13 Car Rental Companies That Offer Roof Racks

Most major car rental companies offer some type of roof rack, usually for an additional charge. Available rack styles (ski racks, luggage racks, etc.) vary by location and vehicle type.

Some agencies also allow customers to install their own racks on the rental vehicle. Keep in mind that not all roof racks fit every vehicle, and if you do install your own, you’ll be held responsible for any damage to the vehicle.

We contacted the major U.S. rental agencies and researched their equipment policies to find the best car rental options that include or allow roof racks.

What We Recommend

Zipcar is your best option for affordability as it doesn’t charge an additional fee to rent a vehicle with a roof rack.^[1]

Getaround also generally offers this service at no additional cost, though availability and pricing vary by the host.^[2]

Note that Zipcar and Getaround don’t allow you to install your own rack.^[1][2]

If you prefer traditional car rental companies over car-sharing, Budget offers the lowest rate for roof racks, at around $7 per day.^[3]

Dollar Car Rental and Thrifty Car Rental offer more rack styles, however, providing ski racks, luggage racks, and bike racks at some locations. Rates typically run around $13.50 per day.^[4][5]

Comparison Table

Use the table below to compare options and pricing for each car rental company when renting a roof rack.

Note that you can sort the table by tapping the arrows at the top of each column, or select the company name to find additional details in our list below.

The List

Below, we have the list of car rental companies that offer and allow roof racks, including which rack types are available and the cost. We also note whether each company allows you to install your own.

Our list begins with the overall best options based on the variety of racks available and pricing.

Note that availability varies by location and vehicle type; the rental agency may not guarantee your reservation. It’s best to call ahead to ensure your rental will be equipped with a rack if you request it.^[3]

We confirmed this information by contacting local and corporate customer service representatives, as well as viewing policy documentation online.

Zipcar

• Roof racks available: Ski racks, bike racks, and surfboard racks;^[6][1] look for the word “Rack,” the Yakima logo, or the bike, surf, or ski icon when browsing available vehicles.^[6]
• Price: No additional fees^[1]
• Allows you to install your own? No^[1]
• Find a rental

Budget

• Roof racks available: Ski racks and luggage racks at some locations;^[7] note that Budget doesn’t guarantee roof rack availability.^[3]
• Price: Varies; generally around $7 per day^[3][8]
• Allows you to install your own? No^[9]
• Find a rental

Getaround

• Roof racks available: Cargo racks, ski racks, and bike racks; since Getaround is a peer-to-peer rental service, availability will vary by the vehicle owner.^[10][2]
• Price: Generally included in the rental cost, but vehicle owners set their own prices^[2][11]
• Allows you to install your own? No^[2]
• Find a rental

Dollar Car Rental

• Roof racks available: Ski racks, luggage racks, and bike racks at some locations^[12][4]
• Price: Generally about $13.50 per day^[4]
• Allows you to install your own? Varies by location; typically, Dollar Car Rental discourages but doesn’t prohibit it. It’s best to call the location you plan to rent from to check its policy. If you’re able to install your own rack, you’ll be held financially responsible for any damage to the rental.^[4][13]
• Find a rental

Thrifty Car Rental

• Roof racks available: Ski racks, luggage racks, and bike racks at some locations^[14][5]
• Price: Generally around $13.50 per day^[5]
• Allows you to install your own? This is discouraged, though not prohibited; you will be held financially responsible for any damage to the rental if you install your rack.^[5]
• Find a rental

Turo

• Roof racks available: Gear racks, ski racks, and bike racks^[15]
• Price: Set by each vehicle owner^[16][17]
• Allows you to install your own? No^[16]
• Find a rental

Hertz

• Roof racks available: Ski racks and luggage racks at some locations^[18][19]
• Price: About $10 to $20 per day^[19]
• Allows you to install your own? Varies by location; contact the rental counter you plan to use to check its policy.^[19]
• Find a rental

Payless Car Rental

• Roof racks available: Ski racks and luggage racks at some locations^[20][21][22]
• Price: About $10 per day for ski racks;^[20] no charge for built-in luggage racks^[22]
• Allows you to install your own? No^[22]
• Find a rental

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

• Roof racks available: Ski racks at most locations;^[23][24] luggage racks at some locations^[25][26]
• Price: About $11 to $20 per day^[25][26]
• Allows you to install your own? No^[27][26]
• Find a rental

Alamo Rent a Car

• Roof racks available: Ski racks^[28][29]
• Price: Varies by location; generally around $20 per day^[28][30]
• Allows you to install your own? Yes^[29]
• Find a rental

National Car Rental

• Roof racks available: Ski racks at some locations^[31]
• Price: Varies by location; generally around $20 per day^[32]
• Allows you to install your own?Yes^[33]
• Find a rental

Avis Rent a Car

• Roof racks available: Ski racks at some locations^[34]
• Price: Around $18 per day^[35][36]
• Allows you to install your own? No^[37][38]
• Find a rental

SIXT

• Roof racks available: Ski racks in some locations^[39] and bike racks on some vehicles^[40]
• Price: Varies by location^[41]
• Allows you to install your own? No^[42]
• Find a rental

Car Rentals That Don’t Offer Roof Racks

In the course of our research, we found that the following companies don’t offer or allow roof racks on their rentals.

• ACE Rent a Car^[43]
• Fox Rent A Car^[44][45][46]