Downtown Montreal Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Montreal

Renting a car in Downtown Montreal offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant neighbourhood and its surroundings at your own pace. This convenience is particularly beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Place des Arts and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, both located in Downtown Montreal. Additionally, the renowned Notre Dame Basilica is just 1 km away, allowing for a seamless visit to this iconic site. Beyond the city centre, a rental car enables you to venture to nearby areas like Old Montreal, also 1 km away, where you can enjoy the historic charm of the Old Port and Jean-Drapeau Park. The Quartier des Spectacles, located less than 1 km from Downtown, is another destination worth exploring. With your luggage comfortably stored in the car, you can fully immerse yourself in the sights and experiences without the hassle of public transport. A rental car simplifies your travel plans, making it easier to create memorable moments in and around Downtown Montreal.

Most popular car rentals in Downtown Montreal

• Midsize: This popular choice accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize cars are ideal for couples and families looking to explore Downtown Montreal with ease. The extra room ensures comfortable journeys, making it a practical option for those needing flexibility in their travel plans.
• Compact: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families, the compact car can also accommodate 5 travellers with space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is great for navigating the bustling streets of Downtown Montreal while allowing you to manage your luggage effortlessly. Its size makes it easy to park and manoeuvre through the city.
• Economy: The economy car is a smart choice for those looking to travel light, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option suits solo travellers and couples well, offering a budget-friendly way to explore Downtown Montreal. Its compact nature makes it convenient for city driving, ensuring you can easily navigate through traffic.

Top rated car suppliers in Downtown Montreal

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is renowned for its efficient service, featuring a single rental location in Downtown Montreal. Customers appreciate the quick pickup process and friendly staff, making it a convenient choice for travellers. The most booked vehicles with Alamo include Midsize and Compact SUVs, which provide a comfortable driving experience for exploring the area. With a focus on cleanliness and hassle-free returns, Alamo stands out as a reliable option for your car rental needs.
• Avis: Avis boasts three rental locations in Downtown Montreal, offering travellers enhanced accessibility. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize and Fullsize SUVs, which are ideal for families or groups looking to explore the city and its surroundings. Avis is praised for its customer service and well-maintained fleet, ensuring a pleasant rental experience. The convenience of multiple locations allows for flexibility in pick-up and drop-off, making Avis a top contender in the area.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has a prominent presence in Downtown Montreal with one rental location. Known for its competitive pricing and straightforward rental process, Thrifty is a solid choice for those seeking Midsize and Compact vehicles. Travellers appreciate the ease of managing their bookings and the reliable performance of the cars. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Thrifty provides a comfortable and efficient option for exploring the vibrant city and its attractions.

Where to stay around Downtown Montreal

• Downtown Montreal: As the heart of the city, Downtown Montreal offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous attractions such as sports facilities and historic sites. It is an ideal base for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with easy access to the famous Notre Dame Basilica, a stunning cathedral that enriches the cultural experience. The area is also home to various dining options and nightlife, making it a lively spot for tourists.
• Old Montreal: Located 1 km from Downtown Montreal, Old Montreal is steeped in history and charm. This neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the enchanting streets, visit the Notre Dame Basilica, and enjoy the scenic Old Port of Montreal, which is suited for adventure and relaxation. The area's quaint cafes and restaurants add to its allure for families and beach lovers.
• Ville-Marie: Situated 2 km away from Downtown Montreal, Ville-Marie is a borough that encapsulates the essence of city life while also offering family-friendly experiences. Attractions like the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve cater to sports and motor racing fans, while the renowned Notre Dame Basilica and the Old Port of Montreal provide cultural and outdoor enjoyment. With an array of cafes and restaurants, Ville-Marie is an excellent option for those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant local scene.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown Montreal

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it is advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to benefit from lower rates and enhanced availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-sized rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the vehicle empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can prevent unnecessary expenses and offers peace of mind should anything unexpected arise during your travels. It's straightforward to include car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Montreal

The best value period to rent a car in and around Downtown Montreal is March, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. April also offers reasonable rates with average demand, making it another good option. However, July sees a spike in demand and prices, making it the busiest and most expensive month. Following that, August and October maintain high demand, while December is notably pricier with low demand during the holiday season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.8°F (-9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	18.0°F (-7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
April	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	61.7°F (16.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
November	36.3°F (2.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	25.0°F (-3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High