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How Car Rental Works With Sixt [& Why They’re My Favorite]

Having started in Europe, SIXT is now one of the biggest car rental companies in the USA. Learn how to access and use its services.

Key Takeaways

  • SIXT is a global car rental service offering luxury vehicles and chauffeur services.
  • Provides on-demand rides, airport transfers, and long-term rentals.
  • Features include online booking, diverse vehicle options, and flexible rental periods.
  • Payment options include major credit cards and discounted prepaid rates.

Car rental has long been a popular mobility solution for people around the world. Frequent users of the services are familiar with names like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis.

SIXT is slightly lesser known in North America, having only entered the local scene in 2011.

Now available across different locations in the USA, the car rental company is one of the most competitive providers of shared mobility services around the world, with its glowing reputation for sleek BMWs and professional chauffeurs.

What Is SIXT?

SIXT is one of the world’s biggest car rental companies, providing black car, taxi, and airport transfer services across major cities in more than 105 countries in the world, including the USA.

SIXT’s quality services shine through with its business-class car rental packages and offers, with no hidden costs for clients. Per its website, customers can expect to “drive first class, pay economy.”

The company’s distinctive fleet comprises high-end convertibles and premium SUVs, mainly of the BMW make.

SIXT has more than 220,000 rental vehicles in its fleet from some of the world’s best manufacturers, including Audi and Mercedes.

The company isn’t only about cars; you can also access the car rental company’s array of e-scooters and mopeds via the SIXT mobile app.

How Does a SIXT Ride Work?

SIXT Ride is a mobility solution that provides scheduled or on-demand rides. You can book a luxury sedan or standard car in advance or have a driver pick you up.

If you opt for a driver on-demand, you can expect a licensed and trained professional whose contact details you can see in advance. Your entire trip is tracked live, which is a security measure.

The service comes with cashless payment, with your ride automatically charged to your card when you arrive at your destination.

Airport Transfer With SIXT Ride

In many cities across the US, SIXT Ride provides seamless transportation from airports, with high-quality vehicles and professional drivers.

As part of the airport transfer service, a driver will greet you with a name sign at the airport’s arrival lounge, ready to relieve you of the burden of luggage.

You’ll have to provide your flight number beforehand to ensure you’re correctly matched with your SIXT driver, regardless of schedule changes.

Booking your airport transfer with SIXT guarantees convenient pickups, with the driver picking you up directly from the terminal and guiding you straight to the luxury car so you can begin the trip.

Depending on your package, there’s also a free 60-minute waiting period each time you book with SIXT Ride.

Here’s a breakdown of the different car booking categories available for an airport transfer:

RideFirstRide XLBusiness XL
Seating capacityUp to 3 passengersUp to 3 passengersUp to 5 passengersUp to 6 passengers
Loading capacityUp to 2 pieces of baggageUp to 2 pieces of baggageUp to 4 pieces of baggageUp to 4 pieces of baggage
Car typeToyota Corolla, PriusBMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz-S-ClassChevrolet SuburbanCadillac Escalade

You can access this service in these US cities:

  • New York
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • Chicago
  • Atlanta
  • Houston
  • Denver
  • Newark
  • Seattle
  • Honolulu

Taxis and Ride Hailing on SIXT

SIXT lets you book taxi rides on-demand across different cities in the US. All you have to do is select the taxi categories in the app, and you’ll be matched with a driver and picked up in a few minutes.

To book your ride on the SIXT app:

  • Select the “Ride” tab at the bottom of the page.
  • Enter your pickup location. You can select your pickup location from the “Locate on map” option.
  • Select “immediate pickup.”
  • Choose your booking category and confirm.

You can also book rides in advance on the app. If you have kids and pets coming along for the ride, SIXT provides child car seats and pet-friendly service.

While booking, you can provide the relevant details in the comments section to help SIXT make the necessary arrangements.

If your destination is somewhere not easily accessible by public transport, or you want a comfortable experience, you can also book for long-distance trip services.

SIXT offers fixed prices for all its long-distance rides. Here’s an overview of what to expect when you book a taxi on the platform:

LyftLyft XLLux Lux XL
Seating capacityUp to 4 passengersUp to 6 passengersUp to 4 passengersUp to 4 passengers
Loading capacityUp to 3 bagsUp to 4 bagsUp to 3 bagsUp to 3 bags
Ride typeToyota Corolla, Lincoln MKTGMC Arcadia, Chevrolet TraverseLuxury ride (Lexus ES, GMC Yukon Denali, BMW X3)Premium black car service (Lexus LS, BMW-5 Series)

Limousine Service With SIXT

SIXT provides business-class chauffeur services, whether you’re having a board meeting or an elite-level travel experience. With SIXT, you can expect “luxury limousines, professional chauffeurs, and premium service.”

While on your SIXT limo ride, you can download a complimentary e-journal for your reading pleasure. You can choose from digital newspapers and magazines on your mobile device.

A complimentary bottle of water is also waiting for you in the backseat when you get inside the limo. In the event of a delay, there’s a 15-minute wait duration. If it’s an airport pickup, it extends to 60 minutes.

You can also cancel your booking without any fees up to one hour before pickup.

All SIXT limo rides are monitored in real-time by a dedicated VIP team.

Guide to SIXT Car Rental

If you’re new to car rentals, it’s essential to understand how the SIXT process works upfront:

Pre-Booking Considerations

The first tip is to make sure you book early, especially if you plan to use the car on weekends. This means you’ll have access to your preferred luxury vehicle, particularly during peak periods.

You should know what car you want based on how many people are going with you on the trip. Most cars come with rather small trunks, so you can get an SUV if you’re traveling with a large group.

Also, consider the terrain, especially if it’s a cross-country trip, where an SUV would again be well-suited.

If you’re driving far distances, you might consider getting an extra driver, a GPS, or a prepaid gas tank.

Deposits

You have to make a minimum deposit of $200 when renting a SIXT car, which is charged to your preferred payment method as a safety guarantee. This fee may be higher for high-end cars.

After returning the car, you should allow up to 10 business days for the funds to be returned to your account.

Picking Up a SIXT Rental Car

When arriving at the SIXT counter to pick up your rental car, come with these documents ready:

  • A valid driver’s license.
  • A debit card with a form or ID that shows your address (e.g., utility bill) or a prepaid card.

You can browse SIXT’s fleet guide to get an instant rental quote for the SUV or sedan of your choice.

Steps to Renting a SIXT Car

To rent a car on SIXT:

  • Launch the SIXT home page.
  • Enter your pickup location, pickup date, and return date.
  • Click on “Show Cars.”
  • Browse the page to select the vehicle that you want to drive.
  • Click on your preferred car and select “Next” to proceed to the payment page.
  • Choose your preferred extras package and click on “Continue.” The total cost is visible at the top right corner of the page.
  • Select your preferred add-on and click on “Continue.”
  • Review your booking, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and click on “Pay and Book.”

SIXT Car Rental Services

SIXT offers the following car rental services:

One-Way Car Rental

SIXT offers excellent rates for one-way rentals across different cities in the US and is suitable for multiple business trips, road trip adventures, and relocations.

Most of its vehicles come with unlimited mileage, so you can travel as far as you want.

If you reside in Nevada, Florida, or California, SIXT offers free one-way rentals on specific routes. You can contact its support team for more information on taking advantage of this offer.

Certain restrictions and fees apply depending on where you plan to pick up and drop the vehicle off.

Long-Term Car Rental

With SIXT long-term car rental, the longer you rent, the more you get to save. You can rent for up to 120 days. The booking process is simple, with no additional ownership costs like vehicle depreciation or down payments.

You’re not restricted to rentals within fixed periods, as you can rent a SIXT vehicle for the exact time frame you need.

If you’re a business owner who goes on multiple business trips, you can save more on your SIXT long-term car rentals by joining the SIXT corporate program.

Car Rental Under 25

If you’re 25 or under, SIXT has a 25% discount. You also don’t need a credit card to book a SIXT car.

There’s a student discount on car rentals if you have a Student Beans account and have verified your student status.

Luxury Car Rental

SIXT stands out for its fleet of high-end convertibles, luxury sedans, and premium SUVs. Some of these luxury cars available for rental include:

  • Ford Mustang
  • Cadillac XTS
  • Lincoln MKZ
  • Mercedes-Benz G Class
  • Jaguar F-Type

You need to be 25 years or older to rent a SIXT luxury car.

SIXT+ Car Subscription

A SIXT+ car subscription is a great way to manage all your car rental needs every month, with the flexibility to swap vehicles, pickup locations, and mileage.

With a SIXT+ car subscription, you can choose a vehicle from the premium fleet and customize your plan with a mileage package and coverage options. All costs, except for fuel, are included in the monthly price.

Each rental has a one-time enrolment fee of $199, excluding the monthly fee. The subscriptions also come with 24/7 Basic Roadside Assistance and the ability to cancel anytime.

Payment Options for SIXT Car Rentals

SIXT accepts all major credit cards, including American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club, and Airplus.

Debit cards are accepted at certain branches, depending on the vehicle type and whether you’re a local, non-local, or international renter.

SIXT also offers discounted prepaid rates if you want to rent in advance, but cancellation fees apply.

When collecting your car, ensure that the name on your card corresponds with that of the rental car’s primary driver.

For business rentals, the name on the company card used for payment must match that of the primary renter listed on the reservation and rental agreement.

Extras and Add-Ons for SIXT Car Rentals

For all categories of SIXT car rentals, you can request these extras to your rental package:

  • Winter tires
  • Satellite radios
  • Ski sacks
  • Phone hotspot with Wi-Fi
  • Snow chains
  • Protection options (Loss Damage Waiver, Extended Roadside Protection, Business Travel Insurance, and Personal Accident Coverage)

Wrapping Up

Car rentals on SIXT are seamless and stress-free, and several premium vehicles are available to provide you with the luxurious experience you want.

Since SIXT is relatively new in the USA compared to some of its competitors, you may be disappointed to find that the rental service isn’t yet available in your location.

Still, SIXT’s reputation for high-end car rentals and increasing popularity means the company will continue growing until it’s available in all parts of the USA.

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