Calgary Airport Car Rental: The best companies

Those flying to Alberta Province, Canada, are likely going to arrive at Calgary YYC International Airport, about 6 miles outside downtown Calgary. Over 15 million travelers pass through this hub annually, which makes it the fourth biggest airport in the nation of Canada. It’s a big airport, with departure terminals serving national, international and U.S. destinations, as well as an arrivals terminal. Located just outside the departures and arrivals terminals, across Airport Road, travelers will find a group of eight car rental agencies located in front of parkade one.

Calgary Airport (Photo via Flickr)

Travelers on the go likely don’t have time to compare and contrast all eight rental options on the spot, which is why we’ve taken the liberty of doing that work for them. We’ve analyzed all the companies and whittled them down to the top three according to various criteria, including price, fleet quality and customer service record. Here are the best options.

MOST AFFORDABLE: ALAMO

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Alamo earns the top spot both for price and customer satisfaction. They were the cheapest option we found among reputable rental agencies at Calgary International, with economy vehicles starting at just $32.78 per day before taxes and fees. This is compared with Budget Canada, whose cheapest vehicles came in at $34 per day, or two dollars more. Also, Budget Canada didn’t receive as high user marks as Alamo. This agency offers a number of interesting incentives as well. For example, customers can select their “Drive Happy Deal,” for just $35.13 per day. With this service, Alamo chooses the vehicle, and customers might just wind up with a car larger than a compact.

BEST FOR LUXURY CARS: AVIS

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Avis has a healthy selection of luxury and premium vehicles (more than its competitors) at competitive prices. For example, customers can drive away in a Dodge Challenger for just $48.87 before taxes. Then there’s Avis’ Signature Series, which includes high-end cars like the BMW 328i, the Audi A4, Chrysler 300S series, Cadillac CTS, and much more. The best part is that almost all these vehicles can be had for under $100 per day before taxes and fees. Even their premium BMW and Chevy Suburban SUVs can be had at comparable prices. This is probably the reason Avis enjoys such positive user reviews.

BEST FOR FAMILIES: ENTERPRISE

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Enterprise earns a place as the best option for families due to the sheer number of family-friendly vehicle options, their decent prices, and the ability to choose add-ons easily. First, families can select between a number of vehicles, including 5-seater full-size sedans, premium crossover SUVs that seat 7, and even minivans, most for less than $50 per day before taxes and fees. And if it’s a car seat that you’re in need of, look no further. With Enterprise, customers can select a child safety seat (about $8.99 per day) on the booking page, and it will be waiting for them when they go to pick up the vehicle. As for customers satisfaction, folks rave about the friendly and fast service.