Car Rental in Canada | SIXT rent a car (2024)

FAQs

Can I drive a rental car in Canada with a US license? ›

Foreigners can rent a car in Canada as long as their valid driver's license is in English or French or have an international license valid for 90 days and the license is valid for the type of vehicle considered for hire. Their home country driver's license is valid, unexpired, and includes a photograph.

Renting a car in Canada offers the best flexibility when exploring the country, and it can also be the quickest way to travel, second only to flying. Freight train traffic takes priority in Canada, so traveling by train can often come with delays.

Renting a car in the US and driving to Canada

Sometimes the car prices are significantly cheaper in the USA, so renting it in the USA might be a good option especially if you were planning on combining the 2 countries on your trip anyway.

Due to reciprocal laws between the U.S. and Canada, your car insurance will most likely still apply while driving in Canada. This may depend on your provider, but many of the major car insurance providers will qualify for Canadian coverage, unless they specifically offer international car insurance policies for Canada.

The driver needs a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative enhanced driver's licence. Those travelling on military orders must show their Military ID. Native Americans must have Tribal ID cards. Car rental documents, including U.S. auto insurance or Canadian Non-Resident Insurance are required.

Americans should have no problem driving a rental car into Canada. However, if you are a dual U.S. / Canadian citizen or have a permanent residence in the country, make sure to ask the rental company to issue you a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card.

Foreign driver's licences and minimum age. As a tourist, you can usually rent a vehicle and drive with a valid driver's licence from your home country.

Many visitors who rent a car in Canada ask whether they need to have a special license in order to drive here. The answer is simple: no, you do not.

If you don't have a vehicle, you can get coverage from the rental or credit card companies. Unlike personal car insurance, rental car insurance is not legally required in Canada. While it's not mandatory, it's generally recommended for the protection it offers while driving a rental car.

What side of the road does Canada drive on? ›

General driving rules, laws and regulations in Canada; Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road. Pass others on the left hand side of the road. Always give way to pedestrians on pedestrian crossings.

But essentially it's a matter of supply & demand, and has only gotten worse through the pandemic and afterwards. Count yourself lucky you aren't trying to rent one in Newfoundland.... Car rental prices are very expensive, have been for a few years now... If you have a discount code with a credit card it might help.

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an IDP for foreign drivers.

Before renting a car in Canada, make sure that the principal driver and all additional drivers are all at least 21 years of age and that they have a minimum of 12 months of driving experience. Drivers from 21 to 24 years of age are required to provide a higher deposit than drivers 25 years and over.

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an IDP for foreign drivers.

Many visitors who rent a car in Canada ask whether they need to have a special license in order to drive here. The answer is simple: no, you do not.

If you plan to use a foreign driver's licence in Canada, you should get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country. An IDP will give you a translation of your licence into French and English.

In most cases, you'll need only your valid driver's license and an Avis-honored credit card. The license acts as a form of ID and can be used to prove you have an acceptable driving record. The credit card acts as proof that you can pay for your rental after you return the car.