South Padre car rental

hermanski · Since 08 Sep 2008 11 Posts

We are trying to keep the cost of our South Padre stay to a minimum. Any tips on saving money on car rental? Rent at Brownsville Airport or are there more economical options?

Chooch · Fri Oct 08, 10 10:46 am

You don't really need a car in SPI. There is a shuttle that takes you from Brownsville Airport to the SPI transit Bus. From there you can use a cab, hitch a ride or ride the bus anywhere on the island.

Here is some info on the shuttles

http://www.airpadrekiteboarding.com/local-transportation.html

hermanski · Since 08 Sep 2008 11 Posts

I hear "The Wave" only goes as far as the Convention Center. How far of a walk is it to the kite beaches (North Flats / South Flats)?

Chooch · Fri Oct 08, 10 12:18 pm

Its about a mile....easy enough to hitch a ride to the N Flats if you really want to save some cash.

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 282 Posts Obsessed

South flats is right next to the convention center. Last fall I spent almost as much time there as I did at the North flats. You could try one of the dune buggy places. I'm not sure what they charge but this time of year you might be able to work some deals. Hell, you could even rent a bike. Throw a kite or 2 on your back, board under your arm, Done. Generally, if it's windy and you have a kite and board in your hands. You'll get a ride.

Knot Kracker · Since 02 Jul 2008 130 Posts Clackamas River Stoked

If your going to be there for at least a month, you can check in with an off-site commercial van rental business in Brownsville. Met someone this spring that rented a large van for ~$800/ month. He had to drag his stuff from the airport to the location and return.

backtoCaLi · Since 15 Mar 2008 74 Posts Nor-Cal

If you're going to rent a car, don't rent on the island!
we tried to use "the wave" for a few days....it kinda sucks, although the price was right. so we ended up renting a POS on the island and it was waay too expensive.

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

Hi
I flew to San Antonio and got a Jeep Commander for 10 days and it was cheap . The same as a midsize ,under 400 , I think it was like 345 anyway ,.
I am from Canada and looked into fly into Brownsville but it's quite a bit more , plus the car rental fee was more . so I flew to San Antonio .
I saw the bus was available but all my gear has to come along so it's a pain .
I can't imagine not having a set of wheels but it's hard to put a price on convenience .
All your gear can stay in the vehicle .
I had bought a foam cooler ($1.99)and a lawn chair ( $9.00) at walmart in Port Isabel so I had Cold drink and a snack that stayed cool . Some tunes to listen to and .....well if your on a tight budget it's different but still ...
I try to stay in a cheap place to offset the costs as its only a place to crash .
Have fun
jackZ
PS the car is at the airport and drop off there too , again convenience .
Just read Stinky and Enterprise is the company I used as well

stinkyskate · Since 18 Feb 2009 22 Posts Tri-cities WA

Enterprise at the Brownsville airport was super convenient and cost under $200 (inculding taxes and misc charges) for 7 days. I reserved a compact but got an Chevy HHR, which was an excellent fit for two people with kite gear.