Can't get off the property. We just got our car, and they can't seem to find the information to let us drive away. Talking back-and-forth via walkie-talkie, probably gonna have to go back to the office. Very dysfunctional here. read more

A number of people waiting more than an hour to pick up reserved cars. It's 9pm and we are stranded with kids. Don't rent from Budget at Detroit airport. read more

Worst rental car experience ever at the Budget Detroit Airport Metro site today! My husband and I waited in line for 1 hour and 50 minutes to pick up our car todat! Only 1 attendant helping 50+ people while a mangaer stood around watching her do all of the work, and another young woman on a computer doing nothing to help customers! Could the manger helped her? Is the manager not trained to use the computer or was he just to lazy and uncaring of his stqff member to help her? Could the manager at least called a list of employees to see if any one else could come in and help? Who oversees this Detroit location - do they even care about their customers or reputation? read more

We're waiting outside for nearly 30 minutes now and there are 20+ other people here waiting for cars too. The staff is really nice, but they're BSing us - 'oh, we had a bunch of walk-ups and they took all our cars.' Then the same guy told my husband a completely different story. I think they're giving us cars as they're returned. This is nuts. There are tons of cars on the Avis lot, or so it seems. We travel often and we've never seen anything like this! The manager says this is only the second time they've run out of cars. HA. read more

SCAM WARNING: 0/10 - Complete Fraud! Absolute scammers. Do not trust this company. They tried to quietly charge my card a $450 cleaning fee after I returned the car completely clean. When I caught the charge and called them out on it, the nightmare customer service began: The first representative told me they had photos proving the car was dirty but claimed she could not share them with me. When I asked how I was supposed to know they didn't just throw trash in the car themselves to frame me, she suddenly changed her tune and promised to email the photos right away. The catch? She didn't even ask for my email address. I called back and spoke to a second person who put me on hold for 20 minutes, only to come back and casually say it was "a mistake" and that a refund was being issued. This isn't a mistake; it's a calculated scam to see who pays attention to their billing statements. They only back down when you catch them in their own lies. Take photos of your rental when you return it, check your bank statements, and stay far away from these crooks! read more

Live up to promises. Have customer service. Care. Try those 3 things and I'll consider changing my review. Budget car rental lied to me. And lost me as a customer today. I took the time this morning to create an account with Budget and sign up for Fast Break so I could go straight to my car. After taking the shuttle to the car lot I wandered around in freezing rain and couldn't find where to go. I went back to the counter area and found someone that would listen to me that told me that Fast Break was "unavailable" today and I'd have to get in line. A line a lot longer than when I arrived but zero communication from Budget ... Yeah. Fun. 2 counter attendants and like 20 people in line. No way I get to my destination on time. They have QR codes posted everywhere to scan to shorten time then don't bother to keep up their end of the bargain yet if you complain, it's not fixed and no one cares so what is happening in America these days? Bad service, long lines, rude people... Goodness! I tried and still lost :( Budget was really really bad today on my first (and last) experience with them Also, the shuttle from DTW? Driver didn't even try standing up to help people with luggage even when a passenger struggled to get a heavy bag up the steep steps. Just sat there staring. And still had a Tip Jar 2 feet away. Yikes! read more

Budget - Time defying line (over an hour) - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

We had a car reservation for our trip home from the DR, had confirmation # and the make and model of the rental car. When our flight landed we shuttled over to Budget. Only to be told ohhh sorry we don't have a car for you! Unless you are bringing it back to Detroit today, or renting it for 7 days! I have pictures of the 1000's of cars in the parking lot but yet they refuse to give us one! Get it together Budget, your website lets you book cars you don't have?!? read more

Budget - All the cars just sitting here! - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

We rented the car here for a few days our little family vacation. They do have the express service where your name is on the TV outside, and you can pick out a car in their little section, grab the keys and go if you filled out all your paperwork, uploaded your ID and payment ahead of time. It was nice seeing my name on the screen when the shuttle got us there. The only issue is that service is only provided during certain hours of the day, and when your plane arrives at 11pm, you have to go inside, and wait in the extremely long line where they are understaffed. One of the staffers did say for me to just go pick out the car and gave me an upgrade for the inconvenience which was nice. I would rent from them again. 2025-11 #562 read more

I arrived just before midnight to pick up my rental car. When I walked in, there were two people working. The line was nearly to the door and the agents were processing everybody very slowly. At one point in the midst of the break, one of the people working took a break and didn't come back for quite some time. Then when he returned, the other person left. Of course, workers need breaks too. But it seems like the company was logistically unprepared to handle the flow of customers. It took me nearly an hour and a half to get to the agent. When I had finished all the paperwork I was told I had been "upgraded" from the Toyota Camry I reserved to a Kia Sportage. I didn't feel like it was an upgrade. Downgrade likely, lateral at best, but absolutely undesired. Considering the fact that it was about 1:30 AM and I was beyond tired, I didn't feel like raising a fuss. I probably should have. After leaving the lot, I noticed that the gas tank was less than three quarters full, and my contractual responsibility was supposed to be to bring back a full tank - because I was supposed to receive a full tank. I brought it back with the same amount of gas as I received. If I get billed for that I will fight it for sure. The car itself had several issues while I was driving where it stopped accelerating while I was on the highway. I had to pull over and restart it in order to drive properly. It was very unsafe. The check engine light also came on. Based on these factors alone, I think it is highly unlikely that I will choose Budget (perhaps just this location, but I'm generally soured) over another company if I have the option to do so. read more

Budget - Supposedly full tank of gas. Not even 3/4. - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The absolute worst! If you think the DMV is bad then you've never been to the Detroit budget airport location. I waited over two hours... The employees show zero enthusiasm while the line is out the door. They shuffle their feet and move slow. It's really unbelievable. Each customer takes at least ten minutes and I'm not sure why. read more

Budget - Multiply each person by ten minutes and that's your wait time - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Absolutely unacceptable experience. We waited over 4 hours just to get a car. The shuttle from the airport only fit 12 people, yet there were over 50 people waiting. The line at the rental location barely moved. Zero communication from staff--not with each other and certainly not with us. When they did speak, they were incredibly rude and dismissive. We were told there were no cars available--only vans--which is ridiculous considering we had a reservation. What's the point of booking in advance if they don't actually hold the vehicle? This was chaotic, unprofessional, and a total waste of time. Avoid Budget Rent a Car if you value your time and sanity. read more

The absolute worst rental car experience possible. Fastbreak means nothing, long wait times in line, cars are dirty, high mileage an and smell like smoke (weed). The staff could not care less about providing professional and courteous service. read more

Here's a quick recap of my recent hellish experience at Budget - and from what I can tell, this seems to be how things go for most people on most days: -There were about 40 people in line to check in and 2 people working the desk so expect to be standing in line at least an hour, and maybe 2. -I reserved a compact car. Instead they gave me a huge truck that had visible body damage, reeked of cigarette smoke, and had a stain of questionable origin that looked like dried vomit. Yep, you read that right - vomit. -The huge, dented, filthy truck was also flashing a service light and had a busted tail light and blinker. So I insisted they change the car, which they did - after I waited another hour in line. I think I clocked about 2.5-3 hours at the check in desk. -Staff are rude and will almost certainly give you a heaping side of attitude with your questionably maintained vehicle. But wait - it gets better. I accidentally left my personal keys in the car when I returned it. I noticed almost right away and asked the desk clerk if he could help me retrieve them (since the car was LITERALLY STILL ON THE LOT) - didn't seem like a huge ask. But he flat out refused. He instead muttered some unintelligible nonsense, told me to file a claim online, and said that maybe someone would get back to me - even though it would have taken someone all of 2 minutes to go out to the car and retrieve my property. There was zero resolution to my problem which had an extremely obvious and easy solution. That fine specimen of a gentleman who refused to provide the most basic of assistance is a morbidly obese, middle aged dude with graying hair who sweats profusely, looks like he hasn't showered in about a month, said something about being burnt out or whatever, and seems like he's either not dealing with a full deck or is a leading contender for the most incompetent employee on this earth. A real winner there. I think his name is Will. Avoid Will at all costs if you can. I hope you have the day you deserve, Will. You sure as hell ruined mine. Anyways, this place blows in pretty much every possible way. You've been warned. Safe travels, all. read more

Budget could start by actually having customer service that gives a darn. I got a car that first of all smelt like a mechanic had been sitting in it all day with oily clothes on but I took it anyways cuz I had to get out of there. I was in town for my sister who had recently had a serious heart attack and when I picked up the car I had to give my fob and paperwork to a girl standing at the end of the aisle who then checked everything and she was asking me some questions and then pointed me to the exit she handed me back the paperwork, and I did not notice if she did not hand me back the fob. She had to be standing there with a key fob in her hand wondering who it belonged to, which would have been me since I was the last one she talked to and she didn't have one in her hand previously. I did not notice that she had not returned it and as I drove nearly 35 mi away from the airport I finally stopped at my hotel. When I stopped and put the car in park a big warning sign came up that said no fob detected in car. After searching the car and realizing that I never got my fob had it back to me I attempted on over 30 occasions to contact budget and speak to somebody at the airport desk to see how to get my fob delivered since I couldn't start my car, let alone drive it. And I just kept getting the runaround to call roadside rescue, or customer service each one kept referring me back to the other. Finally we had the car towed back to the airport to the budget car rental and I dropped it off, and walked down to Enterprise rental car and rented a car from them. It was actually kind of nice that they gave me an actual card with an email that is directly to their desk in case there were any issues. This is not my first bad encounter with a budget rent a car at every location there are issues. Needless to say I wasted almost half a day that I could have spent with my sister having to chase down a key fob which would have been easier to have somebody deliver it then to have a tow truck come and get the car and tow it back. If you're a stockholder sell now. read more

Horrible - Fastbreak member just horrible Our name on board arrived at 11:45 pm and zero cars!!!! NO Fastbreak at all absolutely crazy. Still waiting at 1:23am. 3 people working. We received confirmation when we landed that car was ready... this is unacceptable read more

Budget - The 2 hr line at 1am even for Fastbreak - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

DO NOT RENT HERE. I have rented cars for the last 30 years from various rental companies, including budget. I am a fastbreak member for over 20 years. I was given the WORST condition budget fastbreak car since I have been a member. Since they were "out of cars". It was several years old, and already WELL USED. I was surprised they would have this old of a car in the rental fleet. I have NEVER had an issue with the returning the cars. When I returned the car to the DETROIT airport location (also rented here) they AFTER the fact charged me over $200 for "alleged damage" to the car. They did not provide 1. Time-stamped photographs of the alleged damage 2. A copy of the completed damage report 3. Repair invoices showing actual costs incurred 4. Information about when and how the damage was discovered they just charged me. I then called the phone # on the paperwork telling me they are charging me and the rep Sila was NO help, she had no idea why they charged me. She told me to email them. When I emailed them, they still did not provide the above 4 items, so I am disputing with my credit card company. They are crooked in DETROIT at this budget location. I recommend to avoid at all costs. read more

As a Fastbreak member, I generally reserve a Budget, especially if they are giving me a better rental price. This review is for a recent rental from here. Many years have passed in between rentals. The shuttle from the airport over to the location was easy to find and a fairly short ride. Upon arrival, there was a substantial line of customers. The Fastbreak member counter was not open, resulting in having approximately a 50 min wait in line to obtain my prepaid rental. There were only 2 people working the counter. They were moving at a reasonable pace, about 5-10 min per customer. It seemed like they were taking care to address each of the customers' needs, questions, etc. Once I arrived at the counter, I received good customer service, and all of my questions were answered. For return, I chose to use the curbside drop-off service for a small additional fee. I had prepaid this at reservation. It made drop off a breeze. Once I pulled in and let them know that I had drop-off service, someone came out to drive me over to the airline terminal. By the time I reached my gate, I had received my electronic receipt. Save for the unanticipated long wait at pickup, it was a good experience overall. Even though there is a free shuttle back to the airport, I think I'll continue using the dropoff service to save time. read more

Budget - Nissan Rogue Driver door - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The worst rental experience. First, we waited one hour in the line to pick up our reserved rental car. After that, they give you a slip to get in line and wait for someone to come to you and bring you a car. After about another 20 minutes waiting, you have to wait for a car to be available. We were given a car. We put our suitcases in and then were told. Sorry, this car just sold. We have to put you in another car. We unload again. The second car was missing the keys. Now, we're in the third car. We couldn't wait to get out of there, so we didn't notice the smell of cigarette and how dirty the windshield was. Then, onto a third line to leave and have the attendant check the keys or take a picture. Don't know. But we will never rent from Budget again. read more

Budget car rental just so happened to be the rental place listed on my reservation I put in through Expedia travel agency. After flying into Evans terminal - Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), I made my way to the shuttle area where the shuttle bus for Budget awaited as I came down the escalator floor. The shuttles in the area provide transportation to either McNamara terminal, On/Off-Airport Parking Shuttles, Car Rental, and Hotel. I had the pleasure of having a quality conversation with the driver of the shuttle bus, being that I was the only rider en-route to the site from Evans terminal. Our conversation evolved around traveling out of the country via cruise, and sites within Detroit Michigan like the beloved Motown Historical Museum aka 'Hitsville U.S.A'. Once I arrived at the car rental site, picking up my vehicle was a lengthy wait in line because there were a lot of customers ahead. However, once it was my turn at the counter, it was just a verification of my information by the clerk, informing me about the service options like coverage, fuel and the pre-vehicle inspection which I conducted thoroughly myself before driving off of the lot. The vehicle I ended up receiving was a Chevrolet Malibu which I must say was amazing! While driving the roads of Detroit, I absolutely enjoyed its acceleration and the way it maneuvered. And it came with keyless ignition which has been slowly growing on me being that I have never owned a vehicle with that feature. Vehicle return was simple because I was required to drive my vehicle in an area where it was checked in. Once checked in, I was well on my way to catch the shuttle bus back to Evans terminal. There were two shuttle bus pick up spots which were for terminals Evans or McNamara. I advise you to clearly look at the signage because the particular airline you are flying with is listed on either sign. Even with the lengthy wait in line, I would still be open to utilizing Budget car rental again. If you can tolerate the possibility of that, then I do recommend it! ~Blessings~ Thomas G read more

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THE WAIT! OMG! Got on the shuttle at the airport at 4pm on a Friday. Finally got on the road at 6pm. I'm really worried how it will be when we drop off. The remote lot for the combined Avis, Budget and Payless counter at the Detroit International Airport is just BROKEN. I've never seen anything like it. There's a long line for the counter, then a long line to exit the parking lot. The shuttle busses get caught in the log jam and can't get to the people waiting to go back to the airport. Broken. Broken. Broken. Consider "Fast Break" status that let's you skip the line, apparently. Perhaps make sure the agency you use is in the airport. You might have to go to a different terminal. Avoid this rental lot or make sure you have plenty of time. read more

We had a reservation and waited in line for 2 and 1/2 hours. There were 2 people working and one of them went on at least 2 breaks while we all were waiting. Some of us had Fast Break too. This is absolutely awful! I hate to post bad reviews, but this was beyond aw read more

Just here to add another -5 star review for the long line, multiple breaks, and longest wait EVER! Rent from Avis. I'm looking at their line which is nothing and when they do have someone, they get them out and on their way immediately. This is ridiculous and unacceptable. read more

We arrived here on a shuttle from a 5h flight & had to wait an EXTRA 2 hours in line just to receive our car. The AC inside the building was hardly working if working at all, they had a large industrial fan just blowing The line & 8 registers open with only 2 employees. The manager was just walking around not helping get the line down, given he provided waters in a cooler that was not really cold to everyone (that's why I gave it a 2 star, instead of 1)... The ladies outside who were helping others get their rental were so nice and actually helpful!! The line was out the door. Then my mom had to go back inside to get the car we actually paid for because they wrongly gave us a 6 seater, when we paid for 7. We won't recommend this place or be back. read more

Budget - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I would give zero stars if I could. 40 people waiting in line and only 2 to 3 people at the counter. The savings is not worth the absurdity long wait times and horrible customer service. Never again. read more

Absolutely find a different rental company. I did the on line pre check in and it is still a 2 hr plus wait to get a car! They only have 2 people working the desk and upward to 50 people in line! And then once you get checked in you have to go outside to wait in line AGAIN for your car! I pity the people working here as they are getting wrath of the customer while the corporate execs get the money!!! read more

Budget - This is the line with only two people to help them! - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

No ac, 2-3hour lines, fast-break not working. We have always had issues with budget but this is the worst its gotten. Very unprofessional and uncomfortable, please consider renting somewhere else. We will no longer consider budget an option for our family. read more

Budget - Longest line - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

26 mins and only 1 person received his car despite having 5 workers behind the counter and watching them leave their spots for 10 Mins at a time read more

Call the police. Thieves, Thieves, Thieves. Avoid this rent a car place at all costs and I mean that literally. This Budget location will rob you without a gun. I got a mini van that had a crack on the windshield I will add the pictures to this review. I brought it to the attention of the staff and there basic response was like okay and? They told me to mark it on the paper that asks to mark any damages you see before driving off and I did and they said okay you're good to go. So I did. Next thing I know they send me a letter saying they're charging me for the windshield $421.00. When I called only a recording with an accent I was barely able to understand saying the system was down. read more

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Unreal. Detroit airport location. Others companies shuttle came and went twice before they arrived. Now grouped with Avis and Payless Car rental in their "new" location. Which is not new. The shuttle driver had no idea where we were we to line up. After being dropped off the we were greeted by roughly 100 other people waiting to pick up their rental. Looking at an hour wait to get car. read more

Wait times. Customer service. Shuttle service. We had a bad experience. Here in 2023, but I thought that was a one off experience and decided to give them a second chance. Well, there is probably a line 50 people long. The waiting area is hot. It's insane. read more

Budget - Car Rental Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

booked minivan one week ago and I was going today in a budget to pick up the minivan. They say we don't have a car for you..They say we are out of cars. I don't recommend, very bad service read more

Avoid this budget office if you possibly can. Poorly run (no visible signs telling which line is Avis and which line is budget so you may spend HOURS in the wrong line and staff does not make it clear); plus we waited more than an hour for a car. Avoid at all costs n read more

Do not rent here! Listen to the reviews! When we arrived at Detroit Metro Airport on September 18, 2025 we waited in a large crowd for the Budget shuttle. There was only one shuttle running for a large amount of people waiting and not enough room on the shuttle for everyone. We had to wait several trips to obtain the shuttle, as I stood with my 80-year-old mother who can barely stand for long and there were not enough seats, until we finally got a shuttle. We entered the Budget terminal at Detroit and from there we waited well over 2 hours in the line to obtain our reservation. Budget only had one employee processing a full capacity (I have photos) room of waiting customers who also had reservations. Again, while trying to navigate with my 80 y/o mother and at this point we were into the next day. The entire process from start to finish lasted over 2 1/2 hours just to get our car. In addition to that, we were assigned a car in stall C15 which did not exist. We were also assigned a white Chevy Trax which also did not exist. It turned out. It was a red Chevy Trax in stall C14. The car had not been cleaned from its prior use therefore we were handed a car that was dirty. Needless to say our plane arrived just after 9:30 PM EST and we were not able to get underway with our reservation until after 1 AM EST in the morning the next day. I have never experienced such poor customer service with a car rental provider. I must note here it was not the fault of the employee, but the company as a whole. Upper management is to blame here. In addition, we attempted to use the restroom which was only one stall for females and had no door lock to lock the door to the stall. With that said, I may get a response that it was an unusual evening, however, in speaking with a sibling of mine, he had just made the same trip two weeks prior and experienced the exact same thing with Budget at that same location. We witnessed a plethora of people so frustrated that they were just walking away and calling an Uber or Lyft including one of our nations military members who couldn't get his reservation because he wanted to use a debit card and was told he could only use the credit card used to make the reservation. He was left stranded. Disgraceful! I made this reservation through USAA and I will be contacting them about our experience. Get it together Budget. You have lost yet another customer for life. There is no regard for the customer just the bottom line. read more

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We rented a car at DTW and it was truly the most chaotic, disorganized, idiotic process I've ever experienced at a rental car facility. Instead of being able to go to a space and pick up a car, we were made to wait in an extremely long line in the baking sun to be assigned a car. We were told that parking lot staff was understaffed that day and they had to wait for cars to be returned, then cleaned, then driven around to be checked out by renters. It was the most chaotic, disorganized thing I've ever seen. We will not be renting from Budget ever again. read more

Second and last time we will rent at Budget at DTW! Both times were the worst experience ever when renting. The customer service staff is awesome, but wait time is insane! I was prechecked and still waited over 2 hours. We thought the first time was a fluke, but now realize this is typical for this Budget. Will never rent at this Budget again. read more

Budget DTW: Worst rental experience of my life If I could give zero stars, I would. I landed at DTW around 1am with my 4-year-old daughter, only to find a Budget counter with two employees and a line stretching outside the building. People were waiting over two hours, visibly angry and exhausted. It was cold, late, and completely mismanaged. I called their customer service line hoping to cancel my reservation and take an Uber. Reservations answered--but said customer service was closed until 7:30am. They refused to cancel the booking, even though I was stranded with a child in the middle of the night. Their response? "You'll have to wait." Budget clearly overbooks without staffing to match. The lack of empathy and basic operational planning is appalling. I will never rent from Budget again, and I strongly advise others to avoid them! read more

My experience has been poor. Charges over 500 dollars for a rental that should have cost 160 due to a billing error. Tank Out 61 gallons, Take In 15.9 gallons. A Ford Escape has a tank under 15 gallons. Now I am stuck waiting for a refund due to a computer or human error. Prior to returning the car I topped off the tank, spray washed to clean off the snow and salt, and wiped down the doors and seats. I treated the car nicely and now the billing issue has become such a hassle. read more

STOP! Saving $50 is not worth using this crappy company . If I could give them a zero I would. I waited two hours to get car! There was no fastbreak express service. No A/C. Line out the door and the counter people moved soooooo slow. It was a the worst experience renting a car I've had - ever. After two hours in one line, I was instructed to go outside (90degrees + and stand in another line! Rent a car in Ypsilanti and uber over. Faster and saves you the horrible Detroit airport car rental experience and Budget is the worst of it. I can't recommend using Detroit (DTW) as a place to begin or end a vacation in Michigan I will never rent from Budget again. Horrible. read more

Where do I start? This is the 2nd time renting from this location in the past month and have come to terms with no amount of savings in rate is worth this experience: 1. 2 hrs wait from start to getting in car 2. Joining fast break made no difference in wait time 3. Wait time included 30 minutes outside in 94 degree temps waiting on asphalt, tent did not accommodate crowd, no seats, elderly woman passed out waiting in the heat, fell, head injury, paramedics arrived to care for her. Customers did more to help her (give her water, emergency response), than the staff. Parking lot attendant skidaddled and manager young-nice-but not adequately supported. Poor business practices that put people in danger. Zero stars if I could read more

2 and a half hour wait to get my car. They need more staff. Also, they need to upgrade their system to allow those with reservations to self check out read more