Terminal 1 Car Rentals

- 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111

Welcome, fellow Minnesotans, and visitors to our beautiful state! When arriving at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP), one of the first things many of us consider is how to get around. Whether you're coming home from a trip, embarking on a new adventure across Minnesota, or simply need a reliable vehicle while your own is unavailable, convenient car rental options right at the airport are a game-changer. Today, we're focusing on "Terminal 1 Car Rentals" – which represents the collective of on-airport car rental agencies located directly within MSP's Terminal 1, offering a vital service for seamless travel.

Unlike some airports where car rental facilities are off-site and require a lengthy bus ride, MSP's Terminal 1 aims to provide a relatively integrated experience for many of its rental partners. This article will guide you through what to expect when utilizing car rental services from Terminal 1, covering everything from how to access the rental counters to the general services and advantages these on-site options offer. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make your car rental process as smooth and efficient as possible, allowing you to quickly get on your way to enjoying all that Minnesota has to offer, from the bustling Twin Cities to the serene beauty of our natural landscapes.

Understanding the setup at a major airport like MSP can save you valuable time and reduce stress, especially when juggling luggage or traveling with family. While there are a number of independent and off-site companies, the primary focus here is on the convenience offered by those operating directly out of Terminal 1, which many Minnesotans rely on for their travel needs. We'll delve into the specifics, drawing on common experiences to give you a realistic overview of this essential travel resource.

The core of "Terminal 1 Car Rentals" is located at 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA. This address corresponds to the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) itself, specifically the section housing the rental car facilities within Terminal 1.

Accessing the car rental counters at Terminal 1 is designed to be as straightforward as possible for arriving passengers. Upon collecting your luggage, you'll need to follow the clear signage for "Ground Transportation" and "Car Rentals." These signs will direct you to an underground tram system. Passengers take this tram to the Rental Car Facility, which is situated on the ground level of the Silver Parking Ramp. The entrance to the Silver Ramp is notable for being located under the Prince mural, a local touch that adds a bit of Minnesota flair to your journey.

While one customer noted that "it is a hike to get to this place," and that the "rental area was not convenient as other airports," the tram ride itself is generally described as short, often just a couple of minutes. Once you exit the tram, it's typically a short walk (around 200-250 feet, according to one airport guide) to the rental car counters. For those accustomed to airport layouts, this integrated approach, utilizing a tram to a dedicated rental facility, is a common design, aiming to keep vehicles close to the terminal without the need for exterior shuttle buses for the major on-site brands. It’s an efficient system once you know the path, ensuring you're quickly on your way to Minnesota's roads.

The on-airport car rental companies at Terminal 1, including major players like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty, collectively offer a wide range of services to cater to diverse traveler needs:

• Extensive Vehicle Selection: You can find everything from economical compact cars for solo travelers or city driving, to mid-size sedans, SUVs perfect for Minnesota's varied weather and terrain, minivans for families, and even luxury vehicles or specialty cars depending on the rental company and availability.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Whether you need a vehicle for a single day, a weekend trip, a full week, or an extended monthly rental, all major on-site companies offer flexible rental periods to suit your itinerary.
• On-Site Pick-up and Drop-off: The primary convenience of Terminal 1 car rentals is the ability to pick up and return your vehicle directly at the airport's designated facility, eliminating the need for off-site shuttles for most major brands.
• Insurance and Protection Plans: A variety of optional insurance products and damage waivers are available to provide coverage and peace of mind during your rental period, allowing you to choose the level of protection you desire.
• GPS and Child Seat Rentals: For added convenience, most agencies offer optional add-ons such as GPS navigation systems and child safety seats, which can be reserved in advance.
• Loyalty Programs: Many of the national rental companies operating at Terminal 1 offer loyalty programs (e.g., Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Enterprise Plus, National Emerald Club) that provide benefits like expedited service, earning points for free rentals, and exclusive discounts.
• 24/7 Availability (for some): Several on-site rental counters at Terminal 1, such as Alamo and National, are open 24 hours, while others have extended hours (e.g., 6 AM to 1 AM), accommodating early morning arrivals and late-night departures.

The "Terminal 1 Car Rentals" experience offers several key highlights and features that make it a compelling choice for those using MSP:

• Efficiency and Speed (for some companies): One customer noted a "4 minute wait then a shuttle to get to my car" when using an independent company (ACE) located on the "other side of the wall." This suggests that while popular agencies might have lines, alternatives can offer very quick service. Another reviewer stated, "Everything flowed smoothly" and "The service was really good," indicating that overall, the process can be efficient, especially if you have a reservation.
• "Usual Suspects" Availability: The comment about "all of the usual suspects on the one side like hertz and enterprise were booked as the line for all of them were 10 to 15 people deep" implies that all the major, well-known rental companies are present at Terminal 1, offering a wide array of choices for travelers. This broad selection is a significant convenience.
• High Volume Capacity: Despite occasional wait times, the sheer number of rental companies present means a large volume of vehicles is typically available, increasing your chances of finding a car, especially if you book in advance.
• Vehicle Quality: A customer review specifically mentioned, "Our car was great," suggesting that the vehicles provided by these airport rental services are generally well-maintained and satisfactory for travel.
• Direct Airport Connection: The existence of a dedicated tram to the rental car facility, even if perceived as a "hike" by some, signifies a commitment to integrating car rental services directly into the airport infrastructure, reducing reliance on external shuttle services for the major brands.

As "Terminal 1 Car Rentals" refers to the collective of car rental agencies located within the terminal, direct contact information would typically be for the specific rental company you are using. However, the general address for Terminal 1 at MSP where these services are housed is:

Address: 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA

For phone numbers, you would need to contact the specific car rental company (e.g., Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, etc.) you wish to rent from. These numbers are widely available on their respective websites or the MSP Airport official website. Many of these companies also offer 24/7 customer support lines.

It is always recommended to check the specific operating hours and contact information for the individual rental company you plan to use, as these can vary.

For Minnesotans, the car rental options at MSP's Terminal 1 are an incredibly suitable and practical solution for a variety of needs. If you're flying into MSP for business or pleasure, the on-airport location means less time spent waiting for off-site shuttles and more time getting to your destination, whether that's a meeting in downtown Minneapolis, a family gathering in the suburbs, or a peaceful cabin retreat Up North. The "everything flowed smoothly" experience cited by a customer highlights the efficiency that many of these agencies strive for, a key factor for busy travelers.

Furthermore, for locals needing a temporary vehicle, perhaps due to car repairs or for a special occasion, the airport’s accessible location makes it a convenient pick-up point. While one reviewer mentioned the "hike" to get there, the presence of major rental brands right at the terminal, connected by a quick tram, is generally seen as a significant advantage over facilities requiring prolonged external transfers. The wide selection of vehicle types ensures that you can find the perfect car for navigating Minnesota’s diverse seasons and activities, from a compact car for city driving to an SUV for snowy conditions or carrying gear for a lake trip. Overall, the Terminal 1 Car Rentals provide a robust, convenient, and comprehensive service, making them an excellent choice for any Minnesotan in need of a rental vehicle.

Terminal 1 Car Rentals

4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA