Oshawa Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Oshawa

Renting a car in Oshawa offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed. This convenience is ideal for families, business travellers, and those seeking city-themed experiences. You can visit key attractions such as Lakeview Park Beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the water, or the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, which provides a lovely setting for family outings, romantic strolls, or outdoor enjoyment. For a touch of adventure, Darlington Provincial Park is located just 7 km away, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture to nearby cities like Whitby, only 7 km from Oshawa, where you can explore the Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre. Ajax, situated 14 km away, features attractions like Veterans' Point Gardens and Millennium Square. Bowmanville, also 14 km from Oshawa, is home to the Bowmanville Museum and more outdoor fun at Darlington Provincial Park. With a rental car, your travel options are wide open, making your trip to Oshawa truly enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Oshawa

• Compact: A popular choice among travellers in Oshawa, the Compact car accommodates up to 5 passengers and can carry up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal option for solo travellers, couples, or small families who appreciate the ease of navigating the city while having enough space for their luggage.
• Midsize: The Midsize car option is perfect for those needing a bit more space. Also accommodating up to 5 travellers, it can hold up to 3 large suitcases. This option is especially suitable for couples or families looking for comfort and room for their belongings while exploring Oshawa and its surroundings.
• Fullsize SUV: For larger groups or families, the Fullsize SUV is the top choice in Oshawa. It accommodates up to 6 travellers and offers the versatility to carry either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent option for those planning to travel with more baggage or seeking additional legroom and comfort during their journey.

Top rated car suppliers in Oshawa

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travellers in Oshawa, offering two rental locations within the city. Known for its excellent customer service, many customers appreciate the flexibility it provides. The most booked vehicles include Compact SUVs and Fullsize SUVs, making it a great option for families or groups looking for comfortable travel. With its strong reputation for reliability, Enterprise stands out as a top supplier for those exploring the region.
• Budget: Budget operates one rental location in Oshawa and is favoured for its competitive pricing and straightforward rental process. Many customers opt for Midsize and Compact vehicles, which are ideal for navigating the city and surrounding areas. Budget's focus on value makes it a solid choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a dependable vehicle for their adventures.
• Avis: Avis also has one rental location in Oshawa, providing a selection of well-maintained vehicles. The most popular choices among customers include Compact SUVs and Midsize cars, catering to various travel needs. Avis is known for its efficient service and commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring that travellers can enjoy a hassle-free rental experience while exploring everything Oshawa has to offer.

Where to stay around Oshawa

• Whitby: Located 7 km from Oshawa, Whitby is an ideal destination for families and business travellers alike. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre for a cultural experience or the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens for a family-friendly outdoor outing. The nearby Lakeview Park Beach offers a great spot for relaxation during warmer months, while shopping at the local malls provides ample retail options.
• Ajax: Situated 14 km from Oshawa, Ajax is a vibrant city perfect for family and business experiences. Key attractions include the scenic Veterans' Point Gardens and the expansive Rouge National Urban Park, ideal for outdoor adventures. Millennium Square provides a lively atmosphere for events and gatherings. With plenty of restaurants and wineries in the vicinity, Ajax ensures delightful dining options are readily available.
• Bowmanville: Located 14 km from Oshawa, Bowmanville is a charming village known for its outdoor and sports experiences. Visitors can explore the Bowmanville Museum for a glimpse into local history or enjoy the natural beauty of Darlington Provincial Park, perfect for adventures in nature. The village also offers access to the popular Lakeview Park Beach, making it a great choice for a summer getaway. Numerous shopping facilities and dining choices round out the experience.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to access lower prices and improved availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental agencies 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 should any unexpected issues arise during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out 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 car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Oshawa

The best value period to rent a car in and around Oshawa is April, when prices are at their lowest and demand remains average. February and March also offer slightly lower prices with low demand, making them good options for budget-conscious renters. As summer approaches, June through August see higher prices and increased demand, especially in August, which tends to be the most expensive month. Following this peak, September returns to slightly high prices with average demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.2°F (-4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	23.5°F (-4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	31.8°F (-0.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
April	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	70.0°F (21.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	30.9°F (-0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average