National Introduce
For Minnesota travelers, whether they are returning residents or visiting the Twin Cities and beyond, efficiency is paramount. National Car Rental, situated directly at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), provides a service model uniquely focused on speed, convenience, and a seamless transition from plane to pavement. Located on-site at the airport's expansive Ground Transport Center, this agency specializes in catering to the needs of quick-moving business travelers and those seeking to bypass lengthy shuttle rides.
Known nationally for its pioneering loyalty program, the **Emerald Club**, the National branch at MSP is a significant hub for inbound and outbound Minnesota travel. Their presence at both Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey) is a key advantage, ensuring that no matter which airline you arrive on—from Delta to Southwest—you are just a short walk away from your rental vehicle. The emphasis here is on getting you to the driver’s seat quickly, a feature Minnesotans appreciate when navigating the busy airport environment.
This central location on **Humphrey Drive** offers a substantial fleet of well-maintained vehicles, ranging from compact cars perfect for zipping around the metro area, to SUVs suited for navigating the state's colder seasons or exploring the North Shore. The accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, ensure the facility is welcoming to all travelers arriving in the great state of Minnesota. By combining a professional fleet with efficient service mechanisms, National Car Rental aims to be the top choice for ground transportation beginning at the MSP gateway.
However, while the speed and convenience of the loyalty program are widely praised, local users should be mindful of the high operational scrutiny reported in customer experiences, particularly regarding fuel policies and final charges. Being prepared and understanding the terms is crucial for a smooth transaction.
The National Car Rental facility is strategically located at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), eliminating the need for off-site shuttles that can delay travel. This on-site placement ensures a journey of mere minutes from the baggage claim area to the vehicle lot.
The official address for the facility is: **4901 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA**.
Crucially, the rental counter and vehicle lot are directly connected to both of MSP's main passenger terminals:
- **Terminal 1 (Lindbergh):** For arrivals at this terminal (often serving major airlines like Delta, United, and American), the rental car counter is located on the third floor of the rental car facility, which is accessible via a short, climate-controlled tram ride or connected walkway from the baggage claim level.
- **Terminal 2 (Humphrey):** For airlines such as Southwest, JetBlue, and Sun Country, the rental counters are situated in the Ground Transport Center on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp, directly across from the terminal building.
Operating **24 hours a day, seven days a week**, this location provides unparalleled flexibility for early morning arrivals or late-night departures, essential for a major international airport serving the Midwest. For accessibility, the branch is equipped with:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance:** Ensuring easy access to the rental counter areas.
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot:** Dedicated spaces available within the on-site rental car garage.
Payment methods are designed for convenience, accepting all major credit cards, debit cards (which may be subject to stricter deposit rules or vehicle restrictions, especially for younger renters), and modern **NFC mobile payments**.
As a full-service car rental agency operating from one of Minnesota's busiest transportation hubs, National offers a deep inventory of vehicles and services built around traveler convenience.
- **Comprehensive Vehicle Fleet:** National maintains a robust fleet spanning 32 vehicle classes, including:
- **Economy and Compact Cars:** For fuel efficiency and ease of parking in urban centers like Minneapolis and St. Paul (e.g., Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla).
- **Sedans:** Midsize, full-size, and premium sedans (e.g., Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Audi A4) for comfort and executive travel.
- **SUVs and Crossovers:** A vital category for Minnesota travel, including compact, midsize, and full-size SUVs (e.g., Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Suburban) with options often featuring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for challenging winter conditions.
- **Specialty Vehicles:** Options such as convertibles, muscle cars (e.g., Ford Mustang), luxury sedans (e.g., BMW 7-Series), and various types of vans and trucks are generally available to meet diverse needs.
- **Avis Preferred Loyalty Program:** This location fully supports the Avis Preferred program, which grants members:
- **Emerald Aisle Access:** Allowing members to bypass the counter, select any vehicle from the designated aisle within their reserved class, and drive off quickly.
- **Executive Status Benefits:** Higher-tier members gain access to the Executive Aisle, which typically features upgraded and larger vehicle options.
- **Quick Drop-Off Service:** The return process is designed for speed, allowing customers to quickly drop their vehicle and complete a paperless return transaction. Specific return lanes for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 ensure fast processing and proper terminal guidance.
- **Additional Services:** Customers can add common accessories like GPS navigation systems, satellite radio, and child safety seats to their reservation. Protection options, including Loss Damage Waiver, are also available for purchase.
National Car Rental at MSP stands out in the competitive Twin Cities market by focusing on logistical superiority and a premium experience for its frequent renters.
- **True On-Site Convenience:** The most significant advantage is the **shuttle-free, on-site location**, connected directly to both Terminals 1 and 2. This is highly valued by travelers who prioritize a seamless, 5-minute transition from baggage claim to the rental car.
- **Emerald Club Expedited Service:** The implementation of the Emerald Club is a core feature, offering a competitive edge for business and frequent travelers. It enables the ultimate "choose your own car and go" experience, bypassing time-consuming counter transactions and ensuring an exceptionally fast pickup process.
- **24/7 Operation:** With the facility open and staffed around the clock, Minnesota travelers benefit from maximum flexibility for flight schedules that often involve early departures or late arrivals.
- **Vehicle Condition and Cleanliness:** National emphasizes a policy that vehicles are generally well-maintained and clean, which is essential for travel across Minnesota's sometimes harsh weather conditions. Strict fees are enforced for excessive cleaning needs ($200) and smoking ($75), promoting fleet quality for all users.
- **Accessibility:** The provision of a **wheelchair accessible entrance** and **wheelchair accessible parking lot** makes the on-site rental process inclusive and manageable for all travelers.
For general questions, reservation inquiries, or assistance with an existing rental at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport location, please use the following contact details:
**Address:** 4901 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA (Serving both Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 at MSP Airport)
**Phone:** (612) 794-3966
**Mobile Phone:** +1 612-794-3966
For anyone traveling through MSP, National Car Rental is worth choosing primarily for its unparalleled emphasis on **speed and on-site convenience**. The ability to walk a short distance from either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 directly to the rental garage, bypassing any shuttle bus necessity, is an invaluable time-saver. This logistic advantage is especially critical in Minnesota's winter months, where minimizing exposure to the elements during vehicle transfer is a major comfort factor.
The true value proposition for this location lies in its loyalty program. For both frequent business travelers and Minnesota residents who travel often, signing up for the **Emerald Club** is highly recommended. The benefit of skipping the counter and immediately selecting a clean, well-maintained vehicle from the designated aisles—especially the Executive Aisle for higher-tier members—transforms the rental process from a chore into a seamless transaction. The 24/7 operating hours also provide peace of mind regardless of flight delays.
However, potential renters must heed the feedback regarding operational discrepancies. While the Terminal 1 service is often highly rated, one review noted that the Terminal 2 crew may be overly strict regarding fuel levels, charging for even half a gallon immediately after a full fill-up. This highlights a need for extreme vigilance upon return. To ensure a positive experience and avoid unexpected charges, customers are strongly advised to:
- **Document Fuel Level:** Take a photograph of the vehicle's fuel gauge showing "Full" immediately upon dropping the car off, especially if returning to Terminal 2.
- **Verify Drop-Off Location:** Always confirm the correct terminal (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2) for vehicle drop-off to avoid logistical confusion and potential delays, as the reviews indicate drop-off precision matters.
- **Inspect for Cleanliness:** Take a moment to ensure the vehicle is clean before accepting it, and avoid any activities that would incur the high cleaning or smoking fees, as National enforces these policies strictly to maintain fleet quality.
In summary, National Car Rental at MSP is the optimal choice for the traveler seeking efficiency and a wide selection of vehicles, and its rewards program offers clear, tangible benefits that significantly improve the travel experience in Minnesota. A little preparation and attention to detail during the return process will ensure the entire transaction is as smooth as advertised.
National Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
National Photos










National Location
National
4901 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA
National Reviews
aislepickupcheckemerald clubexecutiveairportgasemployeeefficientSUV
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Strong, the Force is at MSP’s National Car Rental. Whether your starship lands at Terminal 1 or 2, rejoice—no shuttles you’ll need. The rental lot is on-site, just a 5-minute stroll from baggage claim to the driver’s seat of your next mission.🚶 On-Site Ease:Forget transport pods—simply walk. The car rental center is connected to the terminals, making it easy even for younglings to navigate. Five minutes from arrival to ignition, you’re ready to hyperspace out.🚗 Emerald Club vs. Executive Status:Emerald Club members gain access to the Emerald Aisle—choose any vehicle, hop in, and go.Executive members step into a league of their own, with upgraded rides in the Executive Aisle, fit for Jedi Masters.🧼 Fleet Condition – Clean, It Is:Well-maintained, the vehicles are. But take heed:💨 $75 fee if you bring the Dark Side's smoke🧹 $200 fee for messes that rival a Wampa attackReturn it as you found it—or face the financial wrath.⚡ Quick Pickup & Drop-Off:No tricks, no traps. Pickup is fast, and drop-off is even faster. No need for lengthy holo-documents or droid interference.📍 Terminal Awareness (Drop-Off Precision Matters):Terminal 1: Delta, United, American, Air France, KLM, and moreTerminal 2: Southwest, JetBlue, Sun Country, Allegiant, and othersDrop your star cruiser at the wrong terminal, and delays you will face.⭐ 5 Stars – From arrival to departure, a smooth journey National provides.🛡️ Jedi Tip: Sign up for Emerald Club. Fast-track your quest, you shall.
June 22 · Dain Vossar (Galaxy Wanderer)I always prefer national but terminal 2’s location seems to be suckers for getting every last penny out of you. We stopped to fill up at the only gas station outside the location and fill up to full. However, they charged us 1/2 Gallon of gas. Do they really just want you to bring a gas tank with you and fill up as you hand the keys over?? Terminal 1 crew is five stars, but not this terminal 2 crew.
August 10 · Miranda FlorkowskiI have been an emerald aisle member with national since 2018. I called their location Monday morning looking for a truck and it's been 48 hours with no response or returned call. Very unfortunate they treat their most loyal customers this way.
August 21 · John WilliamsSuch great service both at pick up and drop off! I went to the wrong terminal drop off and the lady was so kind, she gave me the correct address and helped me out of the parking lot. Thank you!!
September 02 · Janine AstonI love renting from National, great customer service. Always a pleasure to deal with their employees!Thank you 😊
August 08 · Walter Merchant
More Car Rental Near Me
Alamo3.0 (7 reviews)4901 Humphrey Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA
Hertz3.0 (527 reviews)4300 Humphrey Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA
Enterprise4.0 (208 reviews)4901 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA
Dollar2.0 (112 reviews)4300 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA
Terminal 2 Car Rentals3.0 (6 reviews)St Paul, MN 55111, USA
Sixt Rent A Car Terminal 22.0 (34 reviews)4300 Humphrey Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA
Thrifty Car Rental2.0 (145 reviews)7150 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA
Terminal 2 Rental Car Return4.0 (122 reviews)St Paul, MN 55111, USA
Go Rentals3.0 (3 reviews)3800 E 70th St, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA
ACE Rent A Car4.0 (1048 reviews)2143 E 77th St, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA
Bon Voyage Car Rental Corporation2.0 (9 reviews)7900 International Dr #300, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA
MSP Airport Rent a Car4.0 (926 reviews)Minneapolis / St Paul Airport (MSP) Terminal, MSP Terminal 1 Concourse A-Lindbergh, 4300 Glumack Dr #1, St Paul, MN 55111, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Vitapath: Non Emergency Medical Transport5.0 (1 reviews)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (132 reviews)
Hertz Car Rental - Warwick - Rhode Island Tf Green International Airport (PVD)3.0 (333 reviews)
Elite SS Rentals, LLC5.0 (5 reviews)
Trained To Go Productions5.0 (253 reviews)
Thrifty Car Rental - Washington Dc - Ronald Reagan National Airport2.0 (494 reviews)Trending Car Rental Blog Posts
The Real Story Behind “No Deposit” Car Rental Deals
7 Reasons to Book a Rental Car Instead of Using Ride-Share Apps
How to Rent a Car as a Young Driver in the U.S.: Age Restrictions & Cost Tips
How to Choose the Best Rental Car for Towing or Transporting Gear in the U.S.
How to Avoid Paying for Optional Equipment You Don’t Need in a Rental Car
Tips for Veteran Drivers Renting Cars After Military Service
