How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ontario
Cruise into adventure with a cheap rental car in Ontario. With prices averaging R 1,672 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From no-frills city cars to big-capacity SUVs, we'll match you with your ideal ride at a price that fits.
R 509 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Ontario.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? R 3,560 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Ontario car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.
Hertz, Fox - Rent A Car and Dollar are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you choose Hertz or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Ontario car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can bag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Ontario.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of R 1,776 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 2,689, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/turo/4340)) comes in next.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 6,402 a day with this supplier.
If you're unsure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle in Ontario.
Flying to Ontario? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Ontario International Airport. If you're flying to Ontario through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and roll out. The drive to the city centre is about 10 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Ontario
Small: These cheap rental cars in Ontario may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Ontario car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country backroads alike.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Ontario is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Ontario car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Ontario.
Good to know
You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Ontario car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everything you buy throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.
Best hotels in Ontario for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Claremont Lodge. Offering accessible parking as well as a 24-hour front desk and express check-out, this hotel is about 6 kilometres from central Ontario.
Galleria Inn Montclair/Ontario makes life simpler with parking and features like room service and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Want more inspiration? Browse the full list of hotels in Ontario. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
It's time to plan your first stop now that you've found a car hire deal in Ontario and your hotel. Graber Olive House will kick off your journey in the best way.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Ontario
Buckle up and make tracks to Los Angeles. Around 56 kilometres west of central Ontario, it's home to must-sees like Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios Hollywood.
The Biltmore Los Angeles and Freehand Los Angeles are reliable accommodation options with parking in Los Angeles.
Add Long Beach to your holiday plans too. Grab your cheap car hire in Ontario and drive around 56 kilometres southwest to discover main draws such as The Queen Mary and Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA).
Vagabond Inn San Pedro and Best Western Los Angeles Worldport Hotel are comfy places to stay in Long Beach if you're settling in for a while. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Chula Vista, around 161 kilometres south of Ontario. First, swing past San Diego Aquatica, then spend some time at Chula Vista Bayfront Park.
Check out the room availability at Loews Coronado Bay Resort or The Rambler Hotel. They make it a breeze to experience everything Chula Vista has to offer. They also have parking available.
