$31 Car Rental Houston, TX

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Houston

Renting a car in and around Houston is an excellent choice for travelers seeking freedom and flexibility. With a rental vehicle, you can explore the vibrant metropolis at your own pace, making it especially convenient for business travelers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, you can easily visit the George R. Brown Convention Center for business events or head to the NASA Johnson Space Center for a fun family outing. A rental car also provides easy luggage management, allowing you to travel comfortably between destinations.

In addition to key attractions, a car enables you to discover popular neighborhoods like Downtown Houston, where you can see the convention center and enjoy parks such as Discovery Green. You can also drive to nearby cities like The Woodlands, home to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, or Spring, where you can explore the Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. With so much to see and do, having your own vehicle ensures you maximize your experience in Houston while keeping your travel plans flexible and enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Houston

• Midsize SUV: This option comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers a perfect balance of space and maneuverability, allowing you to explore Houston and its surroundings with ease.
• Fullsize: The fullsize vehicle also fits 5 travelers, with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a great choice for families or larger groups looking for ample room for both passengers and luggage. Enjoy the freedom to travel around Houston without feeling cramped.
• Standard SUV: With space for 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases, the standard SUV is a practical option for couples, families, or groups. This type of vehicle provides a comfortable ride while still being versatile enough for navigating urban and suburban areas in and around Houston.

Top rated car suppliers in Houston

• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental boasts over 15 rental locations throughout Houston, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Known for its excellent selection of vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, perfect for exploring the city and surrounding areas comfortably. With its extensive network, Thrifty provides flexibility and ease for renters looking to discover Houston at their own pace.
• Sixt: With 5 rental locations in Houston, Sixt is a popular option for those seeking quality vehicles and competitive pricing. Travelers frequently opt for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars from Sixt, which are ideal for both urban exploration and road trips. The company is recognized for its reliable service and well-maintained fleet, ensuring a smooth rental experience for all types of travelers.
• Hertz: Hertz stands out with over 25 rental locations in Houston, providing ample choices for travelers. This supplier is favored for its wide variety of vehicles, particularly Midsize SUVs and Fullsize options that cater to families and groups. Hertz is known for its efficient service and commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy the freedom of driving in and around Houston.

Where to go in Houston

• Downtown Houston: Experience the vibrant heart of Houston with a variety of activities suitable for family, business, and city experiences. Key attractions include the George R. Brown Convention Center, perfect for business travelers, and Discovery Green, an urban park ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss the historic Houston City Hall for a touch of culture. Visitor numbers peak in April and from July to August, making it an exciting time to explore.
• The Woodlands: This charming city offers a blend of family-friendly activities and city experiences. Explore the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, known for its arena entertainment, and enjoy shopping at Hughes Landing. The Woodlands Center adds a modern touch to the area's offerings. The best time to visit is during peak seasons in April and June to July, ensuring lively events and vibrant community activities.
• Spring: A perfect destination for outdoor lovers and families, Spring features the stunning Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, ideal for nature enthusiasts. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion here also hosts various entertainment events. With shopping malls and concert venues easily accessible, Spring caters to diverse interests. The peak visiting times are March to April and July, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy seasonal activities.

10 tips to save on your Houston car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the best option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only 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 events during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance while booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Houston

The best time to rent a car in and around Houston is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. March offers average prices, but demand starts to rise, making it less ideal. April is the most expensive month, marked by slightly high prices and low demand. July then sees a spike in both prices and demand, making it one of the busiest times for rentals, while demand eases in September.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
May	76.6°F (24.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	82.8°F (28.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	84.2°F (29.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	84.9°F (29.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	72.7°F (22.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	62.8°F (17.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Houston

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Houston

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Houston. We partner with 32 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 Houston

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $31.

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

Houston - Road Trip Ideas

Some of the world’s best road trips start in Texas. When you grab the keys to your Houston car rental, the Lone Star state is at your mercy. And there’s plenty of scope to foray further afield, too. You could head off on a Houston to New Orleans drive, taking in Beaumont and Baton Rouge before you cruise into the Delta. Or, if that 5-hour ride is too smallfry, pack your backs for 9 hours and 600 miles of open highway on a Houston to Destin road trip, where all the pleasures of the panhandle await you. These are just two of the best road trips from Houston, when you pick up a rental with Expedia, you’re free to take on many, many more.

Houston to Austin

From Space City to the Live Music Capital of the World, a road trip from Houston to Austin is just as vibrant and varied as its origin and destination. You’ll chew up 162 miles of asphalt over 3 hours along one of the most famous US-290 drives. This stretching highway takes you through towns that are more Texan than a rattlesnake wearing a Stetson. Carmine, McDade, Ledbetter—the list goes on. For a trip that’s big on both ease and excitement, book a one-way car rental from Houston to Austin and fly the return leg in just 55 minutes.

Houston to Dallas

A Houston to Dallas road trip is a tour of the old Texan oil boom towns, where the black gold rush transformed desert land into settlements. Yes, there are plenty of amazing things to do between Houston and Dallas, too. Stop off for some old-time Southern hospitality in Corsicana and Fairfield, or for something a little different, pay a visit to Madisonville for the annual mushroom festival. The Houston to Dallas drive time is around 3 and a half hours, stretching 240 miles, mostly along the famous I-45. If all that highway is enough for you, book a one-way car rental from Houston to Dallas, drop your rental at the airport and fly back in just over an hour.