Question 1

How do I find the rental car counters at Boise Airport (BOI)?

Accepted Answer

It’s easy, Boise Airport’s rental car counters are located on the first floor of the terminal, right near the baggage claim area. When you deplane, follow signs for Baggage Claim/Ground Transportation. As you come down to baggage claim, you’ll see the rental car desk area along one side of the hall (look for company logos like Avis, Hertz, etc.). BOI is not a huge airport, so you won’t get lost. If in doubt, an information kiosk or airport staff can point you in the right direction. Once you’ve checked in at your respective rental counter and have your contract and keys, you’ll exit just outside to the Rental Car Pick-Up Lot. Currently, during construction of the new rental center, the pick-up lot is a surface lot just west of baggage claim, a very short walk. Just follow the signage through the doors. In the near future (if you’re reading this after the new CONRAC opens), all rentals will be in a consolidated garage connected to the terminal, which will be even more convenient. But either way, at BOI you do not need to shuttle anywhere off-site, the entire rental process is on airport grounds and streamlined for your convenience.

Question 2

If my flight arrives late at night, can I still pick up my rental car at BOI?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. The major rental car agencies at Boise Airport have hours that align with flight schedules, often staying open until the last scheduled incoming flight of the night. For example, if you’re arriving on the midnight flight from Seattle, the rental counters will typically be staffed to serve that arrival (as long as you have a reservation). They do this because Boise gets its share of late-night connections. That said, specific hours vary by company, one might normally close at 12 AM, another at 1 AM. Important tip: include your flight number with your rental reservation (there’s usually a field for it when booking with AirportVanRental). This way, the rental staff can track your flight, if it’s delayed until 1 AM, they’ll usually hold the reservation and someone will either stay or arrangements will be made. If you’re extremely delayed (past normal closing), it’s a good idea to call the Boise rental office while in your connecting city to inform them. In rare cases where a counter does close before you arrive, they may leave keys with an after-hours pick-up procedure or have an agent on-call. Also, Boise’s airport itself is open 24/7, and the rental car lot is accessible around the clock, it’s mainly the counter staff availability to consider. Most travelers report smooth sailing even on late arrivals, the agencies know people need their cars. Just be sure to book in advance; if you just show up at 1 AM without a reservation, the counters might be shuttered (and selection limited). As a backup, if something went awry, you could take a taxi to your hotel and return in the morning, but that’s rarely needed. So, rest assured: if your flight lands late, you’ll still be able to get your car, as long as you’ve coordinated via your reservation.

Question 3

What is the minimum age to rent a car at Boise Airport?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age to rent at BOI is generally 21 years old, as with most U.S. rentals. Renters age 21-24 will be subject to a “young driver fee” (typically around $25 per day, varies by company) and are usually restricted from renting certain higher-end vehicle classes (like luxury cars, large SUVs, or vans). If you are 21-24, you can still rent popular categories like economy through full-size cars, and often smaller SUVs or minivans, just expect that surcharge. At 25, those fees disappear and all vehicle types become available. Some exceptions: a few rental brands might rent to 18-20 year-olds in special cases (for example, active military or when renting through an insurance replacement contract). But as a typical traveler, under 21 is a no-go with the majors. Also, note that if you’re 21-24, using a debit card might be trickier (some agencies require a credit card for under-25 renters or additional ID). Our booking process will usually indicate any age-related restrictions or fees before you finalize. One more thing: additional drivers also need to meet the age requirements and will incur the young driver fee if applicable. So if you’re 23 and your travel buddy who will share driving is 26, only the 23-year-old pays the surcharge. Bottom line, 21+ to rent at BOI, extra fee if under 25. If you’re in that young range, factor the fee into your budget (we show it in the quote breakdown when you input age), and drive safe to keep that good record as you age into cheaper rentals!

Question 4

Are there extra fees for renting at Boise Airport versus off-airport?

Accepted Answer

Renting at any airport usually includes some additional surcharges compared to renting at a neighborhood location, and Boise Airport is no exception. The main extras are: an Airport Concession Recovery Fee (around 10% of the rental rate) and a Customer Facility Charge (CFC) (at BOI it’s currently $1.20 per day). These fees go toward the airport’s costs for providing rental facilities and shuttle services, etc. Additionally, you’ll have the standard Idaho state sales tax (6%) and a small tourism or vehicle license fee (a few dollars). All combined, the difference in cost between airport and off-airport in Boise might be roughly 10-15% higher total, which honestly isn’t too bad (in some big cities it’s 25-30% more at the airport!). For example, a $200 base rental might have ~$30 in airport-related fees on top. The good news: our quotes on AirportVanRental include all these fees upfront, so you’re not blindsided. You’ll see a breakdown like “Concession Fee 11.11%, Facility Charge $1.20/day” in your estimate. When comparing to off-airport rates, off-airport rentals won’t have those particular fees, but sometimes their base rate is a bit higher to begin with due to lower volume or less competition. Also consider convenience: an off-airport site might require a taxi or hotel shuttle to reach, which is time and money. Many travelers find the small extra cost at BOI is worth the immediate convenience of getting on the road. That said, if you’re really watching the budget and staying in Boise city for a couple days first, one strategy is to take a rideshare to your hotel and rent from a downtown location the next day, saving the airport fees for a multi-day rental. We allow you to compare that scenario too. In summary, yes, there are a few extra fees at BOI, but we make them transparent, and the difference isn’t exorbitant. It’s the “price of convenience,” and at Boise’s scale, it’s quite reasonable.

Question 5

How long does it take to pick up a rental car at Boise Airport after landing?

Accepted Answer

Boise Airport is known for its efficiency, and picking up a rental can be very quick. If you’ve got a reservation, you could realistically be driving out within 20-30 minutes of stepping off the plane, assuming no unusual delays. Here’s a rough timeline: It might take 5-10 minutes from your gate to walk to baggage claim (BOI is not huge, only a few minutes if you’re near the security exit). If you checked bags, wait maybe another 5-10 minutes for luggage (sometimes faster). Meanwhile, you could head to the rental counter which is adjacent to the carousels. Depending on the time of day, the wait at the counter is usually minimal, Boise doesn’t often have massive lines like, say, LAX would. Let’s say 5 minutes wait, then about 5-10 minutes to do the paperwork with the agent (if you’ve done a Pre-Check-In online with some companies, that can speed it up too). Once you have keys, it’s a 2-minute walk out of the terminal to the lot. The agent will direct you to your car’s spot. Do a quick inspection of the vehicle (always smart, note any pre-existing scratches, etc., the lot is well-lit and usually an attendant may be around). Then exiting the airport is straightforward; BOI is small so there’s no long maze to drive out. All told, yes, 20-30 minutes is a good estimate. If you have only carry-on luggage, even faster. Of course, if you happen to arrive at a peak time (say a big flight just landed and several people head to rentals at once), it might be a bit longer. But Boise’s peaks are nothing like major hubs. Another factor: if you’re part of a rental company’s loyalty program that offers fast-track service, Boise can accommodate that (like skipping the counter with certain brands). But even without it, the experience is typically smooth. Our customers often comment how hassle-free Boise pick-up is, some even say they were in their car 15 minutes after deplaning, which is hard to beat. So, in short, plan for half an hour and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised if it’s less. Boise’s charm is that it just doesn’t do “mega-delays” much.

Question 6

Can I rent at Boise Airport and return the car at a different airport (one-way)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one-way rentals are available from Boise Airport to many destinations, though whether a drop fee applies will depend on the route and rental company. Common one-way routes from BOI include dropping in Salt Lake City, Seattle, Portland, or other regional airports. For example, you could pick up at BOI, do a Yellowstone/Grand Teton trip, and drop at Jackson Hole Airport, that’s a possible one-way (though smaller airports like Jackson may have higher fees). If you know you want a one-way, indicate your return location when booking with us, and we’ll show you options that allow it. The price quote will include any one-way drop charge. Sometimes, especially between big cities (say Boise to Seattle), the drop fee might be modest or even waived if the company needs cars moved. Other times, for remote combinations, it could be a few hundred dollars. We have seen promotions where one-way between Boise and Spokane, for example, had no extra fee for a limited time. Key point: it’s absolutely doable; many people fly into Boise to start a road trip and fly out elsewhere. Just be sure to book it as a one-way upfront, do not plan to “surprise” the rental company later, as that can result in hefty penalty. Another tip: if you’re dropping in another state, double-check if the rental contract has any mileage limits (most are unlimited, but rarely some local promo rates have limits that might not allow out-of-area travel, all the ones we present for major one-ways will typically be unlimited mileage, and we’ll note if not). Also, remember to inform the staff at pickup that you are doing a one-way (they’ll know from the reservation) so they can get you any needed paperwork or remind you of where to return at the other location. Lastly, if you’re driving in winter across states, ensure the car is equipped appropriately (we mentioned snow tires aren’t standard, but you might want an AWD if going through mountain passes, request it). In sum, one-way rentals from BOI are common and our system makes it straightforward to arrange. It’s a fantastic way to see the West without looping back, just drop off and fly home from wherever you end up.

Question 7

What are my refueling options when returning the car at BOI?

Accepted Answer

When returning your rental at Boise Airport, you have two main options for fuel: fill it up yourself before drop-off (recommended to avoid high costs), or let the rental company refuel it for a fee. Almost all rentals will be provided with a full tank and expected to be returned full to avoid charges. If you choose to fill it yourself (which is usually cheapest), the nearest gas stations to BOI are just a couple minutes away. For instance, there’s a Chevron and Sinclair on Vista Avenue about 0.5 miles north of the airport entrance. Many people swing by those on the way in. Prices there are competitive, though sometimes a few cents higher than stations further in town, but the convenience is worth it. Another nearby option: if you’re coming from I-84 westbound, there’s a gas station (Shell or Maverik) at the Vista Ave exit area. Also, near Federal Way and Broadway (a slight detour) there are more stations. Essentially, you won’t have trouble finding fuel within 2-3 miles of BOI. Make sure to get a fuel receipt and time it close to your return (within 5-10 miles is ideal) in case the agent asks for proof if they think the gauge is just a hair under full. Now, if you’re pressed for time or just don’t want to bother, you can opt for the rental company’s refueling service. There are two ways: one is Fuel Purchase Option (FPO), you prepay a full tank at a set rate per gallon and return empty. Frankly, unless you return bone-dry, you’ll likely pay for fuel you didn’t use, so we don’t generally recommend it unless you know you can’t/refuse to stop later. The other is post-return fuel charge, if you return less than full, they’ll charge you per gallon to top it. This rate is usually significantly higher than street price (e.g., if gas is $4/gal in town, they might charge $7/gal). So that convenience costs. If you only used a couple gallons, it might not break the bank, but if half-tank down, you’ll feel it. Thus, best practice: plan 5 extra minutes to fill up nearby. Boise’s traffic is light, so it’s not typically a huge delay. Also note: some agencies at BOI require the fuel to register full on the gauge; if it’s slightly below, they’ll charge a gallon or two. So top it off until the pump clicks. In summary, plenty of refueling options around the airport, take advantage of them to save money. It’s an easy way to avoid an otherwise avoidable fee on your bill.

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