Booking a car hire might seem straightforward, but timing plays a big role in how much you’ll pay. Below, we break down the best time to book a car hire—and how to find a great deal.
Good to know:
Is there a best time to book car hire before a trip?
Let’s get right to it: When exactly is the best time to book car hire? Months in advance, or last-minute?
Short answer: For the lowest prices and the smoothest experience, aim to book your car hire four weeks in advance if you’re staying within the UK. This window tends to offer the best balance of availability and price—especially in popular destinations. If you’re travelling to the U.S. or Spain, booking one week in advance will often give you the best price, while two to four weeks in advance is the range for other countries in Europe.
While flights and hotels can fluctuate daily, car hire prices are usually more stable—but they still follow supply and demand. The closer you get to your departure date, the more likely prices will rise, especially during high seasons like summer holidays, bank holiday weekends and any major events happening near your destination.
Do car hire times matter?
Yes—even the time of day can affect the pricing.
Airport locations often have higher rates during peak times like early mornings and evenings.
Most companies bill in 24-hour blocks. If you pick up your car at 10:00, you’ll need to return it by 10:00 on drop-off day. Returning it even an hour late could mean being charged for an extra day. Try to return the car around the same time you picked it up to avoid any extra costs.
Remember: Car hire prices are dynamic, changing based on demand, availability and even the hour of the day. Booking at the right moment can save you more than you’d think. It’s worth running a few searches during certain times of the day over the course of a few days to see how the prices change.
Do car hire prices go down closer to the date?
Not usually. In fact, they tend to go up as the travel date gets closer. Why? Because car hire companies raise rates when their availability drops—especially during peak periods. This includes:
Summer holidays and half terms
Busy hubs like airports or popular city locations
Larger or more specialised vehicles (e.g., SUVs or electric cars)
Booking early is simply the best way to lock in lower rates and access a wider choice of vehicles.
But here’s the twist: last-minute deals do exist
Some providers lower prices within days of travel to shift unused inventory. Booking a week before your trip (or even shorter) might lead to a lower price, but only if:
You’re travelling off-peak (e.g., late summer or early autumn)
You’re using a non-airport location
You’re flexible on the vehicle type and provider
According to Skyscanner data, booking car hire seven days out can save around 16% compared to booking the day before or same day.
Bottom line: Book early if you want predictability and options. Go last-minute only if you’re flexible and travelling outside of peak season.
How far in advance should you hire a car for the best price?
It depends on where and when you’re travelling. Here’s the general guidance based on Skyscanner data:
Domestic trips: Book four weeks in advance
European travel: Book two to four weeks ahead
U.S. travel: Book one week in advance
Holiday periods: Book as early as you can, ideally three to six months in advance
Tip: If you’re heading somewhere with limited inventory—like small airports or islands—lock in a rate early with free cancellation. You’ll keep flexibility if prices drop.
Is it cheaper to hire a car for longer or shorter?
Oddly enough, longer can be cheaper. Many car hire companies offer discounted weekly rates, so booking seven days might cost the same (or less) than booking five or six. Even if you return the car early, it may still work out cheaper to book the full week.
Always compare the total cost for five, six, and seven-day bookings—the prices might surprise you.
Which day of the week is cheapest for car hire?
Midweek pick-up tends to be the most budget-friendly.
Tuesday to Thursday often sees lower prices
Weekends and Mondays tend to cost more due to demand
If your schedule is flexible, aim for a midweek pick-up and drop-off, especially at airports.
What’s the cheapest time of year to hire a car?
Just like with flights and hotels, car hire follows seasonal trends. The best prices tend to appear during:
January to February (after the holidays)
March and early October (shoulder season)
Midweek during off-peak months
How to find cheap car hire: Tips that actually work
Getting the best deal takes more than good timing. You need to be strategic. Here are some good ways to start:
Compare providers
Use Skyscanner to compare multiple hire companies at once, so you don’t miss a better deal.
Avoid airport pick-ups
Airport convenience is great, but it comes with extra charges. Booking from a nearby city location could save you £10–£40 or more per day, which can add up very quickly if you’re on a long trip or holiday.
Book with free cancellation
If a company offers free cancellation, book early to lock in a price. Then simply rebook if a cheaper deal pops up.
Filter by total cost
Look out for extra charges—like insurance, fuel policies, or extra driver fees. The lowest base price isn’t always the cheapest overall.
Join loyalty programmes
They’re free to join and often come with perks like discounts or free upgrades, so you might as well sign up.
Smart bookings > early bookings
There’s no universal rule for the best time to book a car hire—it depends on your location, travel dates, and flexibility.
Plan ahead for savings and selection. Hold out for last-minute deals only if you can be flexible on timing and car type.
Skyscanner helps you compare car hire prices side by side, so you can find the best deal at the right moment.
