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South Padre Island car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
Wed 1/5
Wed 8/5

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South Padre Island car hire information

Pick-up locationSouth Padre Island
Car types
Hire locations0
Airport locations0

Cheap car hire in South Padre Island

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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring 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.
  • Book your car hire in South Padre Island at least 4 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy car hire in South Padre Island are around 25% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in South Padre Island

  • How much is the price of fuel in South Padre Island?

    The average price of fuel in South Padre Island is R73,89 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R887 and R1 182, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in South Padre Island?

    Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in South Padre Island.

  • How can I find car hires near me in South Padre Island?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in South Padre Island?

    An Economy car hire in South Padre Island costs R576 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in South Padre Island?

    A Standard car hire in South Padre Island costs R768 per day, on average.

  • 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

7,4

Best rated

2 locations in South Padre Island

Show locations

Locations in South Padre Island

4177 Expressway 83

+1 956 548 2224

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

700 Amelia Earhart Drive

+1 956 574 9612

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Mar 2021

KAYAK

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 available

8,0 Very Good

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

10,0 Wonderful

May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Excellent customer service and easy drop off

9,2 Wonderful

May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Great staff

Cons:

Due to airport construction the car was a good hike from the counter

8,8 Very Good

May 2020

KAYAK

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. Thanks

8,8 Very Good

Mar 2020

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 7

National

7,1

One location in South Padre Island

Show locations

Locations in South Padre Island

700 Amelia Earhart Drive

+1 956 574 9612

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

May 2017

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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 calls

10,0 Wonderful

Jan 2017

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 1

Avis

6,6

One location in South Padre Island

Show locations

Locations in South Padre Island

700 South Amelia Earhart Drive

+1 956 541 9271

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday10:00 - 19:00
Sunday10:00 - 19:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Mar 2024

KAYAK
The rental price was too high.

2,0 Poor

Nov 2023

KAYAK
NO CAR AVAILABLE..PAY TAXI FOR GO TO PICK UP CAR..THERE IS NO CAR AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP AND PAY TAXI AGAIN TO COME BACK...

8,0 Very Good

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Good customer service

Cons:

Price was over value Need to be cheaper That vehicle wasn’t worth it for that price

4,0 Mediocre

Apr 2021

KAYAK

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 problems

2,0 Poor

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing because they canceled my rental the day before I was supposed to get my rental

Cons:

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 alternative

2,0 Poor

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

They didnt have a car

1 out of 6

Budget

6,4

One location in South Padre Island

Show locations

Locations in South Padre Island

700 Amelia Earhart Drive

+1 956 546 5119

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday11:00 - 17:00
Sunday11:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Apr 2024

KAYAK
I want my money back. They didn't want to rent me the car because I didn't have a credit card and now what do I do if they don't return my deposit?

10,0 Wonderful

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The whole process was so easy and fast!

2,0 Poor

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Arrived as scheduled to find rental office closed

2,0 Poor

May 2022

KAYAK
They did not except debit cards even when it said they would with a deposit.

8,0 Very Good

Jun 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Excellent customer service. Pick up and drop up off quick and easy

Cons:

Cruise control missing button cover making it difficult to turn on

1 out of 2

Hertz

5,7

2 locations in South Padre Island

Show locations

Locations in South Padre Island

4345 N Expressway 77/83 St350

+1 956 350 2840

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

700 S. Minnesota Avenue

+1 956 542 7466

Monday10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday10:00 - 19:00
Thursday10:00 - 19:00
Friday10:00 - 19:00

Filters

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was drop and go

Cons:

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

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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 off

10,0 Wonderful

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The ocean view in South Padre

Cons:

I did not know it was the beginning of spring break.

8,0 Very Good

Mar 2022

KAYAK
Thanks

1 out of 2

Dollar

5,4

One location in South Padre Island

Show locations

Locations in South Padre Island

500 Amelia Earhart Drive

+1 866 434 2226

Monday10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday10:00 - 19:00
Thursday10:00 - 19:00
Friday10:00 - 19:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly and helpful with instructions and drop off super easy

2,0 Poor

May 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Your website outomatically changed the pick up location. I will never visit your website

10,0 Wonderful

Sep 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy in and out

4,4 Mediocre

Aug 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Decent car

Cons:

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" price

10,0 Wonderful

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Excellent service! Thank you.

4,8 Mediocre

Jul 2017

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 4

Easirent

3,6

Poor

No reviews available

One location in South Padre Island

Show locations

Locations in South Padre Island

Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in South Padre Island

Show locations

Locations in South Padre Island

700 Amelia Earhart Drive

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

91 travellers who hired a car in South Padre Island gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.2

Car hire locations in or near South Padre Island

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a car hire in South Padre Island

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches