$38 Car Rental Shanghai

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Shanghai

Renting a car in Shanghai offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for travelers eager to explore this vibrant metropolis. Whether you are a cultural explorer, business traveler, or food and wine enthusiast, having a rental car allows you to visit key attractions at your own pace. For families, a rental car simplifies luggage management and ensures everyone stays together while you venture to places like Shanghai Disneyland©, which is perfect for family entertainment, or The Bund, an esplanade ideal for outdoor experiences and romance.

Conveniently, you can drive to popular neighborhoods such as Downtown Shanghai, where you'll find People's Square and Yu Garden, or head to Pudong to experience the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. If you're interested in cultural sites, Jing'an is home to the historic Jing'an Temple and the Shanghai Exhibition Center. With a rental car, you can easily navigate the distances between these destinations, making your travel plans more flexible and enjoyable. Overall, renting a car in Shanghai enhances your experience, allowing you to discover the city and its surroundings without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Shanghai

• Premium SUV: This car option accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers space for 2 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for business travelers. The premium SUV provides enhanced comfort and performance, allowing you to navigate the bustling streets of Shanghai while enjoying a spacious interior and the freedom to explore at your leisure.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the compact car fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those looking to zip around the city with ease, providing flexibility and convenience in a metropolis like Shanghai, where parking can be limited.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car is perfect for families or groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases. This option ensures everyone has room for their luggage while traveling comfortably throughout Shanghai and its surroundings. It strikes a great balance between space and maneuverability, making it a popular choice for those seeking a city-related experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Shanghai

• Hertz: With over 5 rental locations throughout Shanghai, Hertz is a top choice for travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. Known for its reliable service, the most booked vehicles with Hertz are Compact and Premium SUVs, perfect for navigating the bustling city and its surroundings. Enjoy the freedom to explore attractions at your own pace while managing your luggage with ease.

Where to go in Shanghai

• Downtown Shanghai: This vibrant neighborhood is perfect for families and city experiences, featuring attractions like The Bund, an esplanade ideal for outdoor vacations, and People's Square, a modern square great for urban exploration. Yu Garden, a serene private garden, offers a peaceful retreat amidst the city's hustle. Popular shopping centres and malls are easily accessible, making it a hub for both leisure and retail activities. Visitor numbers peak in March and October to November, making it an ideal time for a visit.
• Pudong: Known for its impressive skyline, Pudong is a district that attracts families and business travelers alike. Key highlights include Shanghai Disneyland©, a theme park that is perfect for entertainment and family outings, and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, which offers cultural insights for all ages. The Shanghai New International Expo Centre caters to business needs, while shopping centres and areas abound for those looking to indulge in retail therapy. Peak visitor seasons occur in March to April and September.
• Jing'an: This district is a blend of culture and modernity, ideal for families and city exploration. The historic Jing'an Temple offers a glimpse into local traditions, while Shanghai Centre provides a modern tower experience. The Shanghai Exhibition Center is suitable for business travelers attending events. Jing'an is surrounded by shopping areas and centres, making it convenient for those seeking leisure activities. Peak visitation occurs in July and September to October, making it a wonderful time to experience the vibrant atmosphere.

10 tips to save on your Shanghai car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain better rates and a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify age requirements prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is generally the most advantageous. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also be acceptable—just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Shanghai

The best value period to rent a car in and around Shanghai is March, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February also offers low demand, making it a quiet option for rentals. Following March, April and May continue with average pricing and low to moderate demand. However, November is the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and steady demand, while December remains busy and pricey as well.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	42.3°F (5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
February	44.2°F (6.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
March	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
May	68.5°F (20.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	75.0°F (23.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
July	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
August	82.8°F (28.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	75.7°F (24.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	45.9°F (7.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Shanghai

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Shanghai into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Shanghai and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Shanghai

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Shanghai. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Shanghai

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $38.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals