Terminal 1 Car Rentals

- 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111

For Minnesotans and visitors arriving or departing via Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), the term "Terminal 1 Car Rentals" refers to the centralized location housing numerous car rental agencies. This facility, located at the Terminal 1 complex, is the key gateway for securing personal transportation to explore the Twin Cities metro area, head up north to the lakes, or embark on a cross-state journey. The address, 4300 Glumack Dr, signifies the heart of the airport’s ground transportation services, offering a blend of major national chains and smaller, independent local operators, all in one consolidated area.

The experience at this busy hub can be a mixed bag, which is typical for a major international airport. One customer reported that despite the high volume, the service they received was "really good," and their chosen car was "great," with the entire process flowing "smoothly." This suggests that efficient operators and well-maintained vehicles are readily available. However, another common sentiment is the location's physical convenience—or lack thereof—in relation to the terminal's main baggage claim area. As one reviewer noted, it can feel like "a hike to get to this place," reflecting the necessary, but sometimes lengthy, travel from the plane to the rental counter via the internal airport tram system.

A significant highlight for savvy travelers is the presence of the full spectrum of rental options. While the "usual suspects" like Hertz, Enterprise, and others often see long queues during peak travel times—with one user reporting lines "10 to 15 people deep"—there are often alternative, less congested choices available. The same customer found an independent rental company, like ACE Car Rental, "on the other side of the wall by itself." They bypassed the major lines, had a wait of only "4 minutes," and utilized a shuttle service to their vehicle. This local knowledge is invaluable, as it points to the potential for faster, more personalized service by looking beyond the main consolidated counters.

Ultimately, Terminal 1 Car Rentals is a functional, busy, and sometimes complicated part of the MSP experience. It offers a multitude of vehicles and service levels to fit every Minnesotan's need, from a quick compact car for city driving to a spacious SUV for a winter trip. Success here depends on planning, understanding the location's layout, and being willing to explore all available rental agencies, not just the most well-known ones.

The Terminal 1 Car Rentals facility is integral to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) system, serving as the central hub for most on-site rental operations. While centrally located within the airport complex, access requires specific navigation due to the airport's layout.

• **Address:** 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA. This address directs to the Terminal 1—Lindbergh Terminal—Car Rental and Ground Transportation Center.
• **On-Airport Transit:** Access to the rental counters typically involves taking the underground tram from the main terminal building towards the Silver Parking Ramp and the Transit Center. This short tram ride and subsequent walk to the counter, followed by an elevator ride to the vehicle stalls (often on the 5th floor for many brands), constitutes the journey often described as "a hike."
• **Accessibility Features:** The facility is designed to comply with modern accessibility standards, ensuring travelers with mobility concerns can navigate the area with relative ease.
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance is provided for ease of access to the rental counter area.
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lots are available within the associated parking ramps.
  • Rental companies at MSP are required to provide vehicles with adaptive driving devices, such as hand controls, at no additional charge, though a 48-hour advance reservation is typically requested.

As a consortium of car rental agencies, the Terminal 1 Car Rentals location offers a comprehensive suite of services standard to a major airport operation:

• **Full-Service Car Rental:** All agencies offer standard daily, weekly, and long-term rental contracts across a wide variety of vehicle classes (compact, sedan, SUV, minivan, etc.).
• **Immediate Counter Service:** Multiple rental agency counters are available within the facility for walk-up rentals and reservation confirmations. As noted by customers, however, wait times for major brands can be significant.
• **Vehicle Shuttle Service:** Some individual agencies, particularly those with less traffic or off-site lots (as experienced by the ACE customer), may utilize a quick, dedicated shuttle service to transport customers directly to their rented vehicle, minimizing the walking distance within the airport itself.
• **Flexible Payment Options:** All agencies generally accept a broad range of standard payment methods for the main rental charges. Accepted payment types specifically mentioned for the facility include Credit cards and Debit cards.
• **After-Hours Return:** Most on-site airport agencies provide secure after-hours return options, usually involving a key drop box, which is essential for travelers with early morning or late-night departures.

The consolidated location within Terminal 1 offers distinct advantages and notable features for renters:

• **One-Stop Shopping:** The primary benefit is the consolidation of all major and several independent car rental brands in one facility. This allows travelers to easily compare services and prices upon arrival if a reservation has not yet been made.
• **Speedy Alternatives:** The presence of independent companies, such as the mentioned ACE Car Rental, can be a major highlight, often providing a significantly shorter wait time than the crowded lines for the major national brands during busy periods.
• **Smooth Flow and Great Cars:** Positive customer feedback affirms that despite the busyness, the process for a reserved car can "flow smoothly," with the available vehicles being "great" and well-maintained.
• **High Accessibility Standards:** The commitment to accessibility, including wheelchair-friendly paths and the availability of adaptive driving devices (with advance notice), ensures a welcoming environment for all travelers.
• **Direct Airport Connectivity:** The facility is linked directly to Terminal 1 via a dedicated tram system, making it functionally convenient for arriving passengers, even if the walk is perceived as a little long.

While "Terminal 1 Car Rentals" is a location, not a single company, the main address for the centralized rental car facility is:

• **Address:** 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA

Note that for specific rental questions (like price, car type, or reservation changes), you must contact the individual car rental agency you plan to use (e.g., Hertz, Enterprise, ACE, etc.) via their specific customer service phone number. General MSP Airport information, which governs access and transit, can be found via the airport's main channels.

Choosing a rental from the Terminal 1 Car Rentals location at MSP is worthwhile for any traveler prioritizing efficiency, immediate access upon landing, and the security of a consolidated airport operation. The location is an absolute necessity for anyone flying into MSP and requiring ground transportation immediately. The major benefit is the sheer volume of options: a traveler has nearly every car rental brand at their fingertips, creating a competitive environment that often results in good pricing, especially when booked in advance.

However, what is truly worth choosing at this specific hub is the strategy of seeking out the less-crowded alternatives. The testimonial highlighting the four-minute wait and subsequent quick shuttle from a smaller, independent provider—like ACE—is an exceptional piece of local user insight. By reserving a car with a company that operates slightly apart from the main throng, you can often bypass the long lines of the "usual suspects" and achieve a much quicker exit from the airport, saving precious time in your Minnesota journey.

In essence, travelers should choose this location for its convenience and reliability but must leverage local wisdom—such as being aware of the full spectrum of available agencies and confirming the exact pickup process—to transform a potentially long and busy airport experience into a smooth and efficient one. It is the best starting point for any Minnesota road trip, provided you navigate its offerings wisely.

Terminal 1 Car Rentals

4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA