Should You Rent a Car After Riding Amtrak?

If you’re planning an Amtrak trip, whether it’s your first or your hundredth, you might be asking: “Should I rent a car after I get the train?”

For some travelers, renting a car seems like an automatic choice. But before you book, it’s worth pausing. Depending on your destination, skipping the rental could save money, reduce stress, and make your trip more enjoyable.

My first Amtrak trip happened because a friend in Chicago told me, “Don’t drive here!” A year later, on my first cross-country ride to San Francisco, I heard a similar theme: don’t rent a car. And they were right—once I arrived, I realized I didn’t need one at all. If I had a car, it would sit unused.

How do you determine whether a car is worth it? This Amtrak car rental guide will walk you through the key questions to ask, plus real-world examples of when a rental makes sense, and when it’s just a money pit.

Should You Rent a Car After Riding Amtrak? Quick Answer

The answer depends on your destination and the activities you plan to do once you arrive.

If you’re visiting a major city where public transportation is reliable, staying close to the station, or mainly exploring a walkable area, you may not need a rental car. However, renting a car makes sense if you plan to visit a rural area, explore a national park, take day trips outside the city, or travel to a place with limited public transportation options.

Before making a reservation, evaluate the cost and convenience of renting a car compared to using public transit, rideshares, taxis, and shuttles. Also, check the rental car location and its operating hours, as many Amtrak stations do not have rental cars available on-site.

Keep in mind that the rental rate is just one part of the overall cost. Additional expenses such as parking fees, hotel parking charges, fuel, and the stress of navigating traffic can accumulate quickly. In certain destinations, opting for rideshares or taxis may be more affordable and convenient than renting a car.

The First Thing to Consider When Renting a Car for Your Amtrak Trip

If you’re planning to rent a car during your Amtrak trip, the first step is to find out where you can do so.

Most Amtrak stations do not have car rental services on-site, so when you arrive, you might need to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service to reach the rental agency. Alternatively, you can check if the rental company offers car delivery to the station.

A quick internet search will usually reveal whether a rental agency is available at your destination.

But here’s the trick: sometimes the station you planned to use isn’t the best one for picking up a car.

For example, suppose you’re traveling to Wisconsin and considering getting off at the Sturtevant stop. In that case, you may have better luck riding the train just 13 more minutes to the Milwaukee Airport Amtrak station, where car rentals are much easier to find.

Don’t hesitate to check whether stopping before or after your planned stop might be a better option, even if it means driving further than you initially intended.

When It Makes Sense to Rent a Car After an Amtrak Adventure

Sometimes renting is the easiest way to get around—especially in these cases:

You’re Visiting Rural Areas or National Parks

• Public transit is rare or nonexistent outside major cities
• Example: Glacier National Park via the Empire Builder
• Lodges may offer shuttles, but most attractions require driving

You’re on a Tight Schedule

• A rental car lets you follow your timetable
• Avoid long waits for buses or rideshares
• Perfect for short trips where every minute counts

You’re Traveling with a Group or Need Extra Space

• Easier to handle luggage, strollers, or mobility equipment
• Offers more privacy and flexibility than rideshares

The Station Is Far from Your Final Destination

• Example: Whitefish, MT, is near Glacier but far from the east entrance
• Harpers Ferry, WV, is scenic, but local transit is limited

When You Can Skip the Rental Car

Many Amtrak travelers do not require a car, especially if they stay in urban areas with good public transportation.

When I first started using public transportation, I was nervous and made a few mistakes. But for me, the stress of buses and subways is still far less than driving in big-city traffic.

You’re Visiting a Major City

Cities such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Toronto are easily accessible without a car.

• Excellent public transit, or good enough for your needs.
• Walkable downtowns
• You want to avoid traffic and pricey parking

Your Hotel Is Near the Station

• Walkable downtowns, such as Milwaukee, Portland, or Charlottesville, make this easy.
• Sometimes it’s cheaper overall to book a hotel near attractions than to rent a car.
• Ride-sharing and taxi services are often available 24 hours a day in major cities.

Your Destination Has Shuttles or Tours

• Many hotels offer free shuttles
• City buses, streetcars, and rideshares cover most needs
• Guided tours can get you to big attractions without driving

It’s Just a Day Trip

• Example: Galesburg, IL, to Chicago or St. Louis
• By the time you receive the car, you won’t have much time, and rental and parking costs can add up for a short trip.

Big Cities: Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Renting a car in a big city can be more trouble—and more expensive—than it’s worth.

• Gas costs more in urban areas.
• Parking is expensive and limited.
  • In Chicago, garages average $18/hour, while some hotels charge $50–$100 or more per night.
• Traffic headaches can eat into your sightseeing time

Unless you’re planning day trips outside the city, you’ll likely save money (and stress) by sticking to public transit, rideshares, or walking.

Only Need a Car for a Day or Two?

You don’t have to rent a car for your entire trip. Sometimes a short rental is all you need.

• Day rentals for side trips
• Zipcar or Turo for errands or quick adventures
• Hotel shuttle + tour combos so you can relax and skip parking

Amtrak Stations Where Rentals Are Easy

Some Amtrak stations make car rentals straightforward:

• Milwaukee, WI (MKA): Take the free shuttle to the airport for rentals (note: not the downtown Intermodal)
• Whitefish, MT: Local agencies meet passengers at the station
• San Luis Obispo, CA: Walkable to car rentals and downtown
• Burlington, VT (via Essex Junction): Station pickup available
• Los Angeles, CA: Rentals available right at the station

Tip: Amtrak doesn’t list rental car availability, so always check ahead. Confirm office hours—smaller locations may close early.

Things to Consider When Booking

Train schedules may not operate at a time convenient for you. Occasionally, trains don’t run on schedule. If your arrival occurs before or after rental office hours or you’re too tired to continue, here’s what you can do:

• Rent your car the next morning.
  • Many people find this simpler; hotel lobbies often have rental information, and you’re more alert when you start driving in daylight.
  • Take a rideshare or taxi from the station to your hotel.
    • This option provides flexibility and peace of mind when you’re tired or have limited transportation options.
• Plan with the rental agency’s hours.
  • Before booking, verify whether the rental location allows early pickup or late return, especially if your train schedule is uncertain.
• Have a backup plan.
  • If you arrive late, consider staying at a hotel near the station (where rideshares and shuttles are frequently available), and then evaluate your next steps in the morning.
• Review cost vs. convenience.
  • A short rideshare plus hotel might be more expensive than an early rental, but it could save stress and last-minute surprises.

When planning your travel, it’s essential to consider whether your train is running late and whether you might miss the designated pickup time for your car. Additionally, check if your travel insurance covers any fees or losses related to this situation.

Key Questions to Ask Before Renting a Car

Before you rent, ask yourself:

• Am I staying within walking distance of the station and activities?
• What are local gas and parking costs?
• Do I plan to take day trips outside the city?
• Is public transit reliable where I’m going?
• Do I want to deal with traffic or unfamiliar driving rules?
• Would rideshares be cheaper overall?
• Do I need a car for the whole trip?

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Kev’s Final Thoughts

I enjoy train travel because it allows me to savor the journey without having to contend with traffic. As a budget-conscious solo traveler, I usually avoid renting cars, but I realize this isn’t always practical for everyone.

When planning a trip, your choice of accommodation can significantly affect your decision-making. It may be worth spending a little extra to stay closer to your destination, rather than renting a car.

Do the math. Sometimes, rentals can be cost-effective, especially with good deals, but always factor in parking fees. It’s also easy to find the average gas price in a particular area. Often, rideshares are cheaper and more convenient if you don’t need daily transportation.

Whether you’re traveling by Amtrak to a bustling city or a serene mountain town, remember: you have options.

Safe Travels and Happy Planning,

Kev