Montreal car rental information
| Pick-up location | Montreal |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 149 |
| Airport locations | 11 |
| Popular agencies | Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo, Thrifty |
Cheap car rentals in Montreal
| Economy | C$ 33/day |
| Compact | C$ 34/day |
| Intermediate | C$ 35/day |
| Standard | C$ 37/day |
| Full-size | C$ 39/day |
| Full-size SUV | C$ 88/day |
| Supplier choice | C$ 33/day |
| Compact SUV | C$ 39/day |
| Intermediate SUV | C$ 43/day |
| Standard SUV | C$ 48/day |
Top tips for renting a car in Montreal
- Montréal–Trudeau airport is located about 13 miles outside of downtown Montreal with a total road distance of 18.4km. If it’s your first time in Quebec, hiring cheap car rentals in Montreal from major car agencies at the airport such as Thrifty, Hertz, and Dollar is advisable, especially if you’re traveling with children or you want to explore Quebec on your schedule. Depending on the traffic and your final destination, you can expect the total travel time from Montréal–Trudeau airport to the city to be between 45 minutes to an hour.
- Upon arriving from Montréal–Trudeau airport, hiring Montreal car rentals makes it easy to embark on some of Quebec’s most sought-after experiences, such as the Gaspésie road tour. The 7 to 10-day trip follows the St. Lawrence River through the Eastern Townships and Quebec’s wine regions, including the Rimouski Wildlife Reserve, Bonaventure Island, Percé Rock provincial parks, and Chic-T-Chocs Mountain Lodge. If you want to experience the history of Quebec through the relics of early settlers, you can take the one-day trip from Quebec City along the New France Route to the coast of St. Lawrence at Côte-de-Beaupré.
- Did you know that the Island of Montreal is the only place in North America where you can’t turn right at a red light? Just as in Canada and the US, driving cheap car rentals in Montreal is done on the right side of the road, and drivers must wear seatbelts at all times. Note that road signs in Montreal and the rest of Quebec are marked in French, so it’s worth remembering a few terms. For example, traffic will be marked as 'CONGESTION' the stop signs that are marked as "SORTIE' ‘ARRÊT,’ indicate exit,’ ,’ ‘BLOQUÉ’ means that a road is blocked, and ‘EXPY’ is an expressway. Additionally, freeways, or motorways, are called autoroutes and indicated with an ‘A’ on road signs.
- Fortunately for travelers looking to rent a car after landing in Montreal, the rental car desks are located right within the airport’s baggage claim terminal, meaning you don’t have to take a shuttle or bus to reach an off-site rental car center. After collecting your luggage, the signs will lead you to the rental car desks and from there it is a short walk downstairs to the rental garage.
- Drivers should beware that right turns on red are not allowed on the actual island of Montreal. Outside the island and in neighboring areas, right turns on red are allowed, but on the island it is strictly forbidden.
- Rush hour can be rough in Montreal as it has rated among the most congested cities in Canada. However, if you avoid the bulk of the morning rush hour (6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.) and the afternoon rush hour (3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.), then you should be fairly safe from congested streets and traffic jams. In particular, the major highways, such as Highways 20 and 40, are to be avoided during peak rush hour.
- Drivers should take note that intersections will often lack crossing signs for pedestrians. As such, cars are to yield to pedestrians crossing as they have the right of way. Drivers should also keep their eyes open for bikes, as biking is very popular in Montreal during the warmer months.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Montreal for C$ 60 or less
- Book your rental car in Montreal at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini rental cars in Montreal are around -269% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Montreal
What type of car is recommended for driving in Montreal?
Montreal is an older city and thus many of the streets can be a bit on the smaller side. For the most part, a mid-sized vehicle will be comfortable on Montreal’s roads, but to play it safe, it may be worth it to rent a sedan or a smaller vehicle. This is especially the case if you plan on exploring the older parts of the city.
What’s the speed limit in Montreal?
The speed limits in Montreal, Quebec, and in Canada are in general a bit lower than what is seen in the United States. So, be prepared to drive a little slower than you are used to. Some of the speeds you may see posted in Montreal include 50 km/h (31 mph) in most urban and residential areas and 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways.
Where are the best places to park in Montreal?
There are a wide variety of parking options available in Montreal from streetside parking to serviced lots. In general, prices on weekends will be cheaper than during work hours on weekdays. On-street parking will also be a better deal than short-term parking lots.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Montreal?
On average a rental car in Montreal costs C$ 73 per day.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Montreal?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz (C$ 33/day), Thrifty (C$ 34/day) and Dollar (C$ 34/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz 1475 Aylmer St H3A 2C6 (1 kilometers from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Montreal?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Montreal are Alamo (8.9, 67 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.7, 197 reviews), and Budget (7.5, 61 reviews).
How much is gas price in Montreal?
The average gas price in Montreal is C$ 7.35 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 88 and C$ 118, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Montreal?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Montreal.
Which car rental companies are at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl airport (YUL)?
Car rental companies onsite at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl airport include Discount Car & Truck Rentals, Routes Car & Truck Rentals, DISCOUNT.QUEBEC, Thrifty, Hertz and Dollar.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl airport (YUL)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl airport to off-airport locations include E-Z Rent-A-Car, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Thrifty, Hertz, Dollar, National and Ace.
How can I find car rentals near me in Montreal?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Montreal?
A Mini car rental in Montreal costs C$ 401 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Montreal?
A Standard car rental in Montreal costs C$ 134 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Montreal?
A Full Size car rental in Montreal costs C$ 104 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Montreal?
On average a rental car in Montreal costs C$ 509 per week (C$ 73 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Montreal?
On average a rental car in Montreal costs C$ 2,181 per month (C$ 73 per day).
Which car rental companies in Montreal have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in Montreal which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Alamo, Avis and Budget
Can I hire a vehicle from Montreal Train Station?
Yes. You can find a Hertz desk inside the train station and locate an Avis on 895 De La Gauchetiere Ouest, Enterprise on 4495 Rue D'Iberville, Budget on Complexe Desjardins, 5, CP 459, both Alamo and National, both on 1200 Stanley St above René-Lévesque, and Thrifty along PLACE D ARMES, 159 Rue Saint-Antoine O.
Do I need winter tires to drive Montreal Car Rentals?
Yes. Driving in Canada during the winter can be treacherous from December 1 to March 15 when temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius. It would be best if you had winter tires to provide the much-needed grip and stability on black ice, heavy snow, and white-out visual conditions.
Montreal car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.7
Good
307 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.5
22 locations in Montreal
Locations in Montreal
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Sep. 2023
8.0 Very good
Apr. 2021
Pros:
Friendly staff, fast pick up got exactly what I wanted got a fair deal from the advertise price.Cons:
The only thing was the tires could have been better. They felt cheap on the road and where very noisy.2.0 Poor
Sep. 2020
Cons:
I didnt even get the car i had reserved...5.6 Fair
Sep. 2020
Cons:
Poor customer service. Manager overseeing customer service has left.10.0 Wonderful
Aug. 2020
Pros:
Staff was courteous. I had picked the cheaper "We choose" option, getting my anything above an economical class car. The employee asked me about my plans and when I mentioned camping and hiking far in Charlevoix, he offered an SUV they had on the lot. It was definitely more than what I expected and it made a difference in our trip.Cons:
No option to return the vehicle on Sundays, as they're closed, so I had to rent the car for an extra day to drop it off on Monday morning.2.0 Poor
Jun. 2020
Pros:
The rental place on lemans st leonard montreal phone me 2 hours before my pick up car and they cancel reason not enough car for there customer Enterprise are relly cheap companyCons:
Yes Kayak remove that company from you r inventoryAvis
7.2
Good
101 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
7.0
15 locations in Montreal
Locations in Montreal
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct. 2022
9.2 Wonderful
Oct. 2019
Pros:
Very friendly staffCons:
Nothing4.8 Mediocre
Sep. 2019
Pros:
Drop-off was extremely easy.Cons:
Pick-up at 1225 Metcalf in Montreal was terrible. Poor area to load luggage. Was given no orientation concerning operating the car even when asked. Harassed by garage owner and Avis personnel. Area for car pick-up totally inadequate, Given wrong information by Avis personnel, Evenmorecomplaints5.2 Fair
Sep. 2019
Cons:
More staff8.8 Very good
Aug. 2019
Pros:
Staff was very courteus even though they had some stress issue happening. But the lady chatted and managed two employees customers while helping me. BRAVO! They did not have midsize car that I had reserved so they put me in small SUV.Cons:
Small SUV was a less fuel efficient. So ended up filling more gas before returning. Return was quick even though it was a Sunday night 9 pm.4.0 Mediocre
Aug. 2019
Cons:
We waited two and a half hour to get our car.Hertz
6.8
Okay
188 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.5
Value for money
6.7
6 locations in Montreal
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Nov. 2022
4.0 Mediocre
Oct. 2022
8.0 Very good
Dec. 2021
8.0 Very good
Oct. 2021
6.0 Okay
Oct. 2019
Pros:
The drop off was nice and quickCons:
The car looked to be in shambles, with three different hubcaps. The form said there was no damage to the car, but the paint was chipped, there was a dent, and the front bumper was loose. During the rental period, the tire management system complained about empty tires.3.6 Poor
Aug. 2019
Cons:
The staff at Hertz were entirely unhelpful and rudeAlamo
8.9
Very good
84 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.9
Value for money
8.6
One location in Montreal
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Jun. 2023
8.0 Very good
Jul. 2020
Pros:
facility of process cleanliness of car ease of pickup and drop-offCons:
demeanor of the desk clerk7.2 Good
Jul. 2020
Pros:
Staff at pick up location could have been more friendly but the staff at drop off were awesome and helpful.Cons:
There was smell of cigarettes in the car and a burning spot on driver’s seat. It will be better to clean up inside the car and use some fragrance to eliminate the bad smells.10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2019
Pros:
Yes everything went very smooth. They offered a free upgrade for me.Cons:
Cheaper gas when they fill on own on return9.2 Wonderful
Sep. 2019
Pros:
Drop off was very easy.Cons:
Rather a long wait wait for the car at pick up Montreal downtown. WIfi in the pick up office would be helpful.8.0 Very good
Mar. 2019
Pros:
Staff very friendly and drop off easy/fast.Thrifty
8.2
Very good
35 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.2
Value for money
7.9
3 locations in Montreal
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar. 2021
Pros:
Easy pick up and drop off on the weekend with no time limitation10.0 Wonderful
Nov. 2020
Pros:
Reception at counter was exceptional8.0 Very good
Dec. 2019
Pros:
Staff was friendly, collecting and dropping was fastCons:
Collected car was dirty , the least was to check it before handing over.8.4 Very good
Feb. 2019
Pros:
Helpful staff and got the car I want even when it was not available thru Thrifty (took me to Hertz).Cons:
Car was not available (fixed by taking me to Hertz) and then there were two counters to wait at for Hertz. Why not do everything at one counter? Or even better do it online and skip the counter.8.8 Very good
Apr. 2018
Pros:
The pick-up was quick and easy, and the car was almost new and very clean and comfortable. Helpful and friendly staff.Cons:
The directions for returning the car were a bit unclear.10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2017
Pros:
Very helpful, kind, thoughtful staff!Budget
7.6
Good
33 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.1
16 locations in Montreal
Locations in Montreal
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct. 2022
5.6 Fair
Sep. 2019
Cons:
Car wasn't ready for pick up on time7.2 Good
Jun. 2019
Cons:
The reservation of a small car was confirmed online even though at the location there were only pick-up trucks. So I had to take one, and it's very cumbersome with terrible mileage. I wish the online booking worked more accurately with what is really available at a specific location.10.0 Wonderful
Apr. 2019
Pros:
Rate, convenient, new car. All good!5.2 Fair
Jul. 2018
Cons:
Attendre 30 minutes pour avoir son véhicule. Personnel pas disponible auprès du client.7.2 Good
Jul. 2017
Pros:
Car drove from Quebec to Montreal with no problem. Comfortable and quiet.Cons:
It was a very stressful experience returning the car. It was downtown Montreal (Place Desjardins--Blvd Rene Levesque/Jeanne Mance) and one street was blocked off for a festival. Our GPS also kept trying to take us on the opposite side of the rental office. The office was closed, so we just gave it a shot to call a hotel nearby, the Hyatt Regency. Luckily the man on the phone gave us a clear route down St. Urbain (one way street) to find the office (a small sign outside a parking garage). So call that hotel if you get lost! The office was down in the parking garage. There was no sign of where to put the car, except a space with a bunch of cars with a rope across it. We decided to just unhook the rope and park it there. It also took us awhile to find the key drop (a inconspicuous pipe with a lid over it). A sign with an indication "key drop" would be helpful.Dollar
7.5
Good
51 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.5
3 locations in Montreal
Filters
Reviews
9.6 Wonderful
Nov. 2019
Pros:
Everything went well.10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2018
Pros:
Customer service was quick and helpfulCons:
The parking deck is underground and a bit confusing7.2 Good
Apr. 2018
Pros:
Fuel efficientCons:
Didn't get the car wanted2.0 Poor
Mar. 2018
Cons:
VERY bad customer service at the front desk2.0 Poor
Feb. 2018
Cons:
ON THE KAYAK WEBSITE WAS THE PRICE $76.00 FOR 4 DAYS. I CAME THERE, THEY TOLD ME THE PRICE IS 340.00$ BAD BAD BAD BUT HOPE6.0 Okay
Oct. 2017
Cons:
No signage anywhere when dropping off at night. Building was closed so i had to get out to an emergency exit which noone should or could have expectd your wayoutRoutes Car & Truck Rentals
5.6
Fair
37 reviewsCleanliness
6.1
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.3
Value for money
5.9
One location in Montreal