For most travelers, renting a car can be an important part of their travel plans. But do you know, “When is the best time to book a rental car?” If you know the right time to book a rental car, you can save money, get better vehicle options, and have a smoother travel experience.
So, let’s continue with this article and explore the most important factors to help you decide when to book a rental car for the best results.
Book Early to Get the Best Deals
One of the best ways to book a rental car is to book early. The earlier you reserve your vehicle, the lower the rates you can get. Rental car prices often increase as the rental date gets closer, especially during peak seasons like summer or holidays. Booking two to three months in advance usually provides better options at lower prices. The earlier you book, the more chances you find special deals or discounts that may not be available at the last minute.
📅Rental car prices increase as the travel date gets closer, especially during peak seasons like:
🔥 Summer
🎄 Holidays (Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, etc.)
🌸 Spring Break
✅ Best time to book: 2-3 months in advance
✅ Benefits:
- Lower prices 🏷️
- More car options 🚗
- Higher chances of finding special discounts 🎉
Say No to Last-Minute Bookings
Yes, booking early can save you money, but booking right before your trip can cost you more. Last-minute bookings usually come with higher prices. This is because rental companies know that people booking close to their travel dates are in urgent need and can pay more. Also, availability becomes limited, meaning you may not get the type of vehicle you want. To avoid these issues, planning and booking as early as possible is good.
❌ Why are last-minute bookings expensive?
- Rental companies know you need a car and can charge higher 🏷️
- Limited availability means you might not get your preferred car 🚗
- You may miss out on discounts 💰
Book During the Week for Lower Prices
Rental car prices can change depending on the day of the week. Generally, weekdays offer more reasonable prices than weekends. Many people plan trips on the weekend, which increases the demand for rental cars on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. To get the best price, try booking your rental car on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Rental companies may also offer lower rates during these days to have reservations for their left vehicle. So, it is a good time to book your suitable car.
📆 Rental car prices fluctuate depending on the day of the week.
| Day of Booking | Price Trend |
| Tuesday & Wednesday | Cheapest 🚗💰 |
| Friday – Sunday | Expensive 🚨 |
✅ Why? Many people book rentals on weekends for trips, increasing demand.
Consider the Off-Season for Cheaper Rates
The time of year you book your rental car can also affect the price. Peak travel seasons like summer, winter holidays, and spring break generally have the highest rental car rates. If you want to save money, try to make bookings during the off-season when demand is lower. During these times, rental companies often reduce their prices to attract customers. You can take advantage of these lower rates by planning your trip outside of peak periods. You will also have less competition for the car you want and get your favorite car easily without any delay.
❌ Expensive periods:
- 🌞 Summer vacations
- 🎄 Winter holidays
- 🌸 Spring break
✅ Cheaper periods:
- 🍂 Fall (September – November)
- ❄️ Early winter (January – February)
Use Flexible Booking Options
If you can adjust your travel dates or times, you might find better rental car deals. Many rental companies offer free cancellations or changes to your reservation. By booking early and keeping an eye on price reduction, you can rebook if the price drops closer to your rental date. This approach helps you secure a low price, and you will not lose money if you find a better deal later. Always choose a rental company that offers free cancellations or changes to give yourself the most flexibility.
🔄 Many rental companies offer free cancellations or changes.
✅ How does it help?
- Book early to lock in a good price 💰
- If prices drop, cancel and rebook at a lower rate ⏳
- No penalty for changes 🚘
Reserve Longer Rentals to Save More
Sometimes, booking a rental car for a longer period can actually offer a cheaper daily rate. Rental companies usually provide discounts for renting a car for a week or more. It is good to book for a few extra days, even if you do not need the car the whole time. You can compare daily rates for different rental periods to see if booking for a longer time saves you money. Many travelers find that they can get a better deal by extending their rental, even if they only need the car for a shorter trip.
📅Sometimes, renting a car for a longer period can be cheaper per day:
| Rental Duration | Daily Price |
| 🚗 1-2 days | High 💰 |
| 🚗 3-6 days | Lower 💰 |
| 🚗 7+ days | Cheapest ✅ |
Look for Special Deals & Discounts
Rental car companies frequently offer special deals, especially during times when fewer people are renting cars. These deals can include discounted rates, free upgrades, or bonus rewards for loyalty program members. You can keep an eye on these special promotions to get a better deal. Also, sign up for newsletters or follow rental companies on social media to get updates on upcoming sales or offers. You can also use comparison websites to check any ongoing deals that can lower your rental costs.
💰Rental car companies often run promotions, especially during low-demand periods.
✅ Ways to find deals:
- Sign up for rental company newsletters 📧
- Follow companies on social media 📱
- Check comparison websites (Kayak, Expedia, Travelouts.com, Rentalcars.com, etc.)
Compare Prices Across Different Companies
Not all rental car companies offer the same rates or vehicles. To confirm that you are getting the best deal, take the time to compare prices with several different companies. You can use online platforms like Kayak, Expedia, or Rentalcars.com to see a side-by-side comparison of rental options. Comparing prices helps you to find the most affordable rental, and it also lets you choose the company with the best policy, such as flexible cancellations or better insurance coverage.
🔍 Best platforms to compare deals:
- 🚗 Kayak
- 🚗 Expedia
- 🚗Travelouts.com
- 🚗 Rentalcars.com
Book at the Right Time of Day
It is very important to choose the right time of day to book your rental car because it also impacts the total rental costs. According to some research, booking in the early morning or late at night can offer lower rates, as fewer people search for rentals at these times. If you book during less busy hours, you may find cheaper options that are not available when demand is higher during the day. Although this is not always a guarantee, it is good to try if you want to save a little extra.
⏰ Yes, the time of day also affects rental prices.
📌 Best times to book:
- Early morning 🌅
- Late night 🌙
✅ Why? Fewer people book at these times, so you may find lower rates.
Rent from Off-Airport Locations
If you are flying into a city and need a rental car, booking from an off-airport location can also save you money. Airport rental locations charge higher rates because of convenience and additional fees, such as airport surcharges. By renting from a location away from the airport, you can avoid these extra costs and find lower rates. Many off-airport rental companies also provide free shuttles to and from the airport, making this a comfy and budget-friendly option.
🚕 Airport rental locations charge higher rates because of extra fees and convenience charges:
✅ Cheaper alternative: Rent from a location outside the airport.
✅ Many off-airport locations offer free shuttle services 🚌.
Avoid Renting During Holidays
Holidays are very busy for travel, and rental car prices usually go up a lot because of high demand. If possible, avoid booking a rental car during main holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, or Thanksgiving. Rental companies know that people are ready to pay more during these peak times, so they can ask for double or even triple prices. Booking outside of holiday periods will give you better rates and more vehicle options, making your trip more affordable.
🎄Rental prices go up a lot during big holidays like:
❌ Christmas 🎄
❌ New Year’s 🎆
❌ Thanksgiving 🦃
Be Aware of Price Drops After Booking
Even after booking your rental car, it is good to keep checking prices before your rental date. If prices drop, you can often rebook at the lower rate and cancel your original reservation without penalty. Some online services and apps will even track price drops for you and update you when it is time to rebook. This easy plan makes sure you get the best deal, even if prices change after you book.
📉 Rental prices change frequently. How to take advantage of price drops?
- Book early with free cancellation 🏷️
- Rebook at a lower price if rates drop 📉
- Use apps that track price drops 📱
Join Rental Car Loyalty Programs
Most major rental car companies offer loyalty programs that provide perks like discounts, free upgrades, and faster service. You can join a loyalty program to take advantage of these benefits and save money on your rental. Many loyalty programs are free to join, and they often provide offers or deals only for members. Joining these programs is an easy way to make sure you get the most for your money.
🏆 Many rental companies offer loyalty programs with benefits like:
✔️ Discounts 💰
✔️ Free upgrades 🚗
✔️ Faster service ⏳
Use Credit Cards Offering Rental Car Benefits
Some credit cards offer benefits specifically for rental cars, such as insurance coverage or discounts. Before booking your rental, check if your credit card provides any of these perks. Using a credit card that offers rental car perks or advantages can help you save money on extra insurance or get discounts on your booking. Be sure to understand the terms of your credit card’s rental car coverage to avoid any confusion later.
💳 Some credit cards provide rental car perks, like:
✔️ Insurance coverage ✅
✔️ Discounts on bookings 💰
✔️ Extra rewards points 🎁
Book Multiple Cars & Keep the Best One
If you are unsure about your plans or want the best price, book cars from different companies. Then, cancel the ones you do not need. Many rental companies allow free cancellations, so you can book a low-price rental while still having other choices. Just remember to cancel any reservations you do not plan to use, as this will free up vehicles for other travelers and save you from paying unnecessary charges.
🚘If you are unsure about your plans:
✅ Book multiple rentals with free cancellations
✅ Cancel the ones you don’t need
Conclusion
You do not need to be stressed while booking a rental car. Just follow these simple tips, and you can find the best time to book a rental car and secure a great deal. If you book early, compare prices, or use special deals, early planning will help you save money and make your trip easier. Remember these suggestions for your next trip, and you will surely get the best rental car at the best price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book a rental car at the last minute?
Sometimes, booking close to your travel date can be cheaper. But this approach is risky as cars might not be available.
Do rental car prices change depending on the day of the week?
Yes, prices can vary by day. Booking on weekends might offer better deals.
Can I change my rental car booking if I find a better deal later?
Yes, many companies let you modify or cancel bookings. Check their policies before booking.
Does the type of car affect the best time to book?
Yes, specialty vehicles like vans or luxury cars are limited. Booking these well in advance is recommended.
Can membership programs help me get better rental car rates?
Yes, memberships like AAA or Costco often offer discounts on rentals.
