Ottawa Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ottawa

Renting a car in Ottawa allows you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those travelling with family or seeking outdoor experiences, as you can easily manage your luggage and travel plans. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions including Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, and the Canadian Museum of History, all conveniently located in Downtown Ottawa. Additionally, exploring nearby areas such as Gatineau, which features the same attractions, and Kanata, known for Pinhey's Point and the Canadian War Museum, becomes hassle-free. You can move from one location to another without the constraints of public transport schedules, making it easier to enjoy the sights and sounds of the metropolis. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in culture or enjoy family outings, having a car at your disposal enhances your travel experience in and around Ottawa, allowing you to discover the best the region has to offer on your own terms.

Most popular car rentals in Ottawa

• Midsize SUV: This option is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with their luggage, as it offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Ottawa and its surroundings comfortably. With a midsize SUV, you can enjoy the flexibility of carrying more gear while navigating the city and the scenic routes outside of it.
• Compact SUV: A compact SUV is an excellent choice for up to 5 travellers, providing room for up to 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle type is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or families wanting to enjoy their time in Ottawa with ease. The compact size makes it easier to manoeuvre through city streets while still offering enough space for luggage and comfort during your trip.
• Fullsize: The fullsize vehicle option also accommodates up to 5 travellers, with the capacity to hold either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for families and groups who require more room for their belongings. Renting a fullsize car allows for a comfortable ride while exploring Ottawa, ensuring you have the space necessary for both passengers and luggage.

Top rated car suppliers in Ottawa

• Alamo Rent A Car: With a well-located rental point in Ottawa, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility. Known for its dependable service, Alamo offers a selection of vehicles, with Standard SUVs and Compact SUVs being the most booked options. This supplier is ideal for those looking to explore Ottawa and its surrounding areas comfortably.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental also operates a single rental location in Ottawa, providing an excellent option for visitors. Renowned for its customer satisfaction, National offers a range of vehicles, with Compact SUVs and Midsize cars being the top choices. This supplier ensures that you can efficiently navigate the city and its attractions with ease.
• Avis: Avis stands out with 5+ rental locations spread across Ottawa, making it incredibly convenient for travellers. The supplier is known for its extensive fleet, featuring Midsize and Fullsize vehicles as the most popular selections. With Avis, you can enjoy a seamless car rental experience that allows you to explore all that Ottawa has to offer at your leisure.

Where to stay in Ottawa

• Downtown Ottawa: This vibrant neighbourhood offers a city-themed experience suitable for families and business travellers alike. Located near iconic attractions such as Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and the National Arts Centre, Downtown Ottawa is a cultural hub. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local centres and dining at nearby wineries and restaurants. With its historic civic government buildings and nature reserves, Downtown Ottawa provides a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.
• Gatineau: Just across the river from Ottawa, Gatineau is ideal for those seeking a romantic or family-friendly getaway. Key attractions include the Canadian Museum of History and Parliament Hill, both rich in cultural significance. The city features excellent dining options and wellness experiences, including spas and body treatment venues. Gatineau's proximity to nature reserves offers a tranquil escape, making it a lovely choice for those looking to explore both city life and outdoor adventures.
• Kanata: This borough is perfect for city-themed experiences, families, and business trips. Kanata is known for its shopping centres and educational institutions, with attractions such as Pinhey's Point - Horaceville and the Canadian War Museum nearby. The area also boasts various dining options, including wineries, providing a delightful culinary experience. Kanata's sports facilities and modern amenities make it a convenient and engaging destination for visitors to Ottawa.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it is advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can equally apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable too. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be justified 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 anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Ottawa

The best time to rent a car in and around Ottawa is February, when demand is low and prices are moderately low, making it the best value period. March and November can also offer decent value, with average to moderately low prices and lower demand. As the year progresses, July tends to see moderately high prices and high demand, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.3°F (-9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
March	27.9°F (-2.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately High
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
December	24.6°F (-4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average