How and where to find a cheap rental car in 2025?
Finding a cheap car rental is easier than ever if you know where to look and how to book smart
A cheap car rental isn’t just about grabbing the lowest number you see on a booking site—it’s about getting the car you need, at a price that feels like you outsmarted the system, without the ‘surprise’ charges lurking at checkout.
This article contains affiliate links.
What to know before booking a rental car
Booking a rental car sounds simple—pick a date, pick a ride, pay, done. But if you’re chasing a cheap car rental, the details matter more than you think. Ever noticed how that cheap deal somehow turns into double once you reach the checkout? That’s the magic of hidden fees: insurance add-ons, fuel charges, and the infamous “one-way” cost.
Before booking, check exactly what’s included in the rate. Is there unlimited mileage, or do they charge per mile? Will you need to return the car with a full tank, and what happens if you’re late? Even small timing changes can cost you.
Best sites for finding a cheap car rental
Finding a cheap car rental is much easier when you’ve got the right tools in your back pocket. Price comparison sites do the heavy lifting, showing you rates from dozens of companies in one go—no endless tab-hopping required.
Visitteo
Visitteo is all about making the price hunt effortless. As a dedicated price comparison site, it gathers rates from hundreds of rental companies—both big names and smaller local providers—and lines them up so you can spot the cheapest deal at a glance. In most cases, you will find the same car with different prices, and even save up to 70%. How cool is that?
Discover Cars
Discover Cars is a favorite for travelers who want more than just a cheap car rental—they want flexibility. It shows transparent prices, clear insurance info, and real customer reviews alongside each deal. You can often score free cancellation and filter by fuel policy or mileage limits, making it easier to find a bargain that actually fits your trip.
EconomyBookings
EconomyBookings works like a budget hunter’s shortcut to the cheapest cars. Its price comparison engine scans offers from over 800 rental providers worldwide, from well-known chains to local agencies you might never stumble across otherwise. For travelers who want the lowest price without the hassle of endless searches, EconomyBookings is a solid go-to.
Price comparison
When you’re chasing the lowest rate, a good price comparison tool isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. That’s where Visitteo comes in. It’s designed to make finding a cheap car rental feel less like a guessing game and more like a quick, calculated win.
Visitteo works on what you could call a “third level” of comparison. First, there are the individual rental companies. Then, you have aggregator sites like Discover Cars and EconomyBookings that pull offers from those companies. Finally, Visitteo steps in—it compares those comparison sites against each other, stacking all their results in one place.
The real kicker? For a single destination search, Visitteo shows one of the largest selections of offers you’ll find anywhere online. That means you’re far less likely to miss a hidden bargain. With all that data in one place, the cheapest deal isn’t just easier to find—it’s harder to miss.
Best booking hacks for cheap rental cars
Compare prices on Visitteo. If you’re hunting for a cheap car rental, Visitteo makes it simple and fast. With one search, it compares rates from top rental companies and other comparison sites, showing you a wide selection of cars, prices, and rental conditions. The result? You can easily spot the best value without jumping between multiple websites.
Check for hidden fees. Those tempting base rates can balloon with add-ons like airport surcharges, young driver fees, or charges for extra drivers. Before you hit “book,” scroll through the full price breakdown. Being clear on the total cost upfront is the easiest way to avoid a cheap car rental from becoming an expensive surprise.
Choose the right car. The lowest price tag isn’t always the smartest choice. Think about passenger space, luggage needs, and fuel efficiency before you decide. Picking the right fit means saving money without compromising comfort.
Book in advance. Once your travel dates are locked, grab your rental sooner rather than later. Early bookings often mean lower prices and more options to choose from. That way, you’re more likely to snag the best cheap car rental before demand drives the price up.
Understand mileage limits. Some deals look great until you notice the mileage cap. If you’re planning longer drives, choose unlimited mileage from the start. It keeps your trip flexible and your cheap car rental truly budget-friendly.
Skip extras. GPS units, child seats, even roadside assistance—they all add up. Bring your gear where possible, and check whether your credit card or insurance already includes coverage. You’ll cut costs without cutting convenience.
When is the best time to search for a cheap car rental?
Timing isn’t everything, but when you’re chasing a cheap car rental, it comes pretty close. Book too far ahead, and you might pay a premium for peace of mind. Leave it until the last minute and—well—be ready for a rate that looks like it belongs in peak holiday season.
Most seasoned travelers swear by a window of roughly three to six weeks before pickup. That’s when there’s still plenty of stock on the lot, but companies start nudging prices down to outshine their competitors. Oddly enough, your pickup day matters too—midweek, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, can be noticeably cheaper than a Friday start.
Seasons play their part. Early autumn and late winter often bring softer prices, while summer holidays push them up. And here’s a little side note—setting alerts on a tool like Visitteo means you’ll know the moment a price dips, so you can grab that cheap car rental before someone else does.
Same car, different prices
Ever notice how the same car—same make, same model, same rental company—can have wildly different prices depending on where you book? It’s like shopping for milk at three different stores and finding three completely different price tags. That’s where Visitteo earns its keep if you’re chasing a cheap car rental.
Here’s the thing: Visitteo doesn’t just compare individual rental companies. It also lines up the prices from other comparison sites, side by side. Think of it like a “comparison of comparisons.” If one platform lists that compact sedan at €45 a day and another shows €38 for the same booking, you’ll see it instantly. No tab overload, no wondering if you missed a better deal hiding in a corner of the internet.
Opt for economy cars
Economy cars are usually the cheapest option on the lot—and because of that, they’re often the first to sell out. Sounds like a disadvantage, right? But here’s the twist: rental companies don’t want to leave you stranded, so if they run out of economy models when you arrive, you might get bumped up to a larger car at no extra cost. It’s a gamble, but one that can pay off nicely.
That said, don’t get carried away with the bargain hunt. Book something that fits your needs. Trying to squeeze five people and all their bags into a two-door coupe isn’t a road trip—it’s a test of patience and lower-back strength.
And here’s another angle: economy cars aren’t just cheaper up front, they usually sip less fuel. On longer trips, that better mileage can make a noticeable dent in your travel budget, keeping your “cheap car rental” genuinely cheap from pickup to drop-off.
Don’t miss these car rental guides
A cheap car rental can feel like a win… until local rules and sneaky fees turn it into the most expensive part of your trip. The truth? Every country plays by its rulebook. Here’s where to get the inside scoop before you book.
Croatia. Stunning coastal highways and national park detours. Our car rental guide for Croatia covers border rules and why you should check ferry restrictions before planning island-hopping by car.
Italy. Beauty, chaos, and traffic zones that seem designed to trip up tourists. Our guide to renting a car in Italy explains ZTL areas, confusing parking rules, and how to avoid the dreaded fine that appears months later.
Greece. Tight island streets, ferry schedules, and rental insurance that work differently than you expect. Our Greece car rental guide breaks down the essentials, from fuel prices to toll roads, so you’re ready before the engine even starts.
Germany. Fast lanes, fast drivers, and rules that don’t forgive ignorance. Our guide to renting a car in Germany covers license requirements, speed limits (yes, even on the Autobahn), and those low-emission zones in major cities. You’ll also pick up small but vital tips, like how self-service fuel stations work after hours.
Portugal. Gorgeous coastal drives, electronic tolls, and parking rules that shift from town to town. Our guide for renting a car in Portugal explains it all, plus how to dodge the upsells and still keep your cheap car rental fully insured.
Spain. Airport surcharges, one-way fees, and driving customs vary by region. Our Spain car rental guide shows you how to avoid the traps—and why renting on a Monday might cost less than starting on a Friday.
France. Roundabouts, toll booths, and speed cameras tucked behind hedges. A guide for renting a car in France helps you navigate them, while also explaining cross-border paperwork and fuel station quirks that can throw off unprepared travelers.
FAQs
There’s no magic number, but for most trips, three to six weeks ahead hits the sweet spot. Book too soon, and you might miss price drops; wait until the last minute, and you’re at the mercy of whatever’s left.
It’s the booking game—each site negotiates differently, adds its own fees, or runs promos. One way to cut through the noise? Use a tool like Visitteo to compare everything in one go.
Airport surcharges, young driver fees, extra driver charges… even that “free” GPS can add up. The trick is checking the final price before you click “confirm.”
City pickups often cost less because you skip airport surcharges. Just make sure you factor in the cost (and time) to get there.
Some companies accept debit cards, but be prepared for higher deposits or additional paperwork. It’s worth calling ahead so you’re not stranded at the counter.
Basic insurance is usually baked in, but it’s minimal. Your credit card or travel insurance might already cover what the rental desk is selling you.
Midweek is your friend—Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be calmer for bookings, which often means better prices.
Some budget deals come with caps, and exceeding them can be costly. If you’re road-tripping, go for unlimited mileage—it’s worth the peace of mind.
The fastest and most efficient way is to use a tool like Visitteo. It compares prices not only from individual rental companies but also from other comparison sites, showing all the offers in one place. This way, you can spot where the best car rental deal is for your dates in seconds, without opening a dozen different websites.
