Car rental at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is provided by eight companies operating from the new rental car facilities next to the baggage claim area. Vehicles are picked up and returned at the airport’s Parking Garage. Passengers can reach the rental counters on foot, without taking a shuttle bus.
️ Car rental in 30 seconds- Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty.
- Rental counters: new facilities next to Baggage Claim, opened in May 2026.
- Access: on foot from the terminal, following the signposted outdoor walkway.
- Vehicle pickup and returns: airport Parking Garage.
- Return access: south airport entrance near the Marathon gas station, following the Rental Car Return signs.
- After-hours returns: available with some companies under specific procedures.
Where to rent a car at Asheville Airport
Since May 20, 2026, rental car companies have operated from new facilities next to the baggage claim area. These counters replaced temporary locations used during the terminal expansion project.
- Airport address: 61 Terminal Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732, United States.
- Rental counters: new facilities next to Baggage Claim.
- Vehicle pickup and returns: airport Parking Garage.
- Access: signposted pedestrian route, with no shuttle required.
The rental counters and vehicle parking areas are in separate facilities, although both are located within the airport complex.
How to reach the rental car counters
Access to the rental car companies has changed as a result of construction under the AVL Forward terminal expansion project.
From the arrivals terminal
Passengers arriving through the North Concourse should follow the signposted route to the new rental counters:
- After disembarking, follow the signs toward the Ticket Lobby.
- Continue along the signposted outdoor pedestrian route to the new rental car facilities.
- Locate your rental company’s counter next to Baggage Claim.
- After completing the rental procedures, proceed to the Parking Garage to collect your assigned vehicle.
No train or shuttle bus is required.
AVL Forward construction noticeThe airport is continuing its terminal expansion, and some pedestrian routes may change. Follow temporary signs and consult the official AVL airport maps, particularly if you previously used the former rental car facilities.
Rental car companies at AVL
The airport’s official directory lists eight rental car brands. National and Alamo share customer service facilities, as do Dollar and Thrifty.
Vehicle availability and counter hours vary by company. Contact details are available in the official AVL rental car directory.
Returning a rental car
Rental vehicles are returned to designated areas of the airport’s Parking Garage.
For access, the airport recommends using the south entrance near the Marathon gas station, rather than the main entrance from Terminal Drive. From there, follow the Rental Car Return signs to your rental company’s designated area.
You can check the route on the airport’s official Driving | Parking Passenger Journey map.
After completing your return, walk back to the terminal along the signposted pedestrian route.
After-hours vehicle returns
Some companies, including Avis, Budget and Enterprise, allow vehicles to be returned when their rental counters are closed.
The airport provides key drop boxes in the Parking Garage and baggage claim area, but the exact procedure depends on the company.
After-hours key returnsNot all rental companies use the same key drop box or apply the same conditions. Before returning your vehicle, confirm where to park, how to return the keys and when the rental agreement is considered closed. Follow the instructions in your rental agreement.
Gas stations near Asheville Airport
Several gas stations near AVL can be used to refuel before returning your rental car:
- Marathon: 95 Terminal Drive, Fletcher, near the airport’s south entrance.
- Shell: 443 Airport Road, Arden. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phone: +1 828-654-9033. Offers regular, midgrade and premium gasoline. Official Shell station listing.
- Sheetz: 59 Airport Road, Arden.
If your rental agreement requires a full tank upon return, check which station is most convenient for your route and keep your fuel receipt.
Shell’s operating hours are confirmed by the company. Check Marathon and Sheetz availability before visiting them overnight.
Frequently asked questions about car rental at AVL