SUV rental at Rio Grande Valley International Airport (HRL)

Multiple gas stations operate along Airport Drive and US Highway 83, providing convenient fuel stops for your valley rental car adventures. Major chains cluster around the intersection of 77 Sunshine Strip and Business 83 in Harlingen, offering 24-hour service options. EV charging stations are available at select shopping centers and hotels throughout the valley, with additional charging infrastructure expanding across the Harlingen area to support electric rental car needs.

You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo. On your Account page, make sure you've checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we'll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals. Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.

An SUV rental from Rio Grande Valley International Airport provides excellent cargo space for beach gear when exploring South Padre Island and the Gulf Coast. The elevated driving position offers better visibility across the flat Rio Grande Valley terrain, while spacious interiors accommodate families visiting the region's wildlife refuges. SUVs handle well on both paved roads leading to Harlingen's downtown area and unpaved paths at birding locations throughout the valley.

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver's licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn't accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner's permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver's license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada. In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver's license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver's license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

The Rio Grande Valley region operates without toll roads, making your airport rental car travels straightforward and budget-friendly. All major highways including US 83, US 77, and Interstate 2 remain free to use throughout the Harlingen area and broader valley. This toll-free network extends to popular destinations like South Padre Island, McAllen, and Brownsville, allowing unlimited exploration without additional road fees.

The coastal route to South Padre Island ranks as the most scenic drive from the airport, offering stunning Gulf of Mexico views and beach access. Historic Mission Trail connects Spanish colonial churches across Harlingen, Mission, and McAllen, showcasing the valley's rich cultural heritage. The World Birding Center circuit links multiple wildlife viewing sites perfect for rental car exploration, while the route to Brownsville provides access to international border culture and additional valley attractions.

Take Airport Drive east from the terminal to connect with US Highway 83, then follow the signs toward Harlingen's city center. The route passes through residential neighborhoods before reaching the downtown business district near the intersection of Commerce Street and 77 Sunshine Strip. Your rental car will navigate easily through the valley's well-marked street system, with downtown Harlingen offering convenient parking options for airport car users.