Avis

Avis’s counter is on parkade level P1, across from the terminal. Exit baggage claim at Door 8, cross the street, and head left to the rental desks — 3-minute walk, tops. Cars are parked steps away. Open till 1 AM; clear signs make it easy.

Who It’s Best For
Business travelers: Premium sedans (BMW 3 Series) and fast pickup for quick trips.
Families: Minivans (Dodge Grand Caravan) with room for gear.
Weekend adventurers: Economy cars for Jasper or Banff getaways.
Not the cheapest for budget hunters — Alamo or Thrifty beat it on price.

Booking Tips & Prices
Sample daily rates (early 2025, via KAYAK/avis.com):
– Economy (Kia Rio): ~CAD$28–$35
– Midsize (Toyota Corolla): ~CAD$38–$50
– SUV (Chevy Equinox): ~CAD$55–$80

Save Money:
– Book 7+ days early on avis.com or KAYAK for 30–40% off.
– Use Costco Travel or CAA/AAA codes for 10–15% discounts.
– Join Avis Preferred (free) to skip lines and earn points.
– Skip GPS (CAD$15/day) and CDW (CAD$25/day) if your credit card covers insurance.
– Book midweek to avoid weekend rate spikes.

Pickup Process
Bring:
– Driver’s license (physical; non-English needs an International Driving Permit).
– Credit card (Visa/Mastercard/Amex, renter’s name).
– Booking confirmation, passport (if international).

Counter takes 5–10 minutes; peak hours (2–6 PM) may hit 20 minutes. Avis Preferred members skip straight to the lot. Staff push insurance — decline if covered. Check car for damage and snap photos before driving off.

Car Selection & Condition
Fleet includes:
– Economy/Compact: Kia Rio, Nissan Versa (fuel-sippers).
– Midsize: Toyota Corolla, Chevy Malibu.
– SUVs: Jeep Compass, Chevy Equinox (AWD for winter).
– Minivans: Dodge Grand Caravan.

Cars are clean, 5,000–30,000 km, but some users report dusty interiors. Ask for upgrades off-peak — staff may bump you up free if stock’s low.

Fuel & Return Policy
– Full-to-Full: Return full or pay ~CAD$3.50+/liter. Refuel at Esso/Costco nearby.
– Prepay: Buy a tank, return empty — only for heavy drivers.

Return to parkade P1, park in Avis’s section. Inspection takes 5 minutes. After-hours (post-1 AM): drop keys in counter dropbox. No tolls in Alberta.

Pros & Cons
Pros:
– 3-minute walk from terminal.
– Diverse, reliable cars.
– Avis Preferred skips lines.
– Easy returns.

Cons:
– Pricier than Alamo/Thrifty.
– Peak waits up to 20 minutes.
– Upsell pressure.
– No late-night drop-off service.

Is It Worth It?
Avis is solid for convenience and quality but not the budget king. Alamo’s CAD$23–$25/day economy cars undercut Avis’s CAD$28+, and Thrifty’s CAD$26 rates are close. Budget’s SUVs are cheaper (~CAD$50/day), but Avis’s cars feel newer than Hertz’s worn fleet. National’s after-hours drop-off beats Avis for late flights. KAYAK rates Avis 7.2/10 at YEG — great for staff, meh for waits.

Check all car rental companies at Edmonton Airport