I ordered a vehicle economy. They gave me an electric at 40% charge. Said it was all they had. Try to exchange the next day. Couldn't. All cars sold out in Austin that weekend. I was staying in marble falls which I explained. No fast chargers. Wasted a day trying to charge it to get it back to Austin. Able to exchange it on Sunday. read more

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I rented a car here during my recent trip to Austin, and I normally don't choose Budget but they had the cheapest rates by a lot. I wasn't disappointed. Everything about my rental process, from reserving to picking up to dropping off was quite easy. I rented my car through Costco Travel, which is one of the best-kept secrets if you're a frequent traveler. You can find amazing rates through them if you have a Costco membership, and their system automatically applies the best coupon to your reservation! Use it if you have a membership! My plane landed in Austin early, and it was no problem getting my car. I took the long walk over to the car rental desk and got my car. It was clean, had very few miles, and was in good condition. Even the tank was legitimately full, which I appreciated. I had zero issues with the car during my week-long rental period. Drop-off was an absolute breeze too. Nobody really likes car rental companies and there are very few positive reviews (probably because people don't bother writing a review unless something goes wrong), but Budget is a-okay in my book! I wouldn't hesitate to rent from them again when I'm in the Austin area. read more

Do not ever rent from Budget! They are always closed and everyone is routed to Avis. The only line in the entire airport is budget -- avis.

They did not have the best deals. And the website said to insure reservation pay now. They don't tell you until there fine print that if you pay now that is prepaid and you will not get any of your money refunded back. You will have to call customer service and then have them go to higher level to see if they will refund money. I literally reserved the car for 10 mins found a better deal now waiting 5-10 business days to see if they refund my money back for a 3 day rental which would cost me almost $500. This is a scam to get money!!! Who does business like this. read more

On May 2, 2025 we rented a car at the SW Georgia Airport in Albany, GA that only had a quarter tank of gas in it. We returned it on time with a full tank of gas on May 4, 2025 and are still fighting to get the $250 deposit back. We have rented from this location multiple times in the las pa st without issue. $250 might not su seem like a lot to some, but for a single parent who had graduation expense, this situation is frustrating! read more

Not surprising to see their rating is terrible and everyone here has a bad experience. I was charged $125 cleaning fee for "excessive dirt" when I disputed it and asked for photos there were literally tiny pieces of dirt that could so obviously be vacuumed up or even just shaken out. Obvious money grab hoping people won't notice the charges. SCAM. BUYER BEWARE read more

Ridiculously long wait. Do not reserve with budget (or Avis for that matter) at the Austin airport. Worst car rental service I've seen.

Unbelievable. Line is super long, and one of the attendants just leaves, leaving only one to deal with the whole line. Meanwhile, that ONE attendant has some guy just standing in front of her doing nothing for 10 minutes. This is unacceptable. Such a terrible way of working read more

RENTERS BEWARE!!!!! This car company is a SCAM!!!!! I rented a car in Austin and was charged almost $1,200 for a Malibu for one week!!! "Taxable and Non-Taxable" charges were $639.11 and the actual cost of the car was $403.49!!!!!!! I opted in for the insurance and they added in roadside assistance, toll charge pass, etc. I am furious and disgusted!!! I don't care if it was Austin City Limits weekend!! They screw you over, which is what they do!!! MY ADVICE: Research an off-lot rental company and take a car/taxi there instead of renting from the airport!!! Never again!!!! "Budget" my ass!!!!! read more

After going to the desk to get my car and directed to my spot, I found someone else taking the car. We were both given the same car to drive off the lot. So I went back to the front desk to get a car that someone hadnt been given. Got to the new car, and it had never been wash. Absolutely fithy inside and out, but it was 2am and I was done trying. To add insult to injury, they also ended up charging me a fuel service fee, even though the car was just topped off before return. This happened with Avis as well... no wonder, since they are the same company now. Absolutely dishonest and crappy service. Do not rent from Budget (or Avis). read more

There a reason they have a 2 star rating. Worst customer service ever. Showed up to get my car, and they had no cars available. I had a reservation for 6:30pm, showed up at 6:30pm and all they had were pick up trucks. I have to drive far, so I said I would take the pick up truck if they comped my gas, and they said no. Horrible customer service, budget is a horrible company, never rent with them again, only rent with Enterprise, the company that believes in customer service. Never rent from here read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. First, I reserved a compact car to conserve on gas, but all they had to offer me was a SUV. So, I had to start my trip by adjusting my gas budget. Then, I had a flat tire that had to be replaced and not patched. I attempted to call to report it, but it was after hours. Called the next morning and it took me 30 minutes to get to a person to explain the situation. It took another 30 minutes to explain the situation and then come to find out that representative did not document my incident. Attempted filing with customer service 3 times and was finally told to just submit paperwork. It was denied for reimbursement despite me having purchased the insurance upfront. It was referred to the manager at this location who hasn't returned my two phone calls or two emails. You're welcome for the $100 tire Budget. read more

If I could leave 0 stars I would. Upon arriving to Austin and receiving the car, the car was dirty on the inside and needed to be cleaned. We returned the car in the exact same condition and they send this letter in the mail about a week or two later. They are charging us for $125 for "animal hair" when we NEVER had an animal of any sort in the car. Upon request for them to send the before and after pictures, they stated it was "confidential". Had to go through multiple customer service reps before they said they could waive only 50%. Save your time and money and rent from someone else. They will nickel and dime you. read more

Budget Car Rental - Car Rental Near Me - Austin, Texas

Budget just lost me as a customer! I had a rental car I was returning to ORF airport on the day of the global IT meltdown. As everyone knows travel became an absolute nightmare that day and is still a mess! I was able to secure a flight 200 miles away from RDU and needed to return my car there. Instead of trying to work with me they charged me $375.18 for dropping the car in Raleigh. My traveling companion rented through Alamo and they graciously waived all fees for the same situation. I will now be renting through Alamo for future travel and suggest others do the same! read more

If I could give negative stars, I would. Please save yourself the trouble and rent from another agency. Or just plan on the pick up process to take about 2.5 hrs as that's what it was for us and many other people in that long line. I asked the worker if there was an issue today or if this is typical and he actually said this is how it always is. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your patience. You've been warned. read more

Budget Car Rental - The line for Budget - Car Rental Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Arrived early to pick up my rental. I paid ahead of time and did expect additional delays due to the holiday but this is ridiculous. Upon arriving was directed to the third floor of the rental car building. Once on the third floor I realized that the line was a mile long and outside! It's 90 degrees and humid. Look at the pictures below! This is shameful and I will never use Budget ever again. read more

Budget Car Rental - Our line of 50 plus people with only one person working both Avis and Budget desk. - Car Rental Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Waited over an hour and a half to check in for a rental I booked months in advance. Then proceeded upstairs to get the car and had to wait another hour in line! The car I was given was dirty on the outside and had trash inside. I was late to my meeting thanks to Budget. Will never book with Budget/Avis/Payless again. read more

Budget Car Rental - Car Rental Near Me - Austin, Texas

I would stay away and rent from anyone else the actual customer service on the ground floor is not attentive slower than molasses and they make their business problems or customer issues their express checkout took over 45 minutes to get a car and then over 90 minutes to actually leave the garage They may be a few dollars cheaper but I would go with someone else as this is the worst customer service experience and major delay in my day read more

In July I rented a car for one day in NY JFK. Pick up was 8pm; I landed late; got there at approximately 8:33; I waited for pickup until the car was ready at 9:47pm. I was going to my cousin's funeral in Delaware the following morning for 9am. I was told that I said I was returning the car at 8 am; just made no sense at all. I refuted that, and reminded the agent that I said I'd return it around the same time of pick up. Then they said I return it late at 10:55, so I was 1 hour late and so they were charging me $94.30 for being late. Again I had to refute, rebuke and remind them of the consumers' rights before they decided to give me my money back minus tax. I will definitely be more selective when renting again! read more

No cars available and I have a reservation. Very rude staff. Ghetto and low class. Not trustworthy.

Recently rented a "mystery" vehicle online and paid in full for car. Days after the "mystery" vehicle was returned, another charge of $498 was charged to the card on file (which was a completely different card). Agent whole was assigned to my case said I was incorrectly charged and would be reimbursed within 48-72 hours. After 3 weeks and no refund, budget now states there will be no refund. Evidently, "mystery" car = "mystery" charge. NEVER AGAIN BUDGET! Lost this customer and everyone else I can reach out to. Too many other options for trustworthy and honest companies to rent from. PLUS, I couldn't give 0 star review - didn't want to even give 1 star but review wouldn't post unless I did. Really?? read more

My wife made the reservation several weeks in advance. $100 per day. At the last minute a family emergency caused her to miss the trip but I continued on without her. I was listed as the second driver but I had to sign an online form in a few places. But I wasn't allowed to leave the parking lot. I was sent back inside for a total of two hours! And I'm a "Fastbreak" member. The bottom line was if I wanted the car it was now $540 a day instead of $100. I had no choice but to take an Uber. When I got to the hotel they called and asked for the key, which I had forgotten in my pocket. They threatened me with a $300 charge if I didn't return it immediately. Then they told me to mail it back. I'm 5 miles from the nearest post office. This Budget staff is the worst bunch of incompetent criminals I have ever encountered. If I could rate them less than one star, I would. read more

Awful service. One person behind counter, numerous people in line. She has no sense that people want to get in and get out.

Use any other company, if anything just to send their corporate a message about their business practices. 50 people waiting, 3 hours in the line, one person working the counter. Landed at 9:30 and didn't get a car until after midnight. It was not supply issues - it was simply managements failure to adequately prepare. read more

Fastbreak member. Rent many vehicles on a monthly basis from Budget Car Rental. HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE! There is no benefit of being a Fastbreak Member. Waited, waited, waited, an hour passed, waited, waited, waited, another hour passed. Line to get a vehicle at the Fastbreak upper floor counter was looped throughout the rental car facility. Received an email the night before that said, "Your vehicle is ready!" Completely false. Flight arrival was 12:30 p.m. and did not receive vehicle under after 3:30 p.m. so I got caught in Austin's rush-hour traffic. read more

20 people in line and only one agent. Disgraceful. Last time I will use budget! They should understand that one person cannot handle a crowd like that. read more

I had reserved a car online with a pretty decent rate. After landing, went to counter where they had one agent behind counter. There were 12 people waiting in line ahead of me. After 30 minutes, agent said anyone who wanted could go to the Fastbreak booth on third floor where there was no wait. I went to the third floor, where the agent there was annoyed that they sent me as they were not supposed to do that. She handed me my paperwork without any explanation and told me where my car was. After my visit, I returned to the car rental return area, got out and attendant said I am going to be charged a refuel fee because I did not fill up the car! This was not disclosed to me when I picked up the car and being now dropping the car off made it impossible to go back out and refuel! I used less than half a tank and the fee cost me $78.00!!!!!! I will never rent from Budget again! 4/24/2017 Received an email from Budget apologizing for my experience with them. They credited me some money back from the "fuel charge" fee. I was surprised that they contacted me and that they showed good customer service. I may try them again, but, will have to wait and see. read more

Rented a car for three days with my fiancé, and we initially chose budget as we thought it would be the most cost effective choice. This couldn't be further from the truth. Prepare for your total rental price to be around three times as much as it states on the website. The agents at the counter do a horrible job of explaining everything that could/will be an additional charge, and in our case will include a bunch of add-ons without telling you. Be extra careful when you return your car and double check if they have added on the refueling charge, as we had initially declined this service yet it was still charged to us, and we paid out of pocket to fill up the tank before returning the rental. Btw do not pay for the the refueling charge upfront as the charge will be up to $50-60 MORE than if you simply fill the tank yourself before returning. After filling up the tank all the way I also noticed a massive discrepancy between the mile range displayed on the dash after I filled the tank all the way versus the mile range listed on the dash when we were first given the car (we're talking an 80+ mile difference). We were told multiple times that a certain sum of money for the "authorization hold" would be released upon returning the vehicle in good shape, and then had to speak to four different customer service agents over the phone just to hear that we suddenly would not be getting the hold back, and that it was because all of the add on's that we did not ask for or were mislead about, totaled to more than the hold itself so they "cancel each other out". This company is scamming people, and there is nothing user-friendly or "budget" about this. 15/10 would not recommend. read more

We got in there around 11:30 at night this beautiful young lady whose name I cannot remember on May 23rd of this year wished us a happy anniversary was outstanding customer Service and made our trip to Austin comfortable and pleasant the entire time read more

I would choose no stars if possible. Budget failed to notify me the rental counter closed at the airport location. Flight was delayed and stranded. Customer service offered no suggestions. Budget still proceeded to charge my credit card. Following up with them days later you would think they would offer a concession, but the representative said he could not. Also, for all those who read this beware budget does not offer free roadside assistance, and the toll service charge is robbery. read more

Went on vacation with my family, FIRST the car we did rent was unavailable and had to wait forever for the staff to figure it out. The car we did receive had damage to the car that we are now responsible for, apparently they let you rent cars that have damage and SHOULD NOT be driven off the lot. Now we are responsible for the existing damage for the car we were NEVER supposed to get. DO NOT RENT from this site, they are terrible as far as the organization and accountability for the cars they are giving you. This is the worst experience and I have told multiple people not to waste their time or money. It is not worth it. read more

Waited an hour and twenty minutes to rent car. Only one person working the counter. Computer went down and we were directed to move to Avis. No apology for extended wait. Jose manager tReid to up sell on everything and made us feel guilty about not agreeing to any of it. Car was ok. Probably worst car ever rented. Filled gas 2-5 miles away from airport. We got charged $5 because they said the fuel was not completely full ... short 0.5 gallon!, Really we filled 2 miles away. Are they going to put that half gallon in the car.... no way. All these little upcharges. Never had this experience in Dallas. Left a terrible taste in my mouth. I will never rent from BUDget again!, Terrible customer service. read more

The line at Budget Rental is over 50 people. The lines at the other rental companies is two or three. Horrible service! read more

Budget Car Rental - The line at Budget is over 50 people long. Horrible service! - Car Rental Near Me - Austin, Texas

I'll start off by saying this review isn't directed at anybody who works at this particular branch, but the Budget company in general. First off, fuck you. How are you going to charge me $191 for a tow and $80 for damages during the snowstorm when your tow truck never showed up? Not for 9 hours. I finally get the car out of the snow after 9 hours and there's still no tow truck in sight. Nobody is answering their phone when I call to cancel. Yet, I'm still liable for these charges? Seriously, fuck you. read more

Been standing in line for 15 minutes as one staff member struggles to clear one reservation per hour and the other is on her phone not helping anyone. read more

I would give zero stars if that were an option! I will never use this company again and will not recommend it to my friends. I rented a car for four days and they charged me for nine. When I called their customer service I was given the run around then eventually had to send a them my boarding pass. An adjustment was finally made on my credit card for the wrong amount. They increased my total by $186.00. The customer service is HORRIBLE!!!! I called over five times and got five different answers when asking the same question! I sent a complaint to their customer care department and just received an automated email response. What a bad experience with Budget!!!! Learned my lesson. If you decide to use them, I would think twice and that is my opinion!! read more

One person working, nobody in line. Was chitchatting with previous customer for 15 minutes. Cancelled my reservation and booked at Avis instead. read more

Worst rental car experience ever. One person working the desk at 1pm on a Tuesday. 14 people in line. New counter person shows up, the original one leaves. Hour and one half wait to get to counter. Finally make it to counter and they don't have any cars. 45 minute wait to get a car. Go out to car, it's a clapped out Chevy Malibu that is filthy inside. Steering wheel was sticky and the drivers seat was like someone ate 10 burritos while sitting in it. Suspension was shot and there was a slow leak in one of the tires. Called Budget, was told to take it to the downtown office and exchange for another car. Go downtown, there's 10 people waiting in their funky old gas station office and no cars available. Some of the people waiting there had been waiting two plus hours. I made my reservation three months prior. You think they would be prepared. No way to run a business. I will avoid Budget/Avis at all costs. read more

Hands down the worst car rental company I've dealt with. I was coming from Virginia to Austin, and I was so tired. I went to the Budget counter to get my car, because a lady told me to go there. (she worked for them). It was the wrong counter, so after I found the correct one, I stood in line for at least 20 mins. After I got up there, the lady told me there were no compact cars, or comparable. What?? They gave my car away, and I had a RESERVATION!. She was going to give me a mini-van, and I said no. This was right after Hurricane Harvey, so all the cars were gone, and on top of that there was a gas shortage. Most of the cars had the tanks at 1/2 full. There was no way that I was going to fill up a mini-van. I'm sure that's what they wanted from the customers. I told the lady just to cancel. There were no cars to rent anywhere, so I just Ubered around. Poor customer service. read more

Was in Austin for business for a few days, needed a rental car at the airport and was forced to swallow the $100 a day rate they offered, but the piece of junk broke down the very next day; called the roadside assistance number on the rental paperwork, they said it would take at least 6 hours to deliver a new car to me, which would've ruined my whole trip, so the roadside assistance people told me to leave the car there and they would tow it and cancel the remainder of the rental contract for me, and I took a taxi instead. Three weeks later I received a bill for $1,300 for TWELVE RENTAL DAYS which is how long it took them to actually tow the car in. Called customer service, was repeatedly hung up on, one customer "service" rep actually RUDELY interrupted my story and suggested I might be lying because "the computer records showed that it was clearly me that returned the car" ...when I explained to her that I was only in Austin for 4 days, and was out of state at the time of its return (and had the airline tickets to prove it), she hung up on me. Next time I called, I had a very friendly rep who told me I'd have to go in-person to the airport counter and "track down the people who handled the return", I told them I was in another state, and it really isn't my responsibility to track down their missing cars--and was hung up on AGAIN!!! FINALLY got someone who took the details and promised they'd have the proper office get in touch with me within 48 hours...obviously, that never happened, and I was forced to dispute the charge as an incident of fraud on my credit card--thankfully, that worked for me, but BE WARNED---DO NOT USE THIS CAR COMPANY!!! WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!!!! read more