Edmonton Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Edmonton

Renting a car in Edmonton offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, business travellers, or anyone looking for a city-themed experience. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Galaxyland, Fort Edmonton Park, and the Alberta Legislature Building, all located within the area.

The convenience of having your own vehicle extends to nearby cities like Nisku, where you can explore the Stone Barn Garden and Castrol Raceway, or Leduc, which features the William F. Lede Park and Leduc Golf and Country Club. Downtown Edmonton is also easily accessible, allowing you to visit the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum without the hassle of public transport. Renting a car makes it simple to manage your luggage while allowing for flexible travel plans. With so much to see and do in and around Edmonton, having your own vehicle ensures a more enjoyable and personalized experience during your trip.

Most popular car rentals in Edmonton

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV offers ample space for passengers and luggage, allowing for comfortable travel throughout Edmonton and its surrounding areas.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or smaller families, the Compact car can also fit up to 5 travellers along with up to 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate through city streets and find parking, while still providing enough room for basic travel needs.
• Fullsize: This option is great for families or larger groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. The Fullsize car provides a balance of comfort and space, ensuring that everyone can travel together comfortably while managing their luggage efficiently.

Top rated car suppliers in Edmonton

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is recognized for its friendly service and efficient operations, boasting a solid overall rating of 7.2 out of 10. With one rental location in Edmonton, travellers appreciate the short wait times for pickup. The most booked vehicles from Alamo include Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, making it a great choice for those seeking comfort and space while exploring the area.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With two rental locations situated in Edmonton, Thrifty Car Rental is a popular option among visitors. This supplier offers a range of vehicles, with Midsize and Compact cars being the most frequently booked. Thrifty is known for its competitive pricing and convenience, allowing travellers to easily navigate Edmonton and its surroundings.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with over ten rental locations throughout Edmonton, providing ample options for travellers. Known for its excellent customer service, the most popular vehicle choices include Premium Pickup and Midsize cars. Customers often highlight the helpful staff and the wide selection of vehicles, making Enterprise a reliable choice for both leisure and business travellers alike.

Where to stay in Edmonton

• Nisku: Nisku offers a vibrant blend of family, city-themed, and business experiences. It's conveniently located near popular attractions such as Fort Edmonton Park, a historic village perfect for a cultural holiday, and the Stone Barn Garden, a beautiful private garden. For those seeking adventure, the Castrol Raceway provides thrilling motor racing experiences. The area boasts shopping malls, dining options, and entertainment facilities, making it a great base for exploring Edmonton and its surroundings.
• West Edmonton: Situated around Edmonton, West Edmonton is a family-friendly neighbourhood that combines city life with entertainment. It is home to Galaxyland, a theme park ideal for family holidays, and the TELUS World of Science-Edmonton, which offers engaging exhibits for all ages. Visitors can also explore the historic Fort Edmonton Park for a glimpse into the past. With shopping centres and various dining options nearby, West Edmonton is a lively area to stay while enjoying local attractions.
• Leduc: Leduc is a welcoming city that caters to families and business travellers alike. It features attractions such as the tranquil William F. Lede Park, perfect for outdoor activities, and the Leduc Golf and Country Club for golf enthusiasts. The area also has shopping centres and restaurants, providing ample opportunities for dining and leisure. Nearby, visitors can explore the serene Stone Barn Garden, making Leduc an excellent choice for those looking to combine relaxation with urban experiences.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and features you need. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, leverage the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your travel date. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size vehicles 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 surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals implement a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional costs.
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 Edmonton

The best time to rent a car in and around Edmonton is January and February, when prices and demand are both slightly low. This offers a great value for those looking to explore the area. March and April follow with average prices and demand, making them decent shoulder months for rentals. However, July tends to be the most expensive time, as demand peaks alongside pricing. August also sees high demand and slightly high prices, making it a busier month for rentals.