Need a Rental Car at Buffalo Airport? Get the Inside Scoop for Finding the Lowest Rates

Renting a car at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) provides convenient transportation for travelers visiting western New York. The BUF rental market features numerous providers and competitive pricing. Savvy renters can uncover big savings on Buffalo airport rentals with insider tips and tricks.

This detailed Buffalo rental car guide unlocks everything you need to know to score the cheapest rates at BUF. Learn how to compare quotes across rental companies, find coupons and deals, avoid extra fees, and maximize value from your Buffalo Niagara International Airport rental experience.

Overview of BUF Rental Car Locations

Most major rental brands operate rental counters inside Buffalo Niagara International Airport's terminal:

  • Alamo – Booth located upstairs on the departures level ticketing lobby.
  • Avis – Primary counter downstairs in baggage claim area.
  • Budget – Pickup desk situated upstairs in the departures ticketing level.
  • Dollar – Counter located downstairs in lower-level baggage claim area.
  • Enterprise – Agency located on the upper level ticketing floor.
  • Hertz – Major counter downstairs in the airport’s baggage claim level.
  • National – Located upstairs in the departures ticketing level lobby.

Kiosks are also available in the baggage claim area to startup rental bookings before heading to counters. Some offsite rental lots with shuttle service also serve BUF Airport.

Cost to Rent a Car at BUF Airport

Daily rental rates at Buffalo Airport vary based on vehicle type, demand seasons, booking timing, and additional services. Here are typical BUF sample rates:

Car ClassAverage Cost Per Day
Economy$35 - $60
Compact$40 - $70
Midsize$55 - $90
Standard SUV$80 - $120
Full Size$100 - $150

Weekly rentals offer per day discounts. Add-ons like GPS, extra insurance, WiFi boost costs. Always compare total quote pricing across companies.

How to Get the Cheapest BUF Car Rental

Key strategies for securing the lowest Buffalo Airport rental rates include:

  • Early booking - Reserve 21-56 days out for best prices on travel weeks. Last minute deals can happen too though.
  • Prepay - Paying full rental cost upfront yields discounts over pay later options. Just ensure fee is refundable if plans change.
  • Compare rates - Check for lowest prices across airport and local Buffalo rental companies. Significant differences exist.
  • Find coupons - Search for Buffalo Airport rental coupon codes that offer percent savings off base rates.
  • Use corporate codes - Book with discounted rates from employer or organizational promo codes when available.
  • Limit insurance - Decline extra insurance products if your own auto policy or credit card covers rentals sufficiently.

Taking advantage of these savings tips yields the most budget-friendly options.

Insider Tips for the Cheapest BUF Car Rentals

In addition to general savings strategies, utilize these Buffalo Airport specific hacks:

  • Rent just off-airport to avoid airport fees and taxes adding 10-25% to costs.
  • Book downtown Buffalo pickup with airport dropoff to dodge one-way surcharges.
  • Ask about any undriven inventory needing relocation to snag employee discounts.
  • Consider Turo, GetAround and other sharing sites for hourly rentals under 4 hours.
  • BUF prices are lowest in Jan-Feb off-season and higher in peak late spring to early fall.

Doing your rental homework unlocks extra savings opportunities in the Buffalo market.

Added Fees to Watch For on BUF Rentals

While base rates may appear reasonable, added charges at pickup can drive up the total rental cost. Watch for fees like:

  • Airport concession recovery fees - 7.75% tacked on
  • Vehicle licensing recovery fees - $1 per day passed on cost
  • Additional driver fees - $10-$15 daily for extra authorized drivers.
  • Young renter surcharges - Under 25 upcharges around $25 per day.
  • Late return or early return - Outside grace period adds extra day charge.

Understand the full rate details and restrictions to avoid surprises later on.

Age Requirements for BUF Car Rentals

Most Buffalo Airport rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Those under 25 face daily surcharges. Some example policies:

  • Avis - Minimum rental age is 20 with added young renter fees
  • Budget - Age 20 but with substantial daily underage upcharge
  • Dollar - Minimum age to rent is 20 years old
  • Hertz - Renter must be at least 20 years old
  • Enterprise - Minimum age to rent is 20 years old

While legally able to rent at 18 or 19 in New York, extra costs make it far pricier.

Driver’s License Requirements for BUF Car Rentals

Along with minimum age policies, renting at Buffalo Airport requires:

  • Presenting a valid driver's license
  • License must have been held for at least 1 year
  • License must be in renter's name matching the reservation
  • International travelers require passport and valid foreign license

Some locations may also accept other official state or federal issued IDs. Verify license terms when booking to avoid issues.

Debit Cards for BUF Car Rentals

Most rental companies at Buffalo Niagara International Airport accept debit cards to reserve and pickup vehicles with a few conditions:

  • Debit card must have either the Visa or Mastercard logo
  • Card holder's name must match the reservation
  • Some insurers restrict debit cards for under 25 renters
  • Available balance must cover the rental deposit amount
  • Proof of return travel may be required

Calling rental counters directly about debit policies prevents potential problems. Have a backup credit card available just in case.

Insurance Requirements for BUF Car Rentals

New York State requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/10 for rental vehicles. However, most rental companies automatically include basic liability coverage in their rental rates nationwide. Consider extras:

  • Loss Damage Waiver - Optional coverage for damage to the rental car if you lack sufficient personal auto insurance.
  • Supplemental liability - Provides higher liability limits above state minimums for added protection.
  • Personal accident insurance - Covers medical costs for driver and passengers which may exceed your own health insurance.

Assess your existing coverage when deciding if to accept pricier added insurance products. But they quickly drive up total rental costs.

One Way Airport Rentals at BUF

Renting one-way with downtown Buffalo pickup and airport dropoff (or vice versa) allows added flexibility. However, significant one-way fees usually apply:

  • Alamo tacks on $200 for BUF airport one way rentals
  • Avis adds $150 plus $20 per day for Buffalo airport one way
  • Budget charges an extra $200 for BUF airport one way
  • Hertz adds $200-$300 depending on selected dropoff location

Sometimes regular roundtrip rates can be cheaper than the base one-way rate plus large surcharges. Check both pricing options.

Weather Considerations for BUF Car Rentals

Buffalo's major lake effect snow requires extra winter rental precautions:

  • Add supplemental liability insurance for peace of mind driving in heavy snow.
  • Inspect tires and request a different vehicle if treads seem inadequate for conditions.
  • Adjust driving to be cautious by reducing speed, increasing distance between cars, and avoiding sudden acceleration/braking.
  • Completely clear snow/ice off rental upon return to avoid exterior damage fees.

Take simple steps to make winter BUF rentals safe and avoid common cold weather headaches.

Alternative Buffalo Transportation Options

Besides renting a car, Buffalo offers other transportation choices:

  • NFTA Bus/Rail – Extensive metro area bus routes and above ground rail line. $2 fare.
  • Buffalo Airport Taxi – Metered cabs with $30 fare to downtown plus tips.
  • Uber/Lyft – Rideshares average $20-35 each way between airport and Buffalo city.
  • Amtrak - Direct train route available from downtown Buffalo to NYC and Toronto.

Crunching total trip costs helps identify the best local transportation value.

Early Bird vs Last Minute Buffalo Airport Deals

Early Bird Benefits

  • Guaranteed availability of vehicle needed
  • Lock in lowest base rental rates
  • More prepaid discount opportunities
  • Advance chance to find coupon codes
  • Less stress about arrangements

Last Minute Benefits

  • Possible leftover inventory not booked
  • Take advantage of rate drops from low demand weeks
  • No change fees if trip gets cancelled or altered
  • Can base decision on accurate weather forecasts

Booking early provides peace of mind while waiting for last minute deals poses risks. Carefully weigh options when timing Buffalo Airport rentals.

Buffalo Airport Rental Car Return Tips

Follow these handy tips when returning your rental vehicle at BUF:

  • Have your rental agreement handy to reference upon arrival.
  • Return with a full tank of gas to avoid refueling charges.
  • Note exact mileage and fuel level on printed return receipt.
  • Inspect vehicle thoroughly with agent for new damages needing documentation.
  • Remove all personal items before exiting vehicle to complete return.
  • Only exit once the agent confirms the return to avoid extra charges.

Properly closing out your BUF rental ensures correct final billing and no surprise fees.

How to Save on Buffalo Airport Parking

Parking on-site at BUF gets expensive. Ways to reduce parking costs:

  • Use BUF economy lots instead of pricey hourly garages or valet parking.
  • Compare daily vs weekly parking rates based on total trip length.
  • Use off-airport private lots with free airport shuttles for extended trips.
  • Have someone drop you off/pickup up at departures instead of leaving a vehicle parked.

Getting creative avoids the high daily terminal garage parking rates.

FAQs

What is the cheapest car rental company at Buffalo Airport?

Off-airport rental providers like Advantage Rent a Car often have the lowest total rates once airport fees are factored in.

Does BUF Airport charge extra rental car fees?

Yes, a 7.75% concession recovery fee plus $1 per day vehicle licensing fee gets tacked on for airport rentals.

How old do I need to be to rent a car at Buffalo Airport?

Age 21 is required for most rental companies. Those under 25 will have substantial daily surcharges.

Can I take a BUF rental car into Canada?

Yes, notify the counter at pickup that you plan to cross the border and they will provide proper registration documents.

Are shuttles available from rental lots to the BUF terminal?

Yes, off-airport rental providers run free shuttles between their rental lots and the airport terminal.

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