Couple walking with luggage towards their grey Nissan Pathfinder rental car at night at the airport.

Is there a 24/7 car rental service if my flight arrives late?

Explains how late night and 24 hour car rentals work at major US airports, what to do if your flight is delayed, and ...

4 min read

Quick Summary

  • Many large US airport locations keep rental desks open very late, and some operate around the clock.
  • Suppliers often stay open past scheduled closing when they know a confirmed customer is landing on a delayed flight.
  • Booking in advance with Hola Car Rentals and adding your flight number makes late night pick up much easier.

How late night airport car rentals really work

Arriving after dark can be stressful when you still need to collect your vehicle, but large hub airports are used to late arrivals. Counters at major locations often open early in the morning and close well after midnight, and a few operate 24 hours a day. Even when the desk itself is not officially open all night, on site staff may stay back to handle confirmed reservations from late running flights.

The key detail is that this flexibility is usually reserved for travellers who already have a booking. Walking up to the counter without a reservation after closing time is unlikely to work. When you secure your vehicle through Hola Car Rentals, you can see typical opening hours for each supplier and pick a brand that matches your schedule.

Choosing the best location for a late arrival

On airport depots attached to the terminal or a dedicated rental centre are almost always the best choice for very late arrivals. They are designed to follow flight schedules and are easier to reach after a long journey than remote lots with limited shuttle services. For example, if you have a night time flight into central Florida, it can be worth booking Orlando Airport car rental desks instead of an off airport office that closes early.

The same logic applies at other hubs. Travellers landing in Nevada might prefer late night Las Vegas pick up options, while those heading to California could choose a supplier based in the official facility shown under Los Angeles Airport pick up area information. Hola Car Rentals lets you filter for airport locations so you can focus on the depots most likely to offer extended hours.

What happens if your flight is delayed?

Delays are common, but they do not have to mean losing your car. When you complete your booking with Hola Car Rentals, always add your flight number so the rental company can track arrival times. Many big brands keep staff on duty past posted opening hours if they can see that customers with reservations are still in the air.

If you suspect a serious delay, use airport Wi Fi to check your confirmation email and call the local number shown on your voucher. Let the team know your new landing time and keep a note of the name of the person you spoke to. Having a flexible rate with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up through Hola Car Rentals can also help, as it gives you more options if you end up needing to shift plans by a day.

After hours options and backup plans

Some locations support after hours key collection or drop off, but this is less common for first time pick up and usually needs to be arranged well in advance. You might be asked to complete paperwork earlier in the day or use a safe box at the depot. If this is important to you, check the terms carefully before you book and confirm details directly with the supplier shown on your Hola Car Rentals voucher.

It is also sensible to have a fallback plan. If your flight is severely delayed and you miss the last pick up slot, staying overnight at an airport hotel and collecting the car first thing in the morning may be more realistic than trying to improvise transport in the small hours. Hola Car Rentals makes it easy to shorten or extend a booking so that your rental dates still fit with your new schedule.

FAQs

Are all airport car rentals open 24/7? Not every airport location runs around the clock, but many large hubs have very long opening hours and will stay open late for confirmed reservations. Smaller regional airports are more likely to close earlier at night.

Will the rental company wait if my flight is delayed? If you have a reservation, add your flight number and contact details, and your delay is within reasonable limits, most big brands will do their best to wait or arrange a solution. It is still essential to call if you know you will land well after the published closing time.

Can I collect a car without a booking after midnight? Relying on walk up rentals late at night is risky, because counters may already be closed and remaining vehicles limited. Booking ahead with Hola Car Rentals gives you far more certainty that a car and staff will be available when you land.

What can I do if the counter is closed when I arrive? First, check your confirmation email for any after hours instructions, such as where to find staff in the car park or how to use an emergency number. If there is no solution that night, staying at a nearby hotel and collecting the vehicle the next morning is usually safer than trying to drive tired in an unfamiliar city.

If your itinerary includes a late or overnight arrival, securing your vehicle in advance with Hola Car Rentals and choosing a supplier with long opening hours is the simplest way to make sure your car is waiting for you when you step off the plane.