Budget Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors in the heart of the Bluegrass region, having access to a reliable vehicle is essential, whether for a weekend getaway, an unexpected repair, or moving a large group. Budget Car Rental, situated on South Broadway in Lexington, KY, provides a central, local option for meeting those transportation needs. This branch is identified as both a Car Rental Agency and a dedicated Van Rental Agency, making it a flexible choice for various requirements, from a fuel-efficient sedan for city driving to a multi-passenger van for a group excursion to the famous Mammoth Cave National Park or a Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience.
Located conveniently downtown, the 1059 S Broadway office aims to offer a broad selection of vehicles at competitive rates, living up to the 'Budget' brand name. They are committed to providing value and convenience, including easy payment options like credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments, and proudly offer active military discounts to those who serve. They also make accessibility a priority with designated entrances and parking.
However, potential customers in the Kentucky area should approach this location with a degree of informed caution, as the local experience can sometimes be complex. While the company structure promises a seamless process, some customer feedback highlights significant challenges. These issues have included difficulties in picking up reserved vehicles on time, internal communication breakdown between the downtown and airport locations, and disputes over the condition of the vehicle and subsequent charges, such as unexpected cleaning fees and delayed deposit returns. A key takeaway from customer experiences is the necessity of meticulously documenting the rental vehicle's condition both before and after use and being fully prepared to engage with customer service for resolutions, which, in some cases, required escalation to a corporate level for an amicable outcome.
Location and Accessibility
The Budget Car Rental location is ideally situated for those living or staying near downtown Lexington, providing an alternative to the Blue Grass Airport (LEX) facility. Its "downtown" designation offers convenience for local pick-ups and returns, being placed near other key businesses and services on South Broadway.
- Address: 1059 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504, USA
The office is located on South Broadway, nestled between Simpson Ave and Uhlan Court, offering easy access from major roads traversing the city. The vehicle pick-up and return area is conveniently on-site, allowing for a quick transaction process. The general operating hours are tailored to a downtown business schedule, though it is important to note the limited weekend hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This location also provides options for after-hours returns by utilizing a designated key drop box on the office door, though this should be clearly arranged ahead of time. In line with accessibility standards, this Budget branch ensures a welcoming environment for all customers with the following features:
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot
- On-site Parking for renters and returns
Services Offered
Budget Car Rental at the South Broadway location offers a full fleet aimed at maximizing value and covering diverse travel requirements, categorized as both a Car and Van Rental Agency. The range of services and vehicle types include:
- Broad Car Fleet: Offering everything from the smallest, most fuel-efficient Economy and Compact cars to Intermediate, Standard, Full-Size, Premium, and Luxury sedans for a comfortable trip across Kentucky.
- Diverse SUV Options: A selection of SUVs including Intermediate, Standard, Full-Size, and Premium SUV models, perfect for family travel or navigating different terrains in the Bluegrass region.
- Van Rental Specialization: Providing essential Van Rental services, including Minivans (often 7-passenger capacity, like the Chrysler Pacifica or similar) and larger Passenger Vans (like 12- or 15-passenger models) for group transportation needs.
- Specialty and Hybrid Vehicles: Depending on inventory, offerings may include convertibles, Midsize Pickups, and hybrid or electric models for an environmentally friendlier option.
- Flexible Payment Methods: Accepting major Credit Cards, Debit Cards (subject to verification policies), and convenient NFC Mobile Payments for quick transactions.
- Active Military Discounts: Providing special rates and benefits to active military personnel and veterans as part of a commitment to the armed forces community.
- One-Way Rentals: Allowing customers to pick up a vehicle in Lexington and return it to a different Budget location, subject to availability and fees.
- Optional Pick-up Service: Offering a free pick-up service for customers within a local radius, requiring a direct call to the branch number for arrangement.
- Fastbreak Service: A loyalty program designed to expedite the rental counter process for members.
Features / Highlights
The key operational features and customer highlights of this Lexington downtown Budget location focus on convenience and special benefits:
- Central Downtown Location: Easily accessible for Lexington residents and visitors staying in the downtown area, avoiding the need for airport travel.
- Van Rental Availability: A crucial feature for groups or businesses needing 7-passenger minivans up to larger 12- or 15-passenger vans, a specialty of this branch.
- Active Military Discounts: Special rates and benefits available to active members of the military and veterans, recognizing their service.
- Accessibility: Full compliance with accessibility standards, including a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot.
- Multiple Payment Options: Versatility in payment, accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, providing flexibility for all renters.
- After-Hours Return Option: The provision of a key drop box allows for flexibility in return times, outside of the standard operating hours.
Contact Information
For general inquiries, vehicle reservations, or to arrange the local pick-up service, customers can contact the Budget Car Rental office on South Broadway using the following details:
- Address: 1059 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504, USA
- Local Phone: (859) 281-1197
- Mobile Phone/Main Line: +1 859-281-1197
Given the mixed customer feedback regarding service and reservations, it is highly recommended to call the local number directly to confirm all reservation details, including the vehicle's availability and the exact pick-up time, especially if traveling a long distance to the office.
What is Worth Choosing
Choosing the Budget Car Rental location on South Broadway in Lexington is primarily about utilizing its convenient downtown access and its specialty in van rentals. For local Kentucky users who are not arriving or departing through the airport, this location provides a straightforward, neighborhood-based service. The wide range of fleet options, from economy cars to large passenger vans, ensures that nearly every personal or group transportation need can be met affordably. The clear policy of offering active military discounts is another compelling reason for service members and their families in the region to consider this branch.
However, the decision to rent here must be tempered with a proactive approach, given the critical feedback from past customers. To ensure a positive experience, it is worth choosing this location only if you are prepared to:
- Call the local office directly to re-confirm your reservation details and the promised vehicle's availability, particularly on weekends or peak hours.
- Conduct a thorough, photo-documented inspection of the vehicle, both inside and out, before leaving the lot to contest any pre-existing cleanliness or condition issues, such as smoke odor or broken equipment.
- Familiarize yourself completely with the company's cleaning fee and deposit return policies, as per the manager's guidance, to avoid unexpected charges or delays.
When the process is executed smoothly, Budget on South Broadway delivers the core value proposition of affordable car and van rental in a prime Lexington location. By being a highly informed and meticulous customer, you can maximize the benefits of the diverse fleet and convenient downtown service while minimizing the risks associated with the reported operational inconsistencies.
Budget Car Rental Details
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- On-site parking
Budget Car Rental Photos










Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
1059 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Update: Thanks to Corporate for resolving the situation amicably.Go anywhere else. They will scam you out of deposits and charge erroneous cleaning fees.We were given a dirty van that smelled like cigarettes. The employees told us not to worry as they also noted the condition. We then had to taxi the employees to the airport to retrieve the other van we had reserved. They also picked up 2 vehicles to take back to their location. Upon inspection the airport van had broken equipment as well.We drove the vans to Mammoth Cave and parked it for 2 days. Then returned to the van and drove it back. The vans were returned in the condition they were received. They charged a cleaning fee and kept our deposit.When I spoke to the manager, his demeanor and attitude was arrogant and he had difficulty understanding words. He assured me that at least the van on site was clean. Look at the pictures, it was not. He spoke over me numerous times about irrelevant policies and advised me to go through customer service. He told me that it was the responsibility of the customer to know the company's policies, regardless of what his employees had told us.The employees had warned us about how "greedy they were" at that location. I should have listened. My firm and myself will not use Budget again.Look at my other reviews. I try to promote businesses. This was one of the worst customer experiences that I have ever had. I was lied to and stolen from by this location and I taxied their employees so that other people can be hustled; for that I am sorry.
November 13 · Jason HurstReserved a vehicle this morning confirmed pickup time 3:30 and location via email. Arrived at the South Broadway location at 3:30 to discover that there was nobody in the office (note on door said they stepped out and would be back shortly) waited and hour and nothing.Called customer service only to be told to go to the Bluegrass Airport location and I'd receive my reservation vehicle, get there to be told they cannot modify my reservation because I'm prepay and to call customer service. That was a joke, had to call 5x's only to go back and forth from both South Broadway location to Airport and told I'd have to pay a significant amount more than what I originally paid (I'm talking $1,000-$3,000 more according to each representative I spoke to)ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!Customer service was no help whatsoever, rude, hung up on me multiple times. Could not/would not offer any assistance or help in getting my reservation. Did not receive my reservation vehicle and DO NOT RECOMMEND BUDGET to anyone!!!!
July 11 · Sheila CaudillHORRIBLE!!! ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE customer service - was charged a cleaning fee after returning a clean car. Was never notified of the charge for the cleaning fee, just saw an outrageous charge to my credit card. No one answers the phone at this location and corporate won't help with a refund.
August 20 · Lauren DunkelbergI rented a car online about three days ago and showed up at my scheduled time and the location was closed with a note on the door that they were “no cars available” and to call customer service. Sorry but this is egregious. I understand someone may have overlooked the numbers, but it is 10:30am, could no one have called to warn me?After 45 minutes on the phone, all they did was refund my money. I don’t have a way to get to my destination. I’m setting up a same day rental with another company now but will be late to the event by the time I’m able to get the car.
April 04 · Shai StelloI got a good vehicle at a reasonable price. Vehicle was well equipped, 2023 model with low miles. Customer service was quick and friendly. Will certainly rent from here again.
June 25 · Debbie Little
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