Budget Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors in the California region, securing reliable, flexible transportation is key to navigating the vast landscape of Los Angeles and beyond. Budget Car Rental, located conveniently inside the iconic Union Station, stands as a prime option for those needing a vehicle for business travel, a local weekend getaway, or a family vacation. Acting as both a professional car rental agency and a dedicated van rental agency, this branch is positioned to serve a wide range of mobility needs right at one of the city's central transportation hubs.
Choosing a reputable rental agency is about more than just finding the lowest price; it's about peace of mind, especially in a bustling metropolitan area like Los Angeles. The Budget location at Union Station aims to provide a reliable service that allows you to transition smoothly from public transit or rail travel directly into your personal driving experience. While experiences can vary, as noted in customer feedback, the fundamental mission of providing a necessary transportation service from a critical, accessible location remains central to their operation.
The Union Station branch is a crucial resource for those who rely on train or bus services, offering an immediate connection to a car rental without the need for additional transfers to an off-site facility. This ease of access can be particularly valuable when time is a factor. They offer various vehicle types, from fuel-efficient economy cars perfect for city cruising to larger vans designed for groups or more substantial cargo. This commitment to variety helps ensure that whether you are a solo traveler or managing transportation for a large group, you have options that suit your specific requirements.
Location and Accessibility: A Hub for California Travelers
The Budget Car Rental counter is strategically situated at a major nexus of California transportation, Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS). The official address is:
- Address: 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
This location is not only highly central but is also known for its outstanding accessibility features. The counter itself is located inside Union Station, often noted to be near the Amtrak ticket desk or baggage claim area on the north end of the terminal, close to the intersection of Alameda St and Cesar Chavez Ave. For those returning a vehicle, it is advisable to use a GPS mapping service to ensure a smooth drop-off, as the path may not be immediately obvious upon arrival to the general area.
A key feature of this location is its focus on inclusivity and ease of movement for all customers. Specific accommodations ensure that access to the service is straightforward:
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The Union Station terminal provides easy entry for all customers.
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Designated accessible parking is available for ease of pick-up and drop-off, a significant convenience in a high-traffic area like downtown Los Angeles.
The operating hours for this location generally cater to typical travel times, with service available on weekdays and reduced hours on weekends. While hours can be subject to change, the standard schedule is often reported as: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It is highly recommended that customers confirm the hours of operation directly with the agency or during the booking process, especially around public holidays.
Services Offered: Catering to Diverse Travel Needs
The Budget Union Station location offers a fleet and array of services designed to meet a spectrum of personal and commercial transportation needs within the California region. Their dual function as a general car and specialty van rental agency ensures flexibility in your choice of vehicle.
Key services and vehicle types generally available include:
- Extensive Car Fleet Rental: This includes a wide selection of vehicles, from small, fuel-efficient Economy and Compact cars (like a Kia Rio or Kia Soul) to larger Full-Size sedans (like a Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Jetta).
- Specialty Vehicle Classes: Options for travelers seeking a specific experience, such as Luxury cars (like a Genesis G70), Convertibles (like a Ford Mustang Convertible), and even Electric Vehicles.
- SUV and Wagon Rental: A variety of SUVs are available, from Intermediate (like a Toyota Rav4) to Premium and Full-Size SUVs (like a Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition), many offering seven-passenger seating.
- Van Rental Agency Services: Dedicated options for group travel, including Minivans (often 7-passenger, such as a Chrysler Pacifica) and larger capacity Passenger Vans (typically 12- or 15-passenger models).
- Payment Flexibility: The location accepts a variety of payment methods, making the transaction process convenient for local users and travelers alike. Accepted forms of payment include Credit cards and Debit cards.
The commitment to offering various vehicle classes means that whether you need a reliable commuter for navigating Los Angeles traffic, a comfortable sedan for a scenic drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, or a spacious van for a group trip to a theme park, Budget aims to have a solution ready for you.
Features and Highlights: Enhancing the Rental Experience
Beyond the standard rental service, this branch offers specific features and discounts designed to add value for its diverse California customer base.
Notable features and highlights include:
- Active Military Discounts: Acknowledging the service of military personnel by offering special rates, a valuable feature for service members and their families traveling through Southern California.
- Online Booking Convenience: Customers have the ability to book in advance, sometimes through third-party platforms, which can secure a rate and help streamline the process upon arrival, as noted in positive customer feedback regarding quick service.
- In-Station Counter Location: As mentioned, the location inside Union Station is a major time-saving highlight, providing a seamless transition from long-distance rail travel to immediate personal road travel without the hassle of a shuttle.
- Variety of Fleet Options: The general availability of a wide range of vehicles, from economy to luxury and including vans and SUVs, is a continuous highlight for meeting varied customer demands.
- Accessibility Focused Infrastructure: The presence of a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot demonstrates a commitment to serving all members of the community effectively and comfortably.
Contact Information
For general inquiries, reservations, or to confirm details about a booking, you can reach the Budget Car Rental at Union Station via the following contact points:
- Address: 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
- Phone: (213) 617-2977
- Mobile Phone: +1 213-617-2977
It is always prudent to contact the location directly, especially for time-sensitive queries, to ensure you receive the most current information regarding vehicle availability, reservation status, and specific pick-up or drop-off procedures, which, as some customers advise, can sometimes be tricky for returns.
What is Worth Choosing: Reliability and Central Access
For Californians and visitors navigating the vastness of the region, choosing Budget Car Rental at the Union Station location is worthwhile primarily for its unbeatable convenience and comprehensive service offerings. Its location at the heart of Los Angeles’s public transit network makes it an unparalleled choice for seamless continuation of your journey after arriving by train or bus. The ease of locating the counter inside the terminal, right near the Amtrak desk, eliminates the extra time and expense often associated with shuttles to off-site rental facilities.
Furthermore, the extensive fleet, which includes everything from budget-friendly compact cars to specialty luxury vehicles and high-capacity passenger vans, ensures that nearly every travel purpose is accommodated. This versatility, coupled with valuable features like active military discounts and wheelchair accessibility, positions the branch as a solid, all-around option for local mobility. While some customer experiences highlight the importance of confirming reservations and being aware of potential inventory issues, positive feedback consistently points to excellent, quick service and a great variety of cars for customers who have booked in advance. The professional staff are noted for being helpful and accommodating, aiming to resolve issues, such as finding a more suitable vehicle for a customer with specific needs.
To maximize your positive experience, local users are encouraged to utilize the online pre-booking system and, if possible, join any loyalty programs like the free Fastbreak membership, which can help bypass long counter lines and expedite the entire process. In a city where time is money and mobility is freedom, the Budget Union Station location offers a professionally managed service with the potential for a quick, efficient, and well-equipped start to your driving experience in the Golden State.
Budget Car Rental Details
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Budget Car Rental Photos










Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Booked online through a third party and payed in advance. I recommend to enter union station towards the Amtrak ticket desk pass that to the end of the hall where Budget location desk will be at. Service was excellent it was a quick, great variety of cars and SUVs. To drop off unless you picked up the car from the same location it might be a little difficult to find I recommend to Google map. Overall it was a good first time experience, I will definitely be using there services again. I didn't get the staffs name but the two gentlemen in the morning where helpful and good service thank you.
June 28 · Jose ContrerasWhen I arrived at the rental counter for my 12PM reservation that I had made 2 weeks prior, the agent informed me that they had no cars available and did not know when they would be getting one. She claimed that they had tried to call and tell me a few days ago. While the call may have been blocked by my spam filter, they also did not leave a message or try to call again. I was told that another Budget location "a few miles away" did have a car available. Since I was not offered any compensation for a taxi or rideshare, I had to take public transportation to the other location which took over 45 minutes. Not having any cars available when they say they will is unacceptable, and offering no compensation for my time and expense is, in my opinion, horrendous customer service. The only silver lining of my experience is that the staff at the other location were friendly and accomodating.
August 16 · Sam JohnsonDue to a 13 hour delay with our arriving Amtrak train we were unable to pick up our rental car as the office was closed. Our agreement was for only a one day hire as I needed to do some business around LA. I returned to the budget office the next day and explained my predicament to them and asked if they could help me out. They were fantastic, and gave me an a great deal. I was impressed with them taking the time out to help us. They were under no compulsion to do so. You made two older Australian travelers very happy . Thank you, your kindness was vey much appreciated!
April 25 · Mal MackayOverall experience was good. When checking in, I had trouble finding the garage and the employee working at the time walked me down and then found me a car that worked for me. Great service! To locate the rental counter, enter Union Station from the Alameda entrance, walk past the Info Booth, and then veer to your right (south). At the end of the long hall is the AVIS/BUDGET counter. To find the garage, walk back toward the Alameda entrance and once you exit, the door to the garage is immediately on your left. Take the stairs down to the garage.If you plan to return the car back to the Union Station location, be aware of how to get back. The rental entrance has a guard gate and you need to let the guard know that you're returning the car so he'll let you in. Just remember that returning the car is from Cesar Chavez Ave as though you're going to the Mozaic Apt Leasing Office, one block east of the Alameda / Cesar Chavez intersection.
November 04 · Warren YehI made a reservation on Expedia for pickup at LAX and drop off at Union Station during the last weekend of May. I happened to notice prior to the trip that the Union Station location was going to be closed on Memorial Day, which was the day I was to drop it off. I called that location and I was told no problem, drop it off and then call the next day to confirm that it was processed correctly. When I picked up the car at LAX (after a 1-hour wait to get through the line) I was told that the system wouldn't allow them to put the 26th as the drop off since it was a closed date, but since I had already talked to the Union Station location about it, it shouldn't be a problem. So the drop off date got changed to the 27th. I dropped off on the 26th of May with photo evidence of my putting the key in the key dropbox. However, when I called them the next day, they were very rude, said they were busy, and that they were going to close the contract, regardless. I was told my only recourse was to call LAX or the national office. (When you call LAX, you get the national office, anyway.) I filed a claim, but after letting them work on that for several days, I was told that there would be no refund of the extra day charge. So buyer beware if you are renting from this location.
May 31 · John Boggess
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