Arriving at the airport at odd hours for flight—or needing a vehicle as soon as the wheels touch down—is a common travel headache. You wonder: Can I grab a car at 2 AM? Or drop it off at 5 AM before my sunrise flight? The short answer is: sometimes, yes—but mostly thanks to the companies that truly understand flight schedules and traveler needs.

Does 24-Hour Car Rental Exist at Airports? It Depends

Most rental counters operate from early morning until late evening. But at major airports, some offer self-serve or late-night pick-up options. For example, Mr. Rent A Car’s Vancouver International Airport branch is actually designed for travelers on late arrivals or early departures.

Their system is built to meet travelers whenever they arrive. The counter service runs during regular daytime hours, but they also offer a self-service system that’s available 24/7. That means if your flight delays until after midnight—or you need to return the car before your red-eye flight—you’re covered. No hurrying to beat a door-closing time or sitting in transit until morning.

How the 24/7 System Works: What You Should Know

Here’s how it actually plays out when your flight lands at 3 AM:

1. You book the car in advance and inform them about your late arrival.
2. Upon landing, you head to the designated area at YVR.
3. You follow simple instructions for the self-serve kiosk, grab your keys, and your car is waiting.
4. If something happens, an after-hours contact line is available 24/7 .

It’s a smooth, no-nonsense process that lets you step off the plane and into your ride—no waiting in lines, no airport shuttles, no stress.

Why This 24/7 Option Matters

• Flight delays happen—especially in winter or during peak travel times. You don’t want to miss your chance to pick up the car.
• Overnight arrivals can be rough—taxis and rideshares can be expensive and hard to find at off hours.
• Early morning departures are no trouble—you can drop off the car before sunrise and still catch your flight without juggling logistics.

Before You Book: Questions to Ask Yourself

• Does the airport branch offer 24/7 self-serve access?
• Are both pick-up and drop-off covered by the self-serve system?
• Will someone be on-call if you run into an issue?
• Does using the after-hours service cost extra?

Mr. Rent-A-Car makes it clear on its Vancouver airport page that their system is designed for travelers and helps you plan accordingly.

What if the Airport Office Doesn’t Have 24-Hour Access?

Several options remain:

• Plan around regular office hours.
• Use the after-hours key drop box—a secure lockbox for dropping off keys anytime.
• Arrange for someone to pick up/drop off on your behalf (allowed only if approved).
• Book another company with true 24-hour airport access.

Visibility of these options in booking confirmation gives you control before you even land.

Why Mr. Rent A Car Stands Out for Off-Hour Travelers

• Designed for travelers: They recognize that flights come in at all hours, and they meet them.
• Wide airport coverage: Their YVR branch is built to handle off-hour schedules smoothly .
• Transparent process: No surprise fees or unclear policies—everything is outlined online.
• Customer support: You can actually call if you’re stuck; it’s not run by an impersonal kiosk.

Final Takeaway

If your trip involves late arrivals or early departures—but you still want the freedom of a rental car—you need a provider that moves on your schedule, not just theirs.

Mr. Rent A Car’s airport location at Vancouver International (YVR) understands that flights don’t follow a 9-to-5 timetable. Their 24/7 self-serve pick-up, after-hours returns, and traveler-focused support ensures you get the freedom you expect—any hour you land.

Before you book, double-check that 24-hour access is available for both pickup and drop-off—and that you’ll have help if you need it. When it all aligns, you’ll land, grab your ride, and go—without a single moment of stress.

More Info:

• Car rental hours and 24/7 access at YVR: Mr. Rent A Car airport page
• General travel tips for managing late arrivals and early flights: consider checking official airport traveler guides like YVR’s Passenger Info or similar for Calgary and other airports if you’re landing elsewhere.