When you travel, generally the most frugal way to go is use public transportation to go everywhere. But some places, car rental is really affordable. For example, in Bulgaria car rental was ridiculously cheap, and when I looked into it recently, a car rental in Bucharest was just a few dollars a day.
But whether you’re in a place that has cheap rentals or not, you want to get the lowest price rentals you can, because who wants to overpay?
Here are some tips to get your car rental for as cheaply as possible.
When you’re traveling on a shoestring budget and need to stretch every dollar as far as it will go, car rental might feel like a luxury you can’t afford. The good news? There are savvy tips and tricks you can use to get what you want without breaking the bank. If you’re searching Orlando airport car rental, for instance, you can find solid deals—but with the right approach, you can shave the cost even further and land a rental car that works with your budget.
Get it right, and your rental could even beat the cost of public transportation, with the added bonus of unbeatable convenience and flexibility. Here are some great ways to squeeze every drop of value out of your budget and land the cheapest car rental rates available.
Always Book as Early as Possible and Be Flexible
Rental prices tend to climb the closer you get to your travel date, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends. Booking a few weeks ahead gives you a better chance of locking in low rates.
If your schedule allows it, experiment with different pickup and drop-off dates. You might find that renting a car on a Tuesday costs significantly less than doing so on a Friday or Saturday.
Don’t Just Show Up at the Airport and Hope for a Deal
Airport car rental locations usually add extra fees and surcharges if you’re a walk-in. Get your deal sorted before your trip and enjoy the convenience of picking up your car at the airport without the eye-watering costs of last-minute booking.
Check Discount and Coupon Sites for Deals
Use deal-finding websites like Kayak, Expedia, or AutoSlash that automatically apply discounts and compare prices across rental agencies. Once you find a good rate, visit the rental company’s own site—sometimes they offer exclusive web-only deals that beat coupon prices.
Stick with the Most Economical Car You Can Rent
If you’re on a tight budget, choose the economy or compact car class. These are usually the cheapest to rent and most fuel-efficient. Even if you’re offered an upgrade at the counter, say no—you might get one for free if they’ve run out of compacts.
Skip the Extra Insurance Costs
Rental companies often try to upsell collision insurance. But if you have personal auto insurance or a credit card that includes rental coverage, you may already be protected. Double-check your coverage so you can confidently decline those expensive add-ons.
Don’t Prepay for Gas
Prepaid fuel might sound convenient, but it’s rarely a good deal unless you return the car on empty. Instead, fill up yourself before returning the car—ideally at a gas station away from the airport, where prices are lower.
Watch Out for Add-Ons
Decline extras like GPS units, toll packages, and other unnecessary add-ons unless you truly need them. Use your phone for navigation and research toll roads ahead of time. These little extras can quietly double your rental cost if you’re not paying attention.
When you’re counting every dollar, every small saving adds up. Follow these budget-friendly tips and you can get a rental car that fits both your needs and your wallet.
