Find competitive rental car prices in Montreal with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, people movers and reserve with no booking fees. Pick up at Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL), downtown or nearby suburbs, and compare availability across major providers. Get practical tips on winter tyre requirements, toll roads and parking, plus route ideas for easy drives to Quebec City, Mont-Tremblant, Ottawa and the Eastern Townships.
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
---|---|---|
Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) | • Largest selection of cars • Many major companies on-site • 24-hour service available • Convenient for arrivals |
• Airport fees add to costs • Can be busy during peak travel times • 20-25 minute drive to the city centre |
Montreal City Centre | • Convenient if you're already in the city • No extra airport fees • Multiple locations to choose from |
• Shorter opening hours (typically 08:00-18:00) • Smaller selection of cars • Limited availability during peak seasons |
Montreal Suburbs (Laval, Dorval) | • Often cheaper • Easier pickup/drop-off process • Less traffic |
• Shorter opening hours (many close at 17:00) • Requires travel from the city centre • Fewer car options |
On average, car rentals in Montreal cost around CAD $81 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from CAD $11 per day.
Skip airport pickups when you can. YUL adds about 10-13% in surcharges. Compare downtown and suburbs like Laval or Dorval, which are often cheaper.
Book early for summer and holidays. Montreal’s peak season can spike prices. For June–August and winter holidays, check rates 2–12 weeks out and lock a deal you like.
Pick a smaller car. Economy cars are roughly 40-50% less than SUVs. Only pay for extra space if you truly need it.
Test different lengths and pickup days. Weekly rates can save 15-20%, and weekend specials pop up. Try shifting pickup/return by a day to see price drops.
Rent only for out-of-town days. Montreal has great transit. Pick up the car the day you leave the city to avoid downtown hotel parking ($25–$40/night).
Mind tolls and fuel. A25 and A30 charge tolls and may include processing fees through the rental. Return the car full to avoid refuelling markups.
Type | Details | Tips |
---|---|---|
Street Parking | • Pay stations • Mobile payment via P$ Service mobile app • Hourly rates usually apply |
• Check signs carefully for restrictions • Watch for rush hour towing zones • Many areas free on Sundays and holidays |
Car Parks | • Downtown garages (blue "P" signs) • Underground options in malls and office towers |
• Weekend rates often lower • Hotel parking usually charged nightly • Garages fill quickly during events |
Suburban Areas | • Generally free at shopping centres • More spots available |
• Fewer restrictions compared to downtown • Most hotels outside the core offer free parking |
Speed Limits:
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Quebec City – Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls
Ottawa – Parliament Hill, ByWard Market
Mont-Tremblant – village, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Eastern Townships – wineries, Magog, Sutton
What documents do I need to rent a car in Montreal?
You will need to show a valid driver's licence from your home country, a major credit card in your name and a passport if you are an international visitor. We recommend getting an International Driving Permit. If your licence is not in English or French, or uses a non-Latin alphabet, some rental companies will ask you for an IDP or a certified translation.
Are there any age restrictions for renting in Montreal?
Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old and they charge an extra fee of around $25-30 per day for drivers under 25. For some luxury or special cars, you might need to be 25 or older.
How do I handle parking during winter snow removal?
You need to watch for temporary orange snow removal signs. When you see these signs, you must move your car or it could be towed. You can use the Info-Neige app to track snow removal and it will alert you when they plan to clear your street.
Can I take a rental car from Montreal to the USA?
Yes, most major rental companies let you drive between Canada and the USA, but you must tell them before you go. Make sure your rental agreement allows you to cross the border and that you have the correct documents for the border crossing.
How do toll roads work around Montreal?
The A25 (Montreal-Laval bridge) and A30 (South Shore) are the main toll roads. These roads use electronic tolling, so there are no toll booths. The rental company usually bills you for the tolls automatically and they may add a processing fee. The cost is around $3-10, depending on which road you use and the time of day.
Do I need winter tyres when renting in the winter months?
Yes. A Quebec law requires all cars to have winter tyres from December 1 to March 15. During this time, the rental company will fit your car with winter tyres. They sometimes include a winter surcharge of around $5-10 per day in your rental cost.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting Montreal and surroundings?
For driving in the city, a compact or economy car is easiest to park and get through narrow streets. If you plan to travel to country areas or ski resorts in winter, an all-wheel drive SUV can give you better grip on paved roads. Keep in mind that most rental agreements don't allow you to drive on unsealed or gravel roads. This is true even for AWD/4WD vehicles, so you should always check your contract. If you have a large family or group, a minivan offers the best value for space.