Car Rentals Near ASU: Tempe Student & Parent Guide 2025

Whether you're an ASU student needing wheels for spring break, or a parent flying in for Family Weekend, finding affordable car rentals near campus doesn't have to be complicated. Here's your complete guide to renting in Tempe.

The ASU Transportation Reality

Let's be honest about getting around Tempe:

• Light Rail: Connects Tempe to Phoenix and Mesa, but limited coverage
• Orbit Buses: Free, but only within Tempe
• Rideshare: Adds up fast (especially surge pricing after games)
• Your Own Car: Not practical for out-of-state students

For weekend trips, airport pickups, or moving apartments, renting makes sense.

Best Pickup Locations Near ASU

1. Tempe Marketplace Area

Just 5 minutes from campus, this is the most convenient spot for students without cars. Multiple rental options, plus you can grab food while you're there.

• Distance from campus: 2.3 miles
• Light Rail accessible: Yes (McClintock/Apache station)
• Parking: Free at marketplace

2. Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)

Best for parents flying in. 15 minutes from campus via Light Rail or rideshare.

• Distance from campus: 6 miles
• Light Rail accessible: Yes (44th St/Washington station)
• Pro tip: Take Light Rail to avoid parking fees

3. Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)

Allegiant and other budget airlines fly here. 25 minutes from campus but often has cheaper car rental rates.

Student Rental Requirements

Here's what you need to know before booking:

Requirement	Traditional Rentals	Peer-to-Peer (ITWhip)
Minimum Age	21 (25 for some vehicles)	21
Young Driver Fee	$25-35/day (under 25)	None
Credit Card Required	Yes (no debit cards)	Debit cards accepted
Student Discount	Varies by company	Many hosts offer student rates

Best Times to Rent Near ASU

High Demand (Book Early)

• Move-in weekend (August): Parents need SUVs, book 2+ weeks ahead
• Family Weekend (October): Hotels and cars sell out
• Homecoming (November): Game day surge pricing
• Spring Break (March): Everyone heads to California or Mexico
• Graduation (May): The absolute worst - book months ahead

Best Deals

• Mid-semester weekdays: Lowest demand, best prices
• January: After bowl games, before spring semester
• Summer: Many students leave, prices drop

Popular Student Road Trips

Here's what most ASU students rent cars for:

Weekend Getaways

Destination	Distance	Drive Time	Best For
Sedona	116 mi	2 hrs	Hiking, red rocks
San Diego	355 mi	5 hrs	Beach, nightlife
Los Angeles	372 mi	5.5 hrs	Concerts, theme parks
Rocky Point (Mexico)	215 mi	3.5 hrs	Beach, spring break
Grand Canyon	232 mi	3.5 hrs	When family visits
Flagstaff/Snowbowl	145 mi	2 hrs	Skiing, winter escape

What Car Should You Rent?

For Students

• Solo or couples: Economy car ($25-40/day) - Civic, Corolla, Mazda3
• Friend group (4-5): Mid-size sedan ($35-50/day) - Camry, Accord
• Camping/gear: SUV ($50-70/day) - RAV4, CR-V, Tucson

For Parents

• Move-in/out: SUV or minivan - You'll need the space
• Visiting: Mid-size sedan - Comfortable for touring campus
• Graduation: Book whatever's available - seriously

Money-Saving Tips for Students

1. Split with Friends

A $50/day SUV split 4 ways = $12.50 per person. Cheaper than everyone taking Ubers.

2. Use Your Student Email

Some rental companies offer student discounts. ITWhip hosts often offer special rates to ASU students - just ask in the message.

3. Book Weekday to Weekday

Picking up Thursday instead of Friday and returning Monday instead of Sunday often saves 30%+.

4. Check Your Credit Card

Many credit cards include rental car insurance. Check before paying for the rental company's coverage.

5. Avoid Airport Pickup When Possible

Airport rentals include 10-15% in taxes and fees. Tempe locations are often cheaper.

Parent Tips: Visiting ASU

Flying In for a Visit?

• Best airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) - 15 min to campus
• Rental timing: Pick up car, drive to campus, avoid Light Rail hassle with luggage
• Parking on campus: Visitor parking is $3/hour or $15/day

Graduation Weekend Survival

• Book car 2-3 months in advance
• Expect to pay 50-100% more than normal rates
• Consider staying in Mesa or Chandler if Tempe hotels are full
• Ceremonies run long - plan for all-day parking

Insurance Considerations

If You're Under 25

Traditional rental companies charge $25-35/day extra for young drivers. ITWhip includes insurance in the rental price with no young driver surcharge for renters 21+.

Parent's Insurance

If you're on your parents' car insurance, it may cover rentals. Check the policy before paying for additional coverage.

ASU Events Calendar to Plan Around

Mark these dates - car rentals get expensive:

• August 15-20: Move-in week
• October (varies): Family Weekend
• November (varies): Homecoming
• November: ASU vs U of A game (Territorial Cup)
• March: Spring Break week
• May: Graduation ceremonies

Quick Comparison: Your Options

Option	Cost (Weekend)	Best For
ITWhip (P2P)	$35-60/day	Students, flexible pickup
Enterprise	$45-80/day	Traditional experience
Turo	$40-70/day	Variety of cars
Zipcar (campus)	$10-15/hour	Short errands only

The Bottom Line

For ASU students and visiting parents, the key is planning ahead around major campus events. Prices can triple during graduation week compared to a random Tuesday in February.

Peer-to-peer rentals like ITWhip work especially well for students because:

• No young driver fees
• Debit cards accepted
• Flexible pickup locations (some hosts deliver to campus)
• Often cheaper than traditional rentals