What is the out-of-hours pickup fee?
Última actualización 16 September 2026
The out-of-hours pickup fee is a charge that applies when you collect your car outside the branch's normal operating hours, for example very late at night or very early in the morning. The amount varies by branch, since operating hours and the fee are set locally. The fee, if any applies to your pickup, is shown as part of your booking, so you know it in advance.
If your flight lands late or you need the car at an unusual time, you may see an out-of-hours fee. Here is what it is and how it works.
What Is the Out-of-Hours Pickup Fee?
The out-of-hours fee is an additional charge for arranging a car handover outside a branch's normal operating hours. Collecting a car outside standard hours means our team arranges a handover at a time when the branch is not normally open, and the fee covers that. It is only charged when your pickup falls outside those hours. If you collect during normal operating hours, this fee does not apply.
How Much Is It?
The amount is not the same everywhere. It varies by branch, because each location's operating hours and the applicable fee are set locally. For this reason, there is no single fixed figure, the fee that applies to your pickup depends on the branch and your pickup time. The clearest way to see it is at booking: if an out-of-hours fee applies to your chosen pickup, it is shown as part of your booking total, so you know the exact amount before you confirm.
When Does It Apply?
The fee applies when your pickup time falls outside the branch's normal operating hours. Because operating hours differ from branch to branch, what counts as out-of-hours depends on the location you are collecting from. In general:
- Pickup during normal operating hours: no out-of-hours fee
- Pickup outside normal operating hours (such as late night or very early morning): an out-of-hours fee may apply
If you are not sure whether your pickup time falls outside normal hours for your branch, you can check at booking or contact us before you confirm.
Why Does This Fee Exist?
Arranging a handover outside normal hours means a team member meets you at a time when the branch would not usually be open. The fee covers the arrangement of that out-of-hours service. It is a common practice in car rental, and the point of showing it at booking is transparency: you see any fee upfront rather than being surprised at pickup.
How to Avoid the Out-of-Hours Fee
- Arrange your pickup during the branch's normal operating hours where possible
- If your flight arrives late, consider collecting the car the next morning instead
- Consider hotel delivery within the city at a convenient time, rather than a late-night airport pickup
- Check the fee at booking, so you can decide whether to adjust your pickup time
In short
- The out-of-hours fee applies when you collect outside the branch's normal operating hours
- The amount varies by branch, as hours and the fee are set locally
- There is no single fixed figure, it is shown at booking if it applies
- Collecting during normal hours avoids the fee
- Hotel delivery at a convenient time is another option
Any out-of-hours fee is shown at booking, so there are no surprises. For related information, see our guide on whether there is a charge for airport pickup, or book your car online to see the exact cost for your pickup time.
This article answers common questions about the out-of-hours fee, including:
- What is the out-of-hours pickup fee
- How much is it
- When does it apply
- Why does the fee exist
- How can I avoid it
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