When is the best time to rent a car?

• The best time to rent a car for potential savings is often during off-peak or shoulder seasons, with bookings ideally made one to six months in advance
• Rental costs can vary significantly based on the season, demand for certain vehicle types, how far in advance you book, and your chosen pick-up location
• Securing your car early generally leads to a wider selection, especially crucial for peak travel periods or if you require a specific vehicle model

When is the best time to rent a car?

Figuring out the best time to rent a car often comes down to a few key factors, including when and where you're traveling. As with many aspects of travel, there isn't one single solution that works for everyone, but it helps to understand the general trends.

Off season

The off season is often regarded as the best time to find a deal on a car rental. It’s worth thinking about destinations after the summer rush or before the ski season kicks into top gear. When fewer people are traveling, demand for rental cars tends to drop. This can lead to more competitive pricing. You might also find a wider selection of vehicles available, meaning you're more likely to get the specific car type.

It's not just about the price either – quieter roads and less crowded attractions can make for a more relaxed vacation overall.

Peak season

Hiring a car during peak season is a different story, as this is when demand for car rentals skyrockets. This period is typically during summer vacation, major festive periods like Christmas and Easter, and school vacations. More people are traveling, so car rental companies often have their entire fleet booked out. If you need to rent a car during peak season, it's highly recommended to book as far in advance as possible.

While you might not find the lowest prices of the off season, securing your vehicle early can protect you from last-minute price surges and ensure you actually get a car, especially if you need a specific type like a minivan or an automatic.

Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn)

Shoulder seasons—when the weather is often still pleasant—destinations are less crowded and car rental prices can be more moderate. You may get some of the benefits of off-season travel (lower prices, better availability) with some of the perks of peak season, like good weather and most attractions still being open. It’s a great compromise if your travel dates are flexible.

Mid-week vs weekends

Another question to consider – when is the best day to rent a car? Car rentals starting mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) are sometimes cheaper than those starting on a Friday or Saturday. This is often because demand from weekend leisure travelers is lower during the week, while business travel patterns can also influence availability. If your plans allow for it, getting a quote for a mid-week pick-up could be something to look into. On the other hand, if you're only hiring for a weekend, booking in advance becomes even more important as demand is concentrated.

When is it better to rent a car in advance?

For many travelers, hiring a car well in advance is the way to go. One of the main reasons is peace of mind. Knowing your transportation is sorted allows you to focus on planning the rest of your trip. This is especially true if you're traveling during peak season, school vacations, or to a destination known for high demand.

If you need a specific type of vehicle, like a seven-seater for a family trip, an automatic car (which can be less common in some countries), or a vehicle with specific accessibility features, booking ahead is pretty much essential.

Car rental companies use dynamic pricing, much like airlines, so as availability decreases and the pick-up date gets closer, prices tend to rise, especially if demand is high. By booking a few months out, you might get better rates. For international travel, booking at least three to six months prior is a good rule of thumb, especially for popular destinations. It can also be useful to keep an eye out for early bird deals.

Booking in advance also gives you more time to compare. You can shop around and compare different providers, vehicle types, and insurance options without feeling rushed.

When is it better to rent a car at the last minute?

While booking in advance is usually recommended, there can be times when a last-minute car rental could work out better for you. This approach is generally riskier and better suited to travelers with very flexible plans or those making a spontaneous trip.

If you're not fussy about the type of car you get and you're traveling outside of peak times, you could stumble upon a decent last-minute deal. Perhaps a local, smaller car rental agency has a surplus of a particular car model. However, it's important to weigh the potential for a small saving against the risk of much higher prices or no cars being available at all, especially if you arrive at an airport expecting to pick one up on the spot.

For short, unexpected trips where you only need a car for a day or two and you're in an area with plenty of rental options, checking last-minute availability could be a good option. However, for most planned vacations or important trips, the uncertainty is probably not worth the potential savings.

Why prices fluctuate

You might notice that car rental prices can go up and down quite a bit. We've already noted how broader travel seasons (like peak or off season), specific busy vacation periods and how early or late you book can significantly affect costs.

However, several other key factors also influence the final price tag on your car rental.

Vehicle category and class

It stands to reason that the type of car you choose will impact the price. A compact, economy car for city driving will almost always be cheaper than a large SUV, a minivan, or a convertible. If you're looking to save money, it could be useful to consider if you really need that larger or specific vehicle.

Tip: Opting for a manual transmission car, if you're comfortable driving one, can also often be less expensive than an automatic, especially in Europe.

Location

Where you rent from makes a big difference. Airport locations are very convenient for pick-up, but they often come with higher prices due to airport surcharges and higher operational costs for the car rental companies. Renting from an off-site location, perhaps in a nearby town or city center, can sometimes be significantly cheaper. It might involve a bit more effort to get to, like a short taxi or bus ride, but the savings can be worth it if you're on a budget. Similarly, renting in a major city could be more expensive than in a smaller town due to higher demand and operating costs.

Length of rental period

The duration of your car rent also affects the daily rate. Often, renting for a longer period, say a week or more, can result in a lower average daily price compared to renting for just one or two days. Car rental companies often have better rates for weekly rentals. On the other hand, if you only need a car for 24 hours, the per-day cost might seem high, but it's because the fixed costs of preparing the car are spread over a shorter time.

Some companies also have specific weekend rates that could be more economical than renting for two individual days. It can be useful to play around with the dates on a comparison site to see how the price changes.

FAQs

What time period is best to rent a car?

Generally, the off season or shoulder seasons offer the best time to rent a car in terms of price and availability. This means periods outside of peak summer months, major holidays like Christmas and Easter and school vacations periods tend to be better. Traveling during these quieter times usually leads to lower demand, leading to more competitive rental rates.

How far in advance should I book a rental car?

Aiming to secure your vehicle at least one to three months in advance is a good general guideline for most trips. If you're planning to travel during peak season to a very popular destination, or if you need a specific type of vehicle (like a large van or an automatic), it's wise to book even earlier – perhaps three to six months out. This gives you a better chance of getting the car you want at a more reasonable price.

Is it cheaper to rent a car for a longer or shorter time?

It can often be cheaper per day to rent a car for a longer period. Many car rental companies offer lower daily rates for weekly rentals compared to renting for just one or two days. This is because the administrative and preparation costs for the car rental company are spread over more days. So, if you need a car for five or six days, it's sometimes worth checking if a seven-day rental could actually offer better value. However, the overall cost will, of course, be higher for a longer rental, even if the daily rate is lower.

Do car rental prices go down closer to the date?

Generally, car rental prices tend to go up closer to the pick-up date, especially during busy periods or if availability is dwindling. This is because car rental companies use dynamic pricing models, similar to airlines. For the most part, booking in advance is more likely to secure you a better price and the vehicle you want. Relying on prices to drop at the last minute is a risk.