One small on-airport Budget counter sits in PSE’s T1
At Mercedita International (PSE), Budget runs a single desk in Terminal 1’s arrivals hall, technically an on-airport car rental. It operates on the usual Puerto Rico airport rhythm: busy when one or two flights land within 30–45 minutes of each other, then quiet. Rates commonly start around $35–$45/day for economy cars, but reviews focus less on price and more on availability and service.
The hook: multiple Google reviews report confirmed Budget bookings being refused at PSE with a “no cars available” line, even for reservations made days in advance. One reviewer flat-out calls it a “nightmare” and warns late-night arrivals that, at this small airport, there’s often no backup agency open after 21:00–22:00 if Budget can’t honor the reservation.
Plan for time at the counter. Several travelers describe 30–60 minute waits at the on-airport Budget desk when just one or two inbound flights land close together. Staff reportedly get overwhelmed handling only a handful of contracts at once. If your flight is scheduled to land around a weekend evening bank, build at least a 45-minute buffer before any long drive to San Juan, Ponce, or the south coast resorts.
Complaints also hit on unexpected charges. Reviews mention disputes over fuel levels, insurance add-ons, and minor damage, with some renters saying they had to argue at the desk or after the fact to reverse charges. That’s the standard signal to take time-stamped photos and video when you pick up and drop off, including the odometer and fuel gauge, and keep the final receipt in your email for at least 30 days.
Regulars often skip the on-airport counter entirely. A few repeat visitors on Google say they now book with another company in town and pay for a short Uber or taxi ride from PSE (usually under $20 into central Ponce). That move trades a 10–15 minute ride for more reliable inventory and less risk of landing at 23:00 and hearing “no cars left.”
One practical tip: if you still book Budget at PSE T1, call the local office number 24–48 hours before arrival to reconfirm your reservation, then have a backup plan ready (rideshare or taxi contacts) in case you walk out of baggage claim and see a line 10 people deep at the single Budget desk.