National
National’s counter is on parkade P1, 2-3 min walk from baggage claim. Exit Door 8, cross street, head left. Cars outside. Open till 1 AM.
Who It’s For
Business travelers: Quick, premium cars.
Families: SUVs/minivans.
Loyalty users: Emerald Club perks.
Road-trippers: AWD for winter.
Booking Tips & Rates
Rates (early 2025, nationalcar.com/KAYAK):
Economy (Chevy Spark): ~CAD$29-$35
Midsize (Toyota Corolla): ~CAD$38-$50
SUV (Nissan Rogue): ~CAD$55-$75
Save:
Book 7+ days early for 30% off.
Use CAA/corporate codes.
Join Emerald Club (free) to skip lines.
Skip GPS (CAD$15/day), CDW (CAD$25/day).
Pickup Process
Bring: driver’s license, credit card, confirmation. 5-10 min; 15-25 min at peak (2–6 PM).
Emerald Club skips counter. Dodge upsells, snap car pics.
Fleet & Condition
Economy: Chevy Spark.
Midsize: Toyota Corolla.
SUVs/Minivans: Nissan Rogue, Chrysler Pacifica.
Clean, 5,000–25,000 km. Emerald Aisle lets you pick. Upgrades off-peak.
Fuel & Return
Full: Return full or pay ~CAD$3.50+/liter. Gas at Esso.
Prepaid: Buy tank, return empty – long drives only.
Return to P1, 5-min check. After-hours: dropbox. No Alberta tolls.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Close to terminal, Emerald Club speed, new cars, after-hours drop.
Cons: Costlier than Alamo, peak waits, upsells.
Is It Worth It?
National’s economy (CAD$29–$35) tops Alamo/Dollar (CAD$25–$30), matches Enterprise (CAD$30–$35).
SUVs (CAD$55) beat Hertz (CAD$60). Emerald Club trumps Hertz Gold; Budget’s cheaper but older fleet.
Great for loyalty, families.