Avis was founded in 1946 at Willow Run Airport, Detroit — the first car rental company to operate from an airport location. Its legendary 'We Try Harder' marketing campaign, launched in 1962, set the brand's ethos that continues today. Avis Preferred is the company's loyalty programme, offering expedited pick-up and members-only pricing. Avis is particularly strong in Europe and the USA, and frequently scores well in customer satisfaction surveys for its service quality and vehicle cleanliness.

Strengths

  • Consistently high customer service ratings across multiple review platforms
  • Avis Preferred programme offers fast-track pick-up and skip-the-queue service
  • Strong European network — excellent coverage in the UK, France, Spain and Italy
  • Generally well-maintained, clean vehicles
  • Broad vehicle range from economy to luxury

Things to be aware of

  • Not always the cheapest option at headline price
  • Insurance upselling at the desk — come prepared with your own excess cover
  • City centre locations can have limited hours compared to airport desks

Best for

Travellers who prioritise service quality and consistent vehicle standards. The Avis Preferred programme makes it excellent for business travellers.

Where to find Avis

Avis operates at airports, city centres and rail stations across the globe. Their locations are well-represented in our search results — compare Avis against other suppliers for your dates to see if they offer the best value for your trip.

Compare Avis now: Use Best Car Hire to search live Avis prices alongside 900+ other suppliers. You may find a better deal — or confirm that Avis is the right choice for your trip.

Tips for booking with Avis

  • Always compare the total price including any mandatory fees before booking — the headline price may not include local taxes or airport surcharges.
  • Check the fuel policy carefully — full-to-full is almost always more economical than full-to-empty.
  • Review the excess amount on your CDW/insurance — consider whether standalone excess insurance would be cheaper.
  • Membership programmes (Avis has loyalty schemes) can offer upgrades and priority service at busy periods.
  • Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead for peak summer periods to secure the best vehicle choice.