Budget Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors arriving in the Scenic City of Chattanooga, the journey into East Tennessee's vibrant downtown, majestic Lookout Mountain, or the broader Tennessee Valley starts with reliable transportation. **Budget Car Rental** at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) offers a well-known, convenient option for securing a vehicle right as you land. As a globally recognized brand, this local office combines the advantage of competitive pricing with the ease of an on-site airport location, catering to everything from quick business trips to extended Tennessee family road trips.
Renting a car at the airport streamlines the start of your trip, allowing you to bypass the need for taxis or ride-shares and begin exploring the moment you claim your keys. Budget's fleet is designed to meet diverse needs, whether you are looking for an economical compact car to save on gas during a drive to Nashville or a spacious SUV to haul the family and gear for a weekend of hiking in the nearby mountains. While the name suggests affordability, the service, especially from dedicated local staff members like Twanda, can often exceed expectations, providing that warm Southern welcome visitors and locals appreciate.
However, potential renters in Tennessee should approach the booking process with careful attention to the details, especially regarding online reservations and payment methods. As noted by some customer feedback, while the prices can be cheap, it is crucial to confirm all aspects of your reservation, especially inventory availability and payment requirements, to avoid potential issues upon arrival at the counter. Transparency in this process ensures a smooth start to your time in Tennessee. Understanding the official policies and local execution of those policies is key to a frustration-free rental experience.
The Budget Car Rental location is ideally situated for air travelers, making the transition from plane to pavement seamless. This placement at the primary Chattanooga airport is a significant advantage for those flying into the area, whether for business in the city's growing tech sector or for leisure near the Tennessee River.
The specific address for the counter is:
- 1001 Airport Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA
The rental counter is located **inside the terminal**, typically near the baggage claim area, providing maximum convenience for arriving passengers. The rental cars themselves are located just outside the terminal, generally making for a short walk after completing the paperwork. For returning the vehicle, the process is usually just as simple, with clear signage guiding drivers back to the designated return area at the airport.
In terms of local hospitality and accessibility, the staff at this location has demonstrated a willingness to accommodate all travelers. One customer, who uses a wheelchair, highlighted that the service was particularly accommodating, with an employee assisting by bringing the vehicle up closer, showcasing a local commitment to customer care and accessibility that goes beyond standard policy.
As a major national car rental brand, Budget at the Chattanooga Airport offers a comprehensive range of vehicles and services designed for both the cost-conscious and the comfort-seeking traveler. The available options ensure that whether you are staying local or planning a cross-state road trip, you have the right wheels for your journey.
- **Diverse Vehicle Fleet:** The inventory typically includes a full spectrum of vehicles, ranging from **Economy and Compact Cars** for budget-focused travel and fuel efficiency, to **Standard SUVs** like the Toyota RAV4 (a locally popular model) for family trips, and even **Minivans** (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica), **Premium Cars**, and **12-Passenger Vans** for larger groups or more luxurious trips.
- **One-Way Rentals:** The service generally allows for one-way rentals, giving customers the flexibility to pick up a car in Chattanooga and drop it off at another participating Budget location, such as in Knoxville or Nashville. Availability is often location-dependent, so renters should confirm this during the booking process.
- **Budget Fastbreak Program:** Enrollment in this loyalty program is offered to allow frequent renters to expedite the pickup process, bypassing the main counter line and quickly getting on the road.
- **Optional Add-Ons:** Customers can enhance their rental with various extras, including GPS navigation systems and child safety seats, ensuring the vehicle is fully equipped for the needs of their Tennessee travel.
- **Flexible Rental Periods:** Rentals are available for short-term daily and weekly use, as well as extended long-term rentals for those staying in the region for a month or more.
The experience at Budget Car Rental in Chattanooga is defined by a mix of brand advantages and specific local service highlights, which should be understood by local users when making a choice:
- **Exceptional Local Service:** Staff members, like the highly-praised Twanda, have been noted for going above and beyond standard procedures, offering local recommendations and providing physical assistance for customers with mobility needs (e.g., bringing the car closer for a wheelchair user).
- **Competitive Pricing:** The company lives up to its name, offering some of the most competitive daily rental rates in the area, a major draw for travelers seeking to manage their expenses.
- **On-Airport Convenience (CHA):** Being located right at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport means immediate access to your vehicle upon arrival, with the counter situated conveniently inside the terminal near baggage claim.
- **Mandatory Credit Card Policy:** It is a critical policy highlight that this location **requires a credit card for booking and reservation purposes**, despite what the general brand website might suggest about debit card use for payment. Customers relying solely on a debit card should call ahead or be prepared for potential hurdles or additional ID requirements as per corporate policy.
- **Inventory Caveat:** Customers must be aware that online inventory is not always reflective of real-time availability. Due to the high-volume nature of an airport location, there is a risk that the exact vehicle booked may not be available, which could lead to offers for expensive upgrades, as experienced by one customer.
For making a reservation, confirming vehicle availability, or inquiring about specific policies like the credit card requirement or one-way rentals before you travel to Chattanooga, please use the following contact information:
- **Address:** 1001 Airport Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA (Inside Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, CHA)
- **Phone:** (423) 855-2232
- **Mobile Phone:** +1 423-855-2232
For the Tennessee traveler, the Budget Car Rental at Chattanooga Airport is worth choosing primarily for two reasons: **convenience and value**. The location's on-site status at CHA is unbeatable for air travel, allowing you to bypass ground transportation costs and delays. You can be in your car and on your way to the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City Gardens, or your business meeting within minutes of landing. Furthermore, the brand's commitment to offering lower daily rates makes it an attractive starting point for cost-conscious renters.
While the positive staff interactions demonstrate the potential for excellent personalized service, it is also important to acknowledge the need for due diligence. Customers should leverage the upfront savings but take the necessary steps to call the local number to confirm their specific vehicle type and be prepared to use a credit card for the reservation, as this is a consistent point of feedback. In short, Budget offers a streamlined, affordable gateway to the Chattanooga area, provided you are proactive in securing your booking details. It is a reliable option for those who prioritize a quick airport exit and appreciate a good value, but renters should always confirm their specific vehicle and payment method before arrival to ensure the experience is as smooth as possible.
Budget Car Rental Photos










Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
1001 Airport Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
My husband and I can’t say enough nice things about the service we got from Twanda at the Chattanooga Airport Budget Rental Car. She was so welcoming to us on our first trip to Chattanooga, wrote down some good places to eat and things to see, and she helped us by bringing the car up so my husband could help me more— I use a wheelchair. She needs a raise! She’s the best.
October 08 · Hanley Kanar1. MUST HAVE A CREDIT CARD TO BOOK.2. DO NOT TRUST ONLINE INVENTORY3. LIMITED ONE WAY RENTAL AVAILABILITYI asked Alan if a certain car was available for rent and he said yes. I immediately booked it online in front of him and paid through my phone. Within 5 minutes he informed me the car was not available and I needed an expensive upgrade. When I asked him what changed in 5 minutes he yelled “THIS IS RIDICULOUS!”.When I asked for a refund he referred me to corporate agency where I spoke to an overseas call agent for 30 minuets.Also all reservations online/ in person require a credit card. (Not mentioned on the website which allows you to pay via debit card).The prices are cheap, but is it worth it?
September 14 · Martin PhillipsI booked a rental for my weekend trip home, when I arrived at the rental counter I noticed a sign that had a $450 detail up charge for everything associated with renting a car. I asked the attendant to explain it that the rental information online didn’t specify this up charge. He smarted off saying it’s self explanatory. I canceled my reservation and went to enterprise with no issues. I don’t do business with bad customer service and junk cars.
June 09 · Terry FergusonSo I reserved a one way rental online for Atlanta while I was still in Orlando. When we arrived in Atlanta, neither of the employees was alert, one was doing videos on her phone, and the other was asleep. When I finally caught their attention I was told that the Atlanta airport budget was not corporate and would not honor a one way rental. The person stated we are not corporate and they don’t know about our inventory. Last time renting from budget.
July 29 · Jeffrey KempIf I could give less than one star I would. I rented a car on 7/3/2025 & returned the vehicle on 7/6/2025 per the rental agreement. I received an email & phone call on 7/14/2025 that the vehicle has never been returned. The vehicle is currently sitting in spot 66 in the garage & has not been checked into their system nearly 15 days later as of writing this! I am now being harassed by Budget that the vehicle has never been returned & have been threatened with legal action. Never renting from Budget again!!!!! No one answers the phone at the desk to get this resolved. Customer service & loss prevention are telling me that it is now in the hands of the staff working at the airport! Posting so no one else has the same experience I did & so they have MORE proof that the vehicle is sitting in their garage!
July 21 · Cassidy Smith
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