How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sendai International Airport (SDJ)
Cruise into adventure with a cheap Sendai International Airport rental car. With prices averaging £43 a day, it gives you freedom without the high price tag. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll help you pick the right ride at the right price.
Daily rental prices at Sendai International Airport start from just £31.
Staying on in Sendai for a while? Grab a weekly rental from £168 and organise some day trips or detours.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap SDJ car hire. Book about three weeks before your trip to land the best price.
Europcar, Times and Nissan Rent a Car are popular providers at Sendai International Airport.
Whether you book with Europcar or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Sendai International Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in SDJ.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Sendai International Airport that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of £85 a day.
Offering daily rates of around £66, this provider follows close behind.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly £86 a day.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Mini rental category is the number one choice for travellers at SDJ.
Compare car hire types from Sendai International Airport (SDJ)
Small: These cheap Sendai International Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this SDJ car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Sendai International Airport effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, functional, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your SDJ car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Sendai International Airport.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your rental in Japan.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Check if you need to add one to your SDJ car hire reservation.
You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the left side of the road in Japan.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 55kph (35mph) in built-up areas and 85kph (55mph) or so along highways. Always follow the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
The language most commonly spoken in this country is English.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SDJ car hire, you're in charge when it comes to your next move. If central Sendai is your first port of call, it's around 14 kms (9 miles) north of the airport and a drive of about 20 minutes.
Allow roughly 30 minutes to drive from Sendai International Airport to the city centre during peak hours.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels straight away? Think about picking up a car hire in Sendai instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Sendai International Airport (SDJ)
Check out some of the leading attractions in Sendai before doing anything else. Haguro Shrine and Yasaka Shrine will kick off your adventure in style.
Shift gears and make tracks to Ishinomaki. Around 56 kms (35 miles) northeast of SDJ, you'll find must-do sights like Megumino Natural Park and Ishinomaki Manga Road.
Alternatively, hop in your Sendai International Airport car hire and drive about 48 kms (30 miles) northwest to Tendō. Featuring Shidare zakura along Kurazu River and Onsen Shrine, there's no shortage of attractions that demand a visit.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Kashiwa, around 274 kms (170 miles) south of SDJ. Make your first stop Akebonoyama Japanese Garden, then head to Inari Shrine.