Hertz Car Hire
El Paso

At El Paso International Airport (ELP) the Hertz hire car desks are conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you disembark and collect your luggage from baggage reclaim, simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars." The desks are typically grouped together in a dedicated area on the lower level, making it a short, easy walk. Once you have completed the paperwork you will be directed to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the vehicles are staged for collection.

Finding the Hertz collection area at ELP late at night is straightforward, as the airport is well lit and clearly signposted. The rental car facilities are integrated with the main terminal, so you won't need to navigate confusing external airport roads on foot. After collecting your bags, follow the prominent internal signs for "Rental Cars" to the desk area. Staff will then guide you to the connected car park where your vehicle is located — a process designed to be simple and secure at any hour.

For a low-stress experience when travelling with family and luggage, it's wise to allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you drive away. This accounts for disembarking, a toilet break, and waiting for your bags at the carousel. The walk to the Hertz desk is short, but you should factor in potential queues. This buffer also gives you unhurried time to install child seats and get everyone settled in the vehicle before starting your El Paso journey.

The most direct and low-stress route to Downtown El Paso is to take Airway Boulevard south from the airport to I-10 West. This major interstate is the primary artery through the city, and the exits for downtown are clearly marked. For a more relaxed drive, try to stay in the centre or right-hand lanes until you see signs for your specific exit, such as Downtown or Mesa Street. This approach helps you avoid the faster traffic in the far-left lane and gives you plenty of time to manoeuvre for your exit.

You’ll find the drive to The Fountains at Farah or Cielo Vista Mall to be one of the easiest from the airport. Both popular shopping and lodging areas are very close to ELP on the city’s east side. Simply exit the airport and take Airway Boulevard north for a short distance to I-10 East. From there it’s only a couple of exits to reach your destination. The entire drive is typically under 10 minutes, making it a perfect introductory drive to the city’s layout.

The most direct route to UTEP is to take Airway Boulevard from the airport to I-10 West and continue for about eight miles. To avoid confusion on arrival, it’s best to input a specific car park into your satnav rather than just the university’s general address. The Sun Bowl Parking Garage is an excellent, centrally located option for visitors. Exiting I-10 at Schuster Avenue will lead you directly towards the campus and clear signage for visitor parking, helping you avoid circling busy university streets.

Interstate 10, the main east–west corridor through El Paso, experiences the most congestion during typical weekday commute hours. Expect the heaviest traffic from roughly 07:00 to 09:00 and again from 16:00 to 18:00. During these times traffic moves quickly and lane changes can be abrupt, which might feel stressful for a first-time visitor. Driving through the central part of the city during midday or later in the evening is generally a much more relaxed experience.

The interchange connecting I-10, US-54 and Loop 375, locally known as the "Spaghetti Bowl," is the most complex in El Paso. Lanes split and merge with very little warning, making it a common spot for missed exits. It’s highly advisable to use a satnav with lane-assist guidance when navigating this area. Another tricky spot can be the series of exits for Downtown and UTEP on I-10, which come up in quick succession and require you to be in the correct lane well in advance.

The areas along I-10, particularly near the airport and major shopping centres on the east and west sides, can be confusing due to the extensive use of frontage roads. Your satnav might instruct you to "turn right" when it actually means you should exit the highway onto the parallel frontage road to access a business. The downtown area also features several one-way streets and quick turns that can challenge navigation systems. Keeping an eye on the map view in addition to listening to audio cues can help clarify these situations.

After leaving the Hertz car park, a great option is to pull into a large, open car park of a nearby shopping centre on Airway Boulevard or Gateway Boulevard. These lots offer plenty of space to park away from other cars, giving you all the time you need. You can comfortably install child seats, rearrange your luggage in the boot, and programme your satnav for your first destination. This quick stop allows you to get fully situated in a calm environment before merging into city traffic.

The desert sun in El Paso is incredibly bright, and glare can be a significant driving hazard. The most challenging times are during sunrise when heading east and during sunset when driving west. At these times the sun is low on the horizon, making it hard to see traffic lights, signs and other vehicles. A good pair of sunglasses is essential for any driver in the region, and you should make frequent use of your car’s sun visors.

Driving on a high-wind day in El Paso can feel unsettling, as strong gusts can push your vehicle, especially if you’re in a larger SUV. During a severe dust storm, or haboob, visibility can drop to near zero in an instant, creating extremely dangerous conditions. The standard safety protocol is to pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible, turn off all lights, and wait for the storm to pass. Travellers should always check the local weather forecast before setting out, especially for longer drives outside the city.

The drive to Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is a straightforward trip east on US-62/180. However, access to the park itself is strictly limited to protect its fragile resources, and reservations are almost always required. It is crucial to call the park or check its official website well in advance of your visit to secure a spot for self-guided access or a tour. Arriving without a reservation, especially at the weekend, will likely result in being turned away at the gate.

Franklin Mountains State Park is easily accessible from different parts of the city. The most popular entrance for hiking is the Tom Mays Unit, best reached by taking I-10 West to the Transmountain Road (Loop 375) exit and heading east. For a scenic drive through the mountains without hiking, you can take Transmountain Road across from west to east El Paso. This route provides stunning views and access points to various trailheads and picnic areas along the way.

For breathtaking city views, a trip up Scenic Drive is a must and requires no walking at all. The road is easily accessed from central El Paso via Rim Road. The drive itself is winding and beautiful, with several pull-outs for photos on the way to the main overlook at the top. Parking at the overlook is limited and can fill up quickly, especially around sunset, which is the most popular time to visit. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to secure a spot.

Driving the El Paso Mission Trail is a lovely half-day trip that explores the region’s rich history. The most logical sequence is to start at the Ysleta Mission, the closest to central El Paso. From there you continue south-east along the scenic Socorro Road to visit the Socorro Mission and then the San Elizario Presidio Chapel. This linear route allows you to see all three historic sites efficiently before you can easily loop back to the city via I-10.

Parking near the Museum of Art and other attractions like San Jacinto Plaza can be challenging due to limited on-street spaces. The most convenient and stress-free strategy for visitors is to use one of the numerous paid public car parks or surface lots in the area. The Convention Centre car park is a large, central option. Parking once and exploring the compact downtown area on foot is far easier than trying to find a new spot for each destination.

When attending an event at the Sun Bowl or Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus, the key to a smooth arrival is planning ahead. Expect heavy traffic on I-10 near the university exits leading up to the event time. The best plan is to leave early and pre-purchase parking online if it’s offered for your event. Follow the electronic signs and traffic marshals on campus, as they will guide you to the designated event parking areas, which is much simpler than searching for scarce on-street parking.

As a civilian visitor driving to Fort Bliss, you cannot enter through just any gate. You must first go to a Visitor Control Centre (VCC) to obtain a pass. The VCCs at the Buffalo Soldier Gate (off Airport Rd) and the Chaffee Gate (off US-54) are the primary access points for the public. Do not simply follow your satnav to the closest gate, as it may be restricted to military personnel. Always check the official Fort Bliss website for the most current visitor access policies and VCC hours before your trip.

Absolutely — a day trip to White Sands National Park is one of the most popular excursions from El Paso and is very realistic with a hire car. The drive takes about 90 minutes each way. A highly recommended plan is to leave El Paso in the early afternoon, allowing you to arrive at the park when the midday heat has subsided. This timing is perfect for enjoying the landscape in the late-afternoon light, watching the sunset over the dunes, and then driving back to El Paso after dark.

The drive to Alamogordo is primarily on US-54, a long and straight road through the desert landscape which can lead to driver fatigue. To make the trip more comfortable, ensure you are well rested before you start. It’s a good idea to have water and snacks in the car, as services are limited between El Paso and Alamogordo. Plan to take a short break midway through the drive to get out, stretch your legs, and refresh yourself before continuing on.

The drive from El Paso to Las Cruces is a quick and easy trip west on I-10. However, visitors are often surprised by traffic congestion that can build up near the Texas–New Mexico state line, especially during weekday commute times. When returning to El Paso you will also pass through a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on I-10 East. While traffic usually moves through it quickly, there can occasionally be delays, so it’s wise to factor in a little extra time for your return journey.

A day trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park requires careful planning due to its remote location. The drive is about two hours east via US-62/180. It is essential that you fill up your petrol tank and stock up on all necessary water, food and snacks in El Paso before you depart. There are no reliable services for fuel or supplies near the park entrance. Most visitors leave El Paso early in the morning to maximise their daylight hours for hiking and plan to be back before nightfall.

The drive from El Paso to Carlsbad Caverns National Park takes about 2.5 hours and is mostly on US-62/180 through remote, open desert. To make the journey more manageable, many travellers plan a brief stop in Whites City, the small town at the park’s turnoff, for a restroom break before making the final scenic drive up to the visitor centre. Given the length of the drive and the time needed to explore the caverns, it’s best to start your day early from El Paso to avoid feeling rushed.

The drive from El Paso to Marfa is about three hours long on I-10 and then US-90. While it can be done in one go, some travellers prefer to break it up. A common place to stop for fuel and a quick meal is the town of Van Horn, located at the junction of I-10 and US-90. For those wanting a more scenic overnight stop, driving a bit further to Fort Davis allows for a visit to Davis Mountains State Park or the McDonald Observatory before making the short final drive to Marfa the next day.

While El Paso’s major highways like I-10 are generally well lit, many residential and outlying roads can be quite dark, reducing visibility. Lane markings may be harder to see, so it’s important to drive cautiously. Unfamiliar interchanges and exits that are manageable during the day can feel more challenging at night. Relying on your satnav for audible, turn-by-turn directions can be extremely helpful in navigating complex splits and turns after dark.

The Downtown Art and Farmers Market, held in the Union Plaza District, is a popular weekend event where on-street parking fills up very quickly. For a hassle-free visit, the most reliable strategy is to park in one of the large, centrally located public car parks, such as the one at the Convention Centre. Using a paid car park or lot allows you to park once and enjoy the market and nearby downtown sights on foot without the stress of watching a meter.

When driving in the city centre near the international bridges, it’s important to be extra attentive to road signs. Streets like Santa Fe, Stanton and El Paso Street have specific traffic patterns, including one-way sections and dedicated lanes for traffic heading into Mexico. Satnav systems can sometimes get confused in this area, so it’s wise to drive slowly, watch for "Do Not Enter" signs, and be prepared for traffic to merge from unexpected directions.

For a relatively quick drive across town, I-10 is generally the most efficient route, connecting the west and east sides directly. While it can have its own rush-hour congestion, it avoids the numerous traffic lights of surface streets like Mesa Street or Montana Avenue. For a more scenic alternative that bypasses central city traffic, you can take Loop 375. This route goes over the Franklin Mountains via Transmountain Road, offering spectacular views, though it may take slightly longer.

A common mistake is exiting onto a frontage road too early or too late for a destination, leading to confusion. These roads run parallel to the main highway, providing access to businesses. The key is to watch road signs carefully; they will indicate which exit to take for specific streets or shopping centres. If your satnav tells you to turn but you’re still on the highway, it almost always means you need to take the next exit onto the frontage road to complete the manoeuvre.

When choosing a vehicle size, consider both your luggage needs and the ease of driving in a new city. While a large SUV offers ample space for bags, a mid-size SUV or a full-size saloon often provides a better balance. These vehicles typically have generous boot space while being easier to manoeuvre and park in city car parks and hotel lots. It’s helpful to check the estimated luggage capacity for different car classes when you book to ensure a comfortable fit for your gear.

For long family drives to destinations like White Sands or Carlsbad Caverns, rear-seat comfort is key to a pleasant trip. When selecting a vehicle, consider features like ample rear legroom and dedicated rear air vents, which are invaluable in the desert heat. An SUV or MPV can also provide better visibility for children to enjoy the scenery. Having enough space for everyone to be comfortable can make a significant difference on a multi-hour journey.

Immediately after leaving the airport you’ll find numerous convenient options for stocking up. Just north of ELP, along Airway Boulevard and Gateway Boulevard West, there are several large grocery stores and supercentres like Target and Walmart. These stores are perfect for a quick and efficient stop to grab water, snacks, sunscreen and any other provisions you need for your hotel or for a road trip to nearby parks and attractions.

To capture the best light, photographers plan their drives to arrive at their location well before the golden hour. For a classic sunset shot, head to Scenic Drive Overlook or drive west on Transmountain Road (Loop 375), aiming to be there 30–45 minutes before sunset. For sunrise, a drive east on US-62/180 towards Hueco Tanks will position you to photograph the mountains as they catch the first morning light. Always factor in driving time to ensure you don’t miss the brief window of optimal light.

When driving on mountain roads like Transmountain Road or Scenic Drive, it’s important to maintain a safe and controlled speed. On steep downhill sections, select a lower gear to let the engine assist with braking, which prevents your brakes from overheating. Always stay alert for sharp curves, cyclists sharing the road, and potential wildlife. Use the designated pull-outs and viewpoints to stop and enjoy the scenery safely rather than slowing down in a travel lane.

The process is designed to be very convenient for travellers. The simplest method is to first follow the airport signs for "Departures" and pull up to the kerb corresponding to your airline. Here you can unload all your passengers and luggage directly at the terminal entrance. After they are safely on their way to check-in, the driver can then follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" to drop off the vehicle, avoiding the need to haul bags from the rental facility.

For an early-morning flight, a clear plan can reduce stress. As you approach the airport, ignore the main signs for Departures or Arrivals and instead look specifically for the "Rental Car Return" signs. These will direct you into a dedicated lane that leads straight to the Hertz return area in the car park. Be sure to allow about 15–20 extra minutes in your schedule to complete the vehicle return process and then walk over to the terminal for your flight.

It’s good practice to build an extra 30 minutes into your return-day schedule for final preparations. There are many petrol stations located along Airway Boulevard and other main roads just a few minutes from the airport, making it easy to refuel. Use this stop to also do a thorough check of the car for any personal belongings in the glovebox, under the seats and in the boot. This small time buffer ensures a smooth, unhurried return process.

For a weekend trip, a hire car is indispensable for reaching attractions spread across the region, such as Franklin Mountains State Park, the Mission Trail, or day trips to New Mexico. However, if you plan to spend a day focused solely on the compact downtown area — visiting museums, San Jacinto Plaza and nearby restaurants — it’s often easier to park the car at your hotel. You can then explore on foot or use a rideshare service, saving the hassle and expense of finding multiple parking spots.

Many first-time visitors are surprised by the complexity of the frontage road system that runs parallel to I-10, which can make satnav directions confusing. Another common challenge is navigating the I-10 and US-54 "Spaghetti Bowl" interchange, where lanes split and merge quickly. Finally, travellers often underestimate the intensity of sun glare at sunrise and sunset, making sunglasses an essential piece of driving equipment. Being prepared for these local driving quirks can lead to a much smoother hire-car experience.