Knowing when is the best time to rent a car depends a lot on your travel destination and the period of the year. Generally, the best time to book a car is six to twelve months in advance if you’re traveling with a big group during peak season. In some other cases, a last minute booking can be cheaper. Follow the guide.
When is the best time to book a rental car?
One of the main questions people ask when trying to find the best deal on a rental car is about the best time to book. Does the day of the week make a difference in getting a cheap rental car? Is it better to book weeks in advance or does it not make a huge difference? When do car rental prices drop? These are all important things to wonder, and the answers may surprise you.
Why prices fluctuate
The first thing to keep in mind is that rental car prices change a lot, and there are a number of factors that determine the price on any given day. Prices can fluctuate because of the season, a particular holiday, the car category, the rental company and timing, just to name a few.
In general, rental companies want to rent out as many cars as possible, just like hotels want to rent out as many rooms as possible. They’ll price cars competitively to increase demand, but when demand is high, they may raise prices to capitalize on it.
Keep in mind that the base price is the most likely thing to change. All of the additional elements of the rental, from young driver fees to baby seats to ski racks, will stay the same price regardless of the timing. This background information will help explain how far in advance you should book your rental car.
When it’s best to book in advance
If you know you’ll be renting a car during a busy period when prices are likely to be the highest, it pays to book as much as six to twelve months in advance. If you’re traveling with a big group or with kids, and you’ll need a minibus, a large van and extra amenities, you should start your search early.
When “Last minute” is the best time to rent a car
If you know you’ll be renting during a less busy period or you’re flexible with your dates, it’s acceptable to book closer to your rental date. If you’re traveling alone, with your partner, or in a small group, and you don’t have any special requirements, you can leave it a little late.
The golden rule
The golden rule for the cheapest car rental is simple – book a car in a common category like compacts and full-size sedans in a popular destination at an off-peak time of the year around 1-3 months in advance. This is effective for a large number of cases if these circumstances fit your travel plans.
This post is part of our Car Rental Guide.
Frequent questions about the best time to book a car rental
There is no official proof to say that the prices of rental cars depend on the day of the week. The fluctuations in prices will vary depending on the season during your search, the destination you are targeting, the type of car, and whether it’s an area with many car rental companies or only a few providers.
Car rental companies want to rent out as many cars as possible, which is why you may notice prices dropping for some destinations during the low tourist season, when you get closer to the date. However, in the last 48 hours, prices tend to rise again, as travelers are willing to pay more when they have limited options left.
