Thrifty Car Rental

- 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111

Introduction / Overview

Thrifty Car Rental at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a recognized provider of personal and business transportation solutions for the Twin Cities and the wider Minnesota region. Strategically located within the airport complex, this car rental agency offers travelers and local residents a wide selection of vehicles, from economical compact cars perfect for short city trips to robust SUVs well-suited for winter driving or long drives to Minnesota's beautiful northern lakes.

Thrifty is positioned as a value-focused brand, often appealing to travelers seeking competitive pricing. Its connection with other major car rental brands, such as Hertz and Dollar, frequently means a shared pool of vehicles and streamlined on-site services, although this integrated operation can sometimes lead to customers being directed to a shared counter or parking area. A notable distinction of this location is that the business identifies itself as women-owned, and it actively supports the community by offering a specific discount for active military personnel.

For local Minnesota users, especially those flying into or out of MSP, Thrifty provides the convenience of an on-site service with generally expansive operating hours, ensuring they can accommodate a variety of flight schedules. While many customers report satisfaction with the quality of the newer cars they receive—such as a clean Mazda 3 or Nissan Sentra—it is critical for all renters to thoroughly review their reservation details to avoid confusion regarding final charges, particularly with one-way rentals or optional add-ons.

Location and Accessibility

The Thrifty Car Rental location is ideally situated within the primary travel hub of the state, offering maximum convenience for air travelers.

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

This address corresponds to the Lindbergh Terminal area (Terminal 1) of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). Being in the terminal area generally means the rental counter is easily accessible, typically requiring only a walk from the baggage claim area to the designated car rental area. Customers should look for signage guiding them to the shared car rental counters, as Thrifty, Dollar, and Hertz often operate in close conjunction at this major travel center.

The facility demonstrates a commitment to ensuring services are available to all customers:

• Accessibility: The location features a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and a Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, ensuring smooth access for all users.
• Onsite Services: The business explicitly offers Onsite Services, confirming that the full process of check-in, vehicle pickup, and drop-off is handled directly at the airport location without the need for an additional off-site shuttle to collect the vehicle.

Accepted forms of payment provide flexibility for customers:

• Payments: Thrifty accepts both Credit Cards and Debit Cards. Renters using a debit card are advised to check the specific, and often stricter, requirements for deposits and identification that may apply to this location to ensure a hassle-free pickup.

Services Offered

Thrifty Car Rental maintains an expansive and diverse fleet to meet the comprehensive mobility needs of travelers throughout the Twin Cities and Minnesota.

• Extensive Vehicle Fleet: Offering a wide range of categories, including Mini, Compact (e.g., Chevrolet Spark, Ford Focus), Midsize (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3), Standard, Full-Size (e.g., Chevrolet Malibu), Luxury, and Convertible cars.
• SUV and Van Rentals: Crucial for the local climate and larger groups, including Compact, Mid-size (e.g., Jeep Compass, Nissan Rogue), and Full-Size SUVs, along with Minivan rentals (e.g., Ford Transit) for group and family travel.
• Optional Protection Plans: Providing Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) to cover damage to the rental car and Personal Protection Plans (P&P) that include Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Insurance (PEC). These are optional and can be purchased for added peace of mind.
• Ancillary Equipment Rentals: Offering necessary extras for traveling families, such as Infant, Child, and Booster Car Seats, as well as GPS navigation devices and, in some cases, ski racks or tire chains (subject to availability).
• Fuel Service Options: Allowing customers a choice in how they pay for fuel, typically including a pre-paid fuel option, or the option for the agency to refuel the vehicle upon return (subject to service charge) or for the renter to return the car full.
• Toll Pass Services: Offering PlatePass® All-Inclusive Tolling options, which are highly convenient for those driving on toll roads in the area, though customers should be aware of associated daily usage fees.

Features / Highlights

Several key features make Thrifty Car Rental stand out in the competitive MSP airport market, including specific business and customer-focused efforts.

• Identifies as Women-Owned: The business is identified as women-owned, a meaningful distinction for customers who prioritize supporting diverse business ownership in the Twin Cities community.
• Active Military Discounts: Thrifty offers discounts specifically for active military personnel, acknowledging and supporting those who serve.
• Terminal Location Convenience: The on-site location at 4300 Glumack Drive (Terminal 1) offers the utmost convenience for air travelers, minimizing the distance and time between deplaning and driving away.
• Payment Flexibility: The acceptance of both Credit Cards and Debit Cards provides greater payment flexibility than some competitors.
• Joint Operations: The shared operation with Hertz and Dollar can be a benefit, often leading to a larger selection of cars available at any given time, though it may also influence counter wait times and vehicle allocation.
• Diverse and Newer Fleet: Customers frequently praise the cleanliness and condition of the vehicles, with many reporting receiving new or well-maintained models.

Contact Information

When making arrangements or seeking support for your rental at the MSP location, it is important to have the direct contact details.

• Address: 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA (Terminal 1, MSP Airport)
• Phone for Reservations / Customer Service: (877) 283-0898 (Toll-Free)
• Local Contact: Customers are advised to contact the toll-free number for booking and general inquiries, as local airport counter operations often rely on centralized support.

Thrifty's counter at MSP typically operates with expansive hours, often from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM, seven days a week, to align with the airport's flight schedule, ensuring both early morning and late-night pick-ups and returns are possible.

What is Worth Choosing

Thrifty Car Rental is an attractive option for Minnesota users who prioritize a combination of convenience, fleet variety, and value. The ability to secure a rental directly at Terminal 1 of MSP Airport, coupled with the business’s transparent women-owned status and the available Active Military Discount, provides appealing reasons to choose their service. Furthermore, the extensive fleet of well-maintained vehicles, from fuel-efficient compacts to spacious SUVs—with popular choices like the Chevrolet Malibu or Nissan Rogue frequently available—ensures a car suitable for any journey across the Twin Cities or a longer Minnesota road trip.

However, potential customers must exercise due diligence, especially regarding the critical details of their reservation. Past customer feedback indicates that extra scrutiny is required for one-way rentals and any offered "upgrades" or optional coverages to ensure the final charges accurately reflect the initial quoted price. As a result, Thrifty is best suited for the traveler who is price-savvy, appreciates the on-site airport convenience, and is prepared to meticulously verify all documentation—including the initial reservation and the final contract—to fully capitalize on their competitive rates without facing unexpected fees. Choosing Thrifty means balancing potential savings and convenience with the necessary step of thorough contract review.

Thrifty Car Rental

4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, MN 55111, USA