VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Burlington include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Burlington, including Thrifty, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected Thrifty rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Burlington.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Burlington when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Thrifty booking in Burlington are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the Thrifty counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the Thrifty counter in Burlington charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with Thrifty to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where is the Thrifty counter at Burlington Airport (BTV)?
The Thrifty counter at Burlington International Airport (BTV) is located inside the main terminal. After collecting your bags, follow the overhead signs to "Rental Cars" and you will reach the Thrifty desk without needing a shuttle or any external transport.
Once you complete the paperwork at the counter, staff will guide you to your vehicle in the adjacent parking garage. The entire process from baggage claim to driving away typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, though wait times can vary depending on demand.
Thrifty also operates an off-airport location at 1335 Shelburne Road, South Burlington, VT 05403, approximately 3.9 miles from BTV. That site requires separate transport and does not have the same terminal convenience as the on-airport counter. If your booking is for the Shelburne Road location, confirm the address before arriving so you arrange transport accordingly.
What are the Thrifty counter hours at the Burlington Shelburne Road location?
The Thrifty location at 1335 Shelburne Road, South Burlington (the main off-airport site serving Burlington) operates Monday through Friday from 07:30 to 17:00. No Saturday or Sunday hours have been confirmed for this location.
If you plan to pick up or return your Thrifty vehicle in Burlington outside those hours, contact the counter directly in advance to confirm whether after-hours arrangements are available. Key-drop return options are not confirmed for this site.
For the on-airport Thrifty counter at Burlington International Airport (BTV), hours may differ. Always verify the operating hours on your booking confirmation before travel, as hours can change on public holidays. Arriving outside service hours without prior arrangement may result in your booking being held for up to 24 hours before it is forfeited.
Does Vermont have toll roads I need to worry about with my Thrifty rental in Burlington?
Vermont has no interstate toll highways, so driving around Burlington and most of the state with your Thrifty rental will not involve electronic toll systems like E-ZPass or cashless gantries.
The only toll facilities in Vermont are three seasonal mountain toll roads, none of which are near Burlington itself:
- Mt. Equinox Skyline Drive (Manchester area): US$20 per car plus US$5 per extra passenger, paid in cash at the booth
- Burke Mountain toll road: US$5 per vehicle or US$15 all-day pass, paid in cash
- Mt. Mansfield toll road (Stowe area): US$26 per car plus US$9.50 per extra passenger, credit card only
Because these are manual pay-at-gate roads with no cameras or plate-based billing, the standard Thrifty toll transponder programs do not apply here. If you do not have the correct payment method at the gate, access is simply denied and no rental surcharge or violation is generated.
Vermont also has no congestion charges or emissions zones affecting Burlington drivers.
Can I get Tolls Cashback on my Thrifty rental in Burlington?
Yes, Tolls Cashback is included on all Hola Car Rentals bookings, including your Thrifty rental in Burlington.
Vermont has no highway tolls near Burlington, but if your trip takes you to neighboring states such as New Hampshire or New York where tolls are common, you can claim back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during the rental period.
To claim, email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your Thrifty vehicle in Burlington with the following:
- Your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation
- The rental agreement signed at the Thrifty counter
- A receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your reservation and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What documents do I need to pick up my Thrifty rental car in Burlington?
When collecting your Thrifty vehicle in Burlington, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- Your original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card (debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security hold)
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. For licenses in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and cannot be used without the original license.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Thrifty counter in Burlington.
Is a credit card required to pick up a Thrifty car in Burlington?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required at the Thrifty counter in Burlington to cover the security deposit hold.
The card must have the driver's name printed on it and carry sufficient available credit. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital-wallet-only cards are not accepted for the deposit, even if you have already prepaid your booking online.
At most U.S. locations, including Burlington, the typical security hold on a standard vehicle is approximately US$300 to US$400. This is a temporary authorization, not a charge, and is released after you return the Thrifty vehicle. Your bank controls how quickly the hold disappears from your available balance, which can take up to 15 business days.
It is a good idea to bring a backup credit card in your own name in case your primary card is declined, and to notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent the authorization from being flagged as suspicious.
Are there extra airport fees when picking up a Thrifty car at Burlington BTV?
Yes, picking up a Thrifty vehicle at Burlington International Airport (BTV) adds several location-based fees on top of the base rental rate. These are standard charges at U.S. airport locations and are not unique to Thrifty.
Typical fees at Burlington BTV include:
- Vermont state rental tax of approximately 6% plus a 1% local option tax for Burlington and Chittenden County
- An airport concession recovery fee of roughly 10% to 12% of the base rate, typically US$5 to US$15 per day
- A customer facility charge of approximately US$4.50 per day
If your booking confirmation shows "Taxes and Fees: Included," you should not be billed separately for those items at the Thrifty counter in Burlington. If you are charged for something not listed on your confirmation, Hola Car Rentals' No Extra Charges© Coverage can help resolve or reimburse the discrepancy after verification.
Renting from the off-airport Thrifty location at 1335 Shelburne Road in South Burlington can reduce costs by avoiding some airport-specific fees, though you will need to arrange your own transport to that site.
What is the minimum age to rent a Thrifty car in Burlington, Vermont?
The minimum age to rent a Thrifty car in Burlington without a young-renter surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will be charged an additional daily underage fee at the counter.
For Thrifty (part of the Hertz group), the young-renter surcharge is US$13.50 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes.
Drivers under 25 are also restricted from renting certain vehicle classes in Burlington. Categories such as full-size, SUV, luxury, premium, minivan, and convertible are typically reserved for renters aged 25 and older. Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are generally available to younger drivers.
Vermont is not one of the states (New York and Michigan) where rental companies are required by law to rent to drivers aged 18 and over, so the standard Thrifty policy applies in Burlington.
Regardless of age, all drivers must present a valid driver's license, a major credit card in their name, and any required identification documents at the Burlington counter.
What travel assistance is included with my Thrifty booking in Burlington?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Thrifty rentals in Burlington, include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This benefit is particularly useful if you experience a medical emergency or other travel disruption while driving in Vermont.
Core benefits typically include:
- Travel and medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you need assistance while on the road near Burlington, contact the provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this travel assistance benefit does not apply to customers who are residents of the United States or Canada. It also does not cover damage to the Thrifty rental vehicle itself (that is covered by CDW/LDW) or third-party liability (covered by LIS/SLI). Always review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
How does Burlington's road layout affect driving a Thrifty rental car?
Burlington has undergone significant road changes in recent years that can catch first-time drivers off guard, especially if you are accustomed to more car-centric U.S. cities.
Key things to be aware of when driving your Thrifty rental in Burlington:
- Several major streets have been converted to complete streets, meaning lanes have been narrowed and space reallocated to bike lanes and pedestrian crossings. Colchester Avenue, for example, was reduced from four auto lanes to three with protected bike lanes.
- University Place Street is now one-way with tightened turn radii, elevated pedestrian crossings, and reduced parking. Drivers must yield more frequently than on standard roads.
- The Champlain Parkway (Phase 1 recently opened) connects to a former I-189 interchange but functions as a narrow two-lane urban road with a 25 mph speed limit, sidewalks, bike lanes, and landscaped medians. It does not feel like a freeway despite the interchange entry.
- Vermont has no automated speed cameras or red-light cameras statewide, so enforcement relies on visible police presence, particularly in construction zones.
Taking extra care at intersections with bike lanes and being prepared for slower urban speeds will make driving your Thrifty rental in Burlington a smoother experience.
Can I return my Thrifty rental car in a different city from Burlington?
Yes, one-way rentals are possible with Thrifty, allowing you to pick up in Burlington and return the vehicle at a different location. However, a drop-off fee will typically apply and the amount varies depending on the destination, vehicle class, and season.
When booking, the one-way or drop-off fee is shown on the rate details page under the "To pay at destination" section. This fee is not prepaid and is collected at the Thrifty counter in Burlington or at the return location.
Some routes may not be available for one-way rentals, particularly cross-border trips or remote destinations. Cross-border travel (for example, driving your Thrifty rental from Burlington into Canada) may be restricted or require prior authorization from the rental partner. Always check your booking confirmation for any territory restrictions before crossing state or National borders.
If you need to change your drop-off location after booking, contact support as soon as possible, since route changes can reprice the rental and may affect availability.
What fuel policy applies to Thrifty rentals in Burlington?
Thrifty rentals in Burlington follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
To avoid fuel fees when returning your Thrifty car in Burlington:
- Check the fuel gauge with the agent at pick-up and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge at the start of the rental
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location. Fuel stations along Williston Road (U.S. Route 2) are within 1 to 2 miles of the Burlington area Thrifty sites
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, Thrifty may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus an administrative service fee.
For after-hours returns at the Shelburne Road location, leave the fuel receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as evidence.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty rental in Burlington?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty rental in Burlington, but whether it is free or charged depends on your specific rate.
For Thrifty (part of the Hertz group), the additional driver fee when not included in your rate is US$13.50 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes for the rental period. Check your booking confirmation to see if an additional driver is already included at no extra cost.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Burlington Thrifty counter:
- The additional driver must be present at pick-up with a valid driver's license
- They must meet the same minimum age requirements (25, or 21 to 24 with a young-renter surcharge)
- If their license uses a non-Latin alphabet, they will also need an International Driving Permit
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
Only drivers listed on the Thrifty rental agreement in Burlington are covered by the vehicle's protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage. Anyone who drives without being named on the contract may void those protections entirely.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
Suggested Currencies
- $ USD - United States Dollar
- € EUR - Euro
Other Countries
-
Albania
-
Algeria
-
Andorra
-
Angola
-
Antigua & Barbuda
-
Argentina
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Bahamas
-
Bahrain
-
Bangladesh
-
Barbados
-
Belgium
-
Belize
-
Benin
-
Bermuda
-
Bolivia
-
Bosnia & Herzegovina
-
Botswana
-
Brazil
-
British Virgin Islands
-
Bulgaria
-
Burkina Faso
-
Burundi
-
Cameroon
-
Canada
-
Cape Verde
-
Cayman Islands
-
Central African Republic
-
Chad
-
Chile
-
Colombia
-
Comoros
-
Congo - Brazzaville
-
Congo - Kinshasa
-
Costa Rica
-
Côte d’Ivoire
-
Croatia
-
Curaçao
-
Cyprus
-
Czechia
-
Denmark
-
Djibouti
-
Dominica
-
Dominican Republic
-
Ecuador
-
Egypt
-
El Salvador
-
Equatorial Guinea
-
Eritrea
-
Estonia
-
Eswatini
-
Ethiopia
-
Finland
-
France
-
Gabon
-
Gambia
-
Germany
-
Ghana
-
Greece
-
Grenada
-
Guatemala
-
Guinea
-
Guinea-Bissau
-
Guyana
-
Haiti
-
Honduras
-
Hong Kong SAR
-
Hungary
-
Iceland
-
India
-
Iraq
-
Ireland
-
Israel
-
Italy
-
Jamaica
-
Japan
-
Jordan
-
Kenya
-
Kuwait
-
Latvia
-
Lebanon
-
Lesotho
-
Liberia
-
Libya
-
Liechtenstein
-
Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
-
Madagascar
-
Malawi
-
Mali
-
Malta
-
Mauritania
-
Mauritius
-
Mexico
-
Moldova
-
Monaco
-
Montenegro
-
Morocco
-
Mozambique
-
Namibia
-
Netherlands
-
New Zealand
-
Nicaragua
-
Niger
-
Nigeria
-
Norway
-
Oman
-
Palestinian Territories
-
Panama
-
Paraguay
-
Peru
-
Philippines
-
Poland
-
Portugal
-
Qatar
-
Romania
-
Russia
-
Rwanda
-
San Marino
-
São Tomé & Príncipe
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Senegal
-
Serbia
-
Seychelles
-
Sierra Leone
-
Singapore
-
Sint Maarten
-
Slovakia
-
Slovenia
-
Somalia
-
South Africa
-
South Korea
-
South Sudan
-
Spain
-
St. Lucia
-
St. Vincent & Grenadines
-
Sudan
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
-
Taiwan
-
Tanzania
-
Togo
-
Trinidad & Tobago
-
Tunisia
-
Türkiye
-
Turks & Caicos Islands
-
Uganda
-
Ukraine
-
United Arab Emirates
-
United Kingdom
-
United States
-
Uruguay
-
Vatican City
-
Venezuela
-
Yemen
-
Zambia
-
Zimbabwe