How to find a cheap car hire deal in El Nido
Cruise into adventure with a cheap rental car in El Nido. With prices averaging $62 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll help you pick your ideal ride at a price that fits.
The cheapest daily price for a home in El Nido is $62.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly home from $433 and pack in more adventures.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Around four weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a El Nido car hire.
Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar are among the top-rated providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your El Nido car hire policy, whether you book with Hertz or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in El Nido.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with prices averaging $387 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $372, this provider comes in next.
The third option also performs well on price. Drive off in one of their homes for roughly $409 a day.
If you're having trouble deciding which ride is right for you, choose something from the Fullsize home category. It's the most frequently booked type of car in El Nido.
Flying to El Nido? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your El Nido plans by booking a car hire at El Nido Airport. The city centre is about 5 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in El Nido
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in El Nido puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this El Nido 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 popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in El Nido that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your El Nido car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in El Nido.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by provider (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in the Philippines may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your El Nido car rental booking.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
If it's your first time driving in the Philippines, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 30kph in built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in the Philippines. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the Philippine Peso (PHP) for day-to-day spending on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Best hotels in El Nido for drivers
Offering parking, The Funny Lion - El Nido takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 3 kilometres from central El Nido and also comes with a laundry and Wi-Fi.
Focus Rooms is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features accessible parking, plus a laundry and tour services. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in El Nido and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in El Nido and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. El Nido boat tours embark, El Nido Beach and Bacuit Bay are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from El Nido
Roxas is around 97 kilometres south of central El Nido and will add some variety to your itinerary. Coconut Beach is just one of many reasons to go.
Or collect your cheap car hire in El Nido and then head for Taytay. Roughly 40 kilometres south of El Nido, Fort Santa Isabel and Sader Beach are top attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Relax after a day out and about in Taytay at The Dream Beach Resort or Pems Pension and Restaurant. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
If you're not done exploring yet, set off for Sablayan. It's around 241 kilometres northeast of El Nido. A Long D' Beach is one pit stop to make.
Next up: catching some z's. Seasons Hotel Sablayan and Sablayan Gustav's Place Silver Beach Dive Resort have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Sablayan.
