Thrifty Car Rental - Raleigh - Durham International Airport Introduce
For anyone flying into North Carolina's Research Triangle region, whether for business, a university visit, or a relaxing vacation, securing reliable ground transportation is the first step toward a successful trip. Thrifty Car Rental, conveniently located at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), is a prime option for travelers in the area. Situated at the dedicated Rental Car facility, this agency offers a comprehensive selection of vehicles designed to meet the diverse needs of the North Carolina traveler, from the coast to the mountains.
Thrifty at RDU is dedicated to providing a broad range of options, extending far beyond the standard compact vehicle. The fleet typically includes everything from economy and compact cars for budget-conscious solo travelers to full-size sedans, various SUVs, minivans, and even specialty luxury and convertible models. This variety ensures that whether you need an all-wheel-drive SUV for a weekend in the Appalachians or a sleek sedan for navigating Raleigh's urban core, Thrifty has a vehicle to match your itinerary.
The agency highlights its identity as a women-owned business, demonstrating a commitment to supporting diverse enterprise within the North Carolina economy. Furthermore, they express gratitude to those who serve by offering active military discounts. They also strive for transactional ease by accepting multiple forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards (subject to specific qualifying terms), and modern NFC mobile payments.
However, potential renters in North Carolina should approach their booking with a clear understanding of the terms and policies. While many customers enjoy a smooth experience, the provided feedback indicates that issues can arise regarding vehicle condition, unexpected charges—such as mandatory re-charging fees for the "Manager's Special" Electric Vehicle (EV) or unsolicited insurance add-ons—and disputes over pre-paid or adjusted invoices. This emphasizes the critical need for customers to confirm all final pricing, scrutinize the vehicle's condition before leaving the lot, and carefully review all documentation before signing to prevent unexpected financial complications later.
Overall, Thrifty Car Rental at RDU offers the convenience of an on-airport location and a varied fleet, but success hinges on proactive communication and careful attention to the details of the rental agreement.
The Thrifty Car Rental RDU location offers maximum convenience for air travelers, being housed directly within the airport's consolidated rental car facility. This placement eliminates the need for an off-site shuttle, allowing for a quick transition from the terminal to the rental counter.
- Address: 1009 Rental Car Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA
The RDU rental car facility, where Thrifty is located, is designed with modern accessibility features to serve all customers:
- The location features a wheelchair accessible entrance, facilitating smooth entry and departure from the rental counter area.
- Wheelchair accessible parking is also provided within the facility complex, ensuring convenient access for patrons with mobility needs.
As a primary Car Rental Agency at a major North Carolina airport, Thrifty offers a comprehensive range of vehicles and associated rental services to streamline the travel experience:
- Extensive Vehicle Selection: Offering a diverse fleet that includes Economy, Compact, Mid-size, and Full-size sedans, various classes of SUVs, Minivans, Pickup Trucks, and specialty vehicles like Convertibles and Electric Vehicles (EVs) through programs like the "Manager's Special."
- Wild Card Option: Provides the "Wild Card" booking option, guaranteeing a Compact or larger vehicle, where the exact model is determined at the time of pick-up based on availability.
- Acceptance of Debit and Credit Cards: Accepting major Credit Cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, etc.) and qualifying Debit Cards, though debit card usage may require a credit check, proof of a return travel ticket, and two valid forms of ID at airport locations.
- NFC Mobile Payments: Supporting contactless transactions through NFC mobile payments for added speed and security at the counter.
- Rental Add-ons: Providing optional extras to enhance the journey, such as child car seats, ski racks, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and the PlatePass® All-Inclusive Tolling service for easy navigation of North Carolina toll roads.
- Fuel and Recharging Options: Offering various fuel and recharging policies, including pre-pay fuel options, although renters must be aware of any mandatory fees for EV rentals, such as the obligatory recharging fee for returning an EV below a certain battery level.
The Thrifty Car Rental location at RDU has several features that appeal to the North Carolina community and incoming travelers:
- Identifies as Women-Owned: Proudly operating as a women-owned business, supporting a commitment to diversity and community involvement in the Research Triangle Park area.
- Active Military Discounts: Offering special rate incentives and discounts specifically for active military personnel, recognizing and rewarding their service.
- On-Airport Convenience: Situated directly at the RDU Rental Car Center, making vehicle pick-up and drop-off quick and hassle-free immediately upon arrival and before departure.
- Diverse Fleet Availability: The ability to rent a wide spectrum of vehicles, from economical compact cars to spacious SUVs and even electric vehicles, catering to all travel needs and preferences.
- Flexible Payment Options: The acceptance of both credit and debit cards, as well as contactless NFC mobile payment technology.
- Global Brand Reliability: Operating under the internationally recognized Thrifty brand, offering a consistent level of service and a centralized customer support network.
For bookings, inquiries about specific vehicle models, or details on rental policies at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport location, North Carolina customers can use the following contact information:
- Address: 1009 Rental Car Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA (RDU Airport Rental Car Center)
- Phone: (877) 283-0898
- Mobile Phone: +1 877-283-0898
Choosing Thrifty Car Rental at RDU International Airport is primarily a choice for unparalleled airport convenience in the heart of North Carolina's thriving business and academic region. Its location at 1009 Rental Car Drive, within the consolidated car rental facility, means you can step off your flight and be at the rental counter minutes later, a major time-saver for anyone with a busy schedule in Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill. The operation's identity as a women-owned business, coupled with the benefit of active military discounts, also makes it a socially conscious choice that provides tangible savings for certain customer groups.
The vastness of the fleet is another compelling reason to choose this agency. With offerings that span from budget-friendly compact cars to family-sized SUVs and even modern EVs—such as those occasionally offered under the "Manager's Special"—Thrifty can genuinely cater to any itinerary, whether it's navigating the urban Triangle area or embarking on a long road trip to the Outer Banks or the Blue Ridge Mountains. The availability of vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban or full-size vans ensures that even large groups have adequate transportation solutions.
However, the customer feedback provided indicates that renters must exercise a high degree of diligence. Issues like poorly serviced cars with low tire pressure, aggressive upselling of coverage, and unexpected fees (such as EV recharging costs or significant overcharges on final invoices) demonstrate a potential gap in quality control and pricing transparency. Therefore, while the location and fleet are excellent, a North Carolina traveler should choose Thrifty with the firm commitment to:
- Thoroughly inspect the vehicle's condition, including tires, before leaving the lot.
- Clearly confirm all mandatory fees and declining any unwanted add-ons (insurance, tolls, etc.) in writing.
- Verify the final invoice amount against the reservation price immediately upon receiving it and before concluding the transaction.
By being a proactive and informed customer, the immense convenience and selection offered by Thrifty Car Rental at RDU make it a competitive and worthwhile option for your North Carolina transportation needs. The convenience of an airport location and a diverse fleet is a valuable asset when arriving in the Tar Heel State.
Thrifty Car Rental - Raleigh - Durham International Airport Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Thrifty Car Rental - Raleigh - Durham International Airport Photos










Thrifty Car Rental - Raleigh - Durham International Airport Location
Thrifty Car Rental - Raleigh - Durham International Airport
1009 Rental Car Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA
Thrifty Car Rental - Raleigh - Durham International Airport Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I reserved the manager special which was supposed to be a compact or larger. The "manager's special" was an EV. I have never driven an EV. The lady who checked me in insisted that I had to take it and pay the recharging fee ($40) or upgrade to a compact gas vehicle ($40). When I asked to speak with a manager, she told me that she was it. I waited 45 minutes to find out that my "paid for rental" cost more than the agreed upon price and since I needed a car I had to pay.I will never rent through Thrifty again and I absolutely would not recommend them to anyone.
October 18 · Christina EdwardsI rented the car for 3 days. Car wasn't clean on the outside, and one of the tires had low air pressure. Therefore, I had to put air in the tire a few times the first 2 days. It appeared that this car wasn't properly service. I've notified their roadside assistance, which wasn't helpful at all. They advised me to have the tire plug instead of having the car towed back to them indicating that I was not covered by their roadside assistance. NOTE: This was the only phone number on the rental agreement. Unfortunately, the tire went completely flat before I could have it plugged. I had to use my own roadside service although I was told that I was fully covered after being coerced to take out their insurance after indicating that I 've already have my own rental coverage. It was stated that theirs was better. This is the second time posting this. The first time I posted, the tire had only a slow leak, air had to continually be put in the tire. The third and final day, it went completely flat. I had to tow the car myself plus purchase a tire because customer service refused to purchase the tire from the establishment that I towed the car to although they dealt with them on a regular basis. I had to purchase a tire based on the rental car specifications. Unfortunately, I had to change my travel plans and rent the car an extra day. This completely ruined my travel plans.I don't recommend this rental car at all. Although, they supposedly adjust my invoice and credit me for the extra day and tire purchase, I was charged a different amount on my credit card almost 10 times my adjusted final invoice. Therefore, I'm still trying to resolve an overpayment from the rental car.
October 07 · Pamela RobinsonI booked my flight and my car rental weeks in advance.. When I got to the car rental to pick up, my Toyota car was handed the keys to a Kia Soul 👎👎👎👎… And I explained to her that is not the vehicle I had asked for, and she said they didn’t have the vehicle that I had asked for… So then we go to the vehicle open up the doors and you could about just puke from the smell inside that car… I am not sure what it was if it was something dead if something was spilt in that vehicle… It looked like somebody had taken something and smeared it on the driver side, passenger side windows. They were so dirty. It was horrible. There was white stuff on the back of the seats And on the door panel behind the driver seat… I had said something to the guy that was out there by the cars that works for thrifty and he didn’t seem to care… And I did take pictures of the inside and outside cause there was paint on The fender and a big scratch that was pretty Good length that was there before I even left with it.. I even emailed thrifty and I have yet to hear anything back from them. Pretty sad……. Definitely do not recommend them for no car rental rentals
October 11 · Kathy KnightWow what an experience! This place is horrible. Use Hertz they are in same location, they have multiple people checking you out. While I waited in line for 1hr 10 minutes for thrifty to check out 5 people, Hertz was moving people. Also don't rent an electric car, they have no idea if they were charged, and told me I would have to go find a charging place to be able to start my trip. They said they could upgrade me to a gas car and double my original quote and put me in a 2 year old car with 42k miles on it, wrecked and very unsafe car. Horrible customer service, horrible communication from corporate and they don't give a damn about people.The car was filthy and I felt I needed a tetanus shot after driving it.
September 24 · C BThe bill came in at double the rental price. Except for very little sand on the carpet, the car was immaculate. No floor mats in vehicle to catch the sand so we could shake them out. We didn't bring a vacuum on the airplane for vacation... sorry. The cleaning fee... $175 for maybe 2 minutes for a quick vacuum. They are a scam. Rent elsewhere. Others may have a higher rental price but when the bill comes in, it will be cheaper than Thrifty. Never had this issue with Hertz. Our bill with other rentals was the same as what the bill said when we picked up the vehicle. Stay away from Thrifty... trust me. First time & last time using Thrifty.
August 24 · Christopher
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