Reasons to book a car rental in and around Southwest Calgary

Renting a car in Southwest Calgary offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families, couples, and anyone with luggage, as a rental vehicle simplifies transportation and allows for easy management of your belongings. With a car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as 17 Avenue SW, known for its vibrant city experiences, and the Heritage Park Historical Village and The Military Museums, both offering rich cultural experiences.

Additionally, having your own vehicle makes it easy to venture beyond Southwest Calgary. You can explore the larger Calgary metropolis, featuring attractions like the Calgary Tower and Calaway Park, or head to Downtown Calgary, just 6 km away, where you can find Stephen Avenue and TELUS Spark. Garrison Green, located less than 1 km away, also provides easy access to Heritage Park and other cultural sites. Renting a car allows you to fully enjoy these experiences without the constraints of public transport, enhancing your visit to this beautiful part of Alberta.

Most popular car rentals in and around Southwest Calgary

• Compact: The Compact car option is one of the most booked in Southwest Calgary, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking a practical vehicle for their journey. With its efficient size, the Compact car offers easy maneuverability in urban areas while providing the comfort needed for longer drives.
• Midsize: Another popular choice is the Midsize car, which also accommodates 5 travellers but offers room for 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for couples and families who require a bit more space without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The Midsize car provides a balance of comfort and practicality, making it well-suited for various travel needs and ensuring a smooth ride around Southwest Calgary.
• Standard Pickup: For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the Standard Pickup is a highly booked option in the area. It accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for adventure travellers, families, and small groups. This vehicle type provides the robustness needed for exploring rugged terrains or transporting outdoor gear, while still being spacious enough for comfortable travel.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Southwest Calgary

• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with over 5 rental locations, ensuring convenience for travellers in Southwest Calgary. Known for its friendly service and minimal wait times, this supplier has earned an overall rating of 7.4 out of 10. Customers often favour their Midsize and Compact SUVs, which provide ample space for luggage and comfort for exploring the area. The combination of excellent customer service and a diverse fleet makes Enterprise a top choice for your car rental needs.
• Hertz: Hertz operates a single rental location in Southwest Calgary, offering reliable service for those seeking a straightforward rental experience. This supplier is particularly popular for Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, making it easy for travellers to navigate the city and its surroundings. Hertz is recognized for its efficient service, ensuring you can get on the road quickly to enjoy your trip.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental also has a location in Southwest Calgary, making it a convenient option for travellers. Known for its Midsize SUVs and Standard Pickups, Thrifty provides a solid choice for those needing space and versatility during their journey. With a focus on customer satisfaction and ease of rental, Thrifty is a favourable option for exploring Calgary and beyond.

Where to stay around Southwest Calgary

• Southwest Calgary: This vibrant area is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring attractions like the Calgary Tower for stunning city views and Calaway Park for family-friendly fun. It's close to shopping centres and various dining options, making it a convenient base for your explorations. The nearby national parks offer exciting outdoor experiences, especially in the warmer months.
• Downtown Calgary: Located 6 km away, Downtown Calgary is a hub for city-themed activities. Here, you can visit the iconic Calgary Tower and stroll along Stephen Avenue, which is lined with shops and eateries. The proximity to the racetrack and convention centre makes this area ideal for business travellers as well. It's a lively spot for food and drinks, especially in the bustling summer season.
• Garrison Green: Less than 1 km from Southwest Calgary, Garrison Green is an excellent choice for those interested in outdoor and sports experiences. This neighbourhood is home to the Heritage Park Historical Village and TELUS Spark, offering cultural insights. The area also features modern educational institutions and golf courses, making it suitable for both relaxation and recreation.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Southwest Calgary

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economy car for its affordability, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit 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 car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically come with lower rental rates and are easier to park in busy locations. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters aged over 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalising your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only 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 when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 Southwest Calgary

The best time to rent a car in and around Southwest Calgary is January, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. February follows closely, with both prices and demand remaining low. As spring approaches, April sees moderately low demand but average prices. However, from June through August, prices and demand tend to increase, peaking in August, which is the most expensive month for rentals. Meanwhile, September and October show a return to average prices with moderately low demand in October.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	17.6°F (-8.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Moderately Low
March	27.0°F (-2.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	37.8°F (3.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
May	50.4°F (10.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
June	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately High
July	62.8°F (17.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately High
August	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	54.1°F (12.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	40.1°F (4.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	26.2°F (-3.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
December	16.2°F (-8.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average