Reviews of Budget Car & Truck Rental (Rent Cars)

Dennis Brinks

I declined the additional insurance, yet I was still charged for this on the final receipt. They should double verify these things next time when someone comes off a 10hr flight. With exhaustion and conversion of currency it's hard to see this when signing. Car quality was good and pickup/dropoff was easy. Update: Budget contacted us and resolved the issue.

ChelC Cry

HUGE WARNING WHEN RENTING FROM THIS SHADY BUSINESS!! I wouldn't rent from these people unless you want to be shystered and taken advantage of! When you get a vehicle from this company make sure there's no faulty …

Camille Haffizulla

Amazing service by Mercy. Her customer service is like no other.

Josie H

I always rent with Budget and love the fast break service. Great service just like all my other trips to Calgary!

gerry drage

Had to wait over an hour to get a vehicle as they were waiting for returns. Didn't get what I requested, got a compact SUV Which was a gas guzzler and engine had no Power to travel in the Rockies or even pass someone on the hwy, instead of a mid size car I usually get. Should have got a discount but didn't realize size of car till after seeing it and wanted to get going on my vacation. Other rental agencies had this type of compact SUV at $30 cheaper. Even Though say they are there till late on return no one at return booth which I hate using.

Brian Schwenker

The staff were very friendly and made the rental experience easy and quick. Price was very reasonable also.

Dr Robert Armitage

Budget car rentals at YYC is my go to car supplier when in Calgary, 12 to 18 times per year.

Kevin V

Was charged $227 unknowingly a month after the car was returned. There were no issues with the return and all the costs were already prepaid. Big hassle to get your money back for something that should not have happened in the first place. I would not rent from budget again

Big Doc

Absolutely brutal experience. Rented a car through air miles and paid the taxes on the car. A couple days later I asked my father to call and inquire about how much it would cost to keep the car for a week. They instantly charged me 700+ dollars without my permission or any contact with me. Now I can’t get any straight answer out of anyone if my money is being returned or if it was even charged. Been told that they’re keeping the money till I return the car, yet that was the money I was keeping to rent a hotel. So now me and my kids have nowhere to sleep on my vacation. Guess We’re all sleeping in the rental car. I’d rather dig my own eyeballs out with a rusty spoon then ever deal with these fraudulent scam artists ever again.

Ming Chen

I wish i could rate zero star. No car, no car no car, even after you made reservation and arrived on time for your appoitnment. Only one employee at work and will ask you to wait 2 hours to check if you may get a car. Best worst experience from a long trip.

T_rance

It was very easy to pick up my rental. Everything was paid for so I just needed to wait to get to the counter, show my ID and I was off. Also, the drop off was super easy. Just drive it to the drop off location and then drop off the key into the labelled key drop off box.

Stanley Pan

I booked a full-size car and received a Hyundai Sante Fe. It was an excellent drive until I got a flat tire on the way back from the Rockies. Not Budget’s fault( at least that’s what the report says). I replaced the tire myself, risking my life by driving 60 on Highway 1 back to Calgary. Kudos to all the patient and cautious drivers passed us by, we owe you our lives. Anyways, I was able to pull into the garage around 10:15pm, the agent was also in the garage but surprised to see me as he was expecting me the next day. I insisted to have a replacement vehicle as I didn’t feel safe to drive with a flat tire, the agent handled the situation well but I did noticed that he was a little stressed. It made sense to me after he took me to the counter: there were at least 10 people in line waiting to pick up their cars. Then I knew that there was only one man handling both garage and counter. I relented and agreed to change the vehicle next day. I knew that it was never easy working in this role during COVID. Next day after I had my paperwork done, received the replacement car and ready to check out of hotel, I realized that my Sony Walkman was left in the Sante Fe. After another visit at the location and a few phone call exchanges. Their service manager Adam located my Walkman and had it ready for me at their location. The entire process was very well handled and I really appreciated it. If I were to visit Calgary again, I will most likely not use Budget, not because of their service or car offering, but rather that I have status with Avis. Would I recommend it to other people? Absolutely, just be a little more patient, because they may be dealing with another flat-tired customer or fighting another battle you never know. But damn it, hire one more guy for night shift.

Curtis Fortin

Overall our experience was okay. I was extremely unimpressed with the lady at the counter when we arrived. She made me feel like it was my fault that our plane was delayed and that she had to give away someone else's car to me because we missed our pick up time. The price is not what you think. They charge you taxes and fees after you return the car which is a total crock. Then I booked with Enterprise they were upfront about it and don't hide behind the small print. Budget rentals is no longer for those on a budget. My prebook price was 757 but when I got back they slapped another 300 in taxes and fees. Never booking with Budget again. The car was clean and very nice but they all are from every company. My favourite so far is Enterprise by far. Lower prices. Better cars. Wayyyy better service.

Pranav Bhatt

Even i booked beforehand ..had to wait for an hour already and i am still waiting while i am writing this .. and lady has no answer yet how much i have to wait .. very much disappointing

Shaun Laughland

Terrible service picking up the car. I was given different information on the phone prior to picking up as I did at the pickup. The staff told me there would be no issues as I had a later flight and I would have 24 hours to pick it up. When I got there 3 hours later the car was gone and they forced me to pay more for a car I didn't want. The staff also refused to clearly explain the insurance details and also added additional charges for it. I had to read the fine print on the documents he asked me to sign which was still unclear.

Paula Moreno

clean safe and reasonable priced vehicles. Rental process was fast.

Kelsie Auger

Love how you can get your car and go amazing we didn't have to wait long after arriving

Javan Wang

The car we got is great, works as expected, and clean. However the first time customer experience was pretty awful. EXTREMELY aggressive sales that resorted to providing me with misleading information in order to upsale. The type of sales tactics would have driven another customer to tears, when I asked to opt out of certain fees, I was verbally berated. Really rethink who you're working with and what type of management is running the show here for the sales people to resort to underhanded tactics like these....

Jason Ho

Quick and easy check-in and check-out. Thank you!

Heather Wubs

Showed up on time to pick up my rental that I had booked a month prior. They were running on a 1 hour delay on pickups and decided to charge me twice what the online booking system said I’d be paying. I put in all my age and license info online when I booked and they still tacked on a young driver fee that should have been included online when I was trying to pick up the car. The lady at the desk would not let me say no to the added coverages. I was quoted over $600 for a 3 day rental instead of $380. I cancelled on the spot and went to enterprise car rental and only paid $320. Avoid this place at all costs.

Morgan Gonzalez

Mercy at Budget was a delight, she went above and beyond to help us out when we arrived at the airport and our original rental car agency was closed. We were really worried about not getting a good snow car but Budget had some in stock and available right away. Mercy helped get us on our way and stay within our budget.

Vaughn Bender

Great experience, car was upgraded at no cost and customer service was very kind.

In Kim

It was very easy to check in and out. The Ford Escape was very good and perfect for our anniversary trip in the mountains.

Sangeetha K

Very pleased with service - friendly staff - quite surprised they showed a few cars from which we could pick one and drive out in our chosen category - our first time experience of that kind

Jordan Penedo

Kiosk attendant was unwelcoming and rude when I returned the vehicle. In addition, I was charged an additional $100 for the gas service option without being told on top of what I had agreed to pay when I picked up the vehicle. I only noticed when I took a moment to compare my original signed agreement that I completed when I picked up the vehicle to the final receipt. How many people wouldn't have noticed and would have paid without realizing they were upcharged? Although the original employee I dealt with when picking up the vehicle was pleasant, my experience returning the vehicle left a bad taste in my mouth. For this reason alone I would not recommend budget to anyone in the future.

Emilie Robichaud

I had the best experience ever. My flight got cancelled again because of the forest fires to Kelowna. Their employee Sawraj was amazing and help me find a car last minute. Thanks for everything

Brett Van Sickle

Awesome service, car was great. No issues at all with budget and easy to access at the airport! Highly recommended!

Terry Gonzalez

Great service, competitive pricing. Cars cleaned and in good condition

Beverly Buck

Didn't provide water tires wanted 22.00 more per day ugh

Bojan Mohar

I reserved the car online. When I came to pick it up, I was told that it does not have Winter tires. This is Alberta in the last days of November. No Winter tires? Joking? The upgrade to have those would DOUBLE the price. Joking? Apart from this, I was happy with the car and with the rest of the service.

Andrea Little

Stuck at the airport when another rental company left us stranded. Went to the budget counter and Mercy found a vehicle. Great service.

mohammed abdul rizwan khan

The guy at the budget at airport was abusive I didn’t remember his name but was a asian guy. I was not having credit card and i was trying to use by my debit card i also informed him about my return ticket from the calgary airport. Budget need to take strict action against that employee. He didn’t know how to handle customers and he started using abusive words. Its around 9pm on 3 january 2022. This my conformation number of budget 00755538CA0

Emerson Willer

The daily full insurance is rip off, I almost pay more 50% comparing with the reservation price+taxes (+ 52 Cad/day). The wind shield has a little crack spot that was not reported by the associate. I advise you take pictures from all car before leave the airport parking lot.

Annesah Hussain

Major inconvenience after making a reservation a month prior and calling in to find out that my rental was given out to somebody else. No answers or alternatives given- worst customer service experience.

Paul Bortoluzzi

This location has really gone down hill over the last 2 years. My latest experience was not good. I always book a full size car but I was told they don't rent full sized cars anymore so I was "upgraded" to a Rogue. I disagreed, this is not …

Faisal Islam

I reserved compact vehicle with an impression it fits a family of five with cargo (i.e. what costco travel says from where I booked). When I found it was not enough for us, I requested an upgrade. Budget offered me an upgrade by paying $15 per day, which I agreed and paid more. However, Budget still provided me a hatchback with not enough seating and cargo space to fit five people, knowing I am looking for a bigger vehicle and paid extra to upgrade. Budget kept saying to call later to change the vehicle. I called several times and spoke with the staff, but nothing happened. Budget ruined my trip and ripped me off by paying more, but not delivering to the service. See the picture and decide is it an intermediate car and worth paying $15 per day more from compact?

Analyn Aquino

We were so thankful and blessed for an awesome customer service that was given to us through Mr. Victorino. Thank you Sir! And congrats to Budget Car Rental for having such an employee like him!

Horse Power

I rented a vehicle at the Calgary Airport location and was served by the Team Lead named Mercy. She was kind, professional, thorough and truly cared about making my experience …

Cornelius Fudge

After seeing all of the negative reviews, I feel compelled to share my recent pleasant experience with this Budget location. We booked several months in advance of our trip in September 2021 due to the rental car shortage currently taking place in light of the pandemic. While we reserved an economy class vehicle, we were upgraded for free to a brand new (10,000 km on odometer) SUV for no charge that included satellite radio, GPS, etc. We payed for the Loss Damage Waiver and incurred no additional charges upon return. Perhaps we got lucky, but everything went smoothly and we have no complaints. P.S - we arrived after 7:00 p.m. and the car was waiting for us. Perhaps if you have an earlier flight, you may have to wait for your vehicle as some other reviews suggest.

Elisabet Valenti Soler

What a terrible costumer service... We arrived on time but due to the slowness of Victorino's service with the people who arrived before us, we spent almost 2 hours in line. Then when we got there, apparently our reservation was expired (of course, because of the 2h in line). The guy did not want to hear anything and he told us we were becoming too aggressive (we were only asking for solutions in a normal tone of voice). We finally ended up paying for a more expensive car since he gave "ours" to other people. A complete disaster, I will definitely NOT recommend it. People like Victorino cannot work as in customer service, remember his name.

Qian Li

Reserved the car more than a month ahead, only to be told to wait an extra hour even if our flight was delayed by 3 hours. Actually worst customer service ever, guy at the counter talked to me the entire time with his face mask down to his chin. Offered no explanation for delays, did not answer my questions when I asked if it was a supply issue vs personnel shortage. Simply told me to look at the sign saying there will be 1-hour delays and to “open my mind”. He even gaslighted me by telling me I was being selfish (he was comparing me to another customer who had been waiting there longer, although after discussing with them we found out their reservation was much later). As I’m writing this review, it’s been 1 hour and 20 minutes and still no car. Whoever his manager is - please hold him accountable for this type of behaviour.

Kelsey Kaminski

We booked our reservation online and was told we would get a Subaru Impreza a full size vehicle for $300 for the week. When we got to the counter she said we were getting a nissian Versa, which is super small. Then we had to pay an extra $15 per day for a small SUV qashqai.Which is fine but she said they didn’t have Imprezas so why does the website have it on there. Also she said it comes with winter tires and it doesn’t! So she lied to us It’s not hard to figure out so I’m not sure why they would mislead us. The main issue I have was the car was dirty. The windows weren’t cleaned you could see circles from other peoples gps / phone holders. There was sticky coffee spills everywhere. The rear view mirror was gross. Can’t really see from the photo. I work for a rental car company in Ontario and I wouldn’t give a car out like that. Specially paying $500 for the week for a car should be spotless.

Jerri-Lee Gardner

Mercy at the Calgary Airport was amazing. Fast and efficient. She also took the time to wish me a happy birthday and remind me that my DL was expiring (but not before I returned the vehicle) Thank you Mercy. You made the start of our vacation amazing.

Hassan Mohamad

Upgraded my car upon arrival and it was amazing. I would rent from them every time.

Joanne Haywood

Customer service was great she was very friendly offer more to me and the service was great.

Steve Mac

The car was superb and the process easy.

Kathy` Kean

Great service and very easy check in and check out. Car was in immaculate shape/very clean. Actually thought it was brand new it was so clean. Staff very helpful when we remembered we had forgotten something in car after we returned home. …

Jimmy Wrenches

The guy at the airport misled us about fueling the car before we brought it back. I was asking him if we should bring the car back with a full tank or how that works and he didn't explain that I would be best to bring it with an empty tank because I would pay for the full refill anyway so I brought it back with lots of fuel. Big disappointment for me.

Eleanor Aboganda

Fast service great price and awesome staff...

Gordon Asprey

Good price and they gave us a better car than I reserved

Karina Munroe

I reserved a car with budget. I arrived at the desk 2 minutes after midnight and no one was there. I had tried calling multiple times to tell them I might be late, and also when I landed to ask them to wait 3 minutes and no one answered the phone Other car rental companies were open with no cars available. So I was left without a car because budget didn't answer the phone. I will never again has them. Terrible service.

Robyn Warren

Great car good service..always good value for money

Krishni Velupillai

They went out of there way to find the most suitable for our drive to the Rockies and helped us save money at the same time

Tay Choi

I usually rent a car late at night. Probably that's why I get help from Victorino almost every time. I rent a car at least twice a month. And he provided me with kind services every time and always satisfied my needs. Actually I worked late at night too. So I can guess how tired it is. Just like when you visit around the time the store closes, there are not many donuts left, as if you are receiving unkind services. But Victorino always welcomes me with a kind and smiling face. When I went to pick up my car this summer, there was a huge lineup. But I saw him providing kind services to all customers. I know how wonderful and great it is. I've never met the manager of this branch, but I really want the manager to read all my reviews and know how great Victorino is. That's why I'm a regular at this branch. You'd better not let him move to another company. Maybe I'll follow him and change my regular rental car company. haha. Thanks again, Victorino!

Victoria Kim

DO NOT RENT FROM THIS PLACE! My friend and I reserved a Sabaru Impreza or similar car ($800 for 6 days) for July 17, 2021 a few weeks prior to our stay in Alberta and when we got there to pick up the car, the salesperson instead gave us a Volvo car without telling us that they will charge for an upgrade. After we returned the car and returned back home in Ontario, they charged us on my friend's credit card without informing us an extra $75 for a car upgrade and $92.36 for fuel pre-purchase (which we already paid for). We have been trying to get a hold of them for any explanation and our money back since we returned home. What a scam.. I cannot believe this kind of unprofessional business exists in this modern day.. Please go rent from another company if you don't want to get scammed.

Jeremy

I did not appreciate the upsell at the counter. Nor how I was discouraged from personally inspecting the vehicle prior to signing off on the damage report. As well, the lighting in the pick-up area is very dim. It is difficult to properly inspect a vehicle for damage. Be careful and use your judgement when renting from Budget @ YYC.

Bryan Martini

Very disappointed with this service! we booked a rental car weeks prior to our vacation from Ontario to Calgary only to arrive from our late flight (12am) to be told that the car we rented was not there. We were told to wait an hour and "hopefully" one will be returned or that we can go "shop around" and see if another company had any rentals available. After sending us on a frantic search the budget employee called us back over to tell us that there was a luxury car available at an extra cost (daily). Although the employee did what he could to help us this company is horrible and i will never be renting from them again. Definitely do not recommend and if you have booked a car from them follow up to make sure the car will be available for your arrival to avoid the headache.

nick schmidt

Everything was smooth. Picking the vehicle up and dropping it off. They upgraded my car to an suv for an additional 20$ a day which was so worth it !

Sohail Mall

Arrived at 11:45 pm on nov 10th 2021. I had a full sized vehicle booked. During the process there were many red flags: 1. The sales agent did not comply with the mask protocols in Alberta and the YYC airport authority 2. The agent tried to sell me on a vehicle with winter tires ($18/day up charge). There was NO SNOW on the ground during my visit. This was also in attempts to conceal the lack of full sized vehicles. 3. The agent tried to sell me on an SUV ($10/day upcharge). In attempts to conceal the lack of full sized vehicles. 4. Despite the fact of being sold out of full sized vehicles, he tried to force me into a a vehicle I did not want nor was comfortable with. When I pushed back and said the next logical step is a small suv, he told me I would have to pay extra. Attempting to push back, the agent began to yell, became insulting and verbally abusive. As a result, I took my credit card and license back, walked to national, and was into a vehicle, full sized, I was comfortable with (for the same price as budget).

Oxali Platin

Beware of this Budget location and their shady practices. Arrived only to be greeted with a sign that you have to wait an hour since they have no cars, even when you have a reservation. They will then upsell you on a more expensive car for a "deal". If you don't have the car I reserved why aren't you providing a complementary upgrade?

brian mon

I did not get the car or similar I initially reserved. I had to wait after my reservation time and they still didn't call me I had to go and ask for a car after I paid. They charged me gas price above regular gas price after telling me it …

RSJ999

Because I had a fast break account, you don't go through the rates etc. You think fast break is a good thing, until you get stung with a bill of $8500 for a 19 day rental, yes 8.5k. And the fact that I had fast break, due to COVID I still had to go to the desk, but the rep didn't bother to advise me of the obscene price gouge, the only had me sign for the car condition, not the rates, otherwise I would have picked up on it. The booking was made by a travel agent for the price charged, as we are a busy service company, we have never had to second guess bookings till now. If this location would have been honorable p, they would have pointed this out at collection, but that never happened. This location is privately owned, so they can charge what they want, and it's the same For Calgary airport Avis. That being said, upon my initial request to Corporate Budget, they advised that the rental should have been no more than $2500, however they did absolutely nothing to assist in resolving this injustice. Budget head office, offered me a 30% refund, then changed their mind when they realized Calgary Airport Budget and Avis are licensed locations so basically they can charge what they like without any recourse whatsoever I have since Canceled my Fastbreak and will not be using Budget or Avis anymore. Especially the Calgary airport location.

Pierre Rivard

On 19 August am, I went to Budget counter at Calgary Airport to get the car I reserved. At the counter, I met Dallas (the Budget representative) and explained to him the difficulties I had to complete a reservation on line and also by phone. Dallas told me not to worry that he would take care of everything to make sure that I would get the vehicule for my needs and that I be charged the appropriate amount according to my reservation. Dallas has provided me with an exceptional service and I thank him for taking the extra time to make a customer very satisfied with the service received. Thank you again Dallas for your great service. PR

Chirag Kapoor

Great service by Sawraj who helped me out at the last minute thanks.

Aleix Salanova

I'm here to name the problem I had with Budget, his name is Victorino and he's the guy at the counter at Calgary airport. Such a rude and disrespectful man. This was our the experience: Our flight arrived somewhat late (which can happen frequently when talking about flights). We arrived at the budget desk at 9pm instead of 8pm which was the time of our reservation. There were only two groups in front of us but even so, we had to wait an hour and a half!! Once it was our turn, here came the whole problem. He told us at first that our reservation had expired since they only hold the reservation for an hour, and that therefore they had given our reserved car to someone else. We tried to justify him that 1) we could not predict that our flight would have arrived late and 2) that at nine o'clock we had arrived at the budget desk, but we were waiting +1h for him to attend the other groups. Here is when he started to get angry and speak to us with contempt and in bad manners. The conversation continued for 20 minutes, in which we were only trying to find a fair solution for everyone. At various times he told us that we were being very aggressive with him, however, we only tried to make him listen to us and understand that the delay had not been our fault. In the end, we asked him for the number of his manager or some superior and he refused to call and give us his contact! How did the story end? Well, what a coincidence that the only option he offered us was to upgrade the type of car and pay +20 CAD per day. The remaining experience with Budget was good enough, good car and easy to return the vehicle, unfortunately, the experience we had with Victorino made our vision of Budget very negative!! Honestly, I do think a person like him should not work for the public as a customer service.

qian jing ye

I would do zero or negative star if I could. We arrived on time, the lady Prabhdeep was the one served us and left us alone without any instructions like how and when we will get the car, just went away and never come back. We got very angry after waiting for one hour and asked another man at the counter, he said there’s no car at this time! So why that lady didn’t tell us the truth then we could rent from other companies, we also have two kids and they got very tired after the flight but still have to wait longer. We cancelled it and rent from the company next to them and just took 10 mins to get our car! If you want your trip goes more smoothly, skip them. Or the first question I could be “ Is the car available now?” I am not sure anyone would tell the truth or not! They are not honest at all!

Koren Nachmias

Do NOT book with budget! We arrived at the check in desk after our flight to find out it’s an hour wait for a car from the check in time, not from when you actually reserved your car for.. they obviously over extend and don’t have enough cars.. they try to blame it on a province shortage issue, but it’s not true, other companies do not have these delays- my sister got a car from enterprise immediately at the same time! They make you pre pay so that you can’t change companies, because they know that they don’t have enough cars..On top of everything the customer service was brutal- laugh in your face and walk away kind of service. I would recommend using literally any other car rental company.

andy he

salesperson try to add more cost , it might be good for budget, but feel not happy from customer side. NO carplay