Cheap car hire in Ottawa
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Ottawa
- Canada’s capital is an evergreen city that is overflowing with spectacular parks and gardens. Ottawa is located along the Ottawa River and is connected to the Rideau Canal, providing extensive opportunities to get outside and enjoy the wonders of nature. Renting a car will give you unrivaled access to the glorious hiking trails of Gatineau Park while also allowing the time to take in the significant cultural arts attractions, such as the National Gallery and Canadian Museum of History. If you are planning to attend an Ottawa Senators ice hockey match, renting a car is the best option since Canadian Tire Center is more than 25 km (15 miles) from the downtown district.
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is located approximately 11 km (7 miles) from downtown and you will be able to arrive in just over 20 minutes of driving. hire companies Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise have their counters located on Level 1 of the parking facility, directly across from the baggage claim area.
- Since the expanse of parklands and outdoor activities lends Ottawa to be an optimal location for bike riding, so be vigilant while driving and remember to check blind spots regularly. Turning right at a red light is legal in Ottawa unless otherwise indicated by signage; however, always remember to stop at the intersection and ensure the road is clear.
- Ottawa and the surrounding areas of Ontario are well known for the heavy amounts of snowfall they often get during the winter. If you are planning to travel during this time of the year you will witness some beautiful frozen lakes and scenery; however, be extra cautious while driving. It is important to regularly check weather reports which will provide information on road conditions and safety. When driving on icy roads, remember to reduce speeds and allow more braking time and space than you would in normal conditions.
- Book your car hire in Ottawa at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Premium car hire in Ottawa are around -67% cheaper than other car types, on average
Ottawa car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in Ottawa
What type of car is recommended for driving in Ottawa?
If you are planning on traveling during the warmer months, a standard sedan such as a Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra will adequately provide you with the capacity to explore any of Ottawa’s attractions. A Toyota RAV4 or similar four-wheel drive will better suit driving demands during the snowy season, offering more traction with the icy roads.
What’s the speed limit in Ottawa?
Throughout the state of Ontario, the speed limit in urban areas such as residential or commercial roads is 50 km/h (31 mph). Be wary of school zones as the speed limit decreases to 40 km/h (24 mph). Freeways can range from 80 km/h (49 mph) to 100 km/h (62 mph), depending on the location and lanes available, so it is best to always check the indicated signage.
Where are the best places to park in Ottawa?
In the heart of downtown, the City of Ottawa has a public underground parking lot situated at City Hall which costs only $2 CAD ($1.50 USD) per day on the weekends. It is recommended that you park here and explore the downtown area by foot if you happen to be visiting on the weekend. If you plan on visiting the National Arts Center, enter after 4 pm for unlimited parking for only $11 CAD ($8 USD).
What is the best car hire company in Ottawa?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Ottawa are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8,5, 54 reviews), and Budget (7,7, 80 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Ottawa?
The average price of fuel in Ottawa is R84,36 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R1 012 and R1 350, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Ottawa?
Premium (RAM Pickup or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Ottawa.
How can I find car hires near me in Ottawa?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Premium car hire cost in Ottawa?
A Premium car hire in Ottawa costs R2 564 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Ottawa?
An Intermediate car hire in Ottawa costs R1 355 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Ottawa?
A Mini car hire in Ottawa costs R1 814 per day, on average.
Ottawa car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8,6
Very Good
298 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
8.2
16 locations in Ottawa
Locations in Ottawa
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
They cancelled the booking a few days in advance and I was very upset as I had to vacate my apartment and needed the rental to do so10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2021
Pros:
The staff was excellent at both Enterprise locations - loved the vehicle - there was no surprises (e.g. switch of make/model). Great service.Cons:
Pricey. But everything else was great! Thank you!!10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Cons:
Drive back service10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Pros:
The staff are nice and they make the effort to show you the car before you drive off.3,2 Poor
Jul 2020
Pros:
They did not have an economy car available despite the fact that I had booked economy.Cons:
The car was dirty. The attendant made an excuse to say she tried to clean up the car but in fact she did nothing. There was dirt in the trunk and around the hinges of the trunk door.4,0 Mediocre
Jun 2019
Pros:
The staff at pick-up was super friendly.Cons:
The interior of the car could have been cleaner. The drop-off experience could have been WAY better. They might be able to update their Computer System - 1 -easy access for local locations to change drop-off if that's what the customer is requesting, and 2 - have the ability to convert currency!Alamo
9,1
Wonderful
68 reviewsCleanliness
9.2
Comfort
9.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
8.6
One location in Ottawa
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2020
Pros:
Pick up was simple, drop off was easy, staff was very friendly and helpfulCons:
More signage to help find the drop off location9,2 Wonderful
Nov 2018
Pros:
Last minute decent few.7,6 Good
Aug 2018
Cons:
Price2,0 Poor
Jun 2018
Cons:
I booked a car for a late evening arrival but when I arrived to pick up my car Alamo was already closed. Thankfully Avis was open and able to rent me a car5,6 Fair
Jun 2018
Pros:
Car upgrade, competitive weekend price.Cons:
To extend rental for 24 hours was quoted to cost more than the entire total for previous 3 days - no flexibility to meet customer needs despite not needing the vehicle for another reservation.Budget
7,7
Good
92 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.3
11 locations in Ottawa
Locations in Ottawa
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
Aug 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
8,0 Very Good
Sep 2022
Avis
7,7
Good
55 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.4
11 locations in Ottawa
Locations in Ottawa
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Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Oct 2023
8,0 Very Good
Dec 2020
Cons:
Despite booking an intermediate on Kayak, the Avis received my booking as a compact. Thankfully, Avis found an intermediate car for me at a nearby location for no extra charge, which I appreciated. Seems like a miscommunication between the Kayak and Avis systems.6,8 Okay
Aug 2020
Cons:
We received quite a larger vehicle than booked as the type of vehicle we had booked was not available so I think the vehicle should have been the correct size. Also, the vehicle had Florida license plates and being in Canada and driving, because of the travel restrictions and people’s heightened stress, we didn’t feel comfortable driving in Canada with the Florida plates under Covid.10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
After streetparking my mirror had been flopped back. Sure enough-two dents in the door - I had been side swiped. I reported to insurance and Avis Ottawa who were very calm and supportive. Returning the car, an employee immediately told me that it was old damage. Honest and clear service.2,0 Poor
Feb 2019
Cons:
The rental place was supposed to open at 8 A.M. (as was indicated on their own front door), which was when my pickup was arranged for. I got there at 8:05 A.M. and waited until 8:25 A.M. until I had to find other arrangements to get to my appointment because no one showed up.4,0 Mediocre
Sep 2023
Hertz
7,6
Good
84 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.3
7 locations in Ottawa
Filters
Reviews
4,8 Mediocre
Nov 2020
Pros:
Noone was there when I dropped the car off. I found papertowel (used) in the car. Not acceptable at all given this is a Covid pandemic. I was told after I had booked the car that Costco members get a discount. The agents never really tell you about any features or benefits. When I showed up the woman was not there so I had to wait for her.4,4 Mediocre
Sep 2020
Pros:
Nothing but the initial price of the car itself.Cons:
Customer service, after hour return policy, initial and final inspection accuracy, insurance plans, ease of finding the rental place, and so many more.2,0 Poor
Aug 2020
Pros:
The company cancelled on me!5,6 Fair
Jul 2020
Pros:
The staff was okay. I was told the car was a new model but when I got in the car it smelled like marijuana. The AC was on and this is what it smelled like.4,0 Mediocre
Jul 2020
Pros:
I had asked for an economy car but I was told that none were available despite the fact that I had booked economy.Cons:
They should go outside with the customer to do an inspection of the car and to explain the features of the car.6,0 Okay
Oct 2019
Cons:
When someone rents a GPS it should have instructions with it or the operation be explained. I could not get sound out of it and old address kept coming up. It was night time rain and it seems all the City is in Construction, and the GPS does not work very dangerous.Routes Car & Truck Rentals
5,7
Fair
72 reviewsCleanliness
6.2
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Ottawa
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
4,0 Mediocre
Mar 2023
National
8,2
Very Good
26 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.9
2 locations in Ottawa
Filters
Reviews
8,8 Very Good
May 2019
Pros:
Drop off wasnt that easy.6,0 Okay
Aug 2018
Pros:
People were niceCons:
O had booking for 10 am, got there at 930. After checking waited 2 hr to get the car10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2017
Pros:
They even offered an upgrade for a lower cost when we got there. Offered a GPS and ezpass for tolls.10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2023
10,0 Wonderful
May 2023
8,0 Very Good
Oct 2022
Europcar
7,6
Good
16 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
8.1
5 locations in Ottawa
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2017
Pros:
First time with this rental firm and I'll be back Quick pick up at airport Friendly efficient staff Great car2,0 Poor
Aug 2017
Pros:
NothingCons:
The fulfilling agency lost my reservation. I went off in my own to find a rental.10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
8,0 Very Good
Aug 2023
Thrifty
5,2
Fair
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
5.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.2
Value for money
4.4
6 locations in Ottawa
Filters
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Jul 2023
2,0 Poor
May 2022
Dollar
6,9
Okay
No reviews available
Cleanliness
7.3
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
6.4
5 locations in Ottawa
Payless
6,3
Okay
No reviews available
2 locations in Ottawa
keddy by Europcar
6,4
Okay
No reviews available
4 locations in Ottawa
Locations in Ottawa
Filters
No reviews available
7 locations in Ottawa
Locations in Ottawa
475 Chemin Mc Connell
+1 819 282 1521
Ottawa airport
+1 613 667 9393
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in Ottawa
Locations in Ottawa
305 Cumberland Street
+1 613 232 2277
Call 6136679394 For Disc Shuttle 1749 Bank St.
+1 613 667 9394
Go To Discount Automate Kiosk Inside The Via Rail 200 Tremblay Rd
+1 613 667 9393
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Ottawa
Locations in Ottawa
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Ottawa
Good to know
Most popular car type | Premium |
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