Thrifty Car Rental at Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)
Thrifty Car Rental at Salt Lake City Airport is a budget-friendly on-airport rental option located inside the Gateway Center on Level 2. It is directly connected to the terminal via an indoor skywalk from baggage claim, so no shuttle is required. It is best suited for travelers who want an affordable rental while staying on-airport, especially for short trips, city stays, or flexible travel plans.
Location & Pickup Experience
Pick-up is completed at the Thrifty counter inside the Gateway Center on Level 2. After completing the rental process, customers walk to the nearby parking structure to collect their vehicle. The process is usually straightforward once at the counter, although delays are mainly caused by queues rather than paperwork. Wait times are generally manageable but can increase during Friday evening arrivals and winter ski season weekends.
Pricing & Value
Thrifty is typically one of the lower-cost on-airport rental brands at Salt Lake City Airport. Economy and compact cars usually offer the best value, while SUV prices increase during peak winter demand. Compared to larger brands such as Hertz or Alamo, Thrifty usually offers lower base rates but a more limited selection of vehicles, especially during busy travel periods.
Vehicle Availability
Vehicle options commonly include economy and compact cars, mid-size sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and minivans. Minivan and SUV availability can be limited during peak seasons. SUVs and AWD vehicles are often the first to sell out ahead of winter weekends when demand is high across all Salt Lake City Airport rental companies.
Key Things to Know
Thrifty offers on-airport pickup at Gateway Center Level 2 with no shuttle required. It is known for lower pricing compared to premium brands. Vehicle selection is more limited during ski season and queues may occur during busy arrival times.
Drop-off Process
Return is done at the Salt Lake City Airport rental car facility by following signs for Rental Car Return. After parking in the Thrifty return area, keys are dropped at the counter or in a key box if returning after hours. The terminal is accessible via the same indoor skywalk used at pickup.
Pros and Cons
Pros include competitive pricing, on-airport convenience, and a simple rental process. Cons include limited vehicle availability during peak periods, possible queue times, and fewer premium features compared to larger rental brands.
Final Verdict
Thrifty Car Rental at Salt Lake City Airport is best for travelers who prioritize affordability and convenience over premium features or wide vehicle selection. It performs well for standard trips and is most effective when booked in advance, especially during winter travel demand.