Alamo Car Rental

Alamo’s rental counter is in the car rental center on the ground floor of the parkade, directly across from the terminal. After grabbing your bags, exit the arrivals level at Door 8 (near the international arrivals area). You’ll see the parkade straight ahead—cross the street, head to the lower level, and look for the Alamo counter. Clear signage points the way, and it’s a 3-minute walk tops. No shuttle needed, which is a big win compared to airports where you’re bussing to off-site lots. If you’re arriving during peak hours (before 9 AM or 2–6 PM), give yourself an extra 10 minutes for potential crowds.

Booking Tips

To score the best deal with Alamo at YEG:
– Book Early Online: Reserve at least a day in advance on Alamo’s website (alamo.ca) or aggregators like KAYAK, where rates start as low as CAD$25/day for economy cars. Last-minute bookings can spike to CAD$74 or more.
– Use Aggregators: KAYAK, DiscoverCars, or Rentcars often shave up to 30% off direct bookings. Check for promo codes or WestJet passenger discounts (up to 20% off via LoungePair if you show your boarding pass).
– Leverage Loyalty Programs: Alamo’s part of Enterprise Holdings, so Enterprise Plus members can earn points or use rewards for free rentals. Costco Travel also offers exclusive Alamo deals with skip-the-counter options if you’re a member.
– Avoid Extras: Skip add-ons like GPS or child seats unless you’re desperate—they’re cheaper to rent elsewhere or bring your own. Check your credit card’s insurance to avoid Alamo’s pricey Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
Pro tip: Add your flight number to your reservation to avoid being marked a no-show if your plane’s delayed.

Pickup Process
Alamo’s pickup at YEG is straightforward but requires prep. Head to the counter with:
– Valid driver’s license (physical, not digital; non-English licenses need an International Driving Permit).
– Credit card in the renter’s name (Visa/Mastercard; no third-party cards).
– Passport and booking voucher (print or e-voucher works).
The counter is staffed, no kiosks, but the process is quick—5–10 minutes if there’s no line. Staff are generally friendly, often offering free upgrades if your booked car isn’t available (happened to me with a compact-to-SUV switch). Peak times (2–6 PM) can mean 15–30 minute waits, so avoid midday arrivals if possible. After signing, you’re directed to the parkade lot to pick your car, where an agent hands over keys.

Car Selection and Condition
Alamo’s YEG fleet covers all bases: economy (Kia Rio), compact (Nissan Versa), midsize (Toyota Corolla), full-size (Chevy Malibu), SUVs (Jeep Compass), minivans (Dodge Grand Caravan), and pickup trucks for Alberta adventures. Vehicles are generally clean, thanks to Alamo’s Complete Clean Pledge, though some renters report minor wear like scuffs or high mileage (20,000+ km).
Upgrade Tricks:
– Book a cheaper class (like economy) and politely ask about upgrades at the counter—staff may bump you up for free if stock’s low.
– Travel off-peak (early morning or late evening) when higher-end cars are more likely available.
– Use Enterprise Plus status for better odds at a complimentary upgrade.
Check the car for dings before driving off and snap photos to avoid disputes. I’ve had no issues, but some Reddit users report Alamo missing pre-existing damage, so be thorough.

Fuel Policy & Tolls
Alamo’s fuel policy is simple but demands attention:
– Full-to-Full: You get a full tank and must return it full to avoid hefty per-liter charges (way above local pump prices). Fill up at the Esso or Costco near YEG to save.
– Prepay Option: Buy a full tank at pickup and return it empty—no refunds for unused fuel, so this only makes sense for heavy driving.
Tolls aren’t a big issue in Alberta (no major toll roads), but if you’re road-tripping elsewhere in Canada, Alamo’s TollPass program lets you use electronic toll lanes. Fees are charged post-rental, so check your route and budget extra if needed.

Return Process
Returning is a breeze. Follow “Car Rental Return” signs to the parkade’s lower level, where an Alamo sign marks the lot. Park, grab your stuff, and head to the counter for inspection (staff are usually quick, checking for damage and fuel). After-hours? Drop keys in the Alamo dropbox in the return lanes—no fuss, but double-check you’ve got everything before locking up.

Pros & Cons

Pros
– Counter close to terminal, no shuttle needed
– Competitive rates (from CAD$25/day via KAYAK)
– Clean, reliable cars with wide selection
– Free upgrades often offered if stock’s low
– Easy returns with clear signage

Cons
– Peak-time waits (2–6 PM) can hit 30 minutes
– No after-hours drop-off service
– Some vehicles show wear (20,000+ km)
– Pushy upsells for insurance, GPS at counter
– Phone support can be spotty (bots, long waits)

Is It Worth It Compared to Other YEG Rental Companies?
Alamo’s a strong contender at YEG, especially for budget-conscious travelers. Compared to competitors like Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, and National (also in the rental center), Alamo’s rates are often the lowest (CAD$25/day vs. Hertz’s CAD$44 or National’s CAD$39). Its no-shuttle setup beats off-site agencies like Enterprise, and the counter’s efficiency rivals National’s skip-the-line perks for loyalty members. However, Hertz and Budget sometimes offer newer cars, and National’s after-hours drop-off is more flexible than Alamo’s lack thereof.
If you’ve got a premium credit card (like Amex or Mastercard) covering CDW, Alamo’s value shines—skip their insurance and book early for dirt-cheap rates. For families, their minivans and child seat options are clutch, but solo travelers might prefer National for a smoother loyalty program experience. Reddit chatter praises Alamo’s pricing and ease but dings them for occasional vehicle condition issues and spotty phone support.

Bottom Line: Alamo’s your pick if you want cheap, reliable wheels with minimal hassle, especially for short trips or if you’re using a booking aggregator. Just inspect your car, skip the upsells, and fill the tank before returning to keep costs low. You’ll be cruising Alberta’s roads in no time.

Check all car rental companies at Edmonton Airport