Cancel

Open app

Search

Budget

1.4 (180 reviews)
Open Open 24 hours

Budget Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Budget

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

TL;DR: Avoid. Dishonest practices, dirty vehicle, and a complete lack of customer service. A one-day rental at $61 ended up costing $146 -- not worth it. Reservation I made wasn't ready when I arrived. I was told only available option was a minivan, which I declined and offered to wait. After waiting 5-10 minutes, I was told a vehicle was available. In hindsight, this should've been a red flag, as the rep was insistent just a few moments before there were no other cars. I was handed a rental receipt stating car was good to go with full tank of gas. In reality, the car was in poor condition -- visibly dirty with dust throughout the interior -- and the brakes made a loud creaking sound when pressed. At drop-off, they tried to claim the vehicle had been cleaned and vacuumed prior to pickup (see photos), which clearly wasn't true. Gas was also not full -- it was just over halfway. I didn't notice until after leaving and, unfortunately, didn't take a photo of the gauge. That part is on me, running into twenty-four hours of international travel and exhaustion. Still, Budget charged me for a full tank, resulting in the cost of the gas being higher than the cost to rent the vehicle. I contacted customer service to file a claim and found there was no way to speak with anyone at the local rental location or someone in-country. I was transferred 4-5 times before reaching an offshore team that offered no resolution beyond a coupon -- which would require renting from Budget again. I will not be doing so and hope this helps anyone else from making the mistake.

Sam K.

Worst car rental I've ever experienced. Definitely avoid if you can. Not worth your time or headache. At drop off, no attendants , cars parked everywhere , very confusing process. Finally saw staff member told him about the issues. Says I'm good to go. I don't trust it given experience. Asked to talk to manager. "Ali the manager" shows up. I explain my experience. His reply: it's MY responsibility to 360 the car, in the dark, note deficiencies and report to toll gate staff before leaving. Says he's writing up claim. I may be contacted by claim department. Very frustrating especially as a responsible renter, returning car in same condition with fill tank. I pointed out that if someone on his staff would have done what he did at drop off all could have been avoided. He offered no apologies for dirty car, long wait or damaged car. Took NO responsibility. Unbelievable.

loooooooong line :(
Kathy M.

If I could, I'd rate this place negative stars. Ive been here for over an hour, waiting for a car that I reserved through Expedia. The place was packed, and the shuttle driver told us there werent any cars, but the two staff didnt make any announcements or tell us anything. I finally asked for an update, and she told us there werent any cars. Of course, that upset everyone in line because we all have reservations. I get that some thingsbare out of the control of the staff, because their reservation service keepsntaking reservations without cars BUT, what they CAN control is informing everyone in line so we cananage out own expectations. They are really just making a bad situation worse. And, we keep watching more people getting off the shuttles, walking in excited to get their car and start their vacation WTF.

Budget is ridiculous!

See all

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joy G.
1639
1545
934

2 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of V K.
0
8
0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sam K.
42
7
4

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of T S.
1
15
1

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of JC V.
179
48
16

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Yuri H.
5
73
42

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Cyndi H.
281
33
71

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of M R.
43
357
113

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of G B.
0
2
0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of M C.
0
83
14

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of James W.
22
30
13

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Rob R.
3
98
82

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of VyVy V.
327
803
1334

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dy M.
0
40
7

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mary B.
7
21
12

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of J A.
0
44
2

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of W. A.
0
54
22

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Brian G.
98
96
166

5 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Erik N.
83
41
3

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 5

Ask the Community - Budget

Review Highlights - Budget

We quickly loaded our luggage and we were out the exit within 5 min.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Car Rental 860 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

3.7(214 reviews)
0.2 mi

After having a terrifying brush with death in the form of a car crash and the stressful process of…read morehaving my now destroyed car towed, the people at Enterprise were a breath of fresh air in an otherwise overwhelming day. The attendant, Aria, was probably the most pleasant person I've ever met. His innocence needs to be protected at all costs. If you sully him in any way I will you. Godspeed Aria!

This is my car rental company of choice. The have tasted me better than expected. Upgrades on the…read moreregular. Nice cars. On this day, the location lost power. Everything was black. I was at another, different rental company. They were lost. They had about 10 people in the lobby and were doing rentals like the old days. Calling to get credit card approvals, no cars, everything done by paper. I felt like we were back in the 70s. I went over to Enterprise, where I had a 2nd reservation. (My Office duplicate booking error). When I arrived, they asked what class I booked and pointed me towards those cars. They told me to take whatever. I was in a car within 5 mins from my arrival. Yes it took a little bit to get out since there were about 10 cars in front of me but we all had cars. There were about 4 people checking out cars and I was on the road within 20 mins of my arrival. AWESOME SERVICE. They were working just as the other company and overcame all the issues and problems that they faced. Plus I got a transponder with no problem. Thanks for the professionalism and effort.

Photos
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car

See all

Sixt Rent A Car - SIXT

Sixt Rent A Car

1.6(156 reviews)
0.1 mi

So close to a perfect experience. Let me do a run down:…read more-Counter staff: excellent. Friendly. Fast and efficient. - Price: great! I got a BMW X3 for what Hertz was going to charge me for a Toyota compact. - Vehicle: Great! See above. - Check in return: Fast, efficient and friendly. Why the four stars instead of five? Well, had it ended there where it should have, it would have been. When I got to my gate, I suddenly realized I had left my glasses in the car. I immediately looked up Sixt's phone number, and it was a 888 number so I knew it was not going to the branch. The clock is ticking so I start heading back while I try and navigate the phone tree. No, I'm not looking to rent a new car. No, I'm not reporting an accident. I'm nearly out of the airport when I finally get a human and tried to explain my situation. I had just left, the glasses were I. The armrest. She tells me there is nothing I can do, and that I would have to go online and file a missing items report. "Could I please just talk to a desk agent? I'm sure the car hasn't even been cleaned yet?" No. I have to follow procedure. I decide to head to the shuttle anyway. From there, again, I start getting great service. The shuttle driver takes off early to get me to the field office. I run in, and the people immediately guess who I am. Before long, I have my items back, and I am back at the airport before the plane boards. All of the local people at Sixt were great, friendly, professional and helpful. After my experience with the phone support, I would have dinged them more, but their local staff saved the day by going the extra mile. Sixt, if you are reading this, you have a great staff at Dulles Airport. I can't imagine I am the only person who has experience frustration in your call center. Before Sixt, I preferred Hertz, as their customer service was bar none. Their service has been drifting in recent years which encouraged me to try Sixt and now I am a convert. I use Sixt whenever it's an option. This experience doesn't change that. If you can improve this problem, though, I can easily see you supplanting most of the other car rental companies in the USA.

Horrible place, long line, one person. An available person…read moreis rude; he only helps those who check in online. He is free; he can help the line. But rudely left First and last :( Suppose you save $20 bills. Not worth it. Very rude staff at this location, which is unfortunately next to the airport.

Photos
Sixt Rent A Car
Sixt Rent A Car - SIXT

SIXT

Sixt Rent A Car

See all

Alamo Rent A Car

Alamo Rent A Car

2.7(159 reviews)
0.1 mi

washington dulles was super accomodating in helping me do a swap after discovering my first minivan…read morefrom philadelphia had 0% oil life the alamo car rental here had such a great selection to help me transport family in roughly a 900 mile trip in a week's time! im disappointed at the fact that after having multiple conversations with customer service about the fuel level of my first van rental didnt need to be filled, but later charging me after ive returned the vehicle i guess i shouldnt really worry to much because i ended up saving on the return to a different location also! the service here at washington dulles has been the better experience between ronald reagan and philadelphia hands down!

Unexpected damage claim after return and disappointing customer service…read more I have rented vehicles from Alamo Rent a Car about 3-4 times a year for roughly the past 10 years. Up until recently, every rental experience had been smooth and uneventful. However, my most recent rental in February 2026 was followed by an issue that has been both surprising and frustrating. Approximately four weeks after returning the vehicle, I began receiving emails from the Damage Recovery Unit (DRU) stating that a damage claim had been opened related to my rental. According to the notice, I was being asked to pay about $1,500, which reportedly included repair costs and "loss of use." This was unexpected. When I returned the vehicle, it appeared to be in good condition, and the return process was completed without any issues being raised at the time. I received the normal rental receipt confirming the agreement was closed and payment was processed. I did not take photos at the time of return, which in hindsight I wish I had done. Because the claim arrived several weeks later, I initially questioned whether the email might even be legitimate. After confirming it appeared to come from the damage recovery unit working on behalf of Enterprise Holdings (the parent company of Alamo), I called the number provided to understand the situation. After about 25 minutes on hold, a representative answered and collected my claim number, name, and address. I was then transferred to another representative. After an additional 4-8 minutes on hold, I was asked to provide the same information again. When I attempted to explain that I had returned the vehicle without any known damage and wanted clarification about the claim, I was told that because a dispute had already been filed, there was nothing that could be discussed during the call. The call ended shortly afterward without further explanation. To be clear, I understand that administrative errors and misunderstandings can occur in large organizations. My concern is primarily with the lack of communication and assistance when attempting to understand the claim. After being a long-time customer, I found the experience disappointing and hope the matter can be resolved. In the meantime, I would strongly recommend that anyone renting a vehicle from Alamo Rent a Car document the vehicle carefully (including photos) at both pickup and return, as it may help avoid confusion later.

Photos
Alamo Rent A Car
Alamo Rent A Car
Alamo Rent A Car

See all

Dollar Car Rental

Dollar Car Rental

1.5(143 reviews)
0.3 mi

I rented through a third party Priceline and when at the counter I was asked for a credit card,…read morewhich I don't use due to countless fraudulent activity w/ regards to my name being popular for illegals to use. They also ran a credit history which I failed again due to my name fraudulently used and it's messed up my credit. Not their fault, but if I would have been informed that if I had negative credit nor credit card, I would not be able to rent a vehicle. My other option is TURO which has never let me down.

I've tried countless times to get support but I want to give all drivers a heads up that this car…read morerental agency will remove your constitutional rights without your consent for a DC camera ticket - the District of Columbia allows a renter to fight the citation with proof of rental contract but Dollar Rental Car never tells you if any citation is issued; what they do is nullify your due process rights and then say "our company can't transfer registration or the citation in your name" which is erroneous. After days of research (I'm a CA lawyer) and numerous inquiries with the DC department of motor vehicles, review of local law and statutes, Dollar Rental Car is wrong in their approach. Beware of this because they will send your bill to collections and to add insult to injury, add administrative fees to their erasure of your due process constitutional rights. Do not rent from this agency.

Photos
Dollar Car Rental
Dollar Car Rental
Dollar Car Rental

See all

Thrifty Car Rental

Thrifty Car Rental

1.6(89 reviews)
0.3 mi

We arrived at the rental counter approximately 40 min before I had scheduled pickup. I was not…read moreconcerned about this as I assumed the rental p/u and dropoff time could be adjusted. The individual behind the counter seemed to be clueless (I think was new and his manager was the next machine over and offered little help). Both were Indian and barely spoke English. The man began checking me in taking all my info, license, etc. He provided my a document to sign showing that the vehicle was a 2026 Dodge 2500 and advised that there would be an additional $45 charge for picking it up early. I was aggravated for 2 reasons ... first being that I had reserved a Dodge Ram 1500 (V6 - better on gas) and I was perplexed saying I believed that p/u could be up to 1/2 prior to a scheduled reservation. He told me I was wrong even though I explained that was on the website. He also explained that since I was picking up early they did not have a Dodge 1500. For these reasons, I opted to get out of line and wait at a nearby counter with chairs. My son and I sat down and after approx. 5 minutes, the man came over to us and said that if we were willing to adjust our drop off time accordingly he could check us out now. I said that was fine and explained that I would have expected this anyway as it is common practice at rental car companies. After being back at the counter he still only had a Dodge 2500 available. I explained I did not want a 2500 as it has a V8 engine and the gas usage/cost would be quite high since I would be driving quite a bit. He said if I wanted I could wait until 4:30 pm (time I had originally scheduled). I stop the check in process and go sit again. After about 10 minutes, he comes back over and says he has the truck now. I begin the checkout process again (3rd time) and he again gives me paperwork for a Dodge Ram 2500. I explain I do not want a 2500. He explains they do not have a 1500 and engages the manager who then explains they do not have any 1500's available, did I want a car instead? I explained I needed a truck since we'd be moving a recliner. I was completely mad at this point and said I didn't want to have to pay all this additional gas money, and asked "why do you have a vehicle listed on your site if you do not even carry them"? The manager indicated (in broken English) these were the only truck types they had and if I wanted a truck I'd need to take this. The man who was helping me directly said he'd help by "taking care of the gas". I said "if you're going to give me a tank of gas then fine, as that will make up for the bigger engine/higher gas costs". He then continues with the paperwork which he hands me to sign and says "that will be $108". I said "what!?", "i thought you were giving me a tank of gas". He said "oh no, sorry I take care of gas so you don't have to fill up before you return". I was beyond angry by now. I said "I do not want to pre-buy gas"! "You said you were taking care of it to make up for the wrong truck and larger engine". The workers said "sorry, no i did not mean that". The manager steps in again and says "This is the truck we have, if you take it you can call back in the morning to see if we have the other one" and handed me his card. I went ahead and took the truck since I had NO OTHER OPTION. I called in the morning and it was advised they did not have a 1500 as they do not carry that size vehicle. At this point, I could have screamed. I kept the truck as I was left with no other option and ending up incurring over $150 in gas for 1.5 days. I will NEVER use Thrifty again. I will post on Yelp, Yahoo, and anywhere that will take my review. WORST EXPERIENCE WITH A CAR RENTAL COMPANY EVER !!! I would like my $100 in gas back.

Ran by SCAMMERS. I asked him why am I being charged more after I paid for my reservation in full…read moreand he said it was "the other part of the cost and I only made a partial payment" I rejected insurance and loss damage waiver bs they add on as well as emergency roadside bs. Charged me an extra $250 for 5 days. I'm dropping off my car tomorrow and will be calling their customer service as well as my bank to report fraud. Apparently customer service will open up a dispute but at least Wells Fargo will put their foot down and give these a*#holes the business and credit my money back. These guys at Dulles are SCAMMERS.

Photos
Thrifty Car Rental - Returned Receipt

Returned Receipt

Thrifty Car Rental - Can you find the definition of 'LIS' in this image?

Can you find the definition of 'LIS' in this image?

Thrifty Car Rental - Super unsafe tire tread!!!!

See all

Super unsafe tire tread!!!!

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

3.7(49 reviews)
1.2 mi

Love this Enterprise ! Everyone Is knowledgeable and provided exceptional customer service. I…read morereserved my van same day and it was ready at 7:30 am when they opened. I purchased the extra insurance for $27 that covers the rental vehicle 100%. And I'm so glad I did because the windshield got cracked and I had no idea how it happened but it was covered. No hassle , no issue handed over the keys and left.

Enterprise Sterling (Lane Ct.) -- AKA The Avengers of Insurance Rentals…read more If there were a Hall of Fame for rental car employees, the entire team at Enterprise on Lane Ct. would be inducted on the first ballot. We're in an insurance rental after someone hit my wife's car -- never a fun situation to begin with -- but Zach, Sam, and Sophia somehow turned this whole experience into something surprisingly positive. I swear these three must have Jedi training. Patient with every single question, remembered details I forgot I even said, and somehow managed to hunt down an electric vehicle for us -- which is nearly a mythical creature in rental fleets right now. Zach is the calm problem-solver, Sam works like she's secretly running mission control for NASA, and Sophia has the type of customer service energy that makes you forget you're dealing with insurance paperwork in the first place. And huge shout-out to Jen over at the "Exotic Rentals" location on Autopilot Drive. I don't know what her official title is, but I'm pretty sure she's the one actually holding the multiverse together. She helped from behind the scenes like she's done this in another lifetime. Bottom line? This is one of the very rare rental car teams that operates with hustle, humor, and actual humanity. Not just "here's the keys, good luck." More like "don't worry -- we got you." Five stars without hesitation. If every Enterprise ran like this one, the rental industry would be a joy ride.

Photos
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car

See all

Budget - carrental - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...