Payless Car Rental

- 4901 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111

For Minnesotans navigating travel, whether for business, family visits, or leisure, securing reliable transportation can be a crucial part of the journey. When flying into or out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), you'll find a variety of car rental options available directly on-site. Among these is Payless Car Rental, a brand known for its focus on offering competitive rates. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Payless Car Rental experience at MSP Airport in St. Paul, helping local users in Minnesota understand what to expect and whether it aligns with their specific car rental needs.

Payless Car Rental, operating under the umbrella of Avis Budget Group, positions itself as a budget-friendly choice for travelers. While value is often a key consideration for renters, understanding the nuances of an airport car rental location, especially one focused on competitive pricing, is essential. This guide will explore the practical aspects of renting from Payless at MSP, including its location, the services it provides, and important highlights drawn from public customer experiences. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your next car rental in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Whether you’re in need of a compact car for city driving, a spacious SUV for a family outing, or an electric vehicle to explore the growing EV charging landscape (with some considerations, as we’ll discuss), knowing the specific details about Payless at MSP will help ensure a smoother journey. We'll cover everything from getting to the counter to understanding their vehicle offerings and customer service approach.

Location and Accessibility

Payless Car Rental is conveniently located within the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) at:

4901 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA

This address places Payless directly at Terminal 1 (Lindbergh Terminal) of MSP, which is the airport's main and largest terminal. For travelers arriving at Terminal 1, accessing the Payless counter is straightforward. Upon exiting the plane, follow the clear airport signage to the baggage claim area. From there, proceed down one level to the Ground Transportation building and follow signs specifically for the rental car tram. This tram will take you on a short, approximately two-minute ride directly to the rental car facility. Once off the tram, follow signs to the silver ramp elevators or escalators to the 1st floor to reach the rental car counter, where Payless is situated.

For those arriving at Terminal 2 (Humphrey Terminal), which primarily serves airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, Southwest, and Sun Country, you may need to utilize the light rail transit (LRT) to reach Terminal 1, as most major rental car companies, including Payless, primarily operate their main counters at Terminal 1. The airport’s excellent connectivity to major roadways (I-494, Highway 5, etc.) also makes it accessible for locals driving to pick up a rental, although parking at the airport can incur additional costs. The on-site location means no external shuttles are typically needed for pickup, which can save time.

Services Offered

• Variety of Vehicle Classes: Payless typically offers a range of vehicle types to suit different budgets and needs. This commonly includes economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio), compact cars (e.g., Kia Soul), intermediate cars (e.g., Toyota Corolla), standard cars (e.g., Volkswagen Jetta), and full-size cars (e.g., Toyota Camry). For those needing more space, they often provide SUVs of various sizes (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Ford Expedition) and minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica). They also list specialty vehicles like pickup trucks, luxury cars (e.g., Genesis G70), convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible), and even electric vehicles (e.g., Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia Niro EV).
• Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals: Payless offers rentals for various durations, from daily rates to weekly and even monthly options, accommodating both quick trips and extended needs like insurance replacement vehicles.
• Online Reservation System: Customers can book vehicles in advance through the Payless website, often leveraging online deals for better rates. This helps streamline the process upon arrival.
• Optional Add-ons: Like most rental agencies, Payless generally provides optional add-ons such as GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, and additional driver options for an extra fee.
• Fuel Options: Standard fuel policies usually apply, allowing renters to prepay for fuel, refuel the vehicle themselves before returning it, or have Payless refuel it upon return (which may incur a higher per-gallon rate).
• Roadside Assistance: Payless typically offers roadside assistance, providing support for common issues like flat tires, dead batteries, or lockouts during the rental period.
• Prepaid Rental Options: Payless often allows for prepaid reservations, which can sometimes secure lower rates, though this may come with specific terms regarding changes or cancellations.

Features / Highlights

• Competitive Pricing: Payless is generally positioned as a budget-friendly option within the car rental market, often attracting customers looking for lower rates, especially at airport locations. Their association with Avis Budget Group allows them to share fleets and infrastructure, potentially contributing to cost savings.
• On-Airport Location: Being directly at MSP Airport's Terminal 1 is a significant convenience. It means no need for shuttle rides to off-site rental facilities, making for a quicker transition from your flight to your rental car, assuming the counter operations are smooth.
• Diverse Vehicle Offerings: Despite being a budget brand, Payless offers a wide array of vehicle types, from economy cars to SUVs and even electric vehicles, providing choices for various travel needs and preferences.
• Availability of Electric Vehicles (with considerations): The offering of EVs can be a highlight for environmentally conscious renters or those curious about electric driving. However, as noted in customer feedback, the current charging infrastructure in the Twin Cities might pose challenges, and renters should be prepared to research and locate reliable charging stations independently.

Contact Information

For direct contact with Payless Car Rental at MSP Airport, you can use the following details:

Address: 4901 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA

Phone: (612) 866-4918

Mobile Phone: +1 612-866-4918

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially if you have specific questions about vehicle availability, rental extensions, or unique circumstances. Given some customer feedback regarding service efficiency and communication, direct phone contact might be the most reliable way to address immediate concerns or confirm details.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, particularly those utilizing the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for their travel needs, Payless Car Rental at 4901 Glumack Dr in St. Paul offers a distinct option within the airport's rental car landscape. Its suitability for locals hinges on its budget-friendly positioning and on-site airport convenience, which can be attractive for certain travel scenarios.

The primary advantage of Payless is its promise of more affordable rates compared to some of the larger, premium brands. For locals mindful of their travel budget, this can be a significant draw. Furthermore, its location directly within Terminal 1 means that once you land, you can quickly get to the rental counter via the internal tram system, avoiding external shuttles and saving valuable time – a convenience that is highly prized, especially after a long flight or during tight schedules. The broad range of vehicles, including the availability of electric cars, offers choice for diverse needs, from daily commutes to exploring Minnesota's vast outdoors.

However, it is also important for local users to be aware of common challenges highlighted in customer reviews, such as potential wait times during busy periods, issues with rental extensions, or complexities with EV charging infrastructure. For those considering an EV, independent research on Twin Cities charging stations is advisable. For traditional gasoline vehicles, understanding the contract terms fully, especially regarding refueling and potential fees for changes, is always recommended.

In summary, Payless Car Rental at MSP is a viable option for Minnesotans prioritizing cost-effectiveness and direct airport access. By managing expectations regarding potential service wait times and being proactive about understanding rental terms and vehicle-specific requirements (like EV charging), locals can leverage Payless for an economical and convenient car rental solution for their journeys across the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Payless Car Rental

4901 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA