Downtown Ottawa Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Ottawa

Renting a car in Downtown Ottawa offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its attractions at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, business travellers, or anyone with multiple pieces of luggage, as it allows for easy management of belongings while travelling. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as Parliament Hill and the National Arts Centre, both located within Downtown Ottawa. Additionally, the Canadian Museum of History is just 2 km away, making it an easy drive for a cultural experience.

The convenience of having a car extends to exploring nearby destinations like Gatineau, also 2 km away, where you can find more cultural sites, or the ByWard Market, less than 1 km from Downtown Ottawa. Having your own vehicle means you can create flexible travel plans without relying on public transportation schedules. Whether you're looking for a city-themed experience or a family outing, renting a car enhances your visit by allowing you to discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Ottawa and its surroundings comfortably.

Most popular car rentals in and around Downtown Ottawa

• Midsize: This car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for couples and families. The midsize vehicle offers a balance of space and comfort, allowing you to navigate Downtown Ottawa with ease while providing enough room for your luggage. It's perfect for those looking to explore the city and surrounding areas without feeling cramped.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families and groups, the fullsize car accommodates 5 travellers and can hold either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides ample space for both passengers and their belongings, making it a practical choice for longer journeys. With its spacious interior, the fullsize vehicle enhances the travel experience, allowing you to enjoy your time in and around Downtown Ottawa comfortably.
• Compact: The compact car is perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families, accommodating 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it well-suited for navigating the bustling streets of Downtown Ottawa, while still offering enough room for your essentials. Choosing a compact car enables easier parking and fuel efficiency, making it a smart option for those looking to explore the city at their own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Downtown Ottawa

• Budget: Budget has 3 rental locations, including one conveniently situated in Downtown Ottawa. Known for its clean and friendly service, Budget maintains an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Customers appreciate the short wait times when picking up their vehicles. The most popular choices include Midsize and Fullsize cars, making it a great option for travellers looking for comfort and space during their explorations.
• Hertz: Hertz features a rental location approximately 4 km away from Downtown Ottawa. With a reputation for clean and friendly service, this supplier also holds an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Travellers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, providing ample room for luggage and passengers. Hertz is an excellent choice for those who value quality service and reliability while exploring the city.
• Enterprise: Enterprise boasts 2 rental locations, with one conveniently located in Downtown Ottawa. This supplier is well-regarded for its wide selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Standard cars being the most booked options. While specific ratings are not provided, Enterprise is known for its customer-focused service, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free rental experience for all travellers.

Where to stay around Downtown Ottawa

• Downtown Ottawa: The heart of the city, Downtown Ottawa offers easy access to major attractions such as Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, and the Canadian Museum of History. This vibrant area is ideal for city-themed tourism and family outings, with ample shopping centres and dining options nearby. With a blend of historic and modern architecture, Downtown is perfect for cultural exploration throughout the year.
• Gatineau: Located 2 km from Downtown Ottawa, Gatineau is a charming city known for its romantic and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Canadian Museum of History, which is great for culture enthusiasts. The area also offers relaxing spas and body treatment venues, making it a delightful retreat to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
• Hull: Also just 2 km from Downtown Ottawa, Hull is a borough that combines city life with a family-friendly vibe. The proximity to attractions such as the Canadian Museum of History and the National Arts Centre makes it a convenient location for cultural experiences. Hull features shopping centres and dining options, ensuring a well-rounded stay with plenty of activities to enjoy.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown Ottawa

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, leverage the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to access lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in bustling areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle classes—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over 70 years. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most economical option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable too. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might 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 prevent unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should the unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals with unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Ottawa

The best value period to rent a car in and around Downtown Ottawa is April, when prices are at their lowest and demand is moderately low. March and February are also good options, as they offer slightly low prices with average demand. However, July and August see higher prices and increased demand, making them the most expensive months for rentals. June typically has average pricing but remains quite busy, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	15.3°F (-9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	27.9°F (-2.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
December	24.6°F (-4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average