How to find the cheapest car hire

When you’re travelling, a car allows you to explore at your own pace, without relying on tour groups or public transportation. Unfortunately, hiring a car has become more expensive in recent years, and finding the best deal isn’t always easy. Savvy travellers know that the lowest advertised price doesn’t always translate to the best value.

However, we have a few car hire tips to take some of the guesswork out of the process. Booking two–four weeks in advance, monitoring prices online, avoiding unnecessary costs such as excess-reimbursement insurance markups and airport surcharges, and taking advantage of discounts from credit cards and membership programs like AA and RAC could save you hundreds of pounds.

We’ve answered the most common car hire questions so you can be confident you’re getting the cheapest car hire and a smooth experience.

Which car hire company is usually the cheapest?

Car hire pricing is dynamic and based on demand, fleet availability, and other factors, so no one company can be counted on to always be the cheapest. Value-focused brands, such as Green Motion, Drivalia, and Keddy by Europcar, generally offer the best base rates. However, after various fees, some of these companies’ final prices will often wind up matching or exceeding competitors’. Mid-tier companies like Europcar, Thrifty, and Alamo often strike a better balance between lower rates, transparent policies, and more reliable service.

No matter which company you choose to do business with, be sure to read the fine print of your hire agreement and take photos of the car’s condition at pickup and return, so you don’t get hit with any surprise fees.

You might also consider using a car-sharing marketplace, such as Turo. This peer-to-peer option is like Airbnb for cars and can be a source of great deals. We include Turo in our price comparisons, so you can see how local car-share options compare to major brands.

Is it cheaper to hire a car at the airport or online?

Hiring a car at the airport may be more expensive than booking through an off-airport depot online, although that’s not always the case.

Airports add a premium location surcharge (PLS) of 10-30% of the base rate. This fee means that, in some instances, it may be cheaper to take public transport or ride-hail to another location—as long as you don’t mind the added inconvenience. 

On the other hand, intense competition at the airport can also drive rates lower than in central locations. Booking ahead online allows you to find the best deal regardless of pickup location.

What is the best day of the week to book a car hire?

The day of the week you book a car will not impact the rate. The more important factors are lead time and the time of year (summer months are the most expensive). 

How far in advance should you book a car hire?

The best time to book a car is one–four weeks before your trip. Contrary to traditional wisdom, booking months in advance is not the best method for hiring a car. Due to dynamic pricing, rates are constantly changing and will likely become cheaper closer to the date as companies gauge their available inventory. You can sometimes nab great deals at the last minute if you’re willing to risk no cars being available or having to pay more due to high demand.

The best approach is to look for companies that offer free cancellation and book early. You can then continue to monitor prices and cancel your previous reservation to jump on a better deal.

*Based on 2024-2025 data for daily car hire rates.

Do any credit cards offer car hire discounts?

Paying for your car hire with a premium credit card can unlock cheaper rates and other valuable perks. Benefits can include:

• Discount partnerships. For example, Visa Infinite and Mastercard World Elite cardholders receive 15% off base rates with Hertz.

• Loyalty programme perks. American Express Platinum cardholders can enrol in loyalty programs for companies like Hertz and Avis to receive free car upgrades or add additional drivers at no charge.

• Car hire insurance. The Amex Platinum card provides comprehensive cover for damage and theft of hire vehicles—including reimbursement for the excess. This means you don’t need to buy “Super CDW” from the hire company or take out a separate excess waiver policy from a third-party insurer.

Is it cheaper to get a car hire for a week?

If you need a car for six days, it could be the same price to book it for the whole week. Enterprise and National use a 6x daily rate multiplier for weekly bookings, meaning six- and seven-day car hires cost the same, effectively giving you a free seventh day. Other companies will run seasonal promotions (often 15-25% discounts) on weekly bookings or offer lower weekly rates for members of AA or RAC.

If your travel plans are flexible, keeping your car for another day could be worth it. However, if you plan to return the car early, it’s important to read the fine print of your hire agreement, as early return can trigger fees and revoke your weekly rate (see below).

Is it cheaper to return a car hire early?

Early return policies vary significantly by company, but in many cases, it’s not cheaper to return a car hire early. In almost all cases, prepaid bookings are non-refundable. While prepaying can lock in a lower rate, it’s best to use this option only if you are sure of your travel plans. 

Larger companies like Enterprise and National do not charge an early return fee, but will recalculate your daily rate if you booked at a discounted weekly rate. They will also refund unused days, except if you prepaid or used a third-party booking site.

Other companies have stricter early return policies. Hertz charges an early return fee (often £10–£12), while Thrifty charges £25 unless you give 24 hours' notice. Europcar does not charge a fee, but requires a 24-hour notice to refund unused days.

How to get the lowest price on a car hire

Finding the best deal on a car hire comes down to planning and being aware of the policies you’re agreeing to. 

• Book two–four weeks in advance through a company with a free cancellation policy. Continue to monitor prices for last-minute deals and, if you spot one, cancel your previous reservation and rebook. 7–14 days is often the sweet spot. 

• Book online, considering locations away from airports, but factor in the cost and convenience of getting to and from the airport. Sometimes the airport is cheaper.

• Use membership discounts from AA, RAC, or your university’s alumni group. 

• Pay with a credit card that offers discounted rates, benefits like free upgrades, and waives fees for additional drivers or young drivers.

• Buy excess insurance through a third-party provider like CarHireExcess.co.uk or Quidco, rather than directly from the car hire company.

• Finally, be aware of return policies and photograph the car’s condition at pickup and return to prevent liability for unwarranted repair, cleaning, or other charges.

By implementing this car hire advice, travellers can save significantly while avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring a smooth experience. Read our guide for more car hire tips.