Hertz Car Rental - San Bernardino - San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)

- 105 N Leland Norton Way #5, San Bernardino, CA 92408

For residents and travelers across California, particularly those in the Inland Empire region, having reliable transportation is key to navigating the diverse landscapes and bustling cities. When personal vehicles aren't an option, or when arriving by air, car rental services become an essential part of the journey. Hertz Car Rental, a globally recognized name in the industry, has a presence at the San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), offering options for those seeking a vehicle.

The San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) location of Hertz aims to provide convenient access to rental cars directly from the airport, a common expectation for travelers. As a major player, Hertz typically offers a wide array of vehicles to suit different needs, from compact cars for solo trips to larger SUVs for family vacations exploring California's national parks or coastal highways. However, like any service provider, individual experiences can vary, and understanding what to expect from a specific branch is crucial for local users.

This article will delve into the Hertz Car Rental branch at 105 N Leland Norton Way #5, San Bernardino, CA. We’ll explore its location and accessibility within the airport, the general services Hertz offers, and what features or highlights are notable. Importantly, we will also incorporate feedback from real customers to provide a balanced and factual overview, helping Californians make informed decisions when considering Hertz at SBD for their car rental needs.

Location and Accessibility

The Hertz Car Rental branch at San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is located at 105 N Leland Norton Way #5, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA. This places the rental counter directly at the airport, which is a significant advantage for travelers flying into SBD. The convenience of being on-site means a shorter transition from plane to rental car, reducing the need for additional transportation like shuttles or taxis to off-airport locations.

San Bernardino International Airport itself is situated in a strategic location within Southern California, making it a viable alternative for travelers looking to avoid the larger, often busier, airports like LAX or Ontario. Its accessibility is primarily by road, with connections to major freeways such as the I-10 and I-210, facilitating travel for residents from various parts of Southern California, including Riverside, Fontana, and Redlands. For those arriving by air, the short distance from the terminal to the rental car facility enhances the overall travel experience.

While public transportation directly to SBD is less prominent compared to major metropolitan airports, the focus for an airport car rental location is typically on seamless vehicle pick-up and drop-off. The on-airport presence is designed for maximum convenience upon arrival and departure, which is a key factor for travelers and local residents using SBD for their flights.

Services Offered

Hertz, as a global car rental leader, generally provides a comprehensive suite of services. At the San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) location, customers can typically expect the following offerings:

• Wide Range of Vehicle Classes: Hertz offers a diverse fleet to cater to various preferences and group sizes. This often includes economy cars (like a Chevrolet Spark or Ford Focus for efficient city driving), compact and mid-size sedans (such as a Toyota Corolla or Chevrolet Malibu for general use), SUVs (like a Chevrolet Equinox or Nissan Rogue for families or adventurous trips through California's diverse terrain), minivans, and even specialty vehicles (such as electric vehicles or those from their "Manager's Special" category which may vary). This variety allows customers to choose a vehicle that best fits their travel plans and budget.
• Flexible Rental Periods: Customers can typically opt for short-term rentals (daily or weekly) or extended long-term rentals (monthly). This flexibility is beneficial for both short visits to California and longer stays, or when a personal vehicle is undergoing extensive repairs.
• Optional Add-ons: Standard rental enhancements like GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, and various insurance/protection plans (such as Liability Insurance Supplement - LIS, Loss Damage Waiver - LDW, Personal Accident Insurance - PAI, and Personal Effects Coverage - PEC) are usually available. These options allow customers to tailor their rental experience for added convenience and peace of mind.
• Airport Pick-up and Drop-off: Being an on-airport location, Hertz at SBD specializes in providing direct pick-up and drop-off services for airline passengers, streamlining the process of transitioning from flight to road and back again.
• Online Reservation and Management: Hertz provides robust online platforms and a mobile app, allowing customers to easily book, modify, or extend reservations, and even check in, which can save time at the counter.

Features / Highlights

Customer experiences provide crucial insights into the real-world operation of this specific Hertz location:

• Convenience of Airport Location: The primary highlight is undoubtedly its location directly at San Bernardino International Airport. For travelers flying into or out of SBD, this offers unparalleled convenience, eliminating the need for shuttle buses to off-site rental car facilities. This saves time and simplifies logistics for Californians and visitors alike.
• Potential for Diverse Fleet: Hertz generally maintains a large and varied fleet, which means customers have a good chance of finding a vehicle that suits their specific needs, from compact cars for solo travel to SUVs for family outings across California.

However, it is essential for potential customers to be aware of significant concerns raised in customer reviews, as these highlight areas where experiences may fall short:

• Customer Service Issues: Multiple reviews indicate concerns about rude, belittling, and unhelpful staff. One customer reported a representative who "didn’t care or listen to the customer, belittling and disrespectful." Another noted a lack of assistance when they were left without a car.
• Availability and Reservation Problems: A major issue highlighted is the reported lack of available cars despite confirmed online reservations. One customer arrived at 4:50 PM for a 5:00 PM pick-up, found the office closed, and was later told at 5:15 PM that there were "no cars to rent out," leaving them without transportation for the weekend despite having a reservation. This indicates a potential issue with inventory management or reservation accuracy.
• "Manager's Special" Concerns: One review specifically warns against choosing the "Manager's Special," describing it as a "scam." The customer reported being given an "Official Transport Van" despite being only two people and needing to drive a lot, with the manager offering only an expensive minivan upgrade. This suggests a potential lack of transparency or flexibility with this specific offering.
• Billing and Refund Issues: The negative review also mentions being charged the card despite no car being provided and a reluctance from customer service to issue a refund without checking for a "cancellation fee," even when Hertz failed to provide the reserved vehicle. This indicates potential problems with billing accuracy and refund processes.
• Operational Hours and Closures: The review about the closed office at a scheduled pick-up time, despite having a reservation, suggests inconsistent or uncommunicated operational hours, which can severely impact travel plans.

These points suggest that while the on-airport location is convenient, customers should exercise caution, particularly regarding reservations, vehicle availability, specific deals like "Manager's Special," and potential customer service interactions.

Contact Information

To reach Hertz Car Rental at San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 105 N Leland Norton Way #5, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA
• Phone: (909) 297-1605
• Mobile Phone: +1 909-297-1605

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For local Californians, especially those in the Inland Empire utilizing San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) for their travel, Hertz Car Rental offers the undeniable convenience of an on-airport presence. This direct access from the terminal to a rental vehicle can significantly streamline travel logistics, saving precious time and effort often associated with off-airport rental facilities. The general availability of a broad range of vehicle types, from fuel-efficient economy cars for local errands to spacious SUVs for exploring California’s diverse attractions, ensures that many local transportation needs can be met.

The primary suitability for locals lies in this immediate accessibility for air travelers and its role as a globally recognized brand, implying a certain level of standard service and vehicle maintenance. For those flying into or out of SBD, having Hertz right there can be a major advantage, allowing for quicker transitions and less stress after a flight.

However, based on the provided customer feedback, local users should approach this location with a degree of proactive caution. While the convenience of the airport location is a significant draw, concerns regarding confirmed reservations not being honored, perceived inflexibility with certain rental options like "Manager's Special," and reported instances of unhelpful or rude customer service suggest that experiences can be inconsistent. Potential issues with operational hours also highlight the importance of confirming details directly with the branch, especially for off-peak or late-day pick-ups.

To ensure a smoother experience, Californians planning to rent from Hertz at SBD are advised to:

• Confirm their reservation and vehicle availability directly with the branch prior to arrival, particularly if picking up outside standard business hours or on weekends.
• Be clear about their vehicle needs and avoid ambiguous options like "Manager's Special" if a specific vehicle type is required.
• Carefully review all rental agreement terms, including charges and potential fees, before signing.
• Inspect the vehicle thoroughly for any pre-existing damage before leaving the lot and ensure it is documented.
• Keep all documentation related to the reservation and payment.

By taking these preventative measures, locals can best leverage the convenience of Hertz at San Bernardino International Airport while mitigating potential frustrations, ensuring their California journeys begin and end as smoothly as possible.

Hertz Car Rental - San Bernardino - San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)

105 N Leland Norton Way #5, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA