Car hire in Karlstad, Sweden

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Choose from 9 pick-up spots

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There are 9 car hire providers in Karlstad. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Karlstad

Hiring a car in Karlstad: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyMabi
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 3,414
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Karlstad

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Karlstad car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Karlstad

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Karlstad for around R 3,414 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top rental companies, helping you find and book the best deal fast.

  • The cheapest daily rental price in Karlstad is R 3,030.

  • For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from R 5,598 and fit more into your itinerary.

  • Book early to secure the best price for a Karlstad car hire. In addition to lower rates, you can actually get the car you wanted, not just what's left.

  • Check out the offers available with Mabi, Europcar and Avis. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.

  • The coverage Mabi or another supplier offers for your Karlstad car hire can differ, so remember to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.

  • Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Karlstad.

  • Avoid any surprise charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.

  • Travel without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you want without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Taking the top spot for value is this company, with average prices of R 2,498 a day.

  • In second position is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/hertz/672)), which offers daily rates of around R 3,248.

  • The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly R 4,106 a day for one of their rentals.

  • The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other in Karlstad.

Compare car hire types in Karlstad

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Karlstad makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are excellent for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this Karlstad car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Karlstad that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or the whole travel crew.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Karlstad car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • Level up your ride with extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Karlstad.

Good to know

  • Age requirements vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Sweden may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.

  • If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a child car seat to your Karlstad car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.

  • You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.

  • Driving in Sweden might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.

  • In Sweden, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.02%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, hand the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.

  • The Swedish krona (SEK) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with a card when it's possible, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't possible.

Best hotels in Karlstad for drivers

  • Offering parking, Home Hotel Drott takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 0.32 kilometres from central Karlstad and also comes with a laundry and room service.

  • Home Hotel Bilan makes things simpler with parking and features like a lobby bar and a 24-hour front desk. It's roughly 0.32 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse through the hotels in Karlstad for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Karlstad and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Sandgrund Lars Lerin, Domkyrkan and Bomstadsbadet are classics for any first-time visitor.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Karlstad

  • Around 56 kilometres east of central Karlstad, Karlskoga should feature on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Nobel Museum and Sveafallen.

  • Hotell Alfred Nobel and Karlskoga Hotell & Konferens are recommended accommodation options with parking in Karlskoga.

  • Add Lidköping to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in Karlstad and drive roughly 97 kilometres south to take in main draws such as Vänermuseet and Sankta Maria Kyrka.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Lidköping at Hotell Läckö or Best Western Plus Edward Hotel. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.

  • Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Sollentuna, roughly 257 kilometres east of Karlstad. Make your first stop MC Collection Motorcycle Museum, then head to Rösjöskogens naturreservat.

  • All that's left to do now is sleep. Good Morning Kista and Aiden by Best Western Stockholm Kista have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Sollentuna.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Karlstad will set you back around R 3,432 per day or R 8,555 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Karlstad is a compact estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in Karlstad is currently Mabi, followed by Hertz.
On average, around R 8,555. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Karlstad is R 5,598.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Karlstad, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Karlstad that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Karlstad.
Most places – Karlstad included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 3,698 per day. The average price per day is around R 3,698.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Mabi, Sixt and Hertz offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Mabi as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Karlstad.