Car Rentals in Montreal, CAN

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Montreal

Renting a car in Montreal offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and tailor your travel plans, making it ideal for families or those seeking outdoor and city-themed experiences. Key attractions in Montreal, such as the Old Port of Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, are all conveniently accessible by car. Furthermore, you can venture into Downtown Montreal to visit cultural sites like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or head to Brossard for outdoor activities along the Ice Bridge Bike Path. Old Montreal is also a must-see, with its historic charm and proximity to notable landmarks. Having a car allows you to explore these destinations without relying on public transportation, ensuring a more comfortable experience. Whether you are enjoying a day at the beach, immersing yourself in the local culture, or indulging in adventure sports, a rental car simplifies your journey, making your trip to Montreal truly enjoyable.

Most popular car hires in Montreal

• Midsize SUV: This option comfortably accommodates 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. With ample space for both passengers and luggage, a midsize SUV allows you to travel in comfort while exploring the attractions of Montreal and its surroundings at your leisure.
• Compact SUV: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, the compact SUV also caters to 5 travellers, providing room for up to 3 medium suitcases. Its slightly smaller size makes it easier to navigate through the city while still offering a good balance between space and manoeuvrability, allowing you to enjoy your time in Montreal hassle-free.
• Premium SUV: Tailored for business travellers, the premium SUV accommodates 5 travellers and supports up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle blends comfort and style, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more upscale experience while exploring Montreal. Its features cater to a professional setting, ensuring you make a strong impression during your travels.

Top rated car suppliers in Montreal

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 3 rental locations throughout Montreal, Alamo Rent A Car provides excellent accessibility for travellers. Known for its user-friendly service, the most popular vehicles include the Midsize SUV and Premium SUV, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for comfort and space during their journey.
• Hertz: Featuring 4 rental locations in the Montreal area, Hertz is a well-established choice among travellers. With a strong reputation for reliability, their most booked options include the Midsize SUV and Fullsize, ensuring you have ample room for passengers and luggage as you explore the vibrant city and its surroundings.
• Budget: With over 5 rental locations in and around Montreal, Budget stands out for its convenience and value. Popular among travellers for their affordability, the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV are frequently chosen, offering a great combination of style and practicality for your trip.

Where to stay in Montreal

• Downtown Montreal: A vibrant neighbourhood that offers a family-friendly, city-themed experience. It's ideal for those interested in culture, with landmarks such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Place des Arts nearby. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the local arena entertainment facilities while shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the shopping mall centre. Numerous restaurants and wineries are accessible, making it a great base for exploring the historic sites and sports facilities within close proximity.
• Rigaud: Known for its adventure and outdoor experiences, Rigaud is perfect for families seeking nature. With attractions like Oka National Park, which provides stunning scenery, and the zipline experience at Arbraska Rigaud Park, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do. The city is also home to the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, a notable church. With its shopping centre and local wineries, Rigaud offers a unique blend of culture and adventure.
• Old Montreal: This historic neighbourhood combines outdoor fun and family experiences. Visitors will find the Old Port of Montreal, a great spot for outdoor activities and beach-like experiences. The area is steeped in history, featuring landmarks such as the iconic Notre Dame Basilica. Families can explore the serene Jean-Drapeau Park, making Old Montreal an excellent choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in both history and nature.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Montreal

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, filters on Expedia can assist you in identifying the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This may also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies strictly accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to go on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Montreal

The best value period to rent a car in and around Montreal is March, when prices are slightly low and demand remains moderately low. Following closely, November also offers good value with slightly low prices and moderately low demand. However, July is the peak month for rentals, characterised by slightly high prices and moderately high demand, making it the most expensive time to hire a vehicle. August continues this trend, as demand peaks and prices remain elevated.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.8°F (-9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	18.0°F (-7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
April	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	61.7°F (16.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	36.3°F (2.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	25.0°F (-3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average