Toronto Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Toronto

Renting a car in Toronto offers freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families and those with significant luggage, as a rental car allows for easy management of belongings while travelling. With a vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the iconic CN Tower and the vibrant Distillery Historic District, both located in Downtown Toronto. If you're seeking adventure, Canada's Wonderland is easily accessible, providing a great outdoor experience for families.

Additionally, having a rental car enables you to explore nearby destinations like Mississauga, where you can visit The International Centre and RBC Amphitheatre, or Markham, home to Markham Village and the fairgrounds. The flexibility of a rental car allows you to create your own itinerary without the constraints of public transport schedules. Whether your trip is family-oriented, focused on city experiences, or related to business, renting a car enhances your visit to Toronto and the surrounding areas, ensuring you make the most of your time in this bustling metropolis.

Most popular car rentals in Toronto

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for those travelling in groups, as it comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers along with 3 large suitcases. This makes it an excellent option for families, couples, or friends looking to explore Toronto and its surroundings. With its spacious interior, you can enjoy a comfortable ride while having ample room for your luggage, making it ideal for longer trips or day excursions.
• Compact: If you're a solo traveller or part of a couple or family, the Compact car is a fantastic option. It can hold up to 5 travellers and offers space for 3 medium suitcases. This type of vehicle is perfect for navigating the city, allowing for easy parking and efficient fuel consumption. Its size makes it a practical choice for exploring Toronto at your leisure while keeping your travel plans flexible.
• Standard: The Standard car is another great option for up to 5 travellers, providing room for 3 large suitcases. This vehicle suits couples and families alike, balancing comfort with practicality. Whether you're planning a day of sightseeing or a longer trip, the Standard car offers a reliable and spacious choice that allows for easy management of your belongings while enjoying the freedom of the open road.

Top rated car suppliers in Toronto

• Enterprise: Enterprise boasts over 55 rental locations throughout Toronto, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for its friendly service, customers appreciate the helpful staff and smooth rental process. The most booked vehicles from this supplier include Midsize SUV AWD and Premium SUV, both of which are ideal for navigating the diverse landscapes around Toronto. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Enterprise provides an excellent option for those looking to explore at their own pace.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has more than 5 locations in Toronto, offering good accessibility for those needing a vehicle. This supplier is particularly popular for Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, which are perfect for city driving and weekend getaways. Customers enjoy the straightforward rental experience and appreciate the value for money that Thrifty provides. This makes it a solid choice for both solo travellers and families looking to make the most of their time in the area.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo operates 2 rental locations in Toronto, providing a reliable service for those seeking quality vehicles. Known for its efficient operations, Alamo's most booked cars include Midsize SUV AWD and Premium SUV, catering to a range of travel needs. Customers often highlight the ease of the rental process and the cleanliness of the cars. Alamo’s reputation for friendly service ensures a pleasant experience as you explore Toronto and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Toronto

• Downtown Toronto: A vibrant neighborhood that offers a mix of family, city-themed, and business experiences. Downtown Toronto is renowned for its shopping mall centers and various shopping areas. Key attractions include the iconic CN Tower, the Distillery Historic District, and the Royal Ontario Museum, all within easy reach. Enjoy nearby dining options at local restaurants or wineries, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and business travellers.
• Mississauga: Located adjacent to Toronto, Mississauga is perfect for family, city-themed, and business trips. Visitors can explore the International Centre for conferences or relax at Mississauga Celebration Square. The city also features shopping malls and amusement parks for family outings. With numerous restaurants and wineries, Mississauga provides a diverse culinary experience, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to stay.
• Markham: This city is a fantastic option for families and those seeking a city-themed experience. Markham boasts attractions such as Canada's Wonderland, an amusement park ideal for adventure seekers, and the historic Markham Village for cultural enthusiasts. The area is also home to shopping centers and restaurants, ensuring all your needs are met. With its family-friendly atmosphere, Markham is a great base for exploring the Toronto area.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are usually more affordable to rent and simpler to park in crowded areas. Mid-sized rentals 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 vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require 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 advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that 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 help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long 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 Toronto

The best value period to rent a car in and around Toronto is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January also offers similar advantages, making it a quiet time for car rentals. Following this, March sees a slight increase in demand with still reasonable prices. However, from June through August, the situation changes, as these months are typically the most expensive and busiest for rentals, with higher demand and rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.2°F (-3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	25.2°F (-3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	33.3°F (0.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average