Budget Car Rental Introduce
For residents and travelers in Central Pennsylvania, securing a quality rental vehicle is essential, whether for business, a weekend trip across the state, or as a temporary replacement. Budget Car Rental, located conveniently on West Harrisburg Pike in Middletown, PA, stands out as a reliable and increasingly innovative provider in the region. Operating as both a full-service Car Rental Agency and a dedicated Van Rental Agency, this location offers an expansive fleet to meet virtually any need.
What sets this particular Budget location apart from others in the area is its notable shift toward modern vehicle options, particularly electric vehicles (EVs). A recent customer review highlighted the substantial inventory of Teslas and Polestars, noting the ability to rent a brand-new 2023 Model Y for a rate significantly lower than competitors offering only standard sedans like Camrys or Jettas. This focus on offering new, high-demand electric vehicles at affordable daily rates—sometimes as low as $37 per day for a premium EV—makes it an exceptionally attractive choice for eco-conscious drivers and technology enthusiasts across the Pennsylvania region.
Beyond the impressive fleet, Budget maintains a commitment to value and service, a blend that is necessary in the competitive Harrisburg-area market. However, customers should be aware of stringent national policies, particularly regarding payment methods. One customer shared a challenging experience of being stranded due to a lack of a physical credit card at pickup, even after paying online with a debit card. This highlights the critical importance of reviewing and adhering to the specific terms and conditions for payment, especially when using a debit card, to prevent unexpected complications.
This location ensures a professional and accessible experience, offering Onsite Services for quick transactions, special pricing for military members, and a commitment to accessibility for all Pennsylvania users.
The Budget Car Rental office is situated at a key location for Central Pennsylvania travel: 1958 W Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057, USA. This address places it just a short distance from the Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), making it a highly convenient, local alternative to the airport's on-site rental counters, often serving those who live or work nearby or who are picking up arriving family or friends.
This specific location is operated as a licensee and is integrated within a local business structure, specifically noted to be “inside” a Carstar Body Shop. This integration is a huge convenience for Harrisburg-area residents who require an immediate replacement vehicle while their personal car is being repaired, offering a streamlined process for both drop-off and pickup in one location.
Accessibility for all customers is a priority at the Middletown location. The facility features a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and a designated Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, ensuring that the rental process is straightforward and comfortable for everyone. This dedication to accommodating all drivers demonstrates a commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Pennsylvania community.
Operating hours for this licensee location are generally Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with holiday closures often applying. Given the slightly limited weekday hours, customers are strongly encouraged to call ahead and confirm pickup times, especially since the service offered is categorized as Onsite Services, meaning most transactions happen right there.
As a combined Car and Van Rental Agency, the Budget location on West Harrisburg Pike provides a comprehensive suite of mobility solutions for Central PA users. The available services are extensive and include:
- Passenger Vehicle Rentals: A complete range of vehicles from Economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio) to Compact, Intermediate, Standard, and Full-Size Sedans (e.g., Toyota Camry), suitable for city driving and regional commutes.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Rentals: A major highlight, offering premium and desirable vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Polestar models. This provides Pennsylvania renters with a fuel-efficient and high-tech driving option.
- Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs): A variety of Intermediate, Standard, Full-Size, and Premium SUVs (e.g., Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Rav4) for families and those needing extra space for cargo or inclement weather.
- Van Rentals: Operating as a dedicated Van Rental Agency, offering Minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica) and Passenger Vans (up to 12- and 15-passenger models) for group travel, tailgating, and large family outings.
- Specialty Vehicle Rentals: Options for Luxury vehicles (e.g., Genesis G70) and Convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible) for special events or upscale leisure travel.
- Military Discounts: Providing special rates and savings, including up to 35% off for veterans and active-duty members, making it a supportive choice for the large military community near Harrisburg.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepting both Credit Cards and Debit Cards for payments, although a major credit card is typically required for the security deposit and as a primary condition of rental, a detail customers must verify before booking.
- Free Pick-up Service: Available upon request by calling the location directly, though policies for distance and availability vary and should be arranged at least 24 hours in advance.
This Middletown Budget location distinguishes itself in the Central Pennsylvania market with several key features:
- Leader in Electric Vehicle Inventory: Unlike many local competitors, this site stocks a notable fleet of premium electric vehicles, including Tesla and Polestar models, often at rates that are extremely competitive with or cheaper than traditional gas car rentals.
- Active Military Discounts: A significant Highlight, offering substantial savings of up to 35% on PAY NOW rates for U.S. military veterans, active-duty personnel, and their immediate families, a crucial benefit in the greater Harrisburg area.
- Convenient Co-Location with Body Shop: The office is located inside a Carstar Body Shop, making it the perfect, seamless choice for customers needing a replacement vehicle while their own car is undergoing repairs.
- Comprehensive Vehicle Options: The business is classified as both a Car rental agency and a Van rental agency, providing passenger cars, SUVs, Minivans, and 12- and 15-passenger vans to cover all local transport needs, from a solo traveler to a large group.
- Full Accessibility: Offering a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that all customers have an effortless experience upon arrival and departure.
For reservations, questions about vehicle availability, or to arrange a free local pick-up, please contact the Budget Car Rental office directly:
Address: 1958 W Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057, USA
Phone: (717) 944-0484
Mobile Phone: +1 717-944-0484
For Pennsylvania residents and visitors, choosing the Budget Car Rental location on W Harrisburg Pike is a decision based on maximizing value, modern vehicle options, and community support. The single most compelling reason to choose this location is its position as the premier source for affordable electric vehicle rentals in the area. Customers can access high-performance, late-model electric cars like a Tesla for rates comparable to—or even better than—a standard sedan rental elsewhere, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the future of driving at an incredible value.
Furthermore, the location's dedication to accessibility and its generous Active military discounts solidify its role as a supportive local business. The co-location with a body shop simplifies the process for insurance rentals, offering a hassle-free, one-stop solution for vehicle repair and temporary mobility. While it is essential to verify payment policies—specifically the requirement for a credit card at the counter despite online payment methods—the overall offerings of a diverse fleet, competitive pricing, and a convenient location make Budget in Middletown, PA, a highly recommended choice for your next Central Pennsylvania rental.
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
- Credit cards
Budget Car Rental Photos








Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
1958 W Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
I will only rent from Budget from now on. I usually rent from another big name agency but they don't offer electric vehicles and I wanted to drive a Tesla this time. I've driven by this Budget a lot and their lot is FULL of nothing but Teslas and Polestars so I gave them a shot and rented a brand new 2023 Model Y with 3,000 miles for $37 a day... total cost for the whole weekend was $170 AND that was with the full LDW coverage also. WAY cheaper than the other places that only rent out Camrys or Jettas. I will definitely only rent from Budget from now on.
November 14 · T.J. BilykI paid for a rental car online through kayak. No problems going but on my way back home from Jamaica I was denied by the worker to get the rental. She said I needed a credit card even though I used my debit card to pay for it. Since I only had bank cards I ended up having to pay $235 for an uber to get home at 2am. It was absolutely horrifying. They should do a better job explaining things like that so you don't end up stranded in Baltimore at 2am.
May 30 · Shaquivea RobinsonExcellent service when renting an SUV from Lauren and I believe the mgr. Couldn't ask for better treatment during the whole process...renting and returning. We did have a bad experience in Florida with the Budget customer service but the Cramer people were very kind when we returned a different vehicle due to an electrical issue on the original SUV. I was so embarrassed to return an inferior SUV (2018 Ford Edge) considering we received a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was wonderful. I am sorry some people had bad experiences with Cramer... perhaps they should ask for Lauren or the mgr. next time...
November 18 · Judy HoffmanI returned the car about 30 minutes past the 24 hour period that I had rented it for. I fought traffic for several hours trying to make the deadline. According to the contract (which I didn't read very carefully) they have the right to charge you 3/4 of one day's rental. I complained about this large fee, and the manager, Tom Troxell, contacted me within a day or so via email and refunded the extra-day late fee.So I advise you to make sure to return the car by the deadline. But I also highly commend the manager for his customer-friendly approach. I will use this agency again if I can.
November 13 · Keith MartinFirst they wouldn’t answer the phone in the rental dept. When I selected the Sales option, got someone on the phone right away. Matt was very friendly and helpful and promised to have someone from rentals call me back right away and they did. We wanted to be picked up for our rental, which is advertised for this location as a free service. Jen, very unapologetically said they don’t offer it, and they don’t have staff for that service even though it’s on their website. False advertising! She directed us to a cab or Uber. Fine, we were opting for that. Our Amtrak ended up being delayed for 4 HOURS which means we would miss our rental. Fortunately for us, got same unapologetic, nonempathetic Jen on the phone again. “Nothing we can do for you,” she said. I’d switch you over to the airport but they’re $357, not true. A simple look up showed reservations for $103. The customer service here is HORRIBLE and I’ve been renting from Budget for years! Hope to not have to cross paths with this location again, and not Ungracious Jen either. Sad.
July 03 · Suzie Georges
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