Introduction
One of the most well-known and reputable brands in the vehicle rental sector, National Rental Car serves both leisure and business customers in the US and other foreign locations. Traveler’s often choose National Rental Car because of its large inventory of vehicles and stellar customer service, particularly when renting a car at major airports. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore National Car Rental and its services at various key airport locations, focusing on DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport), BWI (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport), Detroit Airport, Busch Stadium, O’Hare International Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport.
Highlight of National Rental Car
Name | National Car Rental |
Industry | Car rental |
Founded | August 27, 1947; 76 years ago |
Headquarters | Clayton, Missouri, United States |
Parent | Enterprise Holdings |
Website | www.nationalcar.com |
National Rental Car:An Overview

National was established on August 27, 1947, by 24 independent rental car agents. From its humble beginnings with 60 locations in the United States, the company expanded its presence globally, boasting over 2000 locations by 2005.
In 1987, the majority ownership of National was acquired by Paine Webber, a storied American brokerage firm.
By 1995, National was under the ownership of an investment group comprising William Lobeck of Tulsa, Alvin Swagger of New Orleans, and Archer McWhorter of Houston. Lobeck, a former president of Chrysler’s car rental unit and previous owner of National’s competitor, Thrifty Rent A Car, played a prominent role in the company’s history. The ownership transition took place in 1995, with the estimated sale price reaching a staggering $1 billion.
National’s growth trajectory continued in 1996 when it acquired the Canadian fleet and operations of Tilden Rent-a-Car.
The company experienced further changes in ownership, as Republic Industries (later known as AutoNation) acquired National in 1996. Subsequently, AutoNation divested its car rental assets, forming ANC Rental in 2000. However, ANC faced financial troubles and filed for bankruptcy just a year later. Vanguard Automotive Group, under the control of Cerberus Capital Management, acquired the properties in 2003.
Finally, on August 1, 2007, Enterprise Rent-A-Car assumed control of Vanguard Automotive Group, marking another significant shift in the car rental industry landscape.
Emerald Club: The Perks of National Car Rental
Before delving into the specific airport locations, it’s crucial to highlight the Emerald Club, National Rental Car loyalty program. This program offers various benefits to its members, making the car rental experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Emerald Club members enjoy several advantages, such as:
- Faster Booking: Members can bypass the rental counter and proceed directly to their reserved car, reducing wait times and streamlining the rental process.
- Special Offers: Exclusive promotions and discounts are available to Emerald Club members, ensuring they get the best value for their rental.
- Choice of Vehicle: Members have access to the Emerald Aisle, where they can choose their car from a selection of available vehicles, providing greater flexibility and convenience.
- Priority Service: Enjoy priority service and expedited rental experience at participating locations.
- Drop & Go: For a swift return experience, members can simply drop off their rental and go – without stopping at the return area.
- Mobile App: The National Car Rental mobile app allows Emerald Club members to book and manage their rentals on the go, providing even more convenience.
Now that we’ve covered the perks of being an Emerald Club member, let’s explore National Rental Car presence at some of the major airport locations.
National Car Rental DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport)

Picking up a Rental Car at Detroit Airport (DTW) – National Car Rental, or Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, is among the busiest in the country. It is a significant entry point to Detroit and the surrounding area and is situated in Romulus, Michigan. Travelers traveling in Detroit often choose National Car Rental because of its strong presence at DTW.
What makes National Car Rental DTW unique is as follows:
- Convenient Location: Because National Car Rental is located on-site at DTW, travelers can pick up and drop off their rental vehicles with the utmost ease. Since the rental property is situated right at the airport, off-site transportation is not required.
- Emerald Aisle: The Emerald Aisle, where a variety of cars are available for selection, is accessible to Emerald Club members alone. This suggests that you have the option to select a car that fits your needs and preferences.
- Fleet Variety: National Car Rental has a large selection of cars at DTW, ranging from luxury automobiles to SUVs and small cars. You can locate the ideal vehicle to fit your needs, whether you’re traveling for work or play.
- Emerald Club Service: At National Car Rental DTW provides top-notch customer service to its Emerald Club members, ensuring a smooth and efficient rental experience.
National Car Rental BWI (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport)
BWI, also known as Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, is a significant transportation hub serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Travelers frequently choose National Rental Car for their car rental needs when arriving at BWI.
Here’s what sets National Car Rental BWI:
- On-Site Convenience: Just like at National Car Rental DTW, National Car Rental has an on-site location at BWI, making it easy for travelers to access their rental cars without the hassle of off-site shuttle services.
- Emerald Club Access: Emerald Club members can benefit from the streamlined rental process and enjoy priority service at the National Car Rental BWI location.
- Diverse Vehicle Selection: National Car Rental offers a diverse selection of vehicles at National Car Rental BWI , allowing travelers to select the perfect vehicle for their journey.
- Efficient Service: The team at National Car Rental BWI location is known for their efficiency and dedication to providing a seamless rental experience.
National Car Rental Detroit Airport

Detroit Airport, or more formally, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, consists of two terminals: the McNamara Terminal and the North Terminal. Whether you’re flying in or out of Detroit, National Rental Car has a presence at both terminals.
Here’s what you can expect when renting from National Car Rental Detroit Airport:
- Duel Terminal Locations: National Car Rental serves both the McNamara and North Terminals at Detroit Airport, ensuring that no matter where you land, your rental car is close by.
- Convenient Transportation: The shuttle service at National Car Rental Detroit Airport takes you to the car rental facilities, ensuring a seamless transition from the terminal to your rental vehicle.
- Emerald Club Benefits: Emerald Club members can enjoy the advantages of the program at both National Car Rental Detroit Airport terminals, making the process quicker and more enjoyable.
- Variety of Vehicles: The fleet at Detroit Airport provides a wide variety of vehicles, allowing you to choose the ideal car for your trip.
National Car Rental O’Hare International Airport
O Hare International Airport, which serves the city of Chicago and the surrounding areas, is among the busiest airports worldwide. Because it offers its services at National Car Rental O Hare, National Rental Car is an excellent choice for tourists coming to the Windy City.
Here’s why National Car Rental O’Hare stands out:
- On-Airport Location: You won’t need to arrange off-site transportation to pick up your rental car because National Car Rental is ideally situated within O’Hare International Airport.
- Emerald Club members have expedited access to the Emerald Aisle, where an assortment of automobiles is available for selection.
- Extensive Fleet: With a large selection of automobiles, including sedans, SUVs, small cars, and luxury alternatives, National Car Rental O’Hare can help you pick the ideal vehicle for your journey.
- Excellent Service: The personnel at the National Car Rental O’Hare location are renowned for their commitment to deliver first-rate service and facilitate a hassle-free rental experience.
National Car Rental Boston Logan International Airport

Transport to and from the New England area is facilitated by Boston Logan International Airport, which is situated in the East Boston district. Ensuring that customers have access to high-quality rental cars is one of National Rental Car’s services offered at Logan Airport.
What to anticipate from National Car Rental Boston Logan International Airport rental car services:
- On-Airport Convenience: Renters may easily pick up and drop off their rental cars at Logan Airport thanks to National Car Rental’s handy location.
- Emerald Club Benefits: When renting a car at the Logan Airport, Emerald Club members get preferential access and quicker service.
- Varied Vehicle Selection: The National Car Rental Boston Logan location offers a diverse range of vehicles, ensuring that you can choose the right car for your journey.
- Ease of Travel: Whether you’re visiting Boston for business or leisure, renting from Logan Airport provides convenience and flexibility.
In conclusion
A reputable brand in the vehicle rental business, National Rental Car provides outstanding services at major airports, including National Car Rental DTW,National Car Rental BWI, National Car Rental Detroit Airport, National Car Rental O’Hare, and National Car Rental Boston Logan. Travelers may experience convenience, choice, and excellent service while renting a car at these important airports thanks to the extra benefits of the Emerald Club reward program. For both business and pleasure visitors, National Rental Car is a great option because of its on-site facilities, wide range of vehicles, and dedication to client satisfaction.