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Effortless Car Rentals at Appleton International Airport (ATW)

Grab your keys and start your Wisconsin adventure right after you land.

Terminal Guide
Finding Your Rental Car at ATW
Appleton International Airport (ATW) offers a streamlined car rental experience with all rental car services conveniently located on-site within the main terminal building. No shuttles are required to reach the rental counters or the vehicle pickup lot.
Alamo
Avis
National
Budget
Hertz
Enterprise
+ more
Main Terminal
After deplaning, proceed to the baggage claim area on the ground level. The car rental counters for all on-site companies (including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National/Alamo) are located directly across from the baggage claim carousels. Once you have completed your rental agreement, the rental car lot is a short walk from the terminal exit.
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What do you need to rent a car in Appleton?

Renting a car in Appleton is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical U.S. driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, American Express. Some offers also accept UnionPay. Some locations accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX) for deposit, while others require credit card only. Certain offers may require two credit cards in the main driver’s name. An e-voucher or printed voucher must be presented. If you decline the supplier’s coverage and rely on your own insurance, you must provide printed proof of Collision and Theft Protection and Third Party Liability from your card issuer or insurer.
  • Age requirements: Standard driving age range is 21–80 years (some offers restrict the maximum age to 75). Many offers require drivers to be at least 25 years old and state that additional drivers must be 25 or older. Where permitted, drivers aged 21–24 may rent non-luxury, non-specialty vehicles but a young driver surcharge applies: $27.00 per day (plus applicable tax). Renters under 25 are not allowed to rent luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size SUVs, premium SUVs, or similar categories.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) – an English translation must be provided on the back of the license or
    • Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) – no IDP required if in Latin/Roman alphabet or
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) – the IDP is only a translation and must be presented together with the original licence; photocopies or scans are not accepted.

    Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, American Express; some offers also accept UnionPay. Some locations accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX) for deposit, while others require credit card only. Certain offers may require two credit cards in the main driver’s name. An e-voucher or printed voucher must be presented. If you rely on your own insurance instead of the supplier’s coverage, you must provide printed proof of Collision and Theft Protection and Third Party Liability from your card issuer or insurer.
  • Age requirements: Standard driving age range is 21–80 years (some offers restrict the maximum age to 75). Many offers require drivers to be at least 25 years old and state that additional drivers must be 25 or older. Where permitted, drivers aged 21–24 may rent non-luxury, non-specialty vehicles but a young driver surcharge applies: $27.00 per day (plus applicable tax). Renters under 25 are not allowed to rent luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size SUVs, premium SUVs, or similar categories.
requirementsrequirements

Best Car Rentals at Appleton Airport for Every Journey

From snowy Wisconsin winters to scenic Door County escapes—find your perfect ride at ATW and explore the Fox Cities your way.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Winter

SUV

Conquer Snowy Roads with Confidence
5
3
Auto

Appleton winters bring heavy snowfall and icy roads. An SUV provides the traction, ground clearance, and safety features you need for confident winter driving across Wisconsin.

Scenic Road Trip

SUV

Your Gateway to Door County Wonders
5
3
Auto

Explore the stunning bluffs, harbors, and state parks of Door County—Wisconsin's beloved peninsula destination—just a scenic 90-minute drive from Appleton.

City

Medium

Smart & Agile for Fox Cities Exploring
5
2
Auto

Navigate Appleton's downtown districts, shopping centers, and local restaurants with ease. A midsize sedan offers perfect balance of fuel economy, comfort, and easy parking.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pickup
Downtown Pickup

The Ultimate Convenience: Renting at ATW

Picking up your car at the airport is the fastest way to get on the road. With counters located just steps from baggage claim, you'll save time and avoid the hassle of arranging transportation into the city. A wider selection of vehicles is often available, and returns are just as simple before your flight.

Best Car Rentals at Appleton Airport (ATW) - Compare Now

Read verified reviews from real travelers who picked up at ATW. Make informed decisions and find the perfect rental car for your trip.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Avis
1.3
95 reviews
$1870.1 mi
$300 - $1,430
  • Competitive online pricing available
  • Easy pickup and dropoff process
  • Helpful staff at select locations
Budget
1.2
5500+ reviews
$249In terminal, Walk to counter
$300 - $2,046
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Clean and reliable vehicles
  • Quick pickup process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 13 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Stress-Free Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide provides a step-by-step approach for international visitors on how to fuel up a rental car in the USA, covering fuel types, payment methods, and essential tips for a stress-free experience.
View details
Ultimate USA car rental guide avoid hidden fees insurance traps and extra charges
Discover how to avoid hidden car rental fees in the USA with a practical step by step strategy. Learn the real cost of CDW LDW SLI and PAI insurance, how to use third party coverage like QEEQ full protection, and when credit card coverage works. Understand fuel policy tricks like prepaid fuel vs full to full, airport concession surcharges, young driver and additional driver fees, and expensive extras such as GPS and child seats. Get clear guidance on handling toll roads without overpriced transponder packages and follow a detailed checklist for booking, pickup, and return so the price you book is the price you pay on your US road trip.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport pickups dominate with 60% market share in Midwest regions; Enterprise and Hertz lead with combined 52% of regional bookings, as travelers prefer convenient airport locations."

Booking Patterns

"SUV bookings increased 18-22% yearly in Midwest; summer peak season drives 65% demand surge; average rental duration 2.7-3.5 days with 12-day advance booking typical."

Customer Pain Points

"Insurance confusion is the top pain point affecting 48-52% of renters who struggle to understand coverage options and credit card protections."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Enterprise Holdings Annual Market Insights
  • Wisconsin Tourism Federation
  • American Car Rental Association (ACRANET)
  • Enterprise Holdings Market Data
  • J.D. Power Car Rental Satisfaction Study
  • American Car Rental Association

Drive Appleton WI - Car Rental & Driving Guide

Essential driving tips and car rental information for exploring Appleton, Wisconsin - from scenic Fox River Valley routes to historic downtown Lawrence Street

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

4 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

25-35 mph (40-56 km/h)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

70 mph (112 km/h)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08%

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$0.95/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.85/L - $1.15/L

Appleton Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and rental FAQ for travelers to Appleton, Wisconsin

Can I use my foreign driver's license in Appleton? Do I need an IDP?
Yes, your foreign driver's license is valid in Wisconsin, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended if your license isn't in English. An IDP costs about $20 and can be obtained from AAA before you travel. Police officers may struggle to read non-English licenses, which could lead to delays or fines during traffic stops.
I'm 22. How much will the young driver surcharge cost me?
Expect to pay a young driver surcharge of $20-$35 per day if you're under 25. Most major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis) charge this fee for drivers aged 21-24. Some boutique agencies in Appleton may waive it for 22+, but selection will be limited. Budget an extra $140-$245 per week for this fee.
Will I need snow chains or winter tires in Wisconsin winter?
Snow chains are rarely required in Wisconsin, but winter tires are highly recommended from November through March. Average January temperatures in Appleton hover around 15-25°F (-9 to -4°C), with 40+ inches of annual snowfall. If you're renting a car, ask for winter tires when booking—many standard rental vehicles come with all-season tires that perform poorly in heavy snow.
How do I pay for toll roads in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses the E-ZPass electronic toll system. Most rental cars come equipped with a transponder, but you'll be charged $2-$5 per day for rental transponders plus tolls. Alternatively, you can pay cash at some toll booths. The main toll road near Appleton is I-39/90—tolls are modest (under $5 for most trips), but running a toll booth without payment results in fines starting at $75.
What's the fuel policy at Appleton airport rental counters?
Most rental companies at Appleton International Airport (ATW) operate on a full-to-full policy. You'll receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid refueling charges of $6-$9 per gallon—significantly above local gas prices (currently $3.20-$3.60/gallon in Appleton). Always photograph the fuel gauge before departing and keep the receipt.

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Best Business Partner Award of ABG 2023 & 2024

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