Budget Car Rental Introduce
For Pennsylvania residents flying out of or arriving at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), the Budget Car Rental counter provides a convenient and readily accessible solution for all ground transportation needs. Located directly at the airport in Middletown, PA, this agency offers travelers and local users a wide selection of vehicles, ranging from economical compact cars for quick trips around Central PA to spacious vans for family vacations or group travel. The convenience of an on-site service means that upon landing, travelers can move quickly from baggage claim to the rental counter and then on to their waiting vehicle in the airport parking garage.
Budget is a globally recognized brand, and this location strives to deliver the quality and reliability associated with its name. Customers frequently report positive experiences, such as helpful staff and unexpected vehicle upgrades, which can significantly enhance the travel experience, especially after a late-night arrival. One customer, flying in from Oregon, noted receiving an upgrade to a high-end SUV at the compact car price, highlighting the potential for excellent value when renting here.
However, it is critically important for users to be aware that some airport rental counters, including this one, may operate as a private license (or franchise) location rather than a corporate office. This distinction can sometimes lead to differences in policies, specifically concerning ancillary charges such as those for one-way rentals or changes to a reservation. While the name and service often mirror the corporate experience, local users—especially those considering dropping off the vehicle at a different location (a 'one-way' rental)—must thoroughly review all contract terms before signing. One detailed customer account outlines an extreme fee shock related to an undisclosed, high-value relocation charge when the rental had to be dropped off at an alternate airport due to a canceled flight. This incident underscores the absolute necessity of verbal confirmation and written review of all fees, particularly for one-way travel, at this specific location.
Despite the potential variability of fees associated with one-way rentals, the core service of providing a diverse and reliable fleet for local pick-up and return remains a strong selling point for anyone traveling in the Harrisburg area.
The Budget Car Rental counter is perfectly positioned to serve the high-traffic needs of travelers in Central Pennsylvania. Its address places it directly within the operational area of the Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), ensuring maximum convenience for airline passengers.
- Address: 2 Terminal Dr, Middletown, PA 17057, USA
- Accessibility for Travelers: The rental counter is located on-site, typically within the airport terminal’s Transportation Building or on the ground floor. Passengers can proceed directly from baggage claim to the rental area. Cars are generally parked in the adjacent terminal parking garage, allowing for a quick transition to the road.
- General Accessibility: The location is equipped to welcome all customers, featuring necessary provisions to ensure a comfortable experience for individuals with mobility challenges.
Key accessibility features at this location include:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
This commitment to being fully accessible makes the Harrisburg International Airport Budget branch a dependable option for every traveler arriving in or departing from the region.
As both a car and van rental agency, the Budget location at MDT offers a full spectrum of rental services designed to meet diverse travel and transportation requirements for individuals, families, and groups across Pennsylvania:
- Onsite Airport Car Rental: Convenient pick-up and drop-off right within the airport facility, a significant advantage for incoming and outgoing flight passengers.
- Diverse Vehicle Classes: A selection of vehicles spanning all sizes, including economy, compact, intermediate, standard, and full-size sedans.
- Specialty Vehicle Rental: Availability of SUVs (Intermediate, Standard, and Premium models) for varied terrain or cargo needs, as well as Minivans and Passenger Vans (often 12- or 15-passenger) for group travel.
- After-Hours Vehicle Return: Providing the flexibility of after-hours vehicle returns via a secure key drop box located at the counter, although renters remain responsible for the vehicle until the office officially re-opens.
- Acceptance of Multiple Payment Types: For ease of transaction, the agency accepts standard forms of payment for deposits and charges.
- Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Cards, Debit Cards (subject to local policies and restrictions, especially for deposits), and NFC mobile payments.
- One-Way Rental Options: The ability to rent a car at this location and return it to a different participating Budget location nationwide, though users must explicitly inquire about and confirm all associated relocation and drop-off fees, as these can vary significantly, especially for non-corporate locations.
The Middletown Budget Car Rental branch offers specific features that make it an attractive choice for various groups of local users and travelers:
- Prime Airport Location: Being physically located at MDT means no need for shuttle bus transfers, saving significant time upon arrival and departure.
- Active Military Discounts: The branch is noted for offering special rates and discounts to active military personnel, recognizing and supporting those who serve. Customers should inquire about specific eligibility and available offers, which may be tied to partnerships like WeSalute+ (formerly Veterans Advantage) or general military rates.
- Potential for Vehicle Upgrades: As highlighted in customer feedback, the possibility of receiving a complimentary upgrade to a higher-class vehicle, such as a premium SUV, can offer unexpected value and a more enjoyable driving experience.
- Onsite Services: Having staff and vehicles available directly at the airport terminal ensures immediate customer assistance and vehicle access.
- Broad Fleet Selection: The capacity to rent both standard cars and passenger vans allows the branch to service a wide range of customer needs, from a solo business trip to transporting a large family.
To confirm a reservation, inquire about specific vehicle availability, or check detailed rental policies—especially those concerning fees for one-way rentals—customers are strongly encouraged to contact the Middletown Budget location directly:
- Address: 2 Terminal Dr, Middletown, PA 17057, USA (Harrisburg International Airport)
- Phone: (717) 948-3720
- Mobile Phone: +1 717-948-3720
For urgent matters or specific policy questions, calling the local phone number provided is the most reliable way to receive accurate, up-to-date information directly from the on-site staff.
For those traveling through Central Pennsylvania, the Budget Car Rental location at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is worth choosing primarily for its unparalleled convenience and fleet selection. The ability to step off a flight and immediately access the rental counter and vehicle is a major time-saver for both business and leisure travelers. Furthermore, the availability of specialized vehicles like passenger vans and the appreciation shown through active military discounts are significant benefits.
However, an informed decision is key. While the potential for great deals and helpful counter staff exists, the recorded instance of a high, undisclosed one-way relocation fee mandates that every potential renter exercise extreme caution regarding non-standard rental terms. If your travel plans are fixed and include a return to MDT, this branch offers exceptional service, including potential upgrades and a hassle-free drop-off. If your plans involve dropping the vehicle at a different location, it is absolutely essential to speak with an on-site agent, explicitly confirm the final drop-off location, and request a full, detailed breakdown of all associated one-way and relocation fees in writing before signing the contract. By following this due diligence, customers can confidently utilize the benefits of this airport car rental agency while mitigating the risk of unexpected and costly charges.
Budget Car Rental Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Budget Car Rental Photos










Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
2 Terminal Dr, Middletown, PA 17057, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Reserved a compact car from Budget for a 3-day family visit in central PA thru Costco Travel. Flying from Oregon, we arrived at 12:30 AM at MDT then a 20 min. wait in the counter line. Staff was VERY helpful and upgraded us to a 2024 BMW X3 SUV with 6,500 miles on the ODO... (the most expensive vehicle I've ever driven) at the original compact price. No problems. Easy return. Painless! Thanks, Budget. (August 2025)
August 23 · Ron WoodheadI am posting this to help other people avoid what I have experienced. I recently rented a car at Budget in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Apparently this budget is not a corporate office budget location although there’s no signage to show otherwise. This is a privately owned budget. Apparently they have different contracts and fees than a corporate Budget. They give you a contract like any normal budget except they don’t disclose or discuss that there’s a $2500 relocation fee if you drop your car off at a different location. They don’t disclose to you that they are private entity and that there are these additional fees. The corporate entity charges up to 300 dollars. My flight was canceled abruptly the morning of my flight so I had to relocate and go to a different airport to fly home. They do not provide a number or person to contact at the private budget office in Harrisburg so you just get the run around with someone from the corporate office that is completely useless and powerless because they can’t make changes to your rental because it is a private location.I dropped my car off in New Jersey, which is 2 1/2 hours away from their location and they charge me $2500. It’s not like I dropped it off in California. It would cost less than $2500 to drive it from California to their location. I’ve spoken to several people on the phone. They basically just said too bad. I feel like if you are a business that represents budget, it should be the same at any location. These fees are misleading, hidden, and astronomical. My flight was canceled and I had to find a last-minute flight. These issues are out of my control. There’s no number for you to call. There’s no person for you to talk to and the Customer Service at budget is absolutely ridiculous. If I could give them a -5 stars I would but as such they get a zero out of five stars. terrible!!! Do not rent from budget.
July 14 · Seth WolffWe had a hell of a time finding this place. It may be easy for people who frequent airports, but my mom and I have never been on a plane let alone gotten a rental car from a place in an airport. The man who picked up the phone was the rudest person I ever spoke with. I understand he was likely stressed as he was busy but to sigh and say “Jesus Christ I can’t with this person” while still on the line is wildly inappropriate. I have never had such a stressful and confusing rental car pickup. Budget knows the area they work in, they should provide their employees with universal language of how to get to this place that they can include in your rental email or they can read off a script to customers who call. Then, on top of everything else, the number he gave us where our car was to be parked didn’t exist! So we had to walk all the way back to the rental facility to find where the car was parked. They should walk customers to the car and both confirm the status of the vehicle so there aren’t issues with cleaning fees on return. I have never had such a stressful and rude experience like this before. On top of this, I’m disabled and have a difficult time with mobility, so this was really the cherry on top to a stressful situation. Will 100% not be ever using this company again. If we didn’t absolutely need the vehicle due to the amount of people who were on the trip with us, we would’ve cancelled this reservation.If you are struggling to find this place:1: follow your gps to the parking garage2: follow the signs for rental car return (even if you’re picking up)3: park in a budget car return spot4: walk over to the building in the back right of the parking garage or have someone drive you to the building and have them idle waiting for you to check in.*note: everything is one way, so once you drive past something, you have to completely exit the parking garage, go around in a big circle and come back in. There is space for the rows to be two way - ridiculous that it is set up like this.
July 03 · Ashleigh BlackwellI booked a car through booking.com for a car from Budget rental at Harrisburg international airport. The price through booking.com was $272 without any extras which were declined when I booked the car. When we picked up the car it was not what I booked. I declined the additional insurance twice and told them I would fill the gas tank up before I returned the car. A few weeks later I get my credit card bill and I was charged $543! I never received a final copy of the bill because they misspelled my email address. I called the Budget office at HIA and explained the situation. I was told I approved everything and that the car was returned with 1/2 tank. I told her I filled the tank on the way to drop the car off!!! They refused to refund the money for the additional insurance (which I declined several times) and wanted a copy of the gas receipt (which I emailed). I was also told that if I disputed the charge further I would be put on a “do not rent” list! It seems like a lot of the 1 star reviews on here are very similar situations!!! Beware of this rental car agency!!!
July 16 · Kris KelleyThey use to be my favorite go to rental spot, but after this experience I will never rent here again. I was charged falsely for an interior cleaning after returning a vehicle in excellent condition no smells but new car except the outside due to the snow salt, which was inspected by the return attendant that said everything was good got email receipt with total. Then following month my CC statement shows a different amount, when I called twice I was given 2 different stories and reasons for the fees. Now I’m being charged for something I know I for sure didn’t which was smoke nor did any type of drugs, I have never done neither and surely didn’t wait until I turned 64 to start. This place is the worse they need to check the workers the ones jumping in the cars speeding through the parking lot when people return that are smoking and stop trying to charge customers. I will never rent from here again I’ll take my chances with Hertz or Enterprise.
May 07 · Rhonda Babil
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