Charlottetown Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Charlottetown

Renting a car in Charlottetown provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Charlottetown Port, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, all located within the city. This convenience is particularly appealing for families and those seeking outdoor or romantic experiences, as it allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans.

Additionally, a rental car makes it simple to explore nearby destinations like Cornwall, just 7 km away, where you can enjoy Victoria Row and Beaconsfield Historic House, or Stratford, located 4 km from Charlottetown, offering more views of the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront and access to the marina. Navigating the roads around Charlottetown is straightforward, ensuring that you can make the most of your visit while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Prince Edward Island.

Most popular car rentals in Charlottetown

• Midsize: The Midsize car is a popular choice for travellers in Charlottetown, accommodating up to 5 passengers with space for 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for couples or families who appreciate a comfortable ride without sacrificing luggage capacity. Renting a Midsize car allows you the freedom to explore the beautiful surroundings while ensuring you have enough room for your belongings.
• Fullsize: Perfect for families or groups, the Fullsize car option comfortably fits 5 passengers and offers the flexibility to carry either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for those planning to travel with more gear or who want extra space for their adventures. With a Fullsize car, you can easily navigate Charlottetown and enjoy your journey with ample room for everyone.
• Compact: The Compact car is a versatile choice that suits solo travellers, couples, or families alike. It accommodates up to 5 passengers and provides space for 3 medium suitcases. This option is particularly appealing for those looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle that is easy to manoeuvre while still offering enough room for travel necessities. A Compact car allows for a convenient and flexible exploration of Charlottetown.

Top rated car suppliers in Charlottetown

• Budget: With 1 rental location in Charlottetown, Budget is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility at competitive rates. This supplier boasts an overall rating of 7 out of 10, providing reliable service for those looking to explore the city and its surroundings. The most booked vehicles with Budget are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, ensuring you have ample space for your luggage and comfort during your travels.
• Enterprise: Offering 2 convenient rental locations in Charlottetown, Enterprise stands out for its customer service and diverse vehicle selection. Most booked vehicles include Midsize and Compact SUV AWD options, perfect for navigating the scenic routes of Prince Edward Island. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Enterprise ensures a seamless rental experience for both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.
• Hertz: With 1 rental location in Charlottetown, Hertz is a well-known supplier providing a variety of vehicle options. Most popular bookings include Midsize and Compact cars, ideal for those looking to explore Charlottetown comfortably and efficiently. Hertz is recognized for its quality service, making it a reliable option for travellers seeking convenience during their stay on the island.

Where to stay in and around Charlottetown

• Downtown Charlottetown: Experience the heart of Charlottetown, where outdoor, family, and romantic activities abound. Enjoy the scenic boardwalk, visit the Charlottetown Port for beach adventures, or explore the cultural gem at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. With nearby dining options including breweries and pubs, Downtown Charlottetown is a vibrant area to stay, especially during the summer season when outdoor experiences are at their peak.
• Cornwall: Located a mere 7 km from Charlottetown, Cornwall offers a delightful blend of outdoor, family, and beach experiences. Visitors can explore the local shopping mall or enjoy the beach and esplanade. The Confederation Centre of the Arts and Victoria Row are highlights for culture enthusiasts, making Cornwall a great choice for those looking to enjoy a quieter stay while still being close to the city.
• Stratford: Situated just 4 km from Charlottetown, Stratford invites travellers seeking outdoor, family, and adventure experiences. Spend time at local golf courses or take in the serene beauty of urban parks and historic sites. Attractions like the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront and Charlottetown Port are easily accessible. Stratford provides a peaceful retreat with ample opportunities for exploration, particularly appealing during the warmer months when outdoor activities flourish.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, use the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to secure more competitive rates and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and simpler to park in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. Renters over the age of 70 may also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals may have a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Other rentals might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the vehicle empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, yet the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning to embark on long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Charlottetown

The best time to rent a car in and around Charlottetown is January and February, when both prices and demand are typically low. April also offers moderate prices with average demand, making it a good shoulder month. As summer approaches, prices rise, with June through August seeing moderately high prices and high demand, particularly in August, which is the most expensive month for rentals. September tends to return to average pricing but still experiences high demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.5°F (-4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
February	21.9°F (-5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
March	27.5°F (-2.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
April	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
May	47.7°F (8.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	66.2°F (19.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
September	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	31.5°F (-0.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average