Avis Car Rental Introduce
For Wisconsin residents and visitors seeking reliable transportation in the state capital, Avis Car Rental on Packers Avenue in Madison provides a strong, well-established option. This location specializes not only in standard car rentals but also operates as a van rental agency, making it a go-to spot for group travel, family vacations across the Badger State, or moving larger items. The Avis brand is globally recognized, and this Madison branch brings that national presence to your local transportation needs.
However, when dealing with any car rental, local knowledge is key to a smooth transaction. This particular branch has some excellent features, such as active military discounts and the noted ability to facilitate one-way rentals without a "big drop charge," a major advantage for travelers moving between cities like Milwaukee, Green Bay, or Chicago. They also offer modern payment convenience, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and even NFC mobile payments.
Despite these strengths, local customer experiences highlight a critical point: always confirm the payment policy beforehand. One customer review noted frustration after traveling to the location only to learn a credit card was required, contradicting the general acceptance of debit cards for payment. This suggests a potential variance in deposit policies, which warrants a direct phone call to the branch before arrival to avoid wasting time and transportation costs.
Introduction / Overview
Avis Car Rental at 3203 Packers Ave in Madison, WI, stands as a versatile rental hub, catering to both standard passenger car needs and larger vehicle requirements. Classified as both a Car rental agency and a Van rental agency, it serves a diverse clientele—from commuters needing a temporary vehicle to groups requiring a full-size passenger van for a trip to a University of Wisconsin game or a tour of the state’s breweries. Its presence on the north side of Madison, close to major routes, provides an accessible alternative to airport rentals.
Avis maintains a professional profile but, like many branches, the local execution of its services can vary. While the emphasis on customer service and vehicle cleanliness may have historically been a priority for the brand, some recent customer feedback suggests that the vehicle cleanliness, specifically regarding dirty windshields and lack of washer fluid, may not always meet expected standards. This is a practical detail Wisconsin drivers should verify before leaving the lot, especially before a long drive on state highways.
Location and Accessibility
The Avis branch is strategically located on Madison’s northeast side, making it easily reachable for residents of the north side, Sun Prairie, and other surrounding communities. The address is:
Address: 3203 Packers Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
This location is known as the Madison - Packers Ave branch and offers pick-up service, allowing renters to be collected from a nearby location if needed. The hours of operation are unique and involve a split shift, which is important for renters to remember:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM AND 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Closed for a midday break)
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
In terms of physical access, the facility is highly accommodating, featuring:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensuring easy entry into the office.
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Providing designated, accessible parking spots.
- Wheelchair accessible seating: Offering comfortable accommodations within the rental office.
Services Offered
The core business of this Avis location is centered around providing a wide array of vehicle rental solutions, complemented by flexible payment options.
- Car and Van Rental: Specializing in both standard passenger cars (economy, mid-size, full-size, SUV) and various sizes of vans, including minivans and larger passenger vans.
- One-Way Rentals: The ability to rent a car here and drop it off at another participating Avis location (inter-state or inter-city) often comes with a low or no drop charge, providing maximum flexibility for long-distance trips.
- Diverse Payment Acceptance: The location accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay) for convenience, though customers must call ahead to confirm deposit requirements for debit card use.
- Pick-up Service: Customers can arrange for a pick-up service from a nearby location by calling the branch directly, enhancing local accessibility.
- After-Hours Returns: Keydrop facilities are available, allowing for returns outside of business hours by parking and securing the vehicle.
Features / Highlights
Avis on Packers Avenue offers several distinct advantages that appeal directly to the Wisconsin community.
- Active Military and Veteran Discounts: A significant highlight is the availability of discounts and special offers for active duty military personnel, veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and their families, often providing up to 35% off base rates.
- Van Rental Specialization: As a certified Van rental agency, it is a reliable local source for larger vehicles like minivans and 12- or 15-passenger vans, essential for large families or organizational travel needs.
- Low Drop-Charge for One-Way Rentals: This valuable feature is worth choosing for anyone planning a road trip out of Madison to another location, saving on potentially substantial fees.
- Contactless Payment Ready: The acceptance of NFC Mobile Payments streamlines the transaction process, allowing for faster and more modern payments at the counter.
- High Standard of Accessibility: The facility’s commitment to accessibility, including wheelchair accessible seating, ensures that the rental experience is convenient and comfortable for all customers.
Contact Information
For current vehicle availability, to arrange a pick-up, or to verify deposit requirements for debit card rentals, contacting the branch directly during their specific hours is highly recommended.
Address: 3203 Packers Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Phone: (608) 242-0429
Mobile Phone: +1 608-242-0429
Important Hours Note: Please remember the split-shift on weekdays: open 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM, closed for lunch, and then open again 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. They are also open Saturday mornings until 12:00 PM.
What is Worth Choosing
The Avis Car Rental on Packers Avenue is particularly worth choosing for Wisconsin users who are either active duty military, veterans, or their families, due to the advantageous discount programs available. Furthermore, its dual role as a dedicated Van rental agency makes it a primary resource for large-group transportation needs in the Madison area. The flexibility of offering one-way rentals with favorable drop charges makes it an excellent option for moving or traveling long distances across the U.S.
While some customer feedback indicates that vehicle cleanliness might be a minor concern to inspect upon pick-up, the location’s commitment to payment flexibility—accepting debit cards and NFC payments—and its robust accessibility features make it a convenient and inclusive choice. To ensure the smoothest rental, calling the branch to confirm both the debit card policy for deposits and to arrange pick-up is the best practice for a satisfactory experience.
Avis Car Rental Details
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Avis Car Rental Photos










Avis Car Rental Location
Avis Car Rental
3203 Packers Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Avis Car Rental Reviews
pricedane county regional airport
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Shouldn't need a credit card when you waste $45 to get there. Tell people before they get there!
May 21 · Larry PetersonMixed feelings about Avis, used to work for the company and emphasis was on customer service and cleanliness. Now customer service depends upon the location's set up and how easy it is to pick up a vehicle. Cleanliness is no longer a priority and nearly all the cars I rent have dirty windshields and are out of washer fluid. On the plus side, they do rent one-cars without a big drop charge.
May 16 · John MausSuper friendly and helpful staff at the Darwin Road rental location in Madison. I forgot my personal garage door opener in a previous car that got rented to someone else, and they went and retrieved it from a neighboring rental location that the car was dropped off at and brought it back to the location that I had rented from. A+ service and why I will rent from Avis on Darwin Road again.
January 09 · Ray Tainterdon't bother with the web sites (this is true of other companies as well) they are NOT linked to any kind of inventory control system so they will not be able to know for sure that they'll have a car for you (thanks enterprise). just use the 1-800 number and it'll work.good rates, decent staff, nice enough car ( i hate all the new cars out, so fugly so overdone), nothing bad happened. hurray.
January 17 · white finkGo here if you are extremely desperate. Otherwise, stick to Enterprise. Avis is a company that reminds me of Sears: was the big game in town for years and forgot how to take care of its customers. So I called, needing a car after the transmission in mine took a dump. First, my call goes through to some call desk in who knows what country, then, I can barely understand the guy, due to his strong foreign accent. Lastly, because I'm desperate, wants to charge me double for the rental. Avis, you better reinvent yourself and learn how to treat people as people. You are not the only game in town!
April 22 · Jeff T
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