Edmonton

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Car Rentals

Options for renting vehicles for local or long-distance travel in and around Edmonton.

Sections

1. Rental Companies in Edmonton

Edmonton has a wide range of car rental companies, including international brands and local providers. Most rental agencies operate at the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and in downtown Edmonton. Here are some popular options:

Major Rental Companies:

  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Multiple locations, including the airport and downtown.
  • Hertz: Available at the airport and other city locations.
  • Avis: Airport and downtown branches.
  • Budget: Airport and city locations.
  • National Car Rental: Airport and select city locations.
  • Alamo: Primarily at the airport.
  • Thrifty/Dollar: Available at the airport and some city locations.

Local Rental Companies:

  • Driving Force: Known for offering a variety of vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.
  • Economy Rent a Car: Budget-friendly options.

Tip: If you’re flying into Edmonton, renting a car at the airport is convenient, but downtown locations may offer slightly lower rates.

2. Average Costs

The cost of renting a car in Edmonton depends on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Below are approximate costs:

  • Economy/Compact Cars: CAD 40–70 per day.
  • Mid-Size/Full-Size Cars: CAD 60–100 per day.
  • SUVs: CAD 80–150 per day.
  • Luxury Cars: CAD 150–300 per day.
  • Weekly Rentals: Discounts are often available for weekly rentals, with rates starting at CAD 250–400 for economy cars.

Additional Costs to Consider:

  • Taxes: Expect to pay a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%.
  • Airport Surcharge: Rentals from the airport may include an additional fee (around CAD 20–30).
  • Insurance: See section 5 for details.
  • Fuel: Most rentals require you to return the car with a full tank of gas.

3. Rental Procedures

Renting a car in Edmonton is straightforward. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Booking: You can book online through the rental company’s website or third-party platforms like Expedia, Kayak, or Rentalcars.com. Booking in advance often secures better rates.
  2. Pick-Up: At the rental location, you’ll need to present:
    • A valid driver’s license.
    • A credit card in the renter’s name (for the security deposit).
    • Your reservation confirmation (if applicable).
  3. Inspection: Before driving off, inspect the car for any pre-existing damage and ensure it’s documented by the rental company.
  4. Return: Return the car on time to avoid late fees. Ensure the fuel tank is full unless you’ve prepaid for fuel.

4. Driver’s License Requirements

  • Canadian Residents: A valid provincial or territorial driver’s license is sufficient.
  • International Visitors: Most rental companies accept foreign driver’s licenses if they are in English or French. If your license is in another language, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your original license.
  • Minimum Driving Experience: Some companies require at least one year of driving experience.

5. Insurance

Car rental insurance is essential, and you have several options:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental car. Costs CAD 15–30 per day.
  • Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property. This is often included in the rental price but check the coverage limits.
  • Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers. Costs CAD 5–10 per day.
  • Credit Card Coverage: Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit. Check with your provider to see if you’re covered and what the terms are.
  • Your Own Insurance: If you have car insurance in Canada, it may extend to rental cars. Confirm with your insurer.

Tip: Declining insurance from the rental company may require proof of alternative coverage.

6. Age Restrictions

  • Minimum Age: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
  • Young Driver Fee: Drivers under 25 may incur an additional fee of CAD 15–30 per day.
  • Maximum Age: There is typically no maximum age limit, but check with the rental company.

7. Additional Fees

  • GPS Rental: CAD 10–15 per day (or use your smartphone with Google Maps or Waze).
  • Child Seats: CAD 10–15 per day.
  • Additional Drivers: CAD 10–20 per day per driver.
  • One-Way Rentals: May incur a drop-off fee if returning the car to a different location.

8. Driving Conditions in Edmonton

Driving in Edmonton is generally straightforward, but there are a few considerations:

Weather and Road Conditions:

  • Winter Driving: From November to March, expect snow and icy roads. Ensure your rental car is equipped with winter tires (mandatory in some parts of Alberta).
  • Construction: Edmonton experiences frequent road construction, especially in summer. Use navigation apps to avoid delays.
  • Highways: Major highways like the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and Anthony Henday Drive (ring road) are well-maintained.

Parking:

  • Downtown Parking: Paid parking is common in downtown Edmonton. Rates range from CAD 1–5 per hour.
  • Free Parking: Available in residential areas, but check for time restrictions.
  • Parkades: Underground or multi-level parking garages are available in busy areas.

9. Popular Destinations to Visit by Car

Renting a car allows you to explore beyond Edmonton’s city limits. Here are some must-visit destinations:

Within Edmonton:

  • West Edmonton Mall: One of the largest malls in the world, with ample parking.
  • Elk Island National Park: A 45-minute drive east of Edmonton, perfect for wildlife viewing and hiking.
  • Fort Edmonton Park: A living history museum with on-site parking.

Day Trips:

  • Jasper National Park: A 4-hour drive west, offering stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities.
  • Drumheller: A 3-hour drive south, home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the Badlands.
  • Sylvan Lake: A 1.5-hour drive south, ideal for summer water activities.

10. Tips for Renting and Driving in Edmonton

  • Book Early: Rental cars can sell out during peak seasons (summer and winter holidays).
  • Fuel Up Before Returning: Gas stations near the airport or rental locations are convenient but may charge higher prices.
  • Winter Safety: If visiting in winter, request a car with winter tires and keep an emergency kit in the vehicle.
  • Navigation: Use a GPS or smartphone app to navigate Edmonton’s grid-like road system.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to rent a car and explore Edmonton and its surrounding areas with ease. Safe travels!