Budget Car Rental was founded in 1958 with an explicit goal: to provide affordable car hire to cost-conscious travellers. The brand operates alongside Avis (they share the same parent company, Avis Budget Group) but maintains its own identity as the more value-oriented option. Budget is represented at most major airports worldwide and offers a broad range of vehicle categories. The Fastbreak loyalty programme offers expedited service and members-only pricing.

Strengths

  • Competitive pricing — often among the more affordable major-brand options
  • Global network covering all major airports and tourist destinations
  • Fastbreak loyalty programme with skip-the-counter pick-up
  • Wide vehicle range from compact economy to 9-seater people carriers
  • Same parent company as Avis — benefits from shared fleet at some locations

Things to be aware of

  • Service consistency can vary more than premium brands
  • Some reviews note heavier upselling at desks than competitors
  • Insurance products are not always the cheapest — compare before accepting desk offers

Best for

Budget-conscious travellers and families who want reliable transport without premium brand pricing. Good for straightforward A-to-B travel.

Where to find Budget

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

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

Tips for booking with Budget

  • 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 (Budget 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.