Car Rentals in Oshawa, CAN

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Oshawa

Renting a car in Oshawa offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions like Lakeview Park Beach and the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, perfect for family outings or romantic strolls. For those seeking adventure, Darlington Provincial Park, located just 7 km away, provides scenic outdoor experiences. The ease of managing luggage and planning your itinerary means you can focus on enjoying your trip without the constraints of public transportation schedules.

A rental car also opens up the opportunity to explore nearby cities such as Whitby, only 7 km from Oshawa, where you can discover the Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre. Ajax, located 14 km away, features attractions like Veterans' Point Gardens and Rouge National Urban Park. Additionally, Bowmanville, also 14 km from Oshawa, offers the Bowmanville Museum and more access to Darlington Provincial Park. Whether you're travelling with family, on a business trip, or just looking to experience the city, having a car enhances your journey in and around Oshawa.

Most popular car hires in Oshawa

• Compact SUV: This vehicle type is a popular choice for up to 5 travellers, accommodating up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact SUV is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking for a versatile option to navigate around Oshawa comfortably. Its size strikes a balance between spaciousness and manageability, making it suitable for city driving as well as exploring the surrounding areas.
• Midsize: Perfect for couples and families, the Midsize car can comfortably seat 5 passengers while offering space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a bit more room without opting for a full-size vehicle. The Midsize car allows for easy luggage management and provides a comfortable ride for longer journeys around Oshawa.
• Fullsize SUV: Accommodating up to 6 travellers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the Fullsize SUV is an excellent choice for families or groups. This vehicle offers ample space and comfort, making it ideal for longer trips. With its robust build and spacious interior, the Fullsize SUV provides a reliable option for those looking to explore Oshawa and its surroundings with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Oshawa

• Avis: Avis is the most popular car hire supplier in Oshawa, offering one rental location for your convenience. Known for its reliable service, Avis provides a selection of vehicles, with the Standard SUV and Economy being the most booked options. This allows you to enjoy the flexibility of exploring Oshawa and its surroundings at your own pace, making it a great choice for travellers looking to manage their itinerary effectively.

Where to stay around Oshawa

• Whitby: Located 7 km from Oshawa, Whitby is ideal for family, business, or city-themed experiences. Explore attractions such as the Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre for a cultural insight, or enjoy the serene surroundings at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, perfect for family outings or romantic strolls. Lakeview Park Beach offers a lovely spot for relaxation by the water. Whitby also features shopping centres and various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a convenient base for your stay.
• Ajax: Situated 14 km from Oshawa, Ajax is a vibrant city known for its family-friendly atmosphere and business amenities. Highlights include the Veterans' Point Gardens, a beautiful urban park perfect for outdoor activities, and Millennium Square, a lively gathering place. For nature enthusiasts, Rouge National Urban Park provides ample opportunities for exploration. Ajax boasts shopping centres and excellent dining options, including restaurants and wineries, ensuring a well-rounded experience for travellers.
• Bowmanville: Just 14 km from Oshawa, Bowmanville is a charming village that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is known for its sports facilities and stunning natural landscapes. Visit the Bowmanville Museum to delve into local history or explore Darlington Provincial Park for scenic adventures. Lakeview Park Beach is another great spot for a beach holiday. With an array of shopping centres and restaurants, Bowmanville serves as a delightful retreat for those seeking both relaxation and activity.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best 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 vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often leads to lower rates and greater availability, 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 balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. This can also be relevant for renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, though 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 should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Oshawa

The best value period to rent a car in and around Oshawa is October, when prices tend to be lower and demand is moderate. September also offers average pricing with steady demand, making it a reasonable choice. Following this, June through August are the most expensive months, characterised by high demand and slightly elevated prices. While July often sees the peak demand, June can still be quite pricey, making it less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.2°F (-4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	23.5°F (-4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	31.8°F (-0.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
July	70.0°F (21.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
December	30.9°F (-0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average