Is Routes Car Rental Legit? Honest Review (2025)
Routes Car Rental is a legitimate car rental company founded in 1998, operating in Orlando, Calgary, and Los Angeles. With a 3.6/5 Trustpilot rating from over 4,900 customers, it is a real business — not a scam. However, many renters are caught off guard by a required $500 security deposit, aggressive insurance upsells at the counter, and shuttle delays at the airport. This guide covers Routes’ exact fee structure, what customers actually say in 2025, the Orlando pickup process, and how to protect yourself before you hand over your credit card.
Yes, Routes Car Rental is legitimate. It has operated since 1998 and holds a 3.6/5 Trustpilot rating from 4,900+ customers. The main risk is not fraud — it’s unexpected fees at the counter, including a $500 deposit and possible insurance upsells. Bring printed insurance proof to avoid surprise charges.
What Is Routes Car Rental?
Routes Car Rental is a Canadian company started in 1998. It offers cars in places like Orlando, Calgary, and Los Angeles, often at lower prices than big names like Hertz. Why does its legitimacy matter? Low prices can raise red flags, and nobody wants a rental scam ruining their trip. Routes operates in over 200 locations, mostly in North America. They’re known for budget-friendly rates and airport pick-up options. Their mixed reviews on sites like Trustpilot (3.6/5 from 4,919 customers) make people question their reliability — so let’s dig into whether Routes is worth it.
Routes Car Rental Reviews: What Customers Actually Say
Routes Car Rental holds a 3.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on over 4,900 verified customer reviews as of 2025. On DiscoverCars, the Orlando location scores 5 out of 10. Reviews are polarized — most 1-star and most 5-star reviews describe the same counter experience very differently.
What satisfied customers report: Cars that are clean, newer models, and accurately match the booked class. Staff who are efficient when the shuttle is running on schedule. Prices 30–50% lower than Hertz or Enterprise for the same vehicle class.
What dissatisfied customers report: Being told at the counter that their existing insurance is “not valid” and being required to purchase $35–$49/day coverage. Total charges ballooning from a booked $130 to over $600 after counter fees. Shuttle pickup at Orlando MCO described as difficult to find, with waits up to 45 minutes. Receiving a different vehicle model than booked (e.g., booked Toyota Corolla, received a Kia without explanation).
Bottom line on reviews: Routes is not a scam, but the gap between the online price and the counter price is the single most reported complaint. Customers who arrive with printed third-party insurance covers rentals documents and a credit card tend to have far smoother experiences.
How to Book with Routes Car Rental: A Simple Guide
Booking with Routes is straightforward if you know what to watch for. Visit Routes’ official site or a third-party aggregator like Expedia or Kayak. Here are the steps to follow:
- Search by pickup location and dates. Compare the “total price” view — not the “from” price.
- Read the fine print on mileage. Some promotional rates cap mileage at 200–300 miles per day.
- Select your vehicle class. Economy cars are the best value for solo travelers or couples.
- At checkout, note the required deposit amount — typically $300–$500 held on your credit card.
- Print your confirmation and your personal auto insurance declarations page before arriving.
Routes Car Rental Orlando: What to Expect at MCO
Routes operates at Orlando International Airport (MCO), but it is an off-airport rental company — there is no counter inside the terminal. Here is exactly how the pickup process works:
- After landing, collect your bags and exit to the Ground Transportation area on the lower level.
- Call the Routes shuttle line: 407-237-9411. The shuttle runs on-demand, not on a fixed schedule.
- Look for pickup stalls A11–A13 or B11–B13. Multiple reviewers note this requires a walk of roughly half a mile in the open air — plan extra time in summer heat.
- Shuttle wait times average 15–30 minutes. Some reviewers report up to 45 minutes during peak travel periods.
- At the counter, have your printed reservation, valid driver’s license, credit card, and insurance documents ready before you reach the desk.
Orlando-specific fees to confirm at booking: Routes Orlando enforces a minimum 4-day rental on some promotional rates — this is often buried in fine print. Agents at MCO have been reported to require proof of collision coverage; ACV-only (Actual Cash Value) policies may be rejected. Always ask for a written total cost breakdown before signing anything.
Benefits of Renting with Routes
Routes offers genuine advantages for budget-conscious travelers who do their homework. Daily rates for a compact car typically run $25–$40, compared to $40–$60 at Hertz and $35–$55 at Enterprise. For a 7-day trip, that difference can add up to $100 or more in savings. Routes also offers airport shuttle pickup at all major locations, flexible car classes from economy to SUVs, and one-way rentals between select cities.
Drawbacks and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Routes isn’t perfect. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Hidden Fees: Watch out for toll fees and cleaning charges not listed in the booking total. Always ask for a full itemized quote at the counter before signing.
- Insurance Upsells: Routes may push their own insurance at $35–$49/day. You can often decline by presenting a valid auto insurance declarations page or a credit card with rental coverage. Knowing how insurance costs work beforehand saves hundreds.
- Security Deposit: Routes typically holds $300–$500 on your credit card. Debit cards are often refused at pickup — bring a major credit card.
- Shuttle Delays: Airport shuttles can be slow. Plan an extra 30–45 minutes, especially at Orlando MCO.
- Mileage Caps: Some promotional deals restrict daily mileage. Read the fine print before booking a road trip.
Comparing Routes to Competitors
Here’s how Routes stacks up against two major competitors:
| Feature | Routes | Hertz | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Rate (Compact) | $25–$40 | $40–$60 | $35–$55 |
| Airport Pick-Up | Yes, shuttle | Yes, on-site | Yes, on-site |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.6/5 | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Security Deposit | $300–$500 | $200–$350 | $200–$300 |
| Hidden Fee Risk | High | Low | Low–Medium |
My Personal Tips for Renting with Routes
After renting cars for years, here’s what actually works with Routes:
- Double-Check Fees: Ask for a total price quote before signing. Request the itemized breakdown in writing at the counter.
- Bring Proof of Insurance: Print your auto insurance declarations page (not just the card). Have your credit card rental coverage benefit summary ready as a backup.
- Inspect the Car: Inspect the Car thoroughly before leaving the lot. Take photos of every panel, the windshield, and all tires. Email the photos to yourself so they are timestamped.
- Call Ahead for Shuttle: At Orlando MCO, call 407-237-9411 before you leave baggage claim so the shuttle is already en route.
Alternatives to Routes Car Rental
If Routes feels too risky for your trip, these alternatives are worth considering:
| Company | Best For | Avg Daily Rate | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Business travel, reliability | $40–$60 | 3.8/5 |
| Enterprise | Customer service, upgrades | $35–$55 | 4.0/5 |
| Turo | Unique vehicles, flexibility | $30–$80 | 4.1/5 |
| Budget | Airport rentals, low cost | $28–$45 | 3.4/5 |
Is Routes Car Rental Legit? My Verdict
Routes is a legit company, not a scam. They’ve been around since 1998 and serve thousands of customers yearly. But their low prices come with real risks: hidden fees, insurance upsells, and spotty shuttle service. My Orlando rental was cheap and decent, but I had to push back on an insurance upsell at the counter. Check reviews on Trustpilot and BBB before booking. If you arrive prepared — with printed insurance documents, a credit card, and 45 minutes of buffer time — Routes can be a genuinely good budget pick.
Conclusion
Routes Car Rental is legitimate and can save you serious money, but it is not flawless. Their low prices and flexible airport pick-ups are real advantages — but only for renters who understand the fine print. Check fees, bring insurance proof, inspect the car, and call the shuttle ahead of time. Do those four things and you’re set for a smooth rental experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Routes Car Rental a Scam?
No, Routes Car Rental is not a scam. It is a registered Canadian company that has operated since 1998. However, some agents use aggressive upsell tactics at the counter — particularly around insurance. Customers have reported being told their valid insurance documentation is “not acceptable” in order to force a $35–$49/day policy purchase. This is a deceptive practice, not outright fraud, but it is worth knowing before you arrive.
Are Routes’ Prices Too Good to Be True?
The advertised price is real, but the final counter price often is not. A compact car booked at $25/day can become $55–$90/day after insurance, deposit, and airport fees are added. The advertised rates are genuine — but only if you decline the insurance upsell and meet all policy requirements. Always compare the total checkout price, not the headline rate.
How Reliable Are Routes’ Cars?
Most reviews describe the vehicles as clean and in reasonable condition. Routes uses a standard fleet mix of economy and compact vehicles. The main complaint is receiving a different model than booked — car class is guaranteed, not the specific vehicle. Inspect the car for existing damage before leaving the lot and photograph everything.
Does Routes Have Good Customer Service?
Customer service is inconsistent. Some locations receive strong reviews for friendly and efficient service. Others, particularly Orlando MCO, have received complaints about long counter waits and pushy upselling. The experience depends heavily on staffing at the specific location and time of day.
Can I Use My Own Insurance with Routes?
Yes, but with conditions. You must present a printed insurance declarations page showing collision and comprehensive coverage. ACV-only (Actual Cash Value) policies may be rejected. Credit card rental coverage is also accepted at most locations if you present the benefit summary from your card issuer. To avoid any issues, bring printed documentation — not just a digital copy on your phone.
What Are Routes’ Hidden Fees?
The most commonly reported hidden fees at Routes include: airport concession recovery fees (5–11% of rental cost), toll administration fees if you use toll roads, cleaning fees for excessive mess, underage driver surcharges for renters under 25, and the $300–$500 security deposit held on your card. Always ask for a full itemized total before signing the rental agreement.
Is Routes Better Than Hertz or Enterprise?
For price, yes — Routes is typically 30–50% cheaper than Hertz or Enterprise for the same vehicle class. For reliability and service quality, no. Hertz and Enterprise score higher on Trustpilot (3.8/5 and 4.0/5 vs Routes’ 3.6/5), have on-site airport counters, and have fewer hidden fee complaints. Choose Routes for budget trips where you have time to navigate the process. Choose Hertz or Enterprise for business travel or trips where a smooth experience matters more than cost.
