The only people who could follow the pre-registration link were in the very front of the line. Probably 50-75’ away from where many of us were waiting in line.#2 I did the pre-reg the day prior when Budget emailed me the link. It consisted of entering my drivers license and credit card numbers and upon submitting it says “you must provide your drivers license and same credit card at counter at registration”. So it turns out this was a waste of time.#3 The Budget employee who was scolding us because only 1 person needed to wait in the line to register didn’t mention only 1 person needs to wait in line but you’ll need everyone at the counter to provide a drivers license if they are going to drive the rental. Because several of the renters had more than 1 driver they needed to locate the other drivers and wait for them to return to the counter.My observations, continued: Shortly after being scolded and not moving much I put my family in an Uber and sent them to the hotel so I could continue to wait in the line. I watched as the 3 Budget/Avis reps struggled through the rental process at a comically slow snails pace. The younger lady on the left could process a customer the quickest. She averaged about 10 minutes per customer but had a long of 25 min and a short of 6 minutes. The gentleman in the center line averaged 15 minutes per customer with a long of 45 minutes. His average was the longest because he would take a break after helping 1 or 2 customers. He would go to the back room and then to a terminal further way and stare at it. Then walk around looking at other computer terminals and then sit down again without saying a word. The gentleman on the far right had the most difficult situation or just plane back luck. In my nearly 3 hours in line he helped about 4 customers the entire time. I was the fourth! He struggled with unknown troubles processing rentals and with completing the rental process. Lastly, when Budget/Avis senior management retrains the staff at Charleston Airport please find a new way to incentivize your reps. All the customers can see the board that says “King and Queen of Upgrades”. You are rewarding your team on running up charges, begging us to purchase more services and posting the status list in full view of customers. You should be focused on rewarding for GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. Budget/Avis management is not doing a good job. 1 star. Your former customer. Marc
Oct 23, 2023 · Marc Mazz
I was told my credit card was not acceptable when I went to pick up the car for my reservation, and even though they provided no service at all I was charged twice totaling over $150. When I contacted customer support they stated they could not find the charges and that there should not have been any. After submitting a screenshot showing the charges I will have to wait a week just for them to look into the matter. No time frame has been offered for how long it might to get the money they fraudulently took back. If you need a car rental, look elsewhere if you dont want to get ripped off.
May 07, 2021 · Alexander Brownlee
The woman behind the counter assisting me with my rental refused to keep her mask on properly which tells me she has no regard for the lives around her. My rental contract had to be redone 3 times. I had $600 hold for three contracts on my credit card. When she finally got it right she had to go clean the rental that I was given. She drove it off premise and had it poorly washed. She was gone all of 9 minutes which told me it was not sanitized per cdc standards so I had to sanitize it myself when I got home. She did not do a walk around to check for damage. She made me do it myself and was not going to put the vehicle inspected on the slip. Need I say more.Update: I was charged 3 times on my credit card.
Jun 20, 2020 · J P
Awful service.I tried to modify the payment at the airport location and needed to cancel my current reservation in order to do so. Once I did the gentleman said there were no more cars available. I was literally looking at that car in the parking lot.I was told to call corporate because it was not an issue the store location could handle. Corporate told me that it was the stores responsibility.The man at the counter reassured me that he knew what he was doing because he use to work at corporate and was now the owner of the store I was at. Eventually I was able to get the vehicle and left in a hurry.When I returned the vehicle I noticed that the previous "store owner" had changed the return location to Ohio instead of VA and had not given me a military discount. I called the airport location to have it fixed and was told "too bad, you already signed the paperwork and you have to show proof of military affiliation at the time of pick up". Funny, because I picked up the car while in uniform.Needless to say, the Budget employee in VA looked like a young college student and was able to fix all of my issues in about 3 minutes. Didn't even need to call corporate.The Groton Budget in the airport is the worst car rental location I have ever dealt with. Corporate needs to do some serious re-adjustment at that location.
Dec 28, 2018 · Ryan M