Budget

Budget’s counter is on parkade level P1, a 2–3 minute walk from baggage claim. Exit at Door 8, cross the street, and head left to the rental desks. Cars are parked right outside. Open until 1 AM.

Who It’s Best For

Budget travelers: Low rates for short trips.
Families: Minivans/SUVs for group travel.
Road-trippers: Cheap compacts for Banff or Jasper.

Booking Tips & Prices
Daily rates (early 2025, budget.ca/KAYAK):
Economy (Chevy Spark): ~CAD$27–32
Midsize (Hyundai Elantra): ~CAD$35–45
SUV (Ford Escape): ~CAD$48–65

Save:
– Book 7+ days early on budget.ca or KAYAK for 30% off.
– Use Costco Travel or CAA codes for 10–20% discounts.
– Join Budget Fastbreak (free) to skip lines.
– Skip GPS (CAD$15/day), CDW (CAD$25/day) if your credit card covers it.

Pickup Process
Bring: driver’s license, credit card, booking confirmation. Takes 5–15 minutes; 20–30 minutes during peak (2–6 PM). Fastbreak skips the counter. Check car for damage, snap photos.

Fleet & Condition
Economy: Chevy Spark, Toyota Yaris.
Midsize: Hyundai Elantra.
SUVs/Minivans: Ford Escape, Dodge Grand Caravan.
Cars clean, 10,000–40,000 km. Upgrades possible off-peak.

Fuel & Returns
Full: Return full or pay ~CAD$3.50+/liter. Gas up at nearby Esso.
Prepaid: Buy tank, return empty — only for heavy driving.
Return to P1, 5-minute check. After-hours: dropbox keys. No Alberta tolls.

Pros & Cons
Pros: Cheap (from CAD$27/day), close to terminal, Fastbreak speeds pickup, family-friendly.
Cons: Peak waits, some cars dusty, insurance upsells.

Is It Worth It?
Budget’s rates (CAD$27–32 economy) beat Avis (CAD$28–35), Hertz (CAD$30–44), and match Alamo (CAD$25–27). SUVs are a deal (CAD$48) vs. Hertz’s CAD$60+. Fastbreak rivals Avis’s perks; National’s newer cars win for late returns. Great for budget travelers and families.

Check all car rental companies at Edmonton Airport