Car Rentals in Ottawa, CAN

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Ottawa

Renting a car in Ottawa offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in cultural experiences. With a rental car, you can conveniently manage your luggage while visiting key attractions such as Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, and the Canadian Museum of History, all located within the city. You can also easily venture into nearby areas like Downtown Ottawa, where you can find these cultural landmarks, or head to Gatineau to explore more of the Canadian Museum of History. If you're looking for outdoor activities, Kanata is home to Pinhey's Point - Horaceville and the Canadian War Museum. A car allows you to create a flexible travel plan that accommodates your interests, whether that means taking a scenic drive along the river or stopping for a picnic in one of the many parks. Overall, having a rental car enhances your sightseeing experience, allowing you to discover all that Ottawa and its vicinity have to offer without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car hires in Ottawa

• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates up to 5 travellers along with 3 large suitcases. This vehicle offers a comfortable ride, making it ideal for exploring Ottawa and its surroundings at your own pace while providing ample space for luggage and travel essentials.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is another excellent option for families and groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with the capacity for 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. Its spacious interior makes it suitable for longer journeys, allowing you to enjoy your trip in comfort while having the flexibility to manage your luggage effortlessly.
• Compact SUV: An ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Compact SUV can comfortably seat 5 passengers and carry up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those looking for a balance between space and ease of handling, making it a versatile vehicle for navigating Ottawa's streets and enjoying your travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Ottawa

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice for those seeking a reliable car hire experience in Ottawa. With one rental location in the area, travellers appreciate the straightforward booking process and the ease of vehicle pickup. The most booked cars with Alamo are Midsize and Premium Pickup, catering to a range of needs. Customers frequently highlight the cleanliness of their vehicles and the efficiency of the return process, making Alamo a commendable option for a hassle-free journey.
• Budget: Budget stands out with five rental locations throughout Ottawa, providing convenience for travellers. Known for competitive pricing, Budget offers a selection of Midsize and Compact vehicles that suit various preferences. Customers often praise the friendly service and the straightforward rental process. With multiple locations, Budget makes it easy to find a rental car that meets your needs, allowing you to explore Ottawa and its surroundings without any hassle.
• Avis: Avis also boasts five rental locations in Ottawa, making it a convenient choice for visitors. The most popular vehicles rented from Avis include Midsize and Compact SUVs, ideal for those looking for a comfortable ride during their travels. Customers appreciate the professionalism of the staff and the well-maintained fleet, ensuring a pleasant experience. Avis is an excellent option for travellers wanting flexibility and reliability while discovering the attractions around Ottawa.

Where to stay in Ottawa

• Downtown Ottawa: A vibrant neighbourhood ideal for city-themed, family, and business experiences. Visitors can easily explore local landmarks such as Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and the National Arts Centre. With a variety of shopping options and dining venues nearby, including wineries and alcohol wineries, Downtown Ottawa offers a lively atmosphere suitable for both leisure and corporate travellers.
• Gatineau: A charming city perfect for romantic getaways and family adventures. Gatineau features attractions such as the Canadian Museum of History and Parliament Hill, both of which are noteworthy for culture enthusiasts. The area is also home to numerous restaurants and dining options, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy local cuisine while immersing themselves in the cultural offerings nearby.
• Kanata: A borough that caters to city-themed, family, and business visitors. Kanata boasts several shopping centres and educational institutions, alongside historical sites like Pinhey's Point - Horaceville and the Canadian War Museum. Dining options are plentiful, with restaurants and wineries available to satisfy your culinary desires. This area is particularly suited for those seeking a balance of leisure and education during their stay.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying the vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise 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 is advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often leads to better rates and increased availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent 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 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might 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 enforce a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most convenient option. Others might provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
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 unexpected expenses and provides added peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It is straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Ottawa

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ottawa is March, when prices are at their lowest and demand is fairly low. This month, along with February, offers a quieter experience for rentals. The shoulder months of November and April also present good opportunities with slightly low prices and average demand. However, July and August tend to be the most expensive months due to high demand, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.3°F (-9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	27.9°F (-2.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
May	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	24.6°F (-4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average