How to find a cheap car hire deal in Toronto
Whether you need a small car for cruising around town or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Toronto. Choose from options averaging R 2,481 a day and go your own way for less.
Daily rental prices in Toronto start from just R 481.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from R 3,364 and fit more into your itinerary.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Toronto car hire. Try booking around one week before your departure date.
Check out the offers available with Routes Car Rentals, Green Motion and Hertz. They're some of the top providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Toronto car hire policy, whether you go with Routes Car Rentals or another supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at R 1,763 a day.
Next in line, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/ace-rent-a-car/1149)) offers daily rates of around R 1,397.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 1,473 a day with this supplier.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Toronto.
Flying to Toronto? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Toronto Pearson International Airport. If you're flying to Toronto through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and roll out. The drive to the city centre is about 27 kilometres and takes around 30 minutes.
Or make an early exit with a car hire from Toronto Island Airport. After grabbing the keys, it'll take roughly 10 minutes to drive the 3 kilometres or so to the centre.
It's also worth checking out the rental car options at John C. Munro Hamilton Airport. Central Toronto is around 72 kilometres away, which is a driving time of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Toronto
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Toronto puts you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and advanced tech features, this Toronto car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Toronto makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Toronto car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so always compare your options.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Toronto.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Canada. Rules can differ, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Toronto car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Guidelines vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll need some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If it's your first time driving in Canada, be aware that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In Canada, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a card when it's possible, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Toronto for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying the comfort of Mövenpick Suites - Toronto Entertainment District. Around 2 kilometres from central Toronto, it comes with parking, Wi-Fi and internet access.
Or take advantage of the parking at York Street Suites Toronto. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features a kitchen and a laundry.
Need more places to choose from? Browse through the full list of hotels in Toronto. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor 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 Toronto and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. CN Tower, The Top CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Toronto
Around 24 kilometres west of central Toronto, Mississauga deserves a spot on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Lake Ontario and Living Arts Centre.
Best Western Plus Travel Hotel Toronto Airport and Canadas Best Value Inn Toronto are recommended accommodation options with parking in Mississauga.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Toronto and travel around 64 kilometres southwest to Hamilton. Featuring Dundurn Castle and Bruce Trail, it's every bit as good as advertised.
Signature Stay Inn & Suites - Downtown Hamilton and Sheraton Hamilton Hotel are comfortable places to stay in Hamilton if you're hanging out for a while. Choose one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Looking to cover more ground? Peterborough is a popular road trip destination that's around 113 kilometres northeast of Toronto. Plan to make a few pit stops at Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock and Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Comfort Hotel & Suites and Motel 6 Peterborough, on have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Peterborough.
