Car Rentals in Downtown Shanghai, CHN

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What you need to know for your Downtown Shanghai car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Downtown Shanghai

Renting a car in Downtown Shanghai offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant neighbourhood and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans without being constrained by public transport schedules. This option is particularly appealing for families, business travellers, and those seeking a city-themed experience.

Key attractions such as The Bund, with its scenic esplanade perfect for family outings and romantic strolls, and People's Square, a modern hub ideal for urban experiences, are easily accessible by car. Yu Garden, known for its tranquil beauty, is also within reach. Additionally, nearby destinations like Lujiazui, less than 1 km away, and Huangpu, approximately 2 km away, feature notable sites including Tianzifang and more of The Bund. A rental car enables you to efficiently navigate these areas, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable visit to Downtown Shanghai and its attractions.

Where to stay around Downtown Shanghai

  • Downtown Shanghai: As the heart of Shanghai, Downtown offers a vibrant mix of shopping centres, historic places, and dining options. Key attractions such as The Bund, an esplanade ideal for outdoor activities and romantic outings, and People's Square, a modern square perfect for city exploration, are easily accessible. This area is ideal for families, business travellers, and those seeking a city-themed experience.
  • Huangpu: Located 2 km away from Downtown Shanghai, Huangpu is a bustling district known for its shopping areas and modern architecture. Visitors can explore Tianzifang, a charming neighbourhood with an artistic flair, and enjoy scenic views along The Bund. With a range of dining options, Huangpu is a great base for families and city-themed adventures.
  • Lujiazui: Situated less than 1 km from Downtown Shanghai, Lujiazui is a dynamic neighbourhood renowned for its modern towers and shopping centres. Highlights include The Bund for outdoor activities and Yu Garden, a serene private garden perfect for relaxation. Lujiazui offers a fantastic blend of family-friendly attractions and urban experiences, making it an excellent choice for travellers seeking a vibrant atmosphere.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Downtown Shanghai

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting 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 discover the ideal option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary according to demand, so it’s wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to hire and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 might encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—may 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 operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
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Airport Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Downtown Shanghai?
The lowest daily rate for car rentals in Downtown Shanghai within the past seven days was . In the comfort of your own set of wheels, it's easy to cruise to whichever attractions are calling your name.
What happens if I need to cancel my Downtown Shanghai car reservation?
Depending on the hire policy, you may be eligible for your money back. Many prepaid bookings provide a total refund if you cancel a minimum of six hours prior to pick-up. Still have some questions? If you can't find the answer in your itinerary, our Customer Service Portal is always here to help.
What types of cars can I rent in Downtown Shanghai?
From compact and economy cars to premiums, SUVs and vans, you're sure to find a rental to suit your style. But the most booked car in Downtown Shanghai is a full-size. These spacious vehicles will often include luxuries like sunroofs and premium upholstery as standard. And with all that power under the hood, you'll be cruising around comfortably wherever you roam. Our full-size cars are a perfect choice whether you're holidaying with the entire family or riding solo.
Where can I go on a road trip from Downtown Shanghai?
Book a hire car, collect the keys and get set to explore all the sights and sounds of Downtown Shanghai. But with so much to see in the surrounding areas, don't stop there! Set your sat-nav to some of the other intriguing places in the region:

  • You'll feel the vibrant spirit of bustling city life the moment you pull into Hangzhou. Some 110 miles from Downtown Shanghai, it has loads of amazing places to discover, like West Lake.
  • Another destination popular with travellers is Suzhou, around 55 miles away. Jinji Lake is just one of the many reasons people keep coming back to this place.
  • No trip is complete without spending a day at Huangshan Mountains. This renowned nature spot is roughly 210 miles from Downtown Shanghai. Relax and breathe in the fresh air!

How do I find the best car hire deals in Downtown Shanghai with Expedia?
Check out customer ratings and reviews, choose your favourite ride and compare offers from the most popular suppliers. Expedia makes it easy to pick up the best deal on your rental wheels. Combine your Downtown Shanghai car hire with flight or hotel bookings and drive away with even more in your wallet.
What do you need to hire a car in Downtown Shanghai?
Your driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essentials. Don't want to take out the company's insurance plan? Then there's a good chance you'll also need proof of other coverage. Requirements may differ between rental companies, so be sure to read through your policy.
What is the cheapest car hire in Downtown Shanghai?
According to prices found within the past seven days, the lowest daily rate for a cheap car hire in Downtown Shanghai was just . The second lowest price was per day. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Downtown Shanghai?
You can hire a car for a month or even longer in Downtown Shanghai, so go on and extend your holiday! Simply enter your trip details into our long-term car hire deals page and reserve your perfect ride.
Where can I find a Downtown Shanghai hire car if I am younger than 25?
Age policies differ between rental companies, so be prepared to do a bit of research. Managed to find a Downtown Shanghai supplier that does hire to under 25s? Awesome! Just keep in mind that an extra charge often applies to drivers aged between 21 and 24. The fine print of each rental car you're looking at should have all the information you need.
Why should I rent a Downtown Shanghai car with Expedia?
You'll get a top deal on your wheels with Expedia. Economy or full-size, you're sure to find your dream ride from one of the multiple rental companies in Downtown Shanghai. Our exclusive offers, rewards programmes and member prices will help you get the most out of your travel budget. And if you'd like to save even more, bundle your bookings into a holiday package. Add a flight or hotel to your hire vehicle reservation and unlock awesome discounts! Plus, when you sign up for our free One Key™ rewards programme, you can earn OneKeyCash™* and use it on eligible flights, hotels, activities and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

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