Car hire in Ottawa, Canada

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ottawa

• Turn the key on your trip with a cheap rental car in Ottawa. With prices averaging R 1,561 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you find the perfect ride for the right price.

• R 349 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Ottawa.

• Staying on a bit longer? Grab a weekly rental from R 2,443 and say yes to more adventures.

• Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Ottawa car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.

• Routes Car Rentals, Enterprise and Alamo are among the top-rated providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.

• The coverage Routes Car Rentals or another supplier includes with your Ottawa car hire can vary, so be sure to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.

• Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Ottawa.

• Avoid those steep refueling fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.

• Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. 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

• The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at R 907 a day.

• Next in line is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/budget/686)), which offers daily rates of around R 1,119.

• The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 1,177 a day with this supplier.

• The SUV rental category is a dependable pick if you're not sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Ottawa.

Flying to Ottawa? Think about an airport pick-up

• If you're flying into Ottawa, be on your way quicker by picking up a car hire at Ottawa International Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 14 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Ottawa

• Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Ottawa is all about getting you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.

• Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.

• Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Ottawa car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

• SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic routes alike.

• Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Ottawa that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or groups of people.

Insurance and optional extras

• Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Ottawa car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

• Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Ottawa by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.

Good to know

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

• If you're bringing the kids along, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Ottawa 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 (no copies) and a second 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.

• If you've never driven in Canada, be aware that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.

• Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.

• The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Canada is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.

• One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.

• The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Use cards when it's possible, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't accepted.

Best hotels in Ottawa for drivers

• Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time making the most of Residence Inn by Marriott Ottawa Airport. Around 6 kilometres from central Ottawa, it comes with parking, room service and Wi-Fi.

• Or make use of the accessible parking at reStays Ottawa. The city centre is roughly 0.32 kilometres from this option, which also features a 24-hour front desk and a sauna.

• Want more inspiration? Browse the full list of hotels in Ottawa. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

• After you've found a car hire deal in Ottawa and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa are a classic introduction to the city.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Ottawa

• Days Inn by Wyndham Ottawa West and Wingate by Wyndham Kanata West Ottawa are popular accommodation options with parking in Kanata.

• Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Ottawa and travel roughly 88 kilometres southeast to Cornwall. Featuring Co-cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Grey's Creek Conservation Area, its highlights live up to the buzz.

• Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort and Players Inn Hotel and Super 8 by Wyndham Cornwall on are comfortable places to stay in Cornwall if you're planning to stick around. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

• Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Longueuil, about 177 kilometres east of Ottawa. Kick things off at Co-Cathedral of Saint-Antoine-De-Padoue, then follow it up with Parc Michel-Chartrand - Gardens' Sector.

• The only thing left to do now is hit the pillow. DoubleTree By Hilton Montreal and Hotel Zero 1 Montreal have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Longueuil.