Avis Car Rental

- 3083 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701

When you're looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of East Tennessee, from the vibrant city life of Knoxville to the majestic trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reliable transportation is key. Avis Car Rental, located conveniently on Alcoa Highway, provides a professional option for travelers, residents, and business people needing a vehicle in the Alcoa and greater Knoxville area. This branch operates as a full-service car and van rental agency, offering a wide array of vehicles to suit nearly any travel need, whether it's a compact car for a quick trip or a spacious van for a family vacation.

This location is separate from the primary Avis counter *inside* the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) terminal, offering an alternative for those seeking a neighborhood location pick-up. Avis, as a globally recognized brand, promises a commitment to quality vehicles and professional service, aiming to provide a seamless rental experience. However, based on consolidated customer feedback, it is imperative for all Tennessee customers to be proactive and confirm their reservations and vehicle availability directly with the local office before relying on a booking made through third-party platforms or the corporate website. The corporate policy regarding inventory management has historically caused issues with unexpected cancellations and overbooking, a critical factor for anyone depending on a rental for work or planned travel.

The inventory at this Alcoa Highway location generally includes everything from economy and compact cars to full-size sedans, SUVs, and passenger vans, ensuring flexibility for diverse travel requirements across the Volunteer State.

The Avis Car Rental office is situated at a strategic neighborhood location just a short drive from the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, Tennessee, making it easily accessible for both local residents and arriving air travelers.

The precise address is: 3083 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701, USA.

Positioned along the main Alcoa Highway, the location is simple to find and generally provides efficient access to major routes leading directly into Knoxville, as well as highways connecting to Maryville and the greater East Tennessee region. For customers without their own transportation, the agency often provides a free pick-up service, a convenient option that must be arranged by calling the local office directly to confirm availability and logistics.

Accessibility is a key priority at this location, featuring:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensuring a smooth and easy entry for all customers into the main office and counter area.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Designated spaces are provided to accommodate all guests, maintaining a high standard of convenience.

The operating hours for this location are designed to accommodate a busy traveler's schedule, typically running from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays (Monday–Friday) and slightly shorter hours on weekends (8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday). Customers are advised to confirm these hours by phone, especially around major holidays, which may affect closing times. Furthermore, the location typically offers an after-hours return service via a key drop-off, providing flexibility for late-night returns.

Avis provides a comprehensive range of rental-related services tailored to meet the needs of personal and business travel throughout Tennessee.

• Car Rental Services: Offering a wide range of vehicles including economy, compact, intermediate, full-size, premium, and luxury cars.
• Van Rental Agency: Providing larger capacity vehicles essential for group travel, such as minivans and full-size passenger vans (e.g., 12- and 15-passenger options, subject to local availability and specific driver/safety requirements).
• SUV Rentals: A popular choice in East Tennessee, offering a variety of standard, intermediate, and premium SUV options suitable for travel near the mountains or in varying weather conditions.
• Pick-Up Service Available: Complimentary customer pick-up service from nearby locations is often offered, though arrangements must be made directly by calling the local branch.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts both major Credit cards and Debit cards for payment, though customers must be aware that using a debit card, especially for the required security hold, may involve stricter identification requirements and a larger hold amount.
• One-Way Rentals: Allowing customers the convenience of picking up a vehicle in Alcoa and dropping it off at another Avis location, perfect for Tennessee travelers on extended one-way road trips.
• Optional Extras: Includes the ability to rent supplemental equipment such as GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, and optional protection packages like Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Roadside Assistance.

While the Avis brand is known worldwide, this specific location offers several features that appeal to the local Tennessee user.

• Neighborhood Convenience: Located outside of the airport terminal crowd, this branch on Alcoa Highway is ideal for local residents, University of Tennessee students, or those who prefer to avoid the higher fees and more complex logistics often associated with on-airport locations.
• Extensive Vehicle Selection: The capacity to rent a variety of vehicles, from small fuel-efficient cars for city driving to large vans for group excursions to Dollywood or the national park, provides excellent choice flexibility.
• Avis Preferred Benefits: Members of the Avis Preferred loyalty program can often benefit from faster service, streamlined paperwork, and potential vehicle upgrades when available, which is a valuable feature for frequent renters.
• Accessibility Commitment: The provision of a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking ensures that the service is available and convenient for all members of the East Tennessee community.
• Proximity to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Being just a short distance from the airport means that even travelers flying in can easily access this location, which may offer more favorable pricing or inventory compared to the on-site TYS counter, provided the customer confirms their booking details meticulously.

For current operating hours, specific vehicle availability, or to arrange a local pick-up service, Tennessee customers should contact the local Avis branch directly.

Address: 3083 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701, USA

Phone: (865) 229-4161

Mobile Phone: +1 865-229-4161

The Avis Car Rental on Alcoa Highway is worth choosing for East Tennessee locals and visitors who prioritize brand recognition, vehicle variety (especially vans and SUVs), and local convenience. The location's proximity to Knoxville and the airport, combined with the comprehensive fleet options, makes it a strong contender for anyone needing flexible transportation in the region. The ability to use both credit and debit cards, along with the availability of services like a local pick-up, adds significant value for the user.

However, it is crucial to temper expectations with factual information based on customer feedback. The recurring issue of unreliable online inventory and overbooking is a significant operational challenge with the Avis/Budget corporation that has directly impacted the experience at this location. Customers have reported making confirmed reservations, including for specialized vehicles like those needed for ride-share or specific van types, only to arrive and find no vehicle available.

Therefore, to make Avis a worthwhile choice, local users are strongly advised to adopt a two-step process:

1. Book Online: Secure your rate and reservation through the preferred platform (Avis website or third-party app).
2. Confirm Directly by Phone: Immediately call the local Alcoa branch at (865) 229-4161 and speak with a person to verbally verify that your specific vehicle type is physically on the lot and assigned to your reservation. This proactive step is the best way to mitigate the risk of corporate overbooking and ensure you have the vehicle you need for your crucial Tennessee travel plans.

When you choose Avis with this caution, you benefit from a high-quality vehicle fleet and the convenient features of a globally respected company. Ignore this warning, and you risk a potentially "Horrible Experience" that wastes your time and leaves you stranded, a clear risk documented by previous customers in the East Tennessee area.

Avis Car Rental

3083 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701, USA