Downtown Calgary Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Calgary

Renting a car in Downtown Calgary offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for families and business travellers alike. You can easily visit key attractions such as the Calgary Tower, a modern icon of the city, or stroll along Stephen Avenue, known for its vibrant atmosphere. For those interested in culture and family experiences, TELUS Spark, a science museum, is also in the area. Additionally, with your rental car, you can venture just less than 1 km to Calgary Chinatown and the Beltline neighbourhood, both rich in local character and close to Downtown Calgary. This convenience allows you to experience the best of Calgary, from its bustling streets to its quiet corners, without the constraints of public transport schedules. Whether you're here for leisure, work, or family outings, a rental car provides an easy way to explore Calgary and its surroundings efficiently.

Most popular car rentals in and around Downtown Calgary

• Midsize: The Midsize car is a popular choice for those travelling in groups of up to 5 people. With enough space for 3 large suitcases, it is perfect for couples or families who need a comfortable ride while exploring Downtown Calgary. This option provides a nice balance of space and manoeuvrability, making it ideal for navigating city streets and enjoying what the area has to offer at your own pace.
• Standard Pickup: If you're an adventure traveller or part of a small group, the Standard Pickup is an excellent option. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and 3 large suitcases, this vehicle is well-suited for families and those looking to explore the great outdoors. Its robust design and cargo space allow for easy transportation of luggage and any gear you might need for your adventures around Downtown Calgary.
• Compact: The Compact car option caters perfectly to solo travellers, couples, or families who do not require an excessive amount of space. Accommodating up to 5 travellers with room for 3 medium suitcases, this vehicle is a practical choice for those wanting to navigate Downtown Calgary efficiently. Its smaller size makes it easier to park and manoeuvre in busy urban areas, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Downtown Calgary

• Avis: Avis features 2 rental locations close to Downtown Calgary, making it a convenient choice for travellers. With an overall rating of 7.4 out of 10, Avis is particularly noted for its friendly service. The most booked vehicles from this supplier include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize Pickups, catering to a variety of travel needs, whether you're exploring the city or embarking on an outdoor adventure.
• Enterprise: Enterprise also has 2 rental locations in the vicinity of Downtown Calgary. Known for its welcoming service, it boasts a customer rating of 7.2 out of 10. Enterprise offers a selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Compact SUVs being the most popular choices among renters. This supplier is a great option for those seeking reliable service and a comfortable ride.
• Hertz: With 2 rental locations situated near Downtown Calgary, Hertz is another excellent choice for car rentals. While specific ratings are not provided, this supplier is favoured for its selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize SUVs and Economy cars. Hertz makes it easy for travellers to access flexible rental options to fit their itineraries.

Where to stay around Downtown Calgary

• Downtown Calgary: As the heart of Calgary, Downtown offers a vibrant urban experience with access to iconic attractions like the Calgary Tower and 17 Avenue SW. It is ideal for those seeking a city-themed holiday, with numerous shopping centres and dining options nearby. This area is particularly lively during the summer months, making it an excellent choice for travellers looking to enjoy the city’s outdoor events and festivals.
• Beltline: Located less than 1 km from Downtown Calgary, Beltline is a trendy neighbourhood perfect for sports and adventure enthusiasts. With attractions such as the Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue, visitors can enjoy a mix of shopping and entertainment. Dining options abound, making it a great spot for families seeking a lively atmosphere. The summer season enhances the Beltline experience, with numerous local events and outdoor activities.
• Calgary Chinatown: Also less than 1 km from Downtown Calgary, Calgary Chinatown offers a unique cultural experience for families and business travellers alike. Visitors can explore the historic streets while enjoying local cuisine and shopping. Key attractions include the Calgary Tower and the scenic Bow River, which make this neighbourhood suitable for both city and outdoor-themed holidays. The vibrant atmosphere during festivals, particularly in the summer, adds to the charm of Chinatown.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible to enjoy the summer sun, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to locate the ideal vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size options offer a solid compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age restrictions prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that the car is returned 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 might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for transactions.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on lengthy road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to sidestep additional 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 Calgary

The best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Calgary is January and February, when prices are moderately low and demand is also on the quieter side. April tends to be another good option, with average prices and moderately low demand. As summer approaches, June through August see a rise in both prices and demand, particularly in July, which is usually the busiest month for rentals. August is often the most expensive time to rent a vehicle, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

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