How to find a cheap car hire deal in Albuquerque
Pick up a cheap rental car in Albuquerque and get on your way for around $187 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
Daily rental prices in Albuquerque start from just $51.
Planning a longer trip and want to go further than the usual stops? $299 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Get the timing right and book around one week ahead to grab the best price on a Albuquerque car hire.
Line up your ride with Budget, Ace Rent a Car or Thrifty. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Budget or another company offers for your Albuquerque car hire can differ, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Albuquerque.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Roam without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at $159 a day.
In second position is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $158.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly $163 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Compact rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Albuquerque.
Flying to Albuquerque? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Albuquerque, get moving sooner by booking a car hire at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 13 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Albuquerque
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for couples and small families.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Albuquerque car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Albuquerque that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, luggage or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Albuquerque car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Albuquerque.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may offer rentals to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always go over the policies before confirming your booking.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your Albuquerque car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions. Pay with a card when it's convenient, and keep a little cash for places that don't accept electronic payment.
English is the language you'll hear most often in this country.
Best hotels in Albuquerque for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn. Offering parking as well as a gymnasium and express check-out, this hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Albuquerque.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Nativo Lodge. The city centre is roughly 10 kilometres from this option, which also features a cash machine and room service.
Explore the full range of hotels in Albuquerque and pick the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Albuquerque and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to explore first. Get things started with big attractions like Albuquerque Old Town, Balloon Fiesta Park and Route 66 Crossing Sign.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Albuquerque
Rio Rancho should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Vista Sandia Park and Canyon Park. This city is about 16 kilometres north of central Albuquerque.
You'll be well taken care of at Sandia Resort and Casino and Quality Inn & Suites Albuquerque North Near Balloon Fiesta Park, two accommodation options with parking in Rio Rancho.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Albuquerque and travel roughly 97 kilometres northeast to Santa Fe. Featuring The Santa Fe Opera and Museum of International Folk Art, its attractions speak for themselves.
The Sage Hotel and Hotel Santa Fe are comfortable places to stay in Santa Fe if you're hanging around for a while. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Alamogordo, about 257 kilometres south of Albuquerque. First, swing past Toy Train Depot, then spend some time at Alameda Park Zoo.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Super 8 by Wyndham Alamogordo/White Sands and The Classic Desert Aire Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Alamogordo.
