How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ottawa
Pick up a cheap rental car in Ottawa for around $71 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, putting amazing deals at your fingertips.
Daily rental prices in Ottawa start from just $22.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from $147 and fit more into your itinerary.
If you want to time it right, book about two weeks ahead to score the best price on a Ottawa car hire.
Routes Car Rentals, Enterprise and Alamo are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Ottawa car hire policy, whether you book with Routes Car Rentals or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Ottawa.
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Pack more into your journey by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $47 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $89, this provider comes in next.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $72 a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's rented the most in Ottawa.
Flying to Ottawa? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Ottawa plans by booking a car hire at Ottawa Gatineau Airport. The city centre is about 24 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Touching down elsewhere? You can get a car hire from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport just as conveniently. The centre is 14 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach by car.
Compare car hire types in Ottawa
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Ottawa makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Ottawa car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Ottawa that fits a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group outings, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Ottawa car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. They can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Ottawa.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check what applies with each supplier before booking your car hire in Canada.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat regulations vary from one place to another, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Be sure to add the right one to your Ottawa car hire booking.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
If you're new to driving in Canada, be aware that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in Canada. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD) for all your purchases here. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
English is the language you'll hear most often in this country.
Best hotels in Ottawa for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time relaxing at Alt Hotel Ottawa Downtown. About 0.64 kilometres from central Ottawa, it comes with accessible parking, a 24-hour front desk and a bar.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Comfort Inn. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this option, which also features luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk.
Browse the full range of hotels in Ottawa for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Ottawa and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Ottawa
Kanata has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit McKinley Park and St. Paul's Anglican Church. This city is around 21 kilometres southwest of central Ottawa.
Days Inn by Wyndham Ottawa West and Wingate by Wyndham Kanata West Ottawa are recommended accommodation options with parking in Kanata.
Add Cornwall to your journey too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Ottawa and drive around 88 kilometres southeast to discover highlights such as The Art Gallery (TAG) Cornwall and Terry Fox Memorial Park.
Relax after a day out and about in Cornwall at Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort and Players Inn Hotel -Formerly Comfort Inn and Suites Hogansburg NY or Super 8 by Wyndham Cornwall on. These hotels have arrangements for guests with cars.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Take off to Longueuil, about 177 kilometres east of Ottawa. From Parc Mégantic to Parc Fontainbleau, your journey will end on a high note.
Rest your head in Longueuil at either Hotel Chrome Montreal Centre-Ville or Hotel Auberge Manoir Ville Marie. They've got a room waiting for you and parking availability too.
