Airport car rental seems the most convenient, option, but it has a set of with challenges that can be easily avoided. Though it comes with hidden costs, it is not entirely a bad idea to book your car rental at the airport. The biggest downsides isthe cost and vehicle availability.
Many travellers that have rented cars before discourage it especially if you’re travelling on a tight budget. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider not booking a rental car at EBB:
Surcharges
Surcharges are basically fees imposed by airports on rental companies for operating on airport property. These charges are then transferred to the customers and they can vary depending on the airport and rental agency.
Surcharges include concession fees charged by the airport to the rental company for rights to operate on the airport premises. The airport access fee is also charged to customers to cover the costs of accessing the airport.
Similarly, the customer facility charge funds the airport facilities and services.
Car rental companies at the airport pay the airport a fee for each rental transaction and these fees are passed on to the customers in form of service charges. Surcharge fees at EBB may range anywhere between $10-$20 per day depending on the car rental company.
Higher rental rates:
By default, the cost of renting a car at the airport is higher than renting a car outside the airport. This is because the costs of operation for the company are high for instance the cost of office space at the airport may be double than outside the airport and the parking space is also more expensive.
On top of other costs like taxes, the car rental companies have no option but to spike the rates so as to remain in business. Most car rental companies outside the airport provide airport pickups and drop-offs usually at a lower rate than renting a car at the airport so you may want to consider this option, instead of renting directly from the airport.
Fewer rental car companies
Not all rental car companies have airport locations, which can limit your options. You’ll have very few companies to compare with in order to make an informed decision. Still, there isn’t much of a difference in their prices since they basically similar rates
Limited airport care rental selection:
Airport rental car companies may have a limited selection of vehicles, especially during peak travel periods. This is because the airport dictates the sizes and numbers of cars the company can store at a given time. Since airports are high demand locations, cars may be booked quickly leaving limited options for last minute renters.
Also rental cars at airports are often rented for short periods, which means they are turned over quickly, limiting the availability of certain vehicles. Moreover, there is limited parking and storage space, making it difficult for rental car companies to maintain a large fleet.
Do not forget that cars at airports may require more frequent maintenance and servicing due to high usage. Car rental companies may focus on providing vehicles that are in high demand than offering a wide range of options. Maintaining a large and diverse fleet of vehicles at the airport can be costly, and rental car companies may prioritize profitability over offering a wide range of options.
Long lines and wait times
Entebbe Airport is a very busy airport handling approximately 41 arrival flights per day on average, although the exact number fluctuates daily and monthly. Recent data from July 2025 shows a surge in traffic, with 119,127 arrivals in the month, averaging about 3,843 arrivals per day.
Uganda Airlines is the biggest airline operator at Entebbe International Airport, with the most departures and a significant number of direct flights to and from destinations in Africa and beyond.
Also, major International Airlines land at the airport daily so imagine the queues at the car rental counters. This is especially during peak tourist seasons of June to September resulting in longer waiting times for pickups and drop-off. To avoid this, always book your car rental away from the airport and arrange for airport to pickups and drop offs.
Additional Fees
Most airports including EBB charge additional fees for services like parking or tolls, and most of these fees are hidden. Some of the mandatory fees may include airport concession fees, Customer Facility Charge and taxes like sales or VAT.
Though not compulsory, you may be charged for insurance such as the collision damage waivers, liability and personal accident insurance. That is why you need to read and understand the insurance policies of the rental company before making a reservation. If you have your personal travel insurance, you will not need to pay for this.
Additionally, you’ll be charged for additional driver fees, child seat fees, GPS or young driver fees at higher costs compared to off-airport prices.
Much as airport rental cars provide an unmatched level of convenience, it is worth noting that they shouldn’t be an option especially for someone travelling on a budget. It is important to carefully review the rental agreement and ask about any fees before signing. You may also want to consider renting from a location outside of the airport, which may offer lower rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
Do not forget that off airport companies also provide airport pickups usually at a very low cost.
Ultimately, whether or not to book a rental car at the airport depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you do decide to book at the airport, be sure to research and compare rates, and factor in any additional fees or costs