How to find a cheap car rental deal in Montreal
Need a cheap rental car in Montreal? With prices averaging C$226 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after a zippy little number, a large SUV, or something in between, we round up all the best deals to get you real value.
Daily rental prices in Montreal start from just C$36.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from C$252 and make room for more adventures.
If smart timing is part of your strategy, book about four weeks ahead to score the best price on a Montreal car hire.
Avis, Routes Car Rentals and Alamo are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
The coverage Avis or another company offers for your Montreal car rental can vary, so always go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Montreal.
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car rental options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at C$102 a day.
Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around C$118.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly C$131 a day with this supplier.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Compact rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Montreal.
Flying to Montreal? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Montreal trip by picking up a car rental at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. The city centre is about 19 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 25 minutes.
Or make a smooth getaway with a car rental from St. Hubert Airport. Once those keys are in your hand, it'll take roughly 25 minutes to drive the 23 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car rental types in Montreal
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to maneuver around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Montreal car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Montreal that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group trips, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Montreal car rental is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Montreal.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car rental in Canada. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
If you're going away with the kids, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Montreal car rental booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If it's your first time driving in Canada, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph through built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in Canada. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions. Pay with a debit or credit card where you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.
English is the language you'll hear most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Montreal for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Hotel Place d'Armes. Offering parking as well as bicycle rentals and a bar, this hotel is around 0.32 kilometres from central Montreal.
Hotel Bon Accueil is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, plus air conditioning and express check-out. Check in here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the selection of hotels in Montreal. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've found a car rental deal in Montreal and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal International Jazz Festival and Cirque du Soleil - KURIOS are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Montreal
Around 16 kilometres northwest of central Montreal, Laval belongs on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Le Cosmodôme and SkyVenture Montréal.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Laval include Hotel Newstar Montréal and Hotel Montreal Metropolitan, BW Signature Collection.
Or collect your cheap car rental in Montreal and then set out for Terrebonne. About 24 kilometres north of Montreal, Parc de Cazaux and Parc De L'étiage are standout attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Terrebonne has some great places to stay such as Imperia Hôtel et Suites Terrebonne and Motel Mascouche. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Sherbrooke, about 129 kilometres east of Montreal. First, visit Lac des nations, then take your time exploring Les chutes de Magog.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Grand Hotel Times Sherbrooke and Hôtel Le Floral have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Sherbrooke.
