How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Searching for a cheap Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport rental car? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging $61 a day, we compare the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
$29 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
Planning to spend longer in Ottawa? Book a weekly rental from $40 and make room for more adventures.
To get the cheapest price, book your YOW car hire around two weeks in advance.
Routes Car Rentals, Alamo and Budget are some popular providers at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
Whether you book with Routes Car Rentals or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in YOW.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by booking a car hire in Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $77 a day.
Up next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $88.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly $140 a day with this supplier.
If you're unsure what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car at YOW.
Compare car hire types from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Small: These cheap Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives fly by in this YOW car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different YOW car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
Good to know
Age requirements vary by provider (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Canada may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your YOW car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest choice.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in Canada.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Canada is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've collected the keys to your YOW car hire, it's time to map out your journey. Central Ottawa is about 14 kilometres north and a drive of around 20 minutes if that's where your journey begins.
Allow roughly 30 minutes to travel from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to the city centre during peak travel times.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
If you're not jumping into the driver's seat immediately, consider picking up a car hire in Ottawa instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Start with some of the most popular attractions in Ottawa, such as Rideau Canal National Historic Site and Parliament Hill. Whether you take your car or get there another way, you'll want to see these highlights before you move on.
Kanata has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Richardson Heritage Park and St. Paul's Anglican Church. This city is around 18 kilometres west of YOW.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport car hire and drive around 80 kilometres southeast to Cornwall. Featuring The Art Gallery Cornwall and Terry Fox Memorial Park, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Longueuil, about 177 kilometres east of YOW. From Parc Fontainbleau to Canadian Space Agency, your journey will end on a high note.
