South Padre Island car rentals
Compare hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in South Padre Island, Texas
Save up to 38%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.
Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.
Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
South Padre Island car rental information
| Pick-up location | South Padre Island |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 0 |
| Airport locations | 0 |
Cheap car rentals in South Padre Island
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pickup truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in South Padre Island
- Opting for car rentals in South Padre Island provides several benefits over public transportation. South Padre Island car rentals allow you to visit remote destinations not accessible by public transportation, including secluded beaches. You will also have no rush when exploring different places in South Padre Island as you follow your own itinerary and schedule. You will be more relaxed and enjoy the traveling experience better, as car rentals in South Padre Island are comfortable and will offer you enhanced privacy. Car rentals are incredibly convenient when traveling with heavy luggage, as you will not have to maneuver crowded public transportation. You can explore several areas with South Padre Island car rentals, including Sea Turtle, INC., South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, and Laguna Madre Nature Trail.
- If you fly into South Padre Island, you will land at Harlingen Valley International Airport (HRL) or Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO). Both airports have car rental agencies with counters in the main terminal building near the baggage claim area of the Arrivals Hall. Renting a car in both airports requires you to be at least 25 years old. However, you can also apply if you are aged 21 to 24, although you may have to pay a surcharge for young drivers. Car rental agencies in both airports require you to present a valid driver’s license, credit card, and passport.
- Using car rentals in South Padre Island requires you to follow their relaxed and laid-back driving practices. The town allows you to enjoy beach driving, but you must follow their rules and be conscious of the environment. You must drive cautiously since the city has tourists and pedestrians along the streets and beach access points. You must practice courteous gestures like yielding to pedestrians and tourists, especially at designated places such as crosswalks.
- Using car rentals in South Padre Island can be challenging during rush hour, typically from 7 am to 9 am and from 4.30 pm to 6 pm Some significant roads commonly affected by the increased traffic in South Padre Island include Padre Boulevard, Gulf Boulevard, and Queen Isabella Causeway. Instead, you can opt for the less crowded routes, including Amberjack Street, Trout Street, Sunset Drive, and Swordfish Street. Drivers in South Padre Island especially face driving challenges during the summer since, besides the extreme heat, you may also encounter heavy rain and thunderstorms.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in South Padre Island for $53 or less
- Book your rental car in South Padre Island at least 4 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in South Padre Island are around 19% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in South Padre Island
How much does it cost to rent a car in South Padre Island?
On average a rental car in South Padre Island costs $57 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in South Padre Island found in the last 2 weeks is $37.
How much is gas price in South Padre Island?
The average gas price in South Padre Island is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in South Padre Island?
Economy (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in South Padre Island.
How can I find car rentals near me in South Padre Island?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in South Padre Island?
An Economy car rental in South Padre Island costs $29 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in South Padre Island?
A Standard car rental in South Padre Island costs $40 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in South Padre Island?
On average a rental car in South Padre Island costs $400 per week ($57 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in South Padre Island?
On average a rental car in South Padre Island costs $1,715 per month ($57 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in South Padre Island?
Most car rental providers in South Padre Island offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in South Padre Island, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in South Padre Island?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 0 car rental agencies in South Padre Island.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in South Padre Island?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in South Padre Island?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in South Padre Island so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What type of car is recommended for driving car rentals in South Padre Island?
If you are planning to drive on the beaches, it is recommended that you choose a four-wheel drive South Padre Island car rental. This vehicle offers better traction and, as a result, better control on the loose sand along the beaches. You may also get better exploration opportunities in the less developed areas of South Padre Island, since they have efficient off-road capabilities. Also, four-wheel drives have more storage space, giving you a chance to pack beach gear.
What’s the speed limit when driving car rentals in South Padre Island?
School zones and residential areas on South Padre Island have maximum speed limits of about 20 mph. Speed limits may increase to about 30 mph to 40 mph on Retama Street and in most parts of the city. Most highways and freeways have higher speed limits, ranging from 45 to 55 mph. Most rural roads within South Padre Island have set speed limits of 50 mph.
Where are the best places to park a car rental in South Padre Island?
South Padre Island has various parking options for your South Padre Island car rental, including metered street parking, public parking, and beach parking. Depending on where you park, you may find hourly or daily rates for parking. If you're lucky, you may even find a space in one of the free lots.
South Padre Island car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.5
Good
31 reviews2 locations in South Padre Island
Locations in South Padre Island
4177 Expressway 83
+1 956 548 2224
700 Amelia Earhart Drive
+1 956 574 9612
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
Nothing. I was called the day of my reservation and told that there were no cars available.Cons:
Everything. I was called the day of my reservation and told that there were no cars available8.0 Very good
Aug 2020
Pros:
Yes10.0 Wonderful
May 2020
Pros:
Excellent customer service and easy drop off9.2 Wonderful
May 2020
Pros:
Great staffCons:
Due to airport construction the car was a good hike from the counter8.8 Very good
May 2020
Cons:
Awesome customer service and very affordable. Only thing was that vehicle was not clean or sanitized. It was a little uncomfortable driving home. Once I was home I sprayed it with lysol. Other than that it was an awesome experience. Thanks8.8 Very good
Mar 2020
Pros:
Easy drop off. The pick up was not as smooth, but it seems airport is doing renovations so the lot is not in its usual space.National
7.1
Good
6 reviewsOne location in South Padre Island
Locations in South Padre Island
700 Amelia Earhart Drive
+1 956 574 9612
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
May 2017
Pros:
Free upgrade, and the customer service rep waited till our plane landed before shutting down the rental counter. Clean, new, and comfortable. Loved the unlimited miles, that saved us so much money while traveling to three different states to visit family.10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2017
Pros:
New comfortable ride The front window fogged up and we couldn't see often Something was wrong with the front window and defrost Otherwise we had a great time and your people were really nice and even gave us follow up calls10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2017
Pros:
Jose went above and beyond! Was understanding that we we're going to be late arriving, and forwarded messages to the late shift attendant, who in turn helped us get out of the rental quickly an ⓓ on our way.Avis
6.6
Okay
18 reviewsOne location in South Padre Island
Locations in South Padre Island
700 South Amelia Earhart Drive
+1 956 541 9271
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Mar 2024
2.0 Poor
Nov 2023
8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
Good customer serviceCons:
Price was over value Need to be cheaper That vehicle wasn’t worth it for that price4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2021
Pros:
The person working the counter on the morning of 04/24/2021, was dishonest and cagey. The entire process was a waste of time he stated that the car would was being washed and would be ready in 30 minutes, after more than hour he was stating the same lies and would just walk away and go outside.Cons:
If the vehicle is not available just tell me it is not even though I had a reservation. Just wasting time waiting for a car that is not going to be available. Do not lie and expect that a customer would be satisfied. I had to use a different company that had a car available at a lower price and was able to rent without any problems2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nothing because they canceled my rental the day before I was supposed to get my rentalCons:
It would have been better if they didn’t gave me false hope by letting me book the rental. If they don’t have the car to be rented, they shouldn’t let me book or reserve the car. In allowing me to reserve, they have stopped me from looking for a better alternative2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
They didnt have a carBudget
6.5
Okay
5 reviewsOne location in South Padre Island
Locations in South Padre Island
700 Amelia Earhart Drive
+1 956 546 5119
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
The whole process was so easy and fast!2.0 Poor
Mar 2017
Pros:
Arrived as scheduled to find rental office closed2.0 Poor
May 2022
8.0 Very good
Jun 2021
Pros:
Excellent customer service. Pick up and drop up off quick and easyCons:
Cruise control missing button cover making it difficult to turn onHertz
5.6
Fair
7 reviews2 locations in South Padre Island
Locations in South Padre Island
4345 N Expressway 77/83 St350
+1 956 350 2840
700 S. Minnesota Avenue
+1 956 542 7466
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Mar 2021
Pros:
Drop off was drop and goCons:
Upfront with “managers choice” special the car just ended up being the smallest compact car they had. Also we asked for a ride to the airport and it was a hard no.8.0 Very good
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff was very nice. Drop off was fine and it was easier to get to in the early morning hours.Cons:
The tank was not totally full when I got it. My fault for not noticing or calling in. I still haven’t gotten a receipt via email.3.6 Poor
Feb 2019
Cons:
Apparently I booked with Hertz in Brownsville instead of at the Brownsville airport. The two behaved like separate entities. Not enough space here to go into detail, but they could've handled this much better.10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2018
Pros:
They didn’t have a minivan though upgraded me to a suburban for free. My experience in the past is to get the next cheapest option.Cons:
Drop off10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2017
Pros:
The ocean view in South PadreCons:
I did not know it was the beginning of spring break.8.0 Very good
Mar 2022
Dollar
5.4
Fair
24 reviewsOne location in South Padre Island
Locations in South Padre Island
500 Amelia Earhart Drive
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and helpful with instructions and drop off super easy2.0 Poor
May 2019
Cons:
Your website outomatically changed the pick up location. I will never visit your website10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2018
Pros:
Easy in and out4.4 Mediocre
Aug 2018
Pros:
Decent carCons:
Kayak quoted me $58 at pick-up and it turned out to be $85! I will not be using kayak again as I can't trust the "Pay at pickup" price10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2018
Pros:
Excellent service! Thank you.4.8 Mediocre
Jul 2017
Pros:
Picking up the car went very smoothly.Cons:
The car very was dusty inside and did not have windshield wiper fluid. When returning the car to the airport, there were no signs for Dollar Car rental. It was very confusing and stressful trying to return the car. I was never told that I was supposed to leave it in the Hertz rental car spot. It was also annoying providing a receipt showing that I refilled the car within 10 miles of the airport. The company should be able to turn on the car and see that the tank is full.Easirent
3.6
Poor
No reviews available
One location in South Padre Island
Locations in South Padre Island
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in South Padre Island
Locations in South Padre Island
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near South Padre Island
When to book a rental car in South Padre Island
Airports serving South Padre Island
Popular rental types in South Padre Island
- Cargo Van Rentals in South Padre Island
- 6 Passenger Van Rentals in South Padre Island
- 7 Passenger Van Rentals in South Padre Island
- 8 Passenger Van Rentals in South Padre Island
- 9 Passenger Van Rentals in South Padre Island
- 10 Passenger Van Rentals in South Padre Island
- 12 Passenger Van Rentals in South Padre Island
- 15 Passenger Van Rentals in South Padre Island