How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kobe (UKB)
Your plane may have landed, but your journey's just getting started. Pick up a cheap Kobe rental car for around R 2,003 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making it easy to compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices at Kobe start from just R 403.
Staying a while in Osaka and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? R 3,543 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Book early to reserve a cheap UKB car hire. Beyond just getting a good price, you'll have a wider range of options to pick from.
Check out the offers available from Europcar, Times and Rakuten. These are some of the popular providers at Kobe.
Whether you book with Europcar or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Kobe car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in UKB.
Skip the hidden fees by choosing a car hire in Kobe with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road 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 the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,521 a day.
Taking second place, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,425.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 1,202 a day with this provider.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the number one choice for travellers at UKB.
Compare car hire types from Kobe (UKB)
Small: These cheap Kobe rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this UKB car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Kobe that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your UKB car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you commit.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Kobe by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your rental in Japan.
Travelling with kids? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the best setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Check if you need to add one to your UKB car hire booking.
You'll have to provide some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you've never driven in Japan, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 55kph in built-up areas and around 85kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) here. In addition to your bank cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've picked up the keys to your UKB car hire, it's time to map out your journey. Central Osaka is about 32 kilometres east and a drive of around 40 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
At peak travel times, expect the drive from Kobe to the centre to take up to 1 hour 20 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Consider grabbing a car hire in Osaka instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Other airports around Osaka also have car hire services. For more options, explore the car hire options at Kansai International (Osaka) or car rentals from Itami Domestic (Osaka).
Hit the road: Where to drive from Kobe (UKB)
Check out some of the major attractions in Osaka before you do anything else. Dotonbori and Osaka Castle are a great way to kick things off.
Or collect your Kobe car hire and set off for Wakayama. Roughly 40 kilometres south of the airport, Jogasaki Coast and Mt. Tengu are standout attractions that are well worth the trip.
Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Kasugai, around 177 kilometres northeast of UKB. From Rokugaike Park to Greenpia Kasugai, it'll round out your trip nicely.
