$39 Car Rental Shanghai

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Shanghai

Renting a car in Shanghai offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Shanghai Disneyland©, The Bund, and People's Square, all while managing your luggage conveniently. This flexibility is especially appealing for families, business travelers, or anyone seeking a city-themed experience.

Having a car allows you to explore popular neighborhoods like Downtown Shanghai, where you can enjoy The Bund and Yu Garden, or head to Pudong to visit Shanghai Disneyland© and the iconic Shanghai Tower. The Jing'an district also offers fascinating sites like Jing'an Temple and Shanghai Centre. With a rental car, you can move between these destinations without the constraints of public transportation schedules, making it easier to plan your day according to your interests. Whether you are visiting for leisure or business, renting a car provides a comfortable way to navigate the city and its surroundings, ensuring a more enjoyable travel experience.

Most popular car rentals in Shanghai

• Midsize SUV: Accommodating up to 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases, a midsize SUV is an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups exploring Shanghai. This vehicle type offers ample space for luggage and passengers, making it ideal for those who need flexibility and comfort during their travels. With a midsize SUV, you can navigate the city with ease while enjoying the freedom to stop at various attractions along the way.
• Compact: The compact car option is perfect for up to 5 travelers with room for 3 medium suitcases. This choice is particularly well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for an economical and efficient way to get around Shanghai. Compact cars are easy to maneuver in the bustling city streets and provide a more cost-effective rental option without sacrificing comfort. Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace with this practical vehicle choice.

Top rated car suppliers in Shanghai

• Hertz: Hertz is the most popular car rental supplier in Shanghai, featuring over five rental locations throughout the area. Travelers appreciate the flexibility of choosing a variety of vehicles, with Compact and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. Hertz is known for its reliable service, making it an excellent choice for exploring Shanghai at your own pace.

Where to stay in Shanghai

• Pudong: Explore the vibrant district of Pudong, perfect for family, city-themed, or business-themed experiences. This area is home to attractions such as the enchanting Shanghai Disneyland©, suitable for entertainment and family vacations. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower, both iconic skyscrapers. Additionally, Pudong offers various shopping centers and dining options, making it a well-rounded destination for travelers looking for a mix of activities.
• Downtown Shanghai: Immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of Downtown Shanghai, known for its family-friendly, city-themed, and business-oriented experiences. Key highlights include The Bund, an iconic esplanade ideal for romantic strolls and family outings, and the modern People's Square, perfect for a city vacation. Don't miss the tranquil Yu Garden, a beautiful private garden amidst the bustling city. With numerous shopping centers and dining venues nearby, Downtown Shanghai is a lively hub for visitors.
• Puxi: Experience the charm of Puxi, a vibrant neighborhood suited for families and city-themed travelers. This area features the historic Former French Concession, a delightful tourist precinct that combines culture and leisure. Stroll along West Nanjing Road, a bustling street filled with shops and cafes, or relax at Zhongshan Park, an urban park that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Puxi offers a variety of shopping and dining options, ensuring an exciting stay for all.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Shanghai

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and features that suit your needs. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best 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 allows you to secure lower rates and ensures better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are more convenient to park in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70, so always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements may require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most cost-effective option. Other policies may allow for full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well—just make sure to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may 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 provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance while booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, seek out rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Shanghai

The best value period for renting a car in and around Shanghai is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. February also offers average prices with continued low demand, making it a decent option. Moving into the spring, March sees average prices and demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month with slightly high prices and average demand, while October witnesses high demand along with slightly high prices, reflecting the busy travel season in the city.

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 $39.

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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One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

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