Amarillo Airport Car Rentals: Best Rates & Zero Hidden Fees

If you're visiting from another country, most rental companies require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license. The IDP costs about $20 and is valid for 1 year—get one before you leave your home country. Without an IDP, you may be refused rental, especially at airport locations. English-language licenses from some countries may be accepted, but to avoid complications, the IDP is strongly recommended.

If you're between 21-24 years old, expect to pay a "young driver surcharge" of $25-$35 per day on top of the base rental rate. Drivers under 21 generally cannot rent cars at most major agencies. Some premium or specialty vehicles (sports cars, SUVs) may have higher age minimums of 25. If you're 25 or older, you avoid this extra fee entirely, so always check the minimum age requirement before booking.

Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is the standard fuel in Amarillo, currently priced around $2.50-$3.20 per gallon. Most rental agreements use a "full-to-full" policy: you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid steep refueling charges ($6-$8 per gallon at rental company rates). Texas gas stations are abundant along highways and in city areas, so refueling is never difficult.

Toll roads are rare in the Amarillo area—the I-40 and I-27 highways are free to use. However, if you travel east toward Oklahoma or south toward cities like Lubbock, you may encounter toll roads with TxDOT tags. Rental cars often come with TollPass transponders that automatically charge tolls to your rental agreement, usually with a $15-$20 convenience fee added. Ask your rental company before hitting the road.

Amarillo experiences extreme weather: summer temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C) regularly, making tire pressure checks essential and increasing risk of heat-related breakdowns. Winter (December-February) brings ice and occasional snow—temperatures drop below freezing at night. The infamous "Amarillo dust" and sudden blizzard conditions can reduce visibility to near zero. Always check weather forecasts before driving, keep an emergency kit with water and blankets, and during winter months, consider renting a vehicle with front-wheel drive.

All major rental agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo) operate counters at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA), located in the terminal building. Airport pickups are available during standard hours (6:00 AM-11:00 PM), but off-airport locations may offer 24-hour service. If you arrive outside counter hours, look for after-hours drop-off boxes. Note that airport location surcharges of 5-15% may apply, so compare total costs with off-airport locations in the city.