Texas is larger than many countries, and its major cities are separated by long stretches of highway. Whether someone is landing at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, attending a business meeting in Houston, exploring Austin or beginning a family road trip from San Antonio, renting a suitable vehicle can make the journey far easier.
The cheapest advertised rate should not be the only factor. Travellers must also check airport fees, mileage limits, fuel rules, security deposits, toll-processing charges, cancellation conditions and the cost of adding another driver. Vehicle availability can also vary by branch.
The following companies were selected for their Texas presence, fleet variety, digital services, loyalty benefits and recent customer-satisfaction performance. In the 2025 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, Enterprise ranked first, National second, SIXT tied for third and Hertz placed above the industry average.
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise is one of the most practical car rental companies for Texas residents as well as airport travellers. It operates numerous airport and neighbourhood locations across the state, including branches in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso and many smaller communities.
The company offers economy and full-size cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, passenger vans and selected luxury vehicles. Its neighbourhood network is particularly useful for customers renting a temporary vehicle while their own car is being repaired.
Enterprise ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2025 study, receiving 734 points. The study considered rental convenience, pickup and return, trust, vehicles, staff, value and digital tools.
Enterprise Plus members can earn points on qualifying rentals and use them toward free rental days. Members may also receive dedicated check-in services and access to higher membership levels based on rental activity. Taxes, fees and optional products are generally not included in a reward rental.
Why Enterprise is good: Its combination of airport branches, neighbourhood locations, broad vehicle choice and strong customer-satisfaction performance makes it suitable for both local and long-distance rentals.
- Texas location: 7366 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, TX 75235
- Official website: https://www.enterprise.com/
2. National Car Rental
National Car Rental is particularly popular with frequent business travellers who value speed and flexibility. It operates 23 Texas locations, including branches serving Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Amarillo, Corpus Christi and other regional airports.
National ranked second in the 2025 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study with 721 points. Its strong position reflects the company’s focus on airport travellers and its streamlined pickup process.
Its Emerald Club programme is one of National’s most valuable features. At participating Emerald Aisle locations, members can reserve a midsize car, bypass the traditional counter and select an eligible vehicle from the aisle while paying the reserved midsize rate. Members can choose to earn free rental days, airline miles or hotel rewards.
National may not have as many neighbourhood branches as Enterprise, but its airport presence makes it convenient for professionals arriving for conferences, project work or short corporate visits.
Why National Car Rental is good: The Emerald Aisle, quick airport pickup and flexible loyalty rewards make it a strong choice for regular travellers.
- Texas location: 3819 Presidential Boulevard, Austin, TX 78719
- Official website: https://www.nationalcar.com/
3. SIXT Rent a Car
SIXT has expanded its presence in Texas and operates important branches at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, San Antonio International Airport and selected city locations in Dallas and Houston.
The company is known for offering a relatively premium fleet. Depending on the location and booking date, customers may find vehicles from brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Range Rover and other mainstream or luxury manufacturers. Exact models are not guaranteed unless the reservation specifically states otherwise.
SIXT tied for third place in the 2025 J.D. Power rental-car satisfaction ranking, with a score of 711. It was 20 points above the industry average.
The SIXT app allows customers to manage reservations and, at participating locations, select or unlock a vehicle digitally. Its SIXT ONE rewards programme provides member pricing, points on qualifying rentals and faster pickup features.
Why SIXT is good: It is attractive to travellers looking for newer-looking premium vehicles, digital booking tools and convenient service at major Texas airports.
- Texas location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston, TX 77032
- Official website: https://www.sixt.com/
4. Hertz
Hertz has an extensive Texas presence, with rental locations in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Brownsville, Amarillo, Abilene and numerous other cities. Customers can rent from major airports as well as selected neighbourhood branches.
Its fleet can include compact cars, sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, sports cars and premium models. Availability depends on the branch, and airport locations generally provide the widest selection.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free to join. Members can earn points toward qualifying rental days and may skip the counter or select a vehicle directly at participating locations. Higher membership levels can provide additional upgrades and travel benefits.
Hertz ranked above the rental-industry average in J.D. Power’s 2025 satisfaction study, receiving 702 points compared with the study average of 691.
Why Hertz is good: Its broad Texas coverage, varied fleet and established loyalty programme suit airport passengers, road-trip travellers and customers needing premium or specialty vehicles.
- Texas location: 9000 Randolph Street, Houston, TX 77061
- Official website: https://www.hertz.com/
5. Avis
Avis has car rental locations throughout Texas, including Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Amarillo, Corpus Christi and several regional airports. Major airport branches include DFW, Dallas Love Field, George Bush Intercontinental, Houston Hobby and Austin-Bergstrom.
The Avis fleet covers economy cars, full-size sedans, SUVs, minivans, passenger vans, convertibles and luxury vehicles. The company also offers monthly rentals for customers who need a car for several weeks.
Avis Preferred members can receive expedited service at participating locations, earn points on qualifying spending and redeem points for rental days or accessories. At the DFW branch, Preferred customers can check the mobile app or Preferred board for the location of a preassigned vehicle.
Avis is worth considering when its airport availability, vehicle category or quoted total price is better than competing offers. Customers should compare both Pay Now and Pay Later terms, since cancellation conditions can differ.
Why Avis is good: Its major-airport coverage, wide vehicle range, long-term rental options and Avis Preferred services provide flexibility for leisure and business travellers.
- Texas location: 2424 East 38th Street, Dallas, TX 75261
- Official website: https://www.avis.com/
What to Check Before Booking a Rental Car
Compare the complete price rather than the base daily rate. Airport concession charges, taxes, additional-driver fees, child seats, roadside assistance, toll programmes and fuel options can raise the final amount.
Inspect the vehicle before leaving and photograph existing scratches, wheel damage and the fuel or battery level. At return, keep the final receipt and take photographs showing the car’s condition and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a 21-year-old rent a car in Texas?
A: Many major companies rent to drivers aged 21 or older, but renters under 25 generally pay a young-driver surcharge and may be restricted from certain premium or specialty vehicles. Requirements vary by company and branch.
Q: Do I need to purchase insurance from the rental company?
A: Not necessarily. A personal auto policy or credit card may already provide some rental-car protection. The Texas Department of Insurance recommends contacting your insurer and card provider to confirm liability, collision, theft, deductible and loss-of-use coverage before declining rental-company protection.
Q: Can I rent a car using a debit card?
A: Some locations accept debit cards, but additional identification, a return-flight itinerary or a larger authorization hold may be required. Certain luxury vehicles may require a credit card. Check the exact branch policy before booking.
Q: Can I return the car to another Texas city?
A: One-way rentals are commonly available, but the company may charge a drop fee depending on the vehicle, route and availability. Enter different pickup and return locations during the quotation process to see the complete charge.
Q: Who is allowed to drive the rental car?
A: Only drivers authorised under the rental agreement should operate the vehicle. Additional drivers may need to present a valid licence and could be charged a daily fee. Spouses, domestic partners or business associates may qualify for fee exemptions under certain company policies.
