You just landed at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). The desert air is crisp, the mountains are calling, and you've got a reservation for a hertz rental reno airport vehicle. You're thinking about the slopes at Palisades or maybe a high-stakes weekend at the Atlantis.
But here’s the thing: picking up a car at RNO isn't always a "walk-in, walk-out" situation. If you aren't prepared for the specific quirks of the Reno terminal, you might spend more time at the counter than on the I-580.
Honestly, Reno is a unique beast. It’s a gateway to some of the most treacherous winter driving in the country, yet it’s also a tiny, manageable airport where you can clear security in ten minutes. That contrast defines the rental experience.
Finding the Hertz Counter Without Getting Lost
First off, don't go looking for a shuttle.
Unlike massive hubs like LAX or SFO where you’re herded onto a bus for a twenty-minute ride to a remote lot, the hertz rental reno airport location is right in the building. You’ll find the Hertz counter in the baggage claim area.
Seriously. You grab your suitcase from the carousel, turn around, and there they are.
- Head to the baggage claim level.
- Look for the row of rental counters—Hertz is usually nestled right in the mix.
- Once you have your keys, you just walk across the street to the parking garage.
It’s about as convenient as it gets. However, "convenient" doesn't always mean "fast." During peak ski season—we're talking December through March—those lines can get brutal. If three flights from Dallas and Chicago land at the same time, expect a wait.
💡 You might also like: Flights to Chicago O'Hare: What Most People Get Wrong
The Gold Plus Rewards Cheat Code
If you hate lines, you need to be a Hertz Gold Plus member. It’s free. Just do it.
At RNO, Gold members can often skip the main counter entirely. There is a designated Gold area in the parking garage. You look for your name on the electronic board, find your stall number, and drive away.
I’ve seen people stand in the terminal line for 45 minutes while Gold members walk past them, zip across the street, and disappear into the Nevada sunset within five minutes. It’s a literal game-changer.
What about the cars?
The fleet at Reno tends to lean heavily toward SUVs. This makes sense. Nobody wants to drive a Chevy Spark up to Mt. Rose in a blizzard. You’ll see plenty of Nissan Pathfinders, Kia Sportages, and Ford Explorers.
If you're visiting in July, you might get lucky with a Mustang or a Camaro, but the "Good Deal" prices—often around $54 a day—usually apply to compacts or mid-sized sedans like the Kia Forte.
Winter Driving and the "Chain" Problem
This is where things get sticky. If you are renting a hertz rental reno airport car to go to Lake Tahoe in the winter, you need to understand the rules.
📖 Related: Something is wrong with my world map: Why the Earth looks so weird on paper
The Sierra Nevada mountains don't care about your vacation plans. When a storm hits, Caltrans and NDOT (Nevada Dept of Transportation) enforce chain controls on I-80 and Highway 50.
Here is the frustrating reality: most rental companies, including Hertz, technically "prohibit" the use of tire chains on their vehicles. They worry about damage to the wheel wells. But the law says if you don't have chains (or AWD with snow tires), you can't go over the pass.
Pro Tip: If you're heading to Tahoe in winter, specifically reserve an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) or 4WD vehicle. While you are still legally required to carry chains in some conditions, having AWD usually allows you to pass through "R2" control areas without actually putting them on.
The Boring (But Important) Logistics
The Hertz office at 2001 E Plumb Ln is generally open from early morning until midnight.
If your flight is delayed and you’re landing at 1:00 AM, don't panic. They usually stay open to accommodate late arrivals if they have your flight number on file. But check your reservation.
Fees and Deposits
Expect the usual airport surcharges. Reno has a "Customer Facility Charge" and various Nevada state taxes that can add 20-30% to your base rate.
👉 See also: Pic of Spain Flag: Why You Probably Have the Wrong One and What the Symbols Actually Mean
Also, the deposit situation:
- Credit Cards: A standard hold (usually rental cost plus $200-$500).
- Debit Cards: Hertz at RNO is often stricter with debit. You’ll likely need a return flight itinerary and they might run a credit check.
Returning the Car: Don't Get Burned on Gas
The return process is straightforward. Follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach the airport.
Whatever you do, don't fill up at the gas station right next to the airport entrance unless you want to pay a "convenience" premium of a dollar or more per gallon.
Drive two miles south on Rock Blvd or Kietzke Lane. You'll find much cheaper gas there. It takes five extra minutes and saves you twenty bucks.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Reno Trip
If you're ready to book, here is exactly how to handle it for the smoothest experience:
- Sign up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards before you book. Even if it's your first time, having that profile saves you from filling out paperwork at the counter.
- Check the weather 48 hours out. If a "Sierra Cement" storm is coming, call the Reno location at 775-785-2554 to confirm your AWD reservation. Don't leave it to chance.
- Document everything. When you pick up the car in the garage, take a 360-degree video. RNO's garage is a bit dim, and missed scratches can turn into $500 "administrative fees" later.
- Use the "Skip the Counter" feature on the Hertz app. It works intermittently at RNO, but when it does, it's like having a VIP pass.
Reno is a great jumping-off point. Whether you're heading to the Midtown murals or the crystal blue waters of Sand Harbor, having your own wheels is the only way to do it right. Just keep an eye on those mountain passes and always, always check your tire tread before leaving the lot.