Shuttle (Transfer) and Meet & Greet services are conveniences offered by car rental companies that do not have service counters inside airports, providing transportation from the arrivals terminal to the rental desk. While the Shuttle is a shared van service, Meet & Greet offers a personalized welcome by a rental company representative.
How do Shuttle and Meet & Greet work?
These services ensure that you arrive safely and comfortably at the rental office to sign the agreement and pick up your vehicle. In most cases, these services are provided at no additional cost to the customer, as a courtesy to compensate for the distance from the airport terminal to the rental desk.
Below are the main differences between the two options:
Shuttle (or Transfer): transportation provided by vans or minibuses identified with the rental company’s logo. They operate between the airport and the rental office at regular intervals or on demand.
Meet & Greet: a representative from the rental company waits for you at the arrivals gate holding a sign with your name or your company’s name. It is a more direct and personalized service, ideal for those looking for convenience and speed.
How can I check if my reservation includes Shuttle or Meet & Greet services?
To find out whether your rental requires transportation to the rental company and how to locate this service, pay attention to the following points on the search results page:
Check the label: on each vehicle card, just below the address, look for the airplane icon. It will indicate either “Shuttle Service” (van transfer) or rental desk information.
Use the filters: if you specifically want one of these services (or wish to avoid them), use the side filter called “Pick-up”. There, you can select “Airport (Shuttle)” or “Airport (Rental Desk)”.
Where can I find the pick-up instructions after confirmation?
After your reservation is confirmed, all logistical details will be available in your confirmation voucher, specifically in the “Pick-up Instructions” section.
In this section, you will find:
The exact meeting location (van boarding point or arrivals gate).
Whether you need to call the rental company to request the shuttle van (some companies operate only on demand).
The direct contact phone number for the physical rental office.
Best practices for a smooth pick-up experience
To avoid issues on the day of your trip, follow these recommendations:
Allow a safety margin for your pick-up time: schedule your vehicle pick-up at least 2 hours after your expected landing time. This helps cover possible flight delays or baggage claim wait times.
Share your flight details with the rental company: always provide your flight number and a valid mobile phone number when making the reservation. This allows the rental company to monitor your flight status and know whether you will arrive on time or if your flight is delayed.
If you are traveling with bulky items, such as surfboards, strollers, or multiple suitcases, check in advance whether the Shuttle van has enough space to transport them.
Pay attention to your voucher: always review the specific instructions provided in your voucher. Some rental companies require customers to go to a designated meeting point (such as the departures level or hotel shuttle areas) to wait for transportation.