Shinjuku Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Shinjuku

Renting a car in Shinjuku offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the vibrant area at your own pace. This is particularly advantageous for families and those seeking outdoor or city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can conveniently manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. Key attractions such as the serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden are easily accessible within the neighbourhood, while the bustling Shibuya Crossing and iconic Tokyo Tower are just 4 km and 5 km away, respectively. Beyond Shinjuku, you can venture into Tokyo’s vast metropolis, which includes popular destinations like Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo Skytree. The nearby neighbourhoods of Kabukicho and Shinjuku Golden Gai, both less than 1 km away, provide more opportunities for exploration. With a rental car, you can effortlessly navigate between these exciting locations, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for everyone in your party.

Most popular car rentals in and around Shinjuku

• Mini: This car type is perfect for solo travellers or couples, accommodating up to 4 people and fitting up to 2 small suitcases. The Mini offers an excellent solution for those who value ease of mobility in urban settings like Shinjuku. Its compact size allows for easy navigation through busy streets while providing the freedom to explore at your leisure.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the Compact car accommodates up to 5 people and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases. This car type strikes a balance between space and manoeuvrability, making it a great choice for travellers looking to enjoy the flexibility of driving in and around Shinjuku while comfortably managing their luggage.
• Midsize: This option is suitable for couples or families, as it can accommodate 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. The Midsize car provides extra space for a more comfortable journey, making it a fantastic choice for those planning to explore Shinjuku and beyond. Its larger capacity ensures that you can travel with ease without leaving any essentials behind.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Shinjuku

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 3 rental locations in and around Shinjuku, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. Their vehicles are well-suited for various needs, with the Compact and Mini Van being the most booked options. Alamo is known for its efficient service, allowing you to manage your itinerary with ease while exploring the vibrant surroundings of Shinjuku.
• Enterprise: Enterprise boasts 2 rental locations near Shinjuku, making car rental convenient for visitors. Renowned for their customer service, Enterprise offers a diverse fleet with the Compact and Standard models being the most popular among renters. This supplier is an excellent option for those wishing to navigate the city and beyond at their own pace.
• National Car Rental: With 3 rental locations available in the Shinjuku area, National Car Rental provides travellers with a solid choice for their car rental needs. Their Economy and Compact Van options are frequently booked, making them ideal for both solo travellers and families. National is dedicated to offering a seamless rental experience, ensuring you can explore Shinjuku and its attractions comfortably.

Where to stay around Shinjuku

• Shinjuku: As a vibrant hub within Tokyo, Shinjuku is ideal for those seeking a mix of family and entertainment experiences. This area is known for its bustling shopping malls and centres, providing a plethora of retail choices. Key attractions include the nearby theme parks, such as Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea®, perfect for family holidays. Additionally, the iconic Tokyo Skytree offers stunning city views, making Shinjuku a prime location for both relaxation and adventure.
• Shibuya: Located 3 km from Shinjuku, Shibuya is renowned for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly activities. It features popular shopping areas and centres, along with notable landmarks like the famous Shibuya Crossing, a must-see for visitors. For those interested in culture, the nearby Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a serene experience amidst the city's buzz. Shibuya is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and city explorers alike, especially during the milder months.
• Chiyoda: Just 4 km away from Shinjuku, Chiyoda is a neighbourhood rich in history and culture. It offers a variety of shopping options and is home to significant landmarks like the Tokyo Imperial Palace. This area is particularly appealing for those interested in cultural experiences, with attractions such as the Sensoji Temple nearby. Chiyoda's blend of historic sites and modern amenities makes it a captivating destination for families and city-themed travellers.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Shinjuku

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, making it advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better 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-size rentals strike an excellent balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals enforce a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports usually incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 Shinjuku

The best value period to rent a car in and around Shinjuku is November, when demand is moderate and prices are lower. October also offers reasonable rates as demand tends to be low. For slightly higher prices, April and May are shoulder months that still provide decent availability, though demand spikes in April. On the other hand, January is typically the most expensive month, with high demand making rentals pricier, followed closely by December, which sees similar trends.