Car Rental at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL)

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What you need to know for your Kigali Intl. car rental

Reasons to book a car rental at Kigali International Airport

Renting a car at Kigali Airport is an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore the vibrant surroundings of Kigali at their own pace. This convenient option offers freedom and flexibility, allowing you to manage your luggage easily and create a travel itinerary that suits your interests. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a cultural explorer, or simply looking for a romantic getaway, a rental car opens up a world of possibilities.

Within just a few miles of the airport, you can visit key attractions such as the Kigali Convention Centre, located 3 miles away, and the Rwanda Development Board, situated only 2 miles from the airport. For nature enthusiasts, the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco Tourism Park, just 1 mile away, provides a perfect spot for eco-friendly experiences. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations like Gikondo, 5 miles away, or Remera, 2 miles away, both offering unique cultural experiences. With a rental car, your journey becomes not only convenient but also enriched with the beauty and charm of Rwanda's landscapes and welcoming communities.

Top rated car suppliers near Kigali International Airport

  • Europcar: Europcar is the most popular car rental supplier at Kigali airport, featuring three rental locations, with the nearest being only 0.2 miles away. Travelers appreciate the convenience and accessibility of this supplier. The most booked vehicles include Compact and Standard SUVs, making it a versatile choice for various travel needs. With a focus on customer satisfaction and user-friendly service, Europcar allows you the flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings of Kigali at your own pace.

Where to go near Kigali International Airport

  • Gikondo: Located 5 miles from Kigali International Airport, Gikondo is a village ideal for travelers seeking sports, outdoor, and adventure experiences. Notable attractions include the Kigali Convention Centre, Talking Through Art gallery, and Ntarama Church memorial. Visitors can also enjoy local markets and nearby sports facilities. The best times to visit are in February, July, and November when traveler numbers peak.
  • Remera: Situated 2 miles from Kigali International Airport, Remera is a vibrant neighborhood attractive to business and adventure travelers. Key points of interest include the Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda Development Board, and University of Kigali. The area also features public markets and a private country club. Peak visitor months are February, August, and December, making it a great time to explore local offerings.
  • Juru: Located 11 miles from Kigali International Airport, Juru is a city that offers unique cultural and outdoor experiences. Must-see attractions include the Presidential Palace Museum, Umusambi Village nature reserve, and Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco Tourism Park. Like Gikondo, Juru sees higher visitor numbers in February, July, and November, making these months ideal for exploring its rich offerings.

9 tips to save on your Kigali International Airport car hire

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It's generally advisable to reserve your KGL car rental as early as possible to secure lower prices and a wider selection. Booking 1-3 months in advance is optimal, particularly before peak travel seasons.
  3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might have restricted availability. This can also impact renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to finalizing your booking.
  4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Compact or economy cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
  6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies necessitate a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
  7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you prevent unexpected expenses and provides added peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's convenient to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges on longer journeys.
  9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car from Kigali International Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Kigali Airport is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. March and April also offer good options, as prices remain average with moderately low demand. As you move into the summer months, July sees slightly low prices but higher demand, making it a busier time. By September, prices climb to slightly high levels during a peak travel period, while demand remains average.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
April66.9°F (19.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June67.6°F (19.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July70.0°F (21.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
August71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighAverage
September70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to rent a car at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL)?
Car rentals at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL) start from $36 a day for a compact 4-5 door car and $57 a day for a midsize 4-5 door car. Europcar offers these rates, with other options including a standard crossover starting from $59 a day, a standard SUV starting from $69 a day, a fullsize SUV starting from $121 a day, and a premium SUV starting from $145 a day. To find a rate that fits your budget, consider booking a few weeks ahead and comparing different vehicle classes.
What are the best car rental types at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL)?
Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL) car rentals come in a full range of vehicle types to suit various travel needs. The car classes available include:
  • Compact 4-5 door cars
  • Midsize 4-5 door cars
  • Standard crossovers
  • Standard SUVs
  • Fullsize SUVs
Solo travelers and couples often find compact or midsize cars suitable for city navigation and shorter trips. Families and groups benefit from the extra space and comfort of standard or fullsize SUVs, which are also well-suited for longer journeys or exploring areas that might require more ground clearance. Booking your preferred vehicle type ahead of time is recommended, especially if you need a specific size like an SUV or a van, to ensure availability. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Kigali.

Which car rental companies offer the cheapest rates at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL)?
You can find cheap car rentals at Kigali Intl. Airport from $36 a day with Europcar's compact 4-5 door cars. Europcar offers competitive rates at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL), with compact 4-5 door cars starting from $36 a day. For travelers seeking more space, midsize 4-5 door cars are available starting from $57 a day, and standard crossovers from $59 a day. To find a rate that fits your budget, it is advisable to book your car rental ahead of time and consider different vehicle classes. You can also look for ways to save by avoiding unnecessary add-ons.
What are the best day trips by car from Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL)?
Several national parks and natural attractions make for excellent day trips by car from Kigali Intl. Airport:
  • Volcanoes National Park, approximately 62 miles away, is renowned for its mountain gorillas and stunning volcanic landscapes.
  • Akagera National Park, approximately 59 miles away, offers diverse wildlife and savanna landscapes, with options for game drives.
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park, approximately 83 miles away, is a dense rainforest known for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks.
  • Kivu Lake, approximately 68 miles away, provides scenic views and opportunities for relaxation by the water.
  • Nyamirambo Stadium, approximately 6 miles away, is a closer option for local sports and cultural experiences.
The national parks are ideal for full-day excursions, while Nyamirambo Stadium could be a shorter trip. For trips to the national parks, especially Akagera or Volcanoes, an SUV is recommended for comfort and navigating varied terrain, making it suitable for families or groups.

What are the best car rental companies at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL)?
Europcar is a reliable car rental company available at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL), offering a range of vehicles suited for various travel plans. For city driving and shorter trips, compact 4-5 door cars or midsize 4-5 door cars provide good maneuverability and fuel efficiency. If your itinerary includes exploring national parks or areas with unpaved roads, a standard crossover, standard SUV, fullsize SUV, or premium SUV would be more suitable, offering increased ground clearance and comfort for longer distances. Many vehicles come with automatic 4WD transmission, which can be beneficial for varied terrain. For more options, explore Standard Car Rentals in Kigali.
Which side of the road do you drive on from Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL)?
At Kigali Intl. Airport, drivers use the right-hand side of the road. If you are accustomed to driving on the left, it is advisable to give yourself a little extra time to adjust after picking up your rental car. Most rental cars in Rwanda are configured for local driving, so once you are on the road, it should quickly feel natural.
What is the best time to book a car at Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL)?
Booking your car rental for Kigali Intl. Airport (KGL) during January, the lowest demand month, can offer rates starting from as little as $36 a day. Demand tends to be higher in July and September, which are typically the busiest months for travelers. During these peak periods, booking 3-4 weeks ahead can help you find better availability. Rental demand is often driven by visitors heading to popular attractions such as:
  • Volcanoes National Park
  • Akagera National Park
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Kivu Lake
  • One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with a Choice 4x4
Major holidays or local events can also cause prices to climb. Many bookings allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, so you can book early and rebook if rates drop.

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 Kigali Intl.?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Kigali Intl.. 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 Kigali Intl.?
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 Kigali Intl.?
Budget car rental in Kigali Intl. 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 Kigali Intl.?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Kigali Intl.. 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 Kigali Intl. car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Kigali Intl.?
To rent a car in Kigali Intl., 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 Kigali Intl. car rental?
If you need to cancel your Kigali Intl. 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.
Why should I rent a car in Kigali Intl. with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

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