Book National car rental
National is built around frequent business travellers who want to skip the counter entirely. Its distinguishing feature is letting eligible members walk to a designated area and pick whichever car they like from it.
Rental brand
NA
USA / GlobalWhat National is known for
Choose-your-own-car collection for members, and a consistently quick airport process.
Tends to suit
- Frequent business travel
- Airport pick-ups
- Short turnarounds
Vehicles and categories
Focused on mid-size and above, which is what the choose-your-own aisle concept depends on. Less oriented towards the smallest economy categories.
The main benefit only applies to members, so joining before you travel matters more with this brand than most. We will flag it when we set up your booking.
Popular National pick-up points
Locations our customers ask about most. Coverage changes, so we confirm your branch and its opening hours before booking.
- Dallas Fort Worth
- Chicago
- New York
- Mexico City
- Cancun
- Toronto
Before you book
These apply to every rental company, National included, and they are where most unexpected charges come from.
What you need to collect a car
A full driving licence held for the operator's minimum period, a payment card in the main driver's name for the security hold, and photo ID or a passport when renting abroad. Some countries also ask for an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence.
How insurance and excess work
Rentals include basic cover with an excess - the amount you are liable for if the car is damaged. You can reduce it at the counter, through a separate policy, or sometimes through your own credit card. We explain the options; the choice stays yours.
Fuel policies
Full-to-full is usually the fairest: you collect a full tank and return it full. Prepaid fuel only pays off if you return the car close to empty. We tell you which policy applies before you book.
Driver age and extra drivers
Drivers under 25 often face a young-driver surcharge and are restricted from larger or premium categories. Additional drivers must be registered and usually carry a daily fee. Tell us who is driving and we will price it properly.
How to request a National car
Use the search above to set your pick-up point, dates and collection times, then send the request. Tell us the group size, how much luggage you have and who is driving. Our team checks what is available, confirms the total including extras, and only then arranges the booking. No payment is taken on this website.
National questions
Do I have to be a member to rent?
No, but the choose-your-own-car benefit that makes this brand distinctive applies to members, so it is worth joining first if that is why you picked it.
Can I really take any car from the aisle?
Within the designated area for your booked category, generally yes. Which cars are sitting there depends entirely on the branch and the time of day.
Is it worth it for a one-off holiday?
Honestly, often not. For a single leisure trip a leisure-focused brand usually prices better, and we will tell you when that is the case.
Travelzeo is an independent travel agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorised agent of the rental companies named on this page, and all trademarks belong to their respective owners. These guides are provided for information only. Vehicle availability, rates and rental terms are set by the rental company and confirmed with you before any booking is made.