Ottawa airport Car Rental

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Comparison of Car Rental Prices by Model in Ottawa airport

All you need to know about car hire at Ottawa airport

Renting a car at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the city and its surroundings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the car hire process at Ottawa airport.

Location and Accessibility

The car rental counters are located on the first level of the Parkade, directly across from the terminal. This makes it easy to pick up and drop off your rental vehicle without the need for shuttle services.

Car Rental Companies

Several well-known car rental companies operate at Ottawa airport, offering a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. These include:

  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • National
  • Alamo

Booking in Advance

It is highly recommended to book your car rental in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This ensures availability and often results in better rates. You can make reservations online through the car rental company’s website or through third-party booking platforms.

Requirements

To rent a car at Ottawa airport, you will need:

  • A valid driver’s license
  • A credit card in the driver’s name
  • Proof of insurance (if not purchasing insurance from the rental company)

Returning the Vehicle

When returning your rental car, follow the signs to the car rental return area in the Parkade. Make sure to refuel the vehicle if required by your rental agreement to avoid additional charges.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free car hire experience at Ottawa airport, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

All you need to know about car hire at Ottawa airport

Minimize Your Carbon Footprint: Rent an Electric Car in Ottawa airport

Average daily rates for renting an electric car at Ottawa airport

Renting an electric car at Ottawa airport is a convenient and eco-friendly option for travelers. Several popular electric car models are available for rent, each offering a unique blend of performance, range, and comfort. Here are some of the top choices and their average daily rental rates:

  • Tesla Model 3: Known for its impressive range and advanced technology, the Tesla Model 3 can be rented for approximately CAD 150 per day.
  • Nissan Leaf: A reliable and affordable option, the Nissan Leaf is available for around CAD 100 per day.
  • Chevrolet Bolt EV: With a spacious interior and solid range, the Chevrolet Bolt EV can be rented for about CAD 120 per day.
  • BMW i3: Combining luxury with sustainability, the BMW i3 is available for approximately CAD 140 per day.
  • Hyundai Kona Electric: This compact SUV offers a great balance of range and comfort, with rental rates around CAD 130 per day.

These rates provide a general idea of the cost of renting an electric car at Ottawa airport, allowing travelers to choose the best option for their needs and budget.

Average daily rates for renting an electric car at Ottawa airport

Our advantages

24/7 support
24/7 support
Feel free to contact us 24/7 for any assistance you need.
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
You can modify or cancel your reservation up to 48 hours prior to pick-up.
No extra fees
No extra fees
There are no additional charges for making reservations.

One way car rental options at Ottawa airport

One way car rental options at Ottawa airport provide flexibility for travelers who need to return their vehicle in a different city. This service is ideal for those planning road trips or business travels across multiple destinations. Several car rental companies at Ottawa airport offer this convenient option, including major brands like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise.

Prices for one way rentals can vary depending on the distance and the drop-off location. For example, renting a compact car from Ottawa airport and returning it in Toronto might cost around €70-€100 per day, while a mid-size SUV could range from €90-€130 per day. If you plan to drop off the car in Montreal, expect similar rates, with compact cars around €60-€90 per day and mid-size SUVs from €80-€120 per day.

It's advisable to book in advance and check for any additional fees that may apply for one way rentals. This ensures you get the best rates and availability for your travel needs.

One way car rental options at Ottawa airport

Month-to-Month Variations in Car Rental Prices

Stay Within Budget: 10 Tips for Affordable Car Rentals in Ottawa airport

1. Book in advance

Booking your car rental well in advance is a simple yet highly effective strategy for saving money. This becomes even more crucial in tourist hotspots, where the demand for rental cars often surges during peak travel seasons. Reserving early allows you to secure a more economical rate and guarantees the availability of your preferred vehicle type.


The Benefits of Early Reservations

In Ottawa airport, several car rental agencies provide "early-bird" discounts to those who reserve their vehicles weeks or even months before their intended rental period. These special rates can result in substantial savings, sometimes reducing the cost by 20% to 30% compared to standard pricing. Early booking becomes exceptionally advantageous if you're traveling during high-demand seasons when prices are prone to inflate.


The Value of Being Flexible

Planning ahead not only saves you money but also offers the leeway to explore and compare rates among various providers. If you have flexible travel dates, you can align them with times when prices are more affordable, maximizing your savings even further.


R-TG.com: Your Ultimate Destination for Car Rental Deals

To find the most competitive rates, we recommend using our website, r-tg.com. The platform consolidates pricing information from multiple suppliers, offering you a comprehensive source for comparison. Our site often highlights exclusive early-bird discounts and other promotional deals you won't easily find elsewhere, making it a valuable tool for securing the most cost-effective car rental in Ottawa airport.

2. Compare Various Suppliers

One of the smartest tactics for saving money on car rentals in Ottawa airport is to cast a wide net and scrutinize prices from various providers. The landscape of car rental agencies is diverse, and the same type of car can have significantly different rental costs depending on the company.


The Significance of Rate Comparison

Let's say you're eyeing a compact vehicle like a Ford Fiesta. You might naturally gravitate toward household names such as ROUTES or BUDGET. However, it's essential to broaden your scope and also take into account smaller, local firms. These community-based providers often feature competitive pricing strategies designed to attract customers from their larger rivals.


Sample Price Scenarios

For example, in Ottawa airport, a Ford Fiesta from ROUTES could have a daily rate of €21, which includes basic insurance coverage. Conversely, BUDGET might list the same car model at €71 per day but restrict the number of miles you can drive. Digging deeper, you could discover a local provider who offers the Ford Fiesta for a mere €13 per day—and without any mileage restrictions.


Investing the effort to weigh options from multiple providers allows you to pinpoint the deal that best aligns with your particular requirements. Whether you're most interested in economical daily fees, more comprehensive insurance, or added conveniences like complimentary GPS, doing a side-by-side comparison of providers can guide you to the most cost-efficient selection.

3. Utilize Discount Codes

Leveraging discount codes can significantly reduce your car rental costs in Ottawa airport. This allows you to upgrade your car, extend the rental period, or simply save money. This isn't just a trick for deal-seekers; it's a common practice in the industry.


Discount Categories

Various discounts are often available, from AAA membership perks to military family rates and even credit card-based offers. It pays to find out which ones you qualify for.


Where to Look

Discount codes are available through:

  1. Rental websites
  2. Travel deal sites
  3. Membership organizations
  4. Email lists
  5. Social media


Caveats

Read the fine print, as codes often come with conditions like blackout dates or restricted car types.

4. Decline the Prepaid Fuel Option

Prepaid fuel may seem convenient, but it often comes at a higher cost. Filling up the tank yourself usually results in savings.


Prepaid Fuel Explained

Opting for prepaid fuel means you pay for a full tank at the rental company's rates, which are usually marked up. Unused fuel is generally non-refundable.


Assess Your Needs

If you won't drive much, prepaid fuel is less economical as you may return the car with unused gas.


Weigh Time vs. Cost

Skipping prepaid fuel saves money but requires planning. Balance the savings against your time to decide if it's worth it.

In short, while prepaid fuel is convenient, self-refueling is often cheaper. A little planning can maximize your savings.

5. Choose Economy Cars

Selecting an economy car can significantly reduce both your rental and fuel expenses, a key advantage for long trips or in high-cost fuel areas.


The Economy Car Advantage

Lower rental rates and better fuel efficiency make economy cars a smart choice, particularly in crowded or space-limited areas.


The Electric Option

An electric vehicle (EV) might have a higher rental rate but can offer fuel cost savings and is eco-friendly.


EV Cost Example

Renting an EV like the Tesla Model X could essentially eliminate fuel costs with free charging stations.

Extra Benefits of EVs

In some places, EVs have access to carpool lanes, adding time-saving value.


To wrap it up, economy or electric cars offer a budget-friendly, eco-conscious choice. Always weigh rental and likely fuel expenses to make the best decision for your trip.

6. Look for Package Deals

Many travel websites provide package deals that encompass flights, hotels, and car rentals. By combining these services, you can frequently secure substantial savings.

7. Reserve the Smallest Car and Upgrade Later

Choosing the least expensive car might seem counterintuitive, but it could result in a free upgrade.


The Method

Rental companies often run out of economy cars. If you book one, you might receive a free upgrade to a larger car.


Pros and Cons

While it's a gamble, you could win big, especially during peak seasons. In the worst case, you get an economical ride.


Upgrade Tips

  1. Book During Busy Times: Higher chance of upgrades.
  2. Early Bird: Arrive early to snag available upgrades.
  3. Just Ask: A polite query could get you a better car.
  4. Loyalty Counts: Being a program member can help.
  5. Look for Deals: Sometimes, cheap upgrade offers are available at check-in.
8. Verify Your Auto Insurance

Before opting for the insurance offered by the car rental company, take a moment to review your existing auto insurance policy to see if it covers rental cars. If your current policy includes this feature, you can comfortably forgo the extra cost of additional insurance from the rental agency. This simple check could potentially save you a significant sum.

9. Monitor Seasonal Promotions

Car rental agencies in Ottawa airport often offer special promotional rates and discounts, especially during holiday periods or low-demand seasons. To stay updated on these limited-time promotions, consider subscribing to their newsletters or regularly checking their websites. You can also follow them on social media platforms where they may announce exclusive deals.


Incorporating these strategies into your travel planning can significantly improve your chances of securing a great deal on your car rental. Being an informed and savvy consumer in this vibrant city can make a substantial difference in managing your travel budget effectively.

10. Be Aware of Mileage Limits

Be aware of mileage limits when renting a car in Ottawa airport to avoid extra charges.


Mileage Policies

Options often include unlimited mileage, daily limits, or a total trip limit. Understand what you're getting to avoid hidden fees.


Cost of Overages

Exceeding limits can cost $0.25 to $0.75 per extra km, quickly adding up.


Negotiate Limits

Discuss mileage policies at pickup; sometimes you can negotiate a better deal upfront rather than pay overage fees later.


Staying informed about mileage helps you manage costs and enjoy a stress-free rental experience.

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