Car Rental
El Paso

Once you have collected your luggage from the baggage claim area, look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars." The rental car counters for most major agencies are conveniently located inside the main terminal building. You will find them in a dedicated area on the ground level, making it a straightforward walk after you claim your bags. After completing the paperwork at the counter, you will be directed to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are staged.

The process at El Paso International Airport is quite streamlined for travelers. The rental agency service counters are located within the main terminal building, so you do not need to take a shuttle or walk to a separate facility to handle the rental agreement. The vehicles themselves are housed in a multi-level rental car garage that is directly connected to the terminal. This integrated setup allows you to walk from the counter to your car in just a few minutes.

On a typical weekday afternoon, a realistic timeline from deplaning to having your rental car keys in hand can range from 45 to 75 minutes. This accounts for the time it takes to walk to baggage claim, wait for your luggage, and then proceed to the rental car counters. The biggest variable is the length of the queue at the rental agency. During peak travel times or if several flights land at once, the wait can be longer, so it's wise to build a little buffer into your schedule.

Arriving after midnight at ELP generally means a much quieter airport experience, which can make navigation easier. The rental car area is well-lit and signed, so finding it should be straightforward. However, it is crucial to confirm your rental agency's late-night hours in advance, as some counters may close. The drive away from the airport will be smooth with minimal traffic, but be sure to have your navigation ready as you'll be driving in an unfamiliar area in the dark.

The most convenient meeting point for a group at El Paso International Airport is the baggage claim area. It's a large, open space that everyone must pass through to collect their luggage, making it a natural and easy-to-find spot. You can designate a specific baggage carousel number as your meeting point. Alternatively, the general seating area just outside the security checkpoint on the arrivals level also works well, offering a slightly quieter place to gather before heading to the rental counters together.

The best place to get organized is before you even leave the rental car garage. Take a few minutes in your assigned parking spot to set your GPS, connect your phone to Bluetooth, and adjust your mirrors. If you need more time or space, the airport has a cell phone lot located just a short drive from the rental facility. This provides a safe and convenient place to pull over and finalize your plans without the pressure of being on a main road.

When leaving the ELP rental garage, you'll be directed onto Airway Boulevard. The first key decision point comes quickly as you approach the intersection with Airport Road. You'll need to be prepared to get into the correct lane for Interstate 10. The signage can feel abrupt if you're not expecting it, so have your navigation app running. You will need to choose between I-10 East for downtown and East El Paso, or I-10 West for the West Side and Las Cruces.

The most direct route to Downtown El Paso is quite simple and relies on the interstate. From the airport, you will take Airway Boulevard south for a short distance and follow the well-marked signs for I-10 East. This route gets you onto the highway quickly and avoids navigating through complex surface streets. Once on I-10 East, it's a straight shot of about 10-15 minutes to the downtown exits, such as the Downtown/Convention Center exit.

For destinations on El Paso's West Side, your primary route will be Interstate 10 West. After leaving the airport on Airway Boulevard, follow the signs to merge onto I-10 West, heading in the direction of Las Cruces. You will stay on the interstate as it curves around the southern edge of the Franklin Mountains. Mesa Street has several major exits from I-10, so you can simply take the one that corresponds most closely to your hotel's address.

Driving on I-10 during El Paso's weekday rush hours, typically from 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:30 PM, can be challenging for a visitor. Expect significant congestion and slowdowns, particularly around the central interchange known as the "Spaghetti Bowl" and on the west side of the city. Traffic can often become stop-and-go, so it's wise to allow for at least 30-45 minutes of extra travel time for any cross-city trips during these periods. Drivers are generally accustomed to the traffic, but it requires attentive driving.

Frontage roads, which run parallel to the main lanes of the highway, are essential for accessing businesses and exits in El Paso. To exit the highway, you'll often move onto the frontage road first. A key feature is the "Texas U-turn," a dedicated lane that allows you to make a U-turn under the highway to go the opposite direction without having to wait at a traffic light. While they may seem unusual at first, they are incredibly efficient once you get used to them.

The easiest way to reach the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is by taking I-10 to either the Schuster Avenue or Sun Bowl Drive exits. These exits lead you directly to the campus area. Parking can be challenging, as most lots require a university permit. Visitors should look for designated paid visitor parking garages, such as the Sun Bowl Parking Garage, or metered spots on nearby streets. Be sure to read all parking signs carefully to avoid a ticket.

The best way to experience Scenic Drive is by starting from the east side, accessing it via Richmond Avenue off of Alabama Street. This route takes you up the mountain, providing increasingly dramatic views of the city and Juárez. There are several small pull-offs along the way, but the main destination is the large overlook area at the summit. This primary overlook has a dedicated parking lot where most visitors stop for the best panoramic photos.

The most accessible area of Franklin Mountains State Park for visitors is the Tom Mays Unit, located off the Trans-Mountain Road (Loop 375). The entrance is clearly marked and leads directly to the main visitor area with several trailheads. On weekends with pleasant weather, the parking lots can start to fill up as early as 9:00 AM. For the best chance at a convenient spot and to avoid the midday heat, planning an early morning arrival is highly recommended.

A day trip to Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is straightforward but requires advance planning. The drive is about 45 minutes east of El Paso via US-62/180. The most critical logistic is that access to the park is limited to protect the site, so you must make a reservation by phone well in advance of your visit. Upon arrival, you'll check in at the visitor center, where staff will provide an orientation before you can proceed to the designated parking and hiking areas.

For a simple day trip to White Sands, plan on an early start. The drive takes about 90 minutes each way, primarily on I-10 West to Las Cruces, then US-70 East over the Organ Mountains. Pack a cooler with plenty of water and lunch, as services are limited inside the park. The main road in the park, Dunes Drive, is an easy-to-navigate loop with numerous pull-offs and parking areas for the main trailheads and picnic spots, making it very visitor-friendly.

A great plan is to take I-10 West from El Paso directly to the Mesilla exit (University Avenue). Start your day exploring the historic Old Mesilla Plaza, where you'll find ample free public parking around the central square. After enjoying Mesilla, you can drive a few miles north into the main part of Las Cruces to see its downtown or museums. From there, it's very easy to get back on I-10 East for a direct and simple return drive to El Paso.

When driving from El Paso into New Mexico on major highways like I-10, the border crossing is seamless and does not involve any stops or checkpoints. Your phone's navigation will work without interruption, guiding you just as it would in any other state. You will see a "Welcome to New Mexico" sign, and you may notice a change in road quality or speed limits, but otherwise, the transition is uneventful. It's a simple and straightforward part of any regional road trip.

Fort Bliss is a very large military installation that significantly influences El Paso's traffic. Main thoroughfares like US-54 (Patriot Freeway) and Loop 375 provide primary access to the base. Expect clear signage directing you to different gates, but remember that access onto the base itself is restricted and requires proper identification and a pass from a visitor control center. Traffic can be heavy around the base during morning and afternoon commutes due to the large number of personnel.

When visiting the Downtown Arts District, the most convenient options are the numerous public parking garages and surface lots scattered throughout the area. The Convention Center garage or the Union Plaza Transit Terminal garage are excellent, centrally located choices. These facilities offer hourly rates and are a secure place to leave your car while you explore on foot. Metered street parking is also available but can be harder to find during busy times.

Parking for the El Paso Museum of Art and other nearby attractions like the Plaza Theatre is generally manageable. The museum is located next to the Convention Center, which has a large public parking garage that is often the easiest choice for visitors. There are also other private and city-run garages within a few blocks. While metered street parking exists, using a garage allows you to park once and explore the entire area without worrying about feeding a meter.

The El Paso Zoo has a large, dedicated parking lot that is free for visitors. On busy weekends, the best strategy for easy parking is to arrive either right when the zoo opens in the morning or later in the afternoon, around 2:00 PM. The morning crowd ensures you get a prime spot before it fills up, while the afternoon arrival allows you to find a space as early visitors begin to leave. The midday period between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM is typically the most crowded.

The drive to The Outlet Shoppes is very straightforward. You'll take I-10 West from El Paso toward the New Mexico border and take the exit for Talbot Avenue/Lajoya. The outlets are highly visible from the highway, and large signs will guide you. The easiest parking entry is the main entrance directly off the frontage road, which leads into a massive, open-air lot that surrounds the entire shopping center, offering plenty of convenient spaces.

Driving during high wind and dust storms in El Paso requires extra caution. Visibility can drop dramatically in a short amount of time, making it feel like driving in thick fog. Open, exposed highways like I-10 east of the city or US-54 north are particularly susceptible to these conditions. During a severe dust storm, it is safest to pull off the road as far as possible, turn off your lights, and wait for it to pass.

Sun glare is a significant factor for drivers in El Paso, especially given the wide-open landscape. The most challenging times are during sunrise and sunset. When driving east in the morning or west in the late afternoon, the sun can be directly in your line of sight, making it very difficult to see traffic lights, signs, and other vehicles. A good pair of sunglasses is an essential piece of equipment for any driver in the region.

To avoid feeling rushed, take your time in the rental car parking garage. After one adult handles the paperwork, locate your vehicle and use the space to your advantage. Focus on getting car seats installed and secured first, without the engine running. Once the seats are ready, get the children buckled in, and then load your luggage. Only after everyone and everything is settled should you start the car and begin setting up your navigation.

A compact or mid-size SUV is often the ideal choice for navigating El Paso. This vehicle class provides enough space and comfort for highway drives to regional attractions like state and national parks. At the same time, they are still maneuverable enough to handle downtown parking garages and tighter spots in historic neighborhoods without causing undue stress. A standard sedan is also a great, easy-to-park option if you don't need the extra cargo space.

For travelers with multiple large suitcases, an SUV or a minivan is typically the best choice. Look for a vehicle with a wide, flat cargo floor and a tall, squared-off rear opening. This layout makes it much easier to stack and arrange bags efficiently. It also allows you to access an item from one suitcase without having to completely unload everything, which is a common challenge with the deep, narrow trunks found in many sedans.

A simple and effective way to organize gear for day trips is to use the trunk for bulky or dirty items. Keep a dedicated bin or tarp in the cargo area for muddy hiking boots and backpacks to contain the mess. Place a cooler with drinks and snacks on the floor of the back seat, behind the driver or passenger seat. This keeps refreshments easily accessible to everyone in the car without having to stop and open the trunk.

If your navigation fails, the most important road to know when leaving the airport is Airway Boulevard, which is the main artery you'll start on. From there, you will need to get onto Interstate 10. Look for large green highway signs that explicitly point to "I-10 East" for destinations like Downtown or "I-10 West" for destinations like Las Cruces. Following these primary signs will get you headed in the correct general direction until your navigation recovers.

For a convenient stop after picking up your car, drive north on Airway Boulevard, away from the airport entrance. Within a mile or two, you will find several large shopping centers that are easy to access. These centers contain major grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers where you can stock up on water, snacks, and any other supplies you need for your trip. This route keeps you moving forward into the city and avoids any confusing airport loops.

The most convenient fuel stations are located along Airway Boulevard, the main road that leads directly to the airport's entrance. You will find several well-known brands on both sides of the street within a mile of the rental car return area. These stations are designed for traveler traffic, with large entrances and exits that make it simple to get back on the road toward the airport without complicated turns or detours. This makes for a stress-free final stop before your flight.

Driving in El Paso at night is generally safe, as major highways like I-10 and Loop 375 are well-lit. However, the central I-10 interchange, known as the "Spaghetti Bowl," can be intimidating for first-time visitors due to its multiple lanes and merging points. It's wise to have your navigation app providing clear, turn-by-turn directions. Once you are off the main highways, some residential streets and rural roads on the outskirts of the city can be poorly lit, so reduce your speed and drive cautiously.

A great strategy for a short weekend is to use a "park and explore" method. Choose a hotel in a walkable area like Downtown or near the UTEP campus. On one day, you can park your car at the hotel and explore the immediate area on foot. On the other day, use your rental car for a single, dedicated excursion that requires driving, such as a trip to Franklin Mountains State Park or a scenic drive, before returning to your hotel's parking spot.

The most common surprise for visitors is the active enforcement of parking meters in the downtown area, so it's important to always pay for your time. Another point of caution is the residential permit parking zones, especially in the neighborhoods surrounding the UTEP campus. During major concerts or sporting events, be aware of special event parking rules and pricing, which will be posted on signs. Always double-check signage for time limits or restrictions to avoid a ticket or tow.

An excellent and easy scenic loop is combining Scenic Drive with Trans-Mountain Road. Start by driving up Scenic Drive for incredible views of the city, stopping at the main overlook. Then, head north and take Trans-Mountain Road (Loop 375) west through the Franklin Mountains. This route offers stunning desert landscapes and has several designated pull-offs for photos. The entire loop is well-paved and clearly signed, making for a relaxing and memorable drive.

To avoid exhausting night drives, it's best to dedicate a day to each major leg of the trip. For instance, drive from El Paso to White Sands National Park in the morning, which takes about 90 minutes. Spend the afternoon exploring the dunes, and then consider staying overnight in nearby Alamogordo or Las Cruces. This breaks up the driving, allows you to enjoy each location without rushing, and ensures you are not driving back on unfamiliar desert highways after dark.

The most frequent mistake drivers make is staying in the main airport traffic lanes for passenger drop-off instead of moving into the correct lane for rental car returns. As you approach the airport on Airway Boulevard, the signage will split, with specific signs for "Rental Car Return." It's crucial to follow these signs precisely, as they will direct you to a dedicated entrance. Missing this turn often requires you to circle the entire airport loop again.

The most efficient sequence is to first follow the main airport signs for "Departures." Pull up to the curb for your airline and unload all passengers and luggage. After they are safely on the sidewalk, simply continue following the departure roadway as it loops back around toward the airport entrance. On your second approach, stay in the correct lane and follow the signs specifically for "Rental Car Return" to reach the drop-off facility.

The process is designed to be very simple for travelers. Once you have returned your vehicle and finalized the paperwork in the rental car garage, you will see signs for the main terminal. These will lead you to an elevator or escalator that takes you up to a covered walkway. This walkway connects the rental facility directly to the main terminal building, placing you just a short walk from all the airline check-in counters and the security checkpoint.