Kerala Car Rentals

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What you need to know for your Kerala car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Kerala

Renting a car in Kerala offers the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, making it a popular choice for tourists. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create travel plans that suit your preferences. This is especially beneficial for those seeking outdoor, beach, or adventure experiences. Key attractions like the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Varkala Cliff, and Athirapally Falls are accessible by car, allowing you to enjoy the cultural, scenic, and romantic aspects of these destinations. Additionally, you can conveniently visit cities such as Sulthan Bathery, where you can explore the Edakkal Caves and Jain Temple, or head to Kochi to enjoy Cherai Beach and Mattancherry Palace. Vythiri also beckons with attractions like Banasura Sagar Dam and Pookode Lake. Having a rental car makes it easier to navigate between these highlights, enhancing your overall travel experience in Kerala. Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the local culture or embark on adventure-filled outings, renting a car provides the convenience you need to make the most of your trip.

Where to stay in Kerala

  • Sulthan Bathery: This city is perfect for those seeking a blend of scenery and adventure. With attractions like the Edakkal Caves, ideal for outdoor excursions, and the serene Karapuzha Dam, you'll find plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty. The Jain Temple Wayanad offers cultural insights, while numerous shopping areas and resorts enhance your stay. The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March, when adventure activities are most enjoyable.
  • Devikolam: Known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, Devikolam is a gem for adventure seekers. The Tea Gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking, and the Attukad Waterfall offers a romantic setting for nature lovers. With the Munnar Juma Masjid nearby, you can also delve into the local culture. The area is accessible to shopping centers and malls, making it convenient for all your needs. The ideal time to explore is during the dry season, from December to February.
  • Kochi: A coastal city renowned for its beaches and vibrant atmosphere, Kochi is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy the sun and surf. Cherai Beach and Fort Kochi Beach are great spots for relaxation and adventure alike. The historic Mattancherry Palace adds a touch of culture to your itinerary. The city features various shopping centers and seafood dining options that enhance your experience. Plan your visit between November and February for the best beach weather.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Kerala

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and specific features you need. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for those summer drives, or an economy car to keep costs down, utilize the 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 wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking early often secures lower rates and provides better availability, particularly during peak travel 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 options strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be restricted. Additionally, this can impact renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before confirming your 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 often the most advantageous option. Other policies may allow for full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which is acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports typically incurs a surcharge, but the convenience might make it worthwhile.
  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 offers peace of mind if anything unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is an easy step when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in Kerala

The best value period to rent a car in Kerala is March, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. Nearby months like June also offer good options, with similarly low prices and demand. In contrast, May tends to be the most expensive month, as demand rises and prices increase. Additionally, August sees high demand and moderate pricing, making it a busy time for rentals in the region.

Find Kerala Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Kerala car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Kerala, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Kerala offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Kerala car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Kerala to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Kerala airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Kerala rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Kerala airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Kerala?
You can find cheap car rentals in Kerala from $29 a day with Europcar's standard passenger van. Car rentals for exploring Kerala are picked up at the region's main gateway, Cochin Apt (COK). From there it's an easy drive to towns like Kanayannur and Devikolam. Suppliers such as Avis and Europcar operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Kerala.
What are the best car rentals in Kerala?
Car rentals across Kerala offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Avis and Europcar, broadly available in the region's main cities — Kanayannur, Devikolam, and Ernakulam. The most common car classes include:
  • Midsize 4-5 door
  • Standard 4-5 door
  • Luxury 4-5 door
  • Fullsize passenger van
  • Standard passenger van
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Kerala.

What are the best car rental companies in Kerala?
For car rentals across Kerala, well-rated providers like Avis and Europcar offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities — Kanayannur, Devikolam, and Ernakulam. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Cochin Apt (COK) for exploring Kerala?
Yes — you can pick up a rental car right at Cochin Apt (COK) for exploring Kerala. Providers including Avis and Europcar operate at the airport, with rates from around $29 a day. Cochin Apt (COK) is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Kanayannur to Devikolam.
Can I rent a car one-way in Kerala?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Kerala — pick up in one city, such as Kanayannur, and drop-off in another, like Devikolam, which is ideal for regional road trips. Providers like Avis and Europcar offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Kerala?
For luxury car rentals across Kerala, Avis offers luxury 4-5 door cars from $67 a day (and fullsize passenger vans from $70 a day) — high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Kanayannur and Devikolam. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Kerala.
What are the best car rentals in Kerala for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Kerala, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage — available across the region's cities, from Kanayannur to Devikolam:
  • Avis: fullsize passenger van from $70 a day — seats up to 10 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Europcar: standard passenger van from $29 a day — seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Kerala.

What are the best car rentals in Kerala for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Kerala for solo travelers offer a balance of comfort and practicality for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Kanayannur and Devikolam:
  • Midsize car, from $45 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases, offering comfort for longer drives
  • Standard car, from $45 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases, providing a comfortable ride for regional exploration
While these offer more space than a typical solo car, they provide comfort for longer journeys and ample room for luggage. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Kerala.

What are the best car rentals in Kerala for couples?
The best car rentals in Kerala for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Kanayannur and Devikolam:
  • Midsize car, from $45 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases, offering smooth cruising for two
  • Standard car, from $45 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases, providing a comfortable ride for day trips
  • Luxury car, from $67 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases, for a special trip with enhanced comfort
These options provide comfortable seating and ample trunk space for a couple's luggage, without being hard to park. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for your romantic getaway. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Kerala.

What are the best road trip destinations from Kerala by rental car?
From Kerala, a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from the Kanayannur hub include:
  • Bolgatty Palace, Kanayannur, approximately 1 mile away
  • Marine Drive, Kanayannur, approximately 1 mile away
  • Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi, approximately 4 miles away
  • Lulu Mall, Kanayannur, approximately 5 miles away
You can also add activities such as a Full Day Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise or a Kerala Cooking Class with Charming Freeda in her Kochi Home. With cities like Devikolam also within reach, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Kerala.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Kerala?
In Kerala, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust — take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Kerala?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Kerala. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Kerala?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Kerala?
Budget car rental in Kerala can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Kerala?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Kerala. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Kerala car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Kerala?
To rent a car in Kerala, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Kerala car rental?
If you need to cancel your Kerala car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

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