$34 Car Rental Ottawa

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ottawa

Renting a car in Ottawa offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travel adventures. With easy luggage management and the ability to create your own schedule, you can explore iconic attractions like Parliament Hill and the University of Ottawa at your own pace. Families will appreciate the convenience of being able to store necessary items in the trunk, allowing for stress-free visits to downtown Ottawa, where you'll find additional cultural experiences and dining options. For those seeking a blend of city life and natural beauty, a rental car makes it effortless to venture into nearby Gatineau, home to the Canadian Museum of History, or to Kanata, where you can enjoy local sports at Bell Sensplex. With key destinations just a short drive apart, you can seamlessly transition from the historic sites of Ottawa to the vibrant neighborhoods that surround it. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a family traveler, renting a car enhances your experience, enabling you to explore the diverse offerings of Ottawa and its vicinity with ease and comfort.

Most popular car rentals in Ottawa

• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is a popular choice among travelers in Ottawa, comfortably fitting 5 passengers along with up to 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking for a versatile option that combines space with maneuverability. Its size makes it ideal for navigating both city streets and the great outdoors, allowing you to enjoy your trip with ease and flexibility.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another highly booked option in Ottawa, accommodating 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is well-suited for couples, families, or small groups who desire a balance between comfort and practicality. With its spacious interior and robust design, the Standard SUV provides a reliable option for exploring the diverse attractions Ottawa has to offer.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV stands out for its ability to fit 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups planning a road trip around Ottawa. This vehicle offers ample cargo space while ensuring a comfortable ride, allowing you to bring along all your essentials for an adventure. The Midsize SUV is perfect for those seeking a roomy and flexible option to enhance their travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Ottawa

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travelers seeking a reliable rental experience in Ottawa. With one rental location in the area, Alamo is known for its friendly staff and well-maintained vehicles. The most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, making it a suitable choice for those needing a bit more space. Customers often appreciate the cleanliness of the cars and the hassle-free return process, ensuring a smooth rental experience.
• Enterprise: With over 15 rental locations throughout Ottawa, Enterprise stands out for its exceptional customer service and flexible rental options. Travelers frequently highlight the helpful staff and smooth check-in process, contributing to a positive rental experience. The Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options are the most popular among customers. With a wide selection of vehicles available, Enterprise caters to both families and business travelers alike, making it a trusted choice for many.
• Budget: Budget offers a convenient rental experience in Ottawa with 10 locations available for travelers. Known for its competitive pricing, Budget provides a variety of vehicle options, including Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to different needs and preferences. Customers appreciate the accessibility and efficiency of the rental process, making it a great option for those looking to explore Ottawa and its surroundings at their own pace.

Where to go in Ottawa

• Downtown Ottawa: This vibrant neighborhood offers a mix of culture and business experiences. Key attractions include the historic Parliament Hill, the Rogers Centre Ottawa for events, and the University of Ottawa, which provides an educational backdrop. Visit shopping mall centers and nature reserves, making it an ideal destination year-round, with peak traveler arrivals from July to September.
• Gatineau: Located just across the river, Gatineau is perfect for romantic getaways and cultural exploration. Notable sites include the Canadian Museum of History and the iconic Parliament Hill. Visitors can also enjoy the Gatineau Sports Centre. The city has a consistent flow of travelers throughout the year, with peak visits during July to September, making it a great choice for any time.
• Kanata: This lively borough is well-suited for family and business trips. Popular attractions include the Bell Sensplex, ideal for family entertainment, and Carleton University, which adds a modern twist to the area. Shopping mall centers and casinos are also easily accessible. Traveler numbers peak in March to April and July, providing ample opportunities to explore the local culture and amenities.

10 tips to save on your Ottawa car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option 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. Booking early often secures lower rates and ensures better availability, particularly during peak 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 rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
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 is typically the most economical option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well, just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may incur a surcharge when picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience can make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and offers peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional fees.
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 Ottawa

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ottawa is March, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February and April also offer good options with similar pricing and lower demand. As summer approaches, June to August sees prices rise to slightly high levels, and demand increases significantly, especially in August, which is the most expensive month for rentals. After that, September and October return to average prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.3°F (-9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	27.9°F (-2.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
May	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	24.6°F (-4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Ottawa

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Ottawa

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Ottawa. 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 Ottawa

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $34.

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