About SLC Rent a Car “Center”
The “Rent a Car Center” at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) refers to the consolidated rental-car counters located in the airport’s Gateway Center, adjacent to the parking garage and accessible from the terminal via pedestrian skywalks.
Rather than a separate remote facility connected by a people-mover, at SLC most rental-car agencies operate directly on-airport through this Gateway Center.
The facility includes customer service counters and nearby parking/garage lots for rental cars. Rental cars are normally parked in the garage behind the rental counters, making pickup and return relatively straightforward on foot.
Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, renting a car at SLC is fairly convenient — you simply follow signs from baggage claim to the skywalk, proceed to the parking-garage lobby, and reach the counters without a shuttle ride.
SLC Car Rental Services
On-Airport Rental Counters (Gateway Center)
Major rental-car brands at SLC have their counters in the Gateway Center, making them easily accessible by foot from the terminal.
Simple Walk-Up Pickup & Return
After you land, walk to baggage claim → then use the skywalk → enter the parking-garage lobby → and reach the rental-car counter. Cars are parked in the garage behind the counter, so no shuttle or extra transport needed.
Wide Range of Rental Agencies
SLC hosts many of the common rental-car providers such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty.
Off-Airport Agencies (Shuttle Service)
Some rental agencies are not located directly on airport grounds; if you use these, you’ll need to take a shuttle. Their pick-up/drop-off location is typically on the western side of the parking garage.
What You Should Not Expect at SLC
- There is no known separate “automated-people mover (APM) connected rental car center” at SLC. The rental counters are part of the existing airport structure, not a distinct off-site facility.
- Accordingly, the elaborate description of solar-powered mega-garages or APM-linked consolidated centers (common in some large airports) does not apply to SLC.
Rather, SLC’s rental-car setup is simpler and more modest, relying on the Gateway Center + parking-garage lobby + walking access — which nonetheless makes it convenient for many travelers.
Practical Tips for Renters at SLC
- Follow the signs from baggage claim → skywalk → to reach the rental-car counters in the parking garage lobby.
- If you book with one of the main on-airport agencies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, etc.), you likely won’t need any shuttle.
- If you choose a cheaper off-airport agency, expect to use their shuttle from the parking-garage western exit.
- Compare agency opening-hour schedules, in case your flight is late or very early (some agencies may not operate 24/7).