Car Rental in Ottawa

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Ottawa, Canada
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Ottawa Airport
Economy
Kia Soul or similar
Kia Soul
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Routes Car Rental
$54.23 / per day
Ottawa Airport
Compact
Nissan Versa or similar
Nissan Versa
  • 5
  • 2
  • 2
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$59.02 / per day
Ottawa Airport
Intermediate
Hyundai Elantra or similar
Hyundai Elantra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$63.67 / per day
Ottawa Airport
Standard Regular Cab Pickup
Chevrolet Colorado or similar
Chevrolet Colorado
  • 4
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
$68.43 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Ottawa Airport
Full-size
Chevrolet Malibu or similar
Chevrolet Malibu
  • 5
  • 2
  • 2
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$63.81 / per day
Ottawa Airport
Premium Regular Cab Pickup
Chevrolet Silverado or similar
Chevrolet Silverado
  • 5
  • 4
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$65.16 / per day
Ottawa Airport
Luxury
Audi A4 or similar
Audi A4
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$97.64 / per day
Ottawa Airport
Mini Van
Dodge Grand Caravan or similar
Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 7
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$98.77 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 08:19 on 2024-04-20. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
English, French
Currency
CAD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$71 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
40 - 70 km/h or 25 - 43 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 110 km/h or 50 - 68 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
9.1 / 10

Why rent a car in Ottawa?

Ottawa, Canada’s capital city,  is a great place for renting a car as some of the best things to do in Ottawa lie outside of the city. There’s plenty to enjoy in Ottawa, too, from interesting architecture to classy museums and large public parks. With a rental car, nearby Montreal or Quebec and Ontario’s beautiful national parks are also within your reach.
Ottawa

One-Way Car Rentals in Ottawa

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Ottawa and drop off in another city include:

  • From Ottawa to Toronto - 34 offers from $74.51 per day

Top ways to enter Ottawa

  • Ottawa Airport: Although not as large as some other airports in Eastern Canada, flying here is still the most convenient way to reach the capital city. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport handled over five million travelers in 2018 and provides flights to all the largest cities in Canada, the United States, and beyond. Located 13 km (8.1 mi) south of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 20 minutes. 
  • Montreal Airport: Located just 184 km (114 mi) east of Ottawa, Montreal-Trudeau Airport has flights to and from many destinations in North America, as well as in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The airport is expected to handle 20 million travelers in 2019 for the first time in its history.
  • Toronto Pearson Airport: With 49 million served passengers in 2018, Toronto Airport is by far the largest in Canada and one of the busiest in the Americas. A hub for Air Canada, West Jet, and a number of other companies, the airport has flights to and from all inhabited continents of the world. Located 460 km (285 mi) southwest of Ottawa, Toronto Airport can be reached in about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

City facts

  • Ottawa has a humid continental climate with warm summers, cold winters, and four separate seasons. The average high temperature is 26.6 °C (79.9 °F) in July, the warmest month, and -5.8 °C (21.6 °F) in January, the coldest. Ottawa has rather high precipitation throughout the year. It’s quite rainy from May to October; in winter, the city experiences a lot of snowfall.
  • Although Ottawa is Canada’s capital, it is only the fourth most-populated city in the country. Just over 1 million people live in Ottawa and its metropolitan area.A culturally and linguistically diverse city, Ottawa is home to diasporas from all over the world; many indigenous Canadians also live in the city.
  • Ottawa borders Gatineau, a city in the Quebec region that is just across the Ottawa River. Together they form the National Capital Region. Unlike Ottawa, Gatineau is overwhelmingly French-speaking.

Top destinations and activities

  • Parliament Hill. Located in the very center of the city and overlooking the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is the number one landmark of Canada's capital. Here you can visit the Parliament of Canada, the House of Commons, the Senate, and the recently renovated Library of Parliament. Known simply as The Hill by locals, the former military fort was turned into a governmental hub in the mid-19th century.
  • Canada Museum of Nature. Full of artifacts, fossils, and fascinating stories, this modern and interactive museum is the best place to learn about Canada's history, geology, and animals. First established more than 160 years ago, this is nowadays one of the most modern and advanced cultural institutions of its kind in North America. Visit the museum’s official website to learn more. 
  • National Gallery. Worth visiting for its unique building alone, the National Gallery is home to some of Canada's finest artworks. Covering both classical and contemporary art, it features works by practically all of the most notable Canadian masters, as well as artists of international fame such as Botticelli, Matisse, and Turner.
  • Rideau Canal. If you’re visiting Ottawa during the colder months of the year, be sure to try ice skating on the city’s canal. Often frozen over for months, skating on the Rideau Canal is one of the favorite pastimes of locals and tourists alike. Near the canal, you’ll find skate rental places, as well as cafes to keep you fuelled while you’re on the ice. 

Traffic and parking

  • The speed limits vary between different roads. The general limits are 90 km/h to 110 km/h on motorways and outside cities and from 30 km/h to 50 km/h inside cities.
  • The legal alcohol limit is 0.05%. Driving under influence exceeding the limit is a criminal offence and can lead to hefty fines, a driving ban, and even imprisonment.
  • The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
  • If you’re the driver, you need to have your license with you at all times.
  • Using the mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The rule is strictly imposed with high fines.
  • The phone number for emergencies is 911.

Toll roads

There are a number of toll roads in eastern Canada. 

Ontario Highway 407 is toll road for which you can only pay electronically. As you will be driving a rental car, the bill will be automatically sent to your rental car provider. The exact fee will depend on how long will you drive along this road. Some rental providers do include an additional toll charge fee. Do get in touch with your rental car provider in advance to find out more. Visit the official Highway 407 website to find out more information about fees and payment methods.

Highway 412 is another toll road in Ontario. It is part of the same toll system as the Highway 407. The exact fee will depend on the time of the day and the day of the week of your travel, as well as the length of your travel along this road. 

There are some other toll roads in Ontario. Do look them up in advance depending on your planned route. 

In the rest of Canada, payment method and fees differ for different toll roads. It is best to look them up in advance, finding the information for each province in which you plan to travel. You can also use a toll calculator to calculate the approximate fees for your upcoming ride.

Ideas for day trips

  • Montreal. The capital of French-speaking Canada, nearby Montreal is one of the most interesting cities of North America thanks to its unique history, culture, and atmosphere.
  • Algonquin Provincial Park. This nature area is about 240 km (150 mi) from Ottawa, but the rather long road is nevertheless worth traveling. The park is home to countless fauna and flora  species associated with Canada, from moose, white-tailed deer, bears, and great grey owls to sugar maple. 
  • Gatineau. Just across the river, Gatineau's main attraction is the famous Canadian Museum of History. Previously called Canadian Museum of Civilization, it tells the long story of human settlement in Canada, from First Nations migrating on the Bering Strait to Vikings settling on the eastern coast and Western European colonists arriving 500 years ago. 

Most popular cars

The most picked rental car in Canada is the Kia Rio, although travelers also love the Jeep Wrangler and the Nissan Rogue. The most popular rental car types are economy, intermediate, and fullsize. The latter can be a good choice if you plan to travel outside Ottawa and into nature areas.

Further destinations

  • Toronto. About a  four-hour drive southwest of Ottawa, Ontario's (and Canada’s) largest city is a great place to visit thanks to its unique neighborhoods, bustling arts scene, and hip atmosphere. Don’t miss out on landmarks like the CN Tower and Black Creek Pioneer Village, then drive to explore nearby Niagara.
  • Quebec. Located right across the river from Ottawa, the mainly French-speaking region of Quebec is not just the aforementioned Montreal. Attractions of this culturally distinct region include its sophisticated capital, Quebec City, whale-watching in Saguenay, and no fewer than 22 national parks.
  • The United States. Vast, culturally fascinating, and with endless things to see and do, you might naturally feel tempted to visit Canada’s southern neighbor. Famous cities like Detroit, Boston, and New York are all a seven-to-eight-hour drive away from Ottawa. There are car rental companies that permit cross-border travel (you can find those by inserting car pickup and dropoff locations on our website), but you should check to see if you need a visa to visit the United States.

Car Rental Prices in Ottawa

  • Large cars - from $62 per day
  • Medium cars - from $56 per day
  • Vans - from $99 per day
  • Premium cars - from $65 per day
  • Small cars - from $54 per day
  • SUVs - from $58 per day

Money-saving tips

Follow these tips to get a good rental car deal in in Ottawa:

  • Compare rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Ottawa is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 59% cheaper than the yearly average.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Hannah
This article was reviewed and updated by Hannah, the adventurer behind That Adventurer, a travel blog for active travellers. If you like exploring new places by hiking, biking, kayaking or paddleboarding, then you’ll enjoy That Adventurer’s travel guides. Originally from the UK, Hannah has lived in Canada, Norway and France.

Top 20 Cities near Ottawa

  1. Montreal from $40.72 per day
    151.5 km / 94.1 miles
  2. Richmond Hill from $57.32 per day
    338.7 km / 210.5 miles
  3. Toronto from $18.17 per day
    363.5 km / 225.9 miles
  4. Mississauga from $28.72 per day
    365.9 km / 227.4 miles
  5. Quebec City from $34.87 per day
    368.1 km / 228.7 miles
  6. Hamilton from $57.38 per day
    415.3 km / 258.1 miles
  7. London from $34.87 per day
    505.7 km / 314.2 miles
  8. Windsor from $57.38 per day
    675.5 km / 419.7 miles
  9. Dieppe from $41.27 per day
    857.1 km / 532.6 miles
  10. Halifax from $37.23 per day
    954.8 km / 593.3 miles
  11. Thunder Bay from $57.01 per day
    1,090.7 km / 677.7 miles
  12. Deer Lake from $58.80 per day
    1,441.2 km / 895.5 miles
  13. Winnipeg from $57.01 per day
    1,688.5 km / 1,049.2 miles
  14. St. John's from $38.27 per day
    1,766.9 km / 1,097.9 miles
  15. Regina from $34.91 per day
    2,220.3 km / 1,379.6 miles
  16. Saskatoon from $56.95 per day
    2,377.9 km / 1,477.6 miles
  17. Edmonton from $56.98 per day
    2,849.4 km / 1,770.5 miles
  18. Calgary from $35.96 per day
    2,878.6 km / 1,788.7 miles
  19. Kelowna from $51.45 per day
    3,267.2 km / 2,030.1 miles
  20. Kamloops from $49.75 per day
    3,331.1 km / 2,069.8 miles

Top 20 Locations near Ottawa

  1. Ottawa Airport from $54.23 per day
  2. Montreal Airport from $40.72 per day
    151.5 km / 94.1 miles
  3. Downtown from $28.67 per day
    350 km / 217.5 miles
  4. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from $57.05 per day
    350.6 km / 217.9 miles
  5. Toronto Airport from $18.17 per day
    363.5 km / 225.9 miles
  6. Quebec City Airport from $56.88 per day
    368.1 km / 228.7 miles
  7. Hamilton Airport
    415.3 km / 258.1 miles
  8. Windsor International Airport from $57.38 per day
    675.5 km / 419.7 miles
  9. Greater Moncton International Airport from $41.27 per day
    857.1 km / 532.6 miles
  10. Thunder Bay International Airport from $57.01 per day
    1,090.7 km / 677.7 miles
  11. Winnipeg Airport from $57.01 per day
    1,688.5 km / 1,049.2 miles
  12. St. John's International Airport from $44.47 per day
    1,766.9 km / 1,097.9 miles
  13. Regina International Airport from $57.32 per day
    2,220.3 km / 1,379.6 miles
  14. Saskatoon Airport from $56.95 per day
    2,377.9 km / 1,477.6 miles
  15. Edmonton Airport from $56.98 per day
    2,849.4 km / 1,770.5 miles
  16. Calgary Airport from $35.96 per day
    2,878.6 km / 1,788.7 miles
  17. Downtown from $57.38 per day
    2,881.9 km / 1,790.7 miles
  18. Kelowna Airport from $57.24 per day
    3,267.2 km / 2,030.1 miles
  19. Kamloops Airport from $49.75 per day
    3,331.1 km / 2,069.8 miles
  20. Prince George Airport from $49.87 per day
    3,448.9 km / 2,143 miles

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Ottawa?

Car rental prices in Ottawa vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Ottawa
$68.02
January
$54.85
February
$25.44
March
$26.86
April
$42.96
May
$59.38
June
$75.49
July
$75.40
August
$56.03
September
$47.30
October
$45.08
November
$57.81
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Ottawa is March (when prices average $25.44 per day). This is 52% cheaper than the yearly average and 66% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $75.49).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Ottawa?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in August, the average renter keeps their car for 19 days, and in February, they keep their car for 4 days.
Average number of rental days in Ottawa
9
January
4
February
5
March
5
April
4
May
7
June
6
July
19
August
5
September
9
October
5
November
7
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Ottawa?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Ottawa is June, and the least popular is February.
Monthly searches in Ottawa by pick-up date relative to the average
12%
January
4%
February
102%
March
134%
April
224%
May
268%
June
268%
July
102%
August
20%
September
20%
October
8%
November
37%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 6
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Routes Car Rental, Europcar, Alamo, Avis, National
Popular car categories Large cars, SUVs, Vans, Small cars
Lowest price $54 per day
Cheapest supplier Routes Car Rental

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Routes Car Rental Toyota Corolla 4 1 Large cars
Routes Car Rental Nissan Rogue 5 3 SUVs
Routes Car Rental Kia Forte 4 3 Large cars
Europcar Dodge Caravan 4 4 Vans
Routes Car Rental Kia Soul 5 2 Small cars
Europcar Kia Forte 5 2 Large cars
Europcar Ford Escape 5 2 SUVs
Alamo Chevrolet Spark 3 2 Small cars
Routes Car Rental Dodge RAM 1500 4 4 Premium cars
Routes Car Rental Nissan Versa 5 2 Medium cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Canada
Nissan Rogue
August 16, 2023
Wedding Toured Ottawa
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
December 20, 2022
customer photo customer photo customer photo customer photo
Canada
Toyota Corolla
April 9, 2021
The cleanliness of the shuttle van was poor, there was visible food on the seats and floor on our pick up and drop off.
Canada
Honda Civic
August 15, 2019
Just plan for a bit of time to go there.
United States of America (USA)
Jeep Cherokee
February 11, 2019
Fairly small city. Lots of historical buildings. People are friendly and you don't have to speak French like you do in Quebec or Montreal.
Canada
Jeep Cherokee
January 25, 2019
Great place to see and you need to rent a car so you can go and do things at your own pace
Germany
Toyota Yaris Advance
January 2, 2019
make sure you get a rental right at the aiport!
Canada
Kia Rio
October 9, 2018
Ottawa is a fantastic destination. A car is handy for side trips to places like the Gatineau or Merrickville
Canada
Kia Rio
September 20, 2018
Did not see much of Ottawa as we were just visiting family there. We drove about an hour away visiting Perth, Newboro and Elgin and other areas in the Rideau Lakes district. We really enjoyed the beauty of the countryside. We had our folding bikes along enabling us to enjoy part of the Cataraqui trail (former railbed). It was a very good experience.
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Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Alamo
8.5 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Routes Car Rental
7.2 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
10
Total rental companies
10
Average daily price
$71.34
Lowest daily price
$54.23
Total cars available
71

Top 10 Suppliers in Ottawa in 2024

Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.5 / 5 reviews
1 location
$60 - $172
Avis
Avis
Very good 8.2 / 3 reviews
3 locations
$57 - $184
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.1
1 location
National
National
Very good 8.1
1 location
$65 - $181
Dollar
Dollar
Good 7.9
5 locations
Budget
Budget
Good 7.7
1 location
Enterprise
Enterprise
Good 7.7
2 locations
Thrifty
Thrifty
Good 7.7
6 locations
Europcar
Europcar
Good 7.4 / 3 reviews
1 location
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Good 7.2 / 205 reviews
1 location
$54 - $219
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Ottawa

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