Daily rentals from T1 make Budget the straightforward option
Counter pickup in Alula Airport T1 keeps Budget simple if you land on a domestic flight and want wheels immediately. The desk usually tracks arriving flights, so staff tend to be around during daytime movements, roughly 08:00–18:00. You collect keys at the counter in the small arrivals hall, then walk less than 200 meters to the outdoor parking area to find your car.
Fleet size at ALU is modest, so book a few days ahead if you need an automatic or a larger SUV. Expect basic compact sedans as the default category, with mileage limits often around 200–250 km per rental day. Fuel policy is typically full-to-full, and there’s usually a security deposit blocked on your card, so bring a physical credit card with at least a few hundred dollars equivalent available.
Alula town sits roughly 5–10 km from the airport, which means Budget works well if you’re staying in town and planning short day drives, not cross-country road trips. The main airport access road is straightforward but unlit in sections after 19:00, so check your headlights and wipers before you leave the lot. Ask at the counter about local traffic police checkpoints and any current speed limits on the road into Alula.
Document checks at pickup can take 10–20 minutes, especially if staff manually record license details and passport numbers. Bring your home-country driving license and a printed reservation with your confirmation number to speed things up. If you booked online in a foreign currency, confirm the final amount in local currency in writing on the contract before you sign.
Return works curbside by the same outdoor parking near T1, usually with a quick walk-around for fuel level and visible damage. Aim to be back at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure to cover the 10–15 minutes for inspection plus check-in and security. One last thing: take photos of all four sides of the car and the odometer at both pickup and drop-off; it takes 60 seconds and settles any mileage or damage debates later.