Car Rental - Harlingen

 

Harlingen car rental can kickstart incredible journeys.

Located in the far south of Texas, in the famous Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen is known for its tropical climate and outdoor pursuits.

Collect your rental car at one of Hertz’s Harlingen pick-up locations to start your journey right away – for vacation, business or the holiday season.

There’s a car rental center at Harlingen International Airport, with great value rental cars. Choose from sleek sedans and family cars, or maybe a 4x4 to take you into the mountains.

Harlingen has plenty to offer for families or those travelling solo. There are local parks and shopping destinations, theaters, museums and even the World Birding Centre. Or why not take a road trip to Corpus Christi in the north to see the sea turtles and birdlife. It’s only two hours away when you rent a car from Harlingen.

Whatever your plans, reserve Harlingen car rental today with Hertz to make the most of your stay in the Lone Star State.

Harlingen Locations

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Map data ©2026 Google, INEGI
Map data ©2026 Google, INEGI

A Quick Guide to Harlingen

Iwo Jima monument

Iwo Jima Memorial Museum

320 Iwo Jima Boulevard, Harlingen

Harlingen’s most iconic monument, depicting the raising of the American Flag at Iwo Jima, sits close to the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. With welcoming and knowledgeable staff, plus a gift shop, this is a great rental car stop-off for families on vacation in Harlingen.

Gladys Porter Zoo Harlingen

Gladys Porter Zoo

500 East Ringgold Street, Brownsville

Jump in your Harlingen rental car for a short 30-minute drive to Brownsville. Visit this large zoological and botanical park, where you could see endangered species such as the Western lowland gorilla, tiger and Philippine crocodile. Follow your site map to tour the outside environments, then take a walk around some of the specially air-conditioned exhibits inside the main building.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island

TX 78597

Don’t leave Harlingen without taking a drive in your rental car across to South Padre Island, an unspoiled barrier with beautiful white sand beaches and calm blue waters. Treat the family to a day of fun and sun. Make the most of everything from bird and dolphin watching to water parks and parasailing.

Courtyard by Marriott Harlingen

1725 West Filmore Avenue At, South Expressway 83, Harlingen

Minutes from South Padre Island and the Mexican border, this recently renovated three-star hotel has modern amenities, from its pool and spa to business suites. The added bonus of an outdoor barbeque area, and its hosting of events like Rio Fest, make it an excellent choice for a vacation or business trip. Complimentary on-site parking, including long-term parking, is available for your Harlingen rental car.

Hampton Inn & Suites Harlingen

1202 North Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen

Impeccably maintained rooms and all necessary amenities are to be found at the three-star Hampton Inn. Just a half-mile from the Arroyo Colorado River, this hotel provides a great base for those who enjoy the active life. Take a scenic park walk in the evening or enjoy the fitness center before taking a relaxing dip in the outdoor pool. Free parking for your Harlingen rental car is available throughout your stay.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

3825 South Expressway 83, Harlingen

Positioned close to the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park and a short drive from Valley International Airport, the three-star Country Inn’s rooms and suites have all you’d expect, from flat-screen TVs to coffee makers and microwaves, and some feature whirlpool tubs to help you kick back and relax after a busy day of car rental sightseeing. With free on-site parking, you’ll always have somewhere to leave your Harlingen rental car while you relax or explore the neighborhood.

Colletti’s Italian Restaurant

202 S 1st Street, Harlingen

The family-owned Colletti’s aims to deliver a homely, traditional experience for its guests with their solid take on classic Italian dishes, and with a real focus on American favorites, like their creamy chicken alfredo. Leave room for dessert too as their baked pecan custard is not to be missed.

La Playa Mexican Cafe

502 South 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen

If tasty Mexican food with a twist is your thing, then you’ll love La Playa. With a menu that’s as extensive as it is delicious, La Playa’s take on classic dishes, like their devil’s backbone or chipotle fajitas, will hit all the right spots. Hop into this Harlingen eatery between stops on your car rental journey.

Laurel Park Bistro

901 South 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen

With this French-inspired Modern American restaurant, you really do get the best of both worlds. Especially when you take on their weekend brunch menu where French omelet with locally sourced produce sit comfortably alongside biscuits and gravy for a great value experience.

Driving In and Around Harlingen

  • Courtyard by Marriott has on-site parking available free of charge to guests. Slot your rental car in a space, then head out to explore Harlingen with ease.
  • Gladys Porter Zoo (785200) has a large parking lot just across the street. There are varying tariffs depending on how long you stay. See the animals, then continue your car rental road trip in Harlingen.
  • Visitor Parking (78550) a parking lot off Lozano Street and close to Interstate 69.

 

  • Interstate 69 (I-69 E) runs north to south through Texas around the west side of Harlingen.
  • Interstate 2 (I-2) links Harlingen with McAllen and San Juan to the west.

 

How to Get From Harlingen’s car rental center to South Padre Island

It takes about an hour to drive the 46 miles to South Padre Island when you rent a car in Harlingen.

  1. Join I-69, heading south-east out of Harlingen.
  2. Take TX-550 and TX-48 East to Padre Boulevard/State Park Road 100 in South Padre Island
  3. Continue on State Park Road 100 to East Mesquite Street. 

 

How to Get From Harlingen’s car rental center to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

The wildlife refuge is only a 40-minute, or 27-mile, drive when you rent a car from Harlingen. Start by taking the FM106 and General Brant Road to Buena Vista Boulevard. Follow Buena Vista Boulevard to your destination.

 

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