Toronto car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Toronto
The best car rental companies in Toronto are Hertz, Avis, Enterprise. Prices start from €36/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 12%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Toronto
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Hertz
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €450Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€40/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#2
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €450Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€39/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#3
Enterprise
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€38/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€37/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €420Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€42/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#6
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€39/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#7
Sixt
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €460Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€45/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#8
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €380Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€36/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
#9
Discount Car and Truck Rental
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
base rate
View Discount Car and Truck Rental deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Toronto
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €36 | Chevrolet Spark | 4 |
| Compact | €42 | Toyota Corolla | 5 |
| SUV | €65 | Toyota RAV4 | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €95 | Dodge Grand Caravan | 7 |
| Luxury | €115 | BMW 3 Series | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Toronto
Airport — Toronto Pearson International Airport
Pearson (YYZ) sits about 22km northwest of downtown Toronto, roughly a 30-40 minute drive via Highway 401 depending on traffic. Most agencies operate from a shared consolidated rental car facility reached by a short shuttle from the terminals. Canada drives on the right.
Downtown — Downtown Toronto
Downtown desks suit travelers who want to explore the city core by transit first and pick up a car later for day trips like Niagara Falls.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Winter tire / snow surcharge | €8–15/day | Rentals between November and April |
| Airport surcharge | ~12% of base rate | Pearson (YYZ) airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €12–20/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €6–10/day | Per extra driver |
| Cross-border to USA | Advance notice required, some companies charge extra | Driving into New York State or Michigan |
| Refundable deposit | €350–460 | Standard credit-card hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Toronto
- Pearson Airport (YYZ) sits about 22km northwest of downtown, with most rental agencies grouped in a single consolidated rental car facility reached by shuttle.
- Canada drives on the right, the same side as the US.
- Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Toronto's local currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD).
- Winter driving (roughly November to April) can bring snow and ice on the 401 — many agencies add a seasonal tire surcharge and some cars come equipped with winter tires by default.
- The 407 ETR is a toll expressway around the city — rental cars are usually billed automatically for tolls via the plate, added to your final invoice.
- Niagara Falls is a popular day trip, about 90 minutes southwest of the city by car.
- Crossing into the United States (e.g., to Niagara Falls, NY or Buffalo) is usually allowed but should be confirmed with the rental company in advance, since not all policies cover cross-border driving.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Toronto
Do you need a car in Toronto?
Downtown Toronto is very walkable and has good transit, but a car is useful for day trips to Niagara Falls, Muskoka, or wine country in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
How far is Pearson Airport (YYZ) from downtown Toronto?
About 22km, roughly a 30-40 minute drive depending on traffic, with most rental counters based in a shared consolidated facility near the terminals.
What currency are prices shown in for Toronto?
Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Toronto's local currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD).
Do I need winter tires to rent a car in Toronto?
Many agencies fit winter tires automatically between November and April, sometimes with a small daily surcharge, given snow and ice conditions on highways like the 401.
Can I drive a Toronto rental car into the United States?
Usually yes for short trips like Niagara Falls, NY, but confirm cross-border coverage with the rental company before you leave, since not all policies include it.
What is the cheapest car type in Toronto?
Economy cars like a Chevrolet Spark start around €36/day. An SUV starts around €65/day.
Are there tolls I should expect around Toronto?
The 407 ETR is a toll expressway around the city; rental companies typically bill toll usage automatically to your final invoice.
