Economy prices for Alamo range from low to average in the industry, this gives them a competitive advantage. Alamo's quoted rates include all taxes, fees, and discounts. This eliminates being surprised with higher fees than anticipated when checking out.

Luxury Price Range

Alamo's luxury car prices range from low to average in the industry. This lower price range allows more customers to rent luxury cars. The downside is that luxury cars are not available in all locations. In cities like New York, Alamo luxury cars are not offered. Many of their competitors offer luxury rentals across the board in every major city or state.

States Available

Alamo locations can be found in 50 states. Some competitors offer locations in some states, but not all. This is a significant advantage for frequent travelers because they can use the same company that they know and can collect membership points. This also makes renting a car available to residents in every state who need to rent a car locally.

Airports Locations

Alamo has airport locations in all 50 states (and in Puerto Rico) with rental counters at most major airports throughout North America. Anywhere you land, there is a convenient Alamo location.

Roadside Assistance

Alamo offers 24/7 roadside assistance to help you in case your vehicle has issues. Their roadside assistance costs $4.99 a day. This is average for most rental car companies and is moderately affordable.

Online Check-In

One of Alamo's premier features is their online check-in. This allows renters to check in before arriving at the rental location, speeding up the rental process. In some Alamo locations, online check-ins allows customers to skip the rental counter entirely, going directly to the car attendant and receiving their keys. Travelers in a hurry or who have grown tired of waiting in long lines will greatly benefit from this option.

thumb_down

The Bad

No fuel discount
No toll prepay option
No instant return

On-Site Fuel Discount

There is no on-site fuel discount with Alamo. The Fuel Service Option charges the local gas rate times the number of gallons held in the tank. It appears best to fill your own tank. Alamo says to bring the car back empty (if you select their prepay fueling option) since there is no refund for additional fuel in the tank at time of return.

Toll Prepay Option

Alamo customers do not have a prepay toll option through Alamo's website. If you want a toll pass for your vehicle, you have to ask at the rental counter when you are signing in to pick up your car. This can be problematic if you get to the rental counter and find out there are no more toll passes available. This additional step takes more time and makes checking in longer. Most car rental companies offer toll prepay. Customers of car rental companies that offer toll prepay options avoid this issue and have a guaranteed toll pass when they check in.

Instant Return

During business hours, you have to return the car and keys in person to the front counter. Some car rental companies offer an instant return. This allows customers to leave the car with the keys in it without having to checkout at the counter. Alamo also offers after-hours returns, allowing renters to return their cars to the lot, drop off their keys, and be on their way without needing to enter the rental location.

gavel

The Bottom Line

Customers traveling on a budget are well-suited for Alamo. Alamo is located in every state and offers a wide variety of vehicles. Alamo's online check-in service is compatible with renters who like to take care of everything online, which is an added convenience to customers. The only downsides are no prepaid toll passes, on-site fuel discounts, or instant returns. We recommend working with Alamo for your car rental needs.

Was this content helpful?

thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

border_color Write a Review

User Reviews

Star Rating

3.6

star star star star_half star_border

97 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

40%

4 grade

25%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

23%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_border

Quality

star star star star star_border

Service

star star star star star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_border

cancel

star star star_border star_border star_border

cheryl conrad Toledo, OH

I've had a very negative experience with this company. They placed a charge of $72.99 for a lock out fee on my credit card bill. I did not engage their services for a lock out and they will not after four phone calls remedy the situation. Instead of putting you in touch with the department that handles the fraudulent charge you get to speak repeatedly to the same ineffectual people. I booked this through Costco travel so hopefully Costco will handle this dispute.

4 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Mark Troxel Provo, UT

I use Alamo when I travel and need a car at an airport. One time when I booked a car with then I was informed that there were no vehicles available. I told them I had a booking and was told that a booking was not a guarantee and a car would only be there for sure if I prepaid for it. Eventually I was given a car but it was in poor condition (burns in the seat cushion, and dirty) I consider prepay if I find limited cars available at the time of booking.

5 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Oliver Sherren Provo, UT

Booked a Alamo car in Orlando but I found that the instructions were very unclear. Also, the price we paid for a tiny compact was ridiculous. After looking at prices on Turo.com, I don't think I'll be paying almost $80 a day for a car that can barely fit 4 people.

5 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Samantha Grabert Salt Lake City, UT

Did not get the care requested, had to ask for another one and they gave me a hard time. They finally gave in, was frustrating.

5 years ago