posted on July 2, 2026
Both Turo and Avis allow you to rent cars in locations across the US. While Turo is a car rental marketplace that lets you book a wide range of vehicles from local car owners, Avis is a traditional car rental company with a fleet of vehicles at its branches.
Understanding the differences between Turo and Avis can help you understand which option is right for your needs. In this guide, we explore how Turo vs Avis compares when it comes to the booking process, pricing options, car selection, and more.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What is Turo?
- What is Avis?
- Turo vs Avis: how they compare at a glance
- Turo vs Avis: the key differences
- How it works: booking with Turo vs Avis
- Which is better for you?
- Frequently asked questions
- Key takeaways
What is Turo?
Turo is a car rental marketplace, on a mission to reinvent the car rental experience in the US, Canada, the UK, France and Australia. Instead of booking from a fixed fleet of cars, you can choose from a wide variety of vehicles available locally through the Turo mobile app.
On Turo, there are over 1,600+ unique car makes and models to choose from. The exact car you book is the one you’ll get, with delivery options and thousands of pickup locations available (including pickup at over 100 airport parking lots and garages across the US and Canada). Plus, renting a car on Turo is flexible, with long-term bookings of one month or more available.
What is Avis?
Avis is a global car rental company with over 5,000 locations across more than 165 countries. While Avis operates from thousands of locations, most of the rental car branches are located at airports and major urban centers.
Rental cars are available to book from the Avis website, app, by calling their team, or visiting a branch in-person. Plus, the company offers a free loyalty program (known as Avis Preferred), providing members with the chance to earn points and unlock faster bookings, priority service, and even skip the car rental counter at major US airports.
Turo vs Avis: how they compare at a glance
| Turo | Avis | |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Car rental marketplace | Traditional car rental company |
| Vehicle selection | Browse and book the exact car you want from 1,600+ makes and models | Book by vehicle class; specific model not guaranteed |
| Locations | Car owners set their own pick-up locations across the US; custom delivery available from some owners | 5,000+ locations across 165+ countries, including airports and city branches |
| Pricing model | Set by individual car owners; varies by vehicle, location, and trip length | Set by Avis; varies by location, vehicle class, and rental dates |
| Booking process | App or web; book directly from a local car owner | App, web, phone, or in-person at a branch |
| Pick-up/drop-off | Flexible; owner-determined locations, with custom delivery options | Pick up and return at Avis branch locations |
| Minimum age requirement | 18 in most US states (fees may apply for drivers under 25) | 18 to 21 years old (depending on the state); drivers under 25 are subject to a daily “underage surcharge” |
| Loyalty program | No | Yes; Avis Preferred (free to join; earn points toward free rental days) |
| Mileage limits | Set by individual car owners; varies | Unlimited mileage on most rentals |
| One-way rentals | Yes; varies by car owner | Available across US locations |
| Long-term rental | Long-term rentals available | Long-term rentals available |
| EV availability | Available from select car owners | Available at select locations |
| iOS/Android app | Yes | Yes |
Source note: Data sourced from turo.com and avis.com, accurate as of June 2026. Pricing, availability, and loyalty program details are subject to change. Check each platform directly for current information. For Turo trip cost information, visit: https://help.turo.com/en_us/trip-costs-Syxm4NeNq
Turo vs Avis: the key differences
The biggest difference between Turo and Avis is the choice of vehicles available, the booking process, and the level of flexibility offered. Like most traditional car rental companies, Avis offers a standard fleet of vehicles that are booked by class and assigned based on availability. On Turo, the exact car you book is the car you’ll drive, with vehicles available to rent in cities across the US and beyond.
Vehicle selection: browse and book the exact car you want
The clearest difference between Turo and Avis is the type and selection of vehicles available to rent.
On Turo, you can browse specific vehicle listings and book a specific vehicle from a local owner. This means you know the exact make, model, year, and specs of the car upfront.
On Avis, vehicles are grouped into different classes (from compact cars to SUVs to specialty models). Upon pick-up, you’ll be assigned an available car from Avis’ fleet, meaning you won’t be able to choose the exact car make and model you drive.
Plus, on Turo you’ll find a wide selection of luxury vehicles, exotic cars, and even sports cars that you won’t find from a traditional rental company like Avis. If you’ve ever dreamt of driving a Rolls-Royce Ghost, Porsche 718 Boxster, or Chevrolet Corvette, you’ll be able to find them on Turo.
Pricing and fees
Turo and Avis differ greatly in terms of how pricing is set and car rental fees are managed.
On Turo, pricing is set by individual car owners. Factors like vehicle type, location, and trip length can influence the final cost. By browsing online and inputting your exact travel dates and location you’ll be able to filter by vehicles that suit your needs and budget. Plus, many owners offer discounts for early-bird and long-term bookings.
Like most major rental companies, Avis sets the prices for its rental cars. The cost of renting a car varies by location, vehicle class, rental dates, and availability. By joining Avis’ free loyalty program, you’ll be able to earn points and can unlock member-only discounts.
Pick up, drop off, and car delivery options
If flexibility matters to you, there are important differences in where you can pick up and drop off rental cars on Turo vs Avis.
On Turo, pick-up and drop-off locations are flexible and set by car owners. Vehicles are available to rent from airports, major landmarks, hotels, and neighborhoods. Plus, many owners offer custom delivery to your preferred address (use Turo’s “Deliver to me” filter to see what cars can be delivered to an address or specific location).
On Avis, cars are available to pick up and drop off from Avis branches. Similar to most rental car companies, Avis has branches across airports, cities, and residential locations worldwide.
How the booking experience works
Unlike a traditional rental agency, Turo’s booking process happens entirely online. Download the Turo mobile app or use the Turo website to browse vehicle listings, read reviews, and rent the exact car that suits your needs. The Turo app allows travelers to access trip details, manage their booking, and communicate directly through the platform before and during their trip.
On Avis, rental cars can be booked via the Avis website, the app, over the phone, or in-person at an Avis branch. Members of the Avis Preferred loyalty program can qualify to skip the car rental counter at select locations, too.
Long-term rentals and lease alternatives
Looking to rent a car for an extended period? On Turo, you can book vehicles for weeks, months, or longer. Many owners offer discounts for longer bookings, and there are no subscription fees or long-term lease commitments, making Turo an alternative to traditional car leasing for eligible trips.
Avis also offers an extended-use option through Avis Flex, its vehicle subscription service. Rentals range from 15 to 330 days, are billed monthly, and are designed for drivers who need access to a vehicle without entering into a traditional lease agreement.
How it works: booking with Turo vs Avis
Booking with Turo
- Create a free account on the Turo app or website
- Enter your location, dates, and preferred vehicle type
- Browse individual car listings and filter by make, model, price, features, and reviews
- Book the exact car you want instantly, or send a booking request
- Verify your identity and enter your valid driver’s license details
- Check what protection plans are available to you
- Add a payment method and confirm your booking
Booking with Avis
- Head to the Avis website or open the Avis app
- Enter your location, dates, and times
- Choose a vehicle class that best suits your needs
- Select add-ons (from GPS devices to child safety seats) and choose a protection plan
- Enter your personal details, decide your payment method (pay now or pay later) and confirm your booking
Which is better for you?
Turo may be the better fit if you…
- Want to browse and book the exact car you want; a specific make, model, year, and spec
- Are looking for a wider range of vehicle types, from everyday cars to luxury, specialty, or unique vehicles
- Want flexible pick-up options beyond traditional branch locations, including delivery to your door or hotel
- Prefer an app-based experience where you can communicate directly with the car owner
- Need a car in an area where traditional rental branches may have limited availability
- Are looking for a long-term rental without a subscription commitment or monthly car rental fees
Avis may be the better fit if you…
- Prefer picking up and returning a car at a traditional rental branch
- Rent frequently and want to earn points toward free rental days through Avis Preferred
- Want unlimited mileage on most rentals without checking individual listing terms
- Need a one-way rental across US locations with straightforward drop-off options
- Value the option to skip the counter at select locations as an Avis Preferred member
Tip from the author: If you’re traveling somewhere outside a major city or airport, or you have a specific vehicle in mind, Turo is worth checking first. With cars listed by local owners, you’ll often find more variety and more flexible pick-up options than a traditional rental branch can offer.
Frequently asked questions about Turo vs Avis
Is Turo cheaper than Avis?
The cost of renting a car on Turo depends on factors like the vehicle type, location, and trip length. The best way to compare prices between Turo and Avis is to check both platforms for your specific dates and locations.
Can I pick up a rental car at the airport on Turo?
Yes. Turo offers pickup at more than 100 airport parking facilities across the US and Canada. At many other airports, pickup is available at convenient locations nearby, making it easy to continue your journey shortly after landing. Before you travel, check your trip details in the Turo app for pickup instructions and location information.
Can I do a one-way rental on Turo?
Yes, many vehicles can be picked up in one location and dropped off at another on Turo. Be sure to filter by vehicles that offer one-way trips when browsing and booking.
What is the minimum age to rent with Turo vs Avis?
On Turo, the minimum age to rent in the US is 18 in most states, though drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver fee. Avis’s minimum age requirement varies by state, ranging from 18 to 21 years old, with an underage surcharge applying to drivers under 25. Check each platform directly for the rules that apply to your location.
Key takeaways
- Turo is a car rental marketplace with no membership fees; browse and book the exact car you want from local owners, with flexible pick-up options including delivery to 100+ airports.
- Avis is a traditional car rental company with 5,000+ locations worldwide, best suited to drivers who prefer a familiar branch experience or want to earn points through the free Avis Preferred loyalty program.
- On Turo, you book a specific vehicle (including the make, model, year, and specs confirmed upfront), whereas Avis assigns you an available car from your chosen vehicle class at pick-up.
- Both platforms offer long-term rental options with no lock-in contracts, but Turo gives you more flexibility on vehicle choice, pick-up location, and pricing with no subscription fee required.
- For drivers outside major cities, or those looking for a luxury, specialty, or unique vehicle, Turo’s wider selection and flexible pick-up model make it the more versatile option.
Ready to book with Turo?
Whether you’re after a specific car for a weekend road trip, need flexible pick-up options, or just want to browse something beyond the usual rental fleet, Turo makes it easy to find the right car for your trip. Explore cars available near you and book the exact vehicle you want, on your terms.
Share your car, earn extra cash
Cover your car payments or earn some extra cash by sharing your car whenever you’re not using it.
Get startedHit the road
Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you’re going.
Browse cars
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America, Europe and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
