Houston

Cheap Car Rentals in Houston from $21

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Houston with a pick-up date of 6/25 and drop-off date of 7/1. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental.
Thu 6/19
Thu 6/26
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Houston car rentals in 2025

Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car rental in Houston. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on June 12, 2025.

Most popular company

STRIDE

Price of gas per gallon

$3.48

Average price per day

$39

Cheapest price per day

$21

Compare car rental deals in Houston by type

Here are the best Houston small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Houston medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Houston large car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Houston SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Houston van rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Houston pickup truck rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Ford Fiesta$21/day
2
M
A/C
Ford Fiesta
Toyota Prius$23/day
4
M
A/C
Toyota Prius
Mini Hatch$24/day
4
M
A/C
Mini Hatch

Best car rental deals found in Houston

Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car rental deals in Houston. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect rental option for your needs. There are currently 8 rental car agencies in Houston with an average daily rate of $34. Data was last updated on June 12, 2025.
Check out some of the very best car rental deals we've found in Houston. Check back soon for more deals if you're not finding the one you're looking for.
Ford Fiesta$21/day
2
M
A/C
Ford Fiesta
Toyota Prius$23/day
4
M
A/C
Toyota Prius
Mini Hatch$24/day
4
M
A/C
Mini Hatch

Cheapflights insights for Houston car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in Houston, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should I rent a car in Houston?

Book your rental car in Houston 7 days before your pickup date to maximize your savings Car rental prices are around $39/day on average when booked 7 days ahead, which saves you 18% off the usual average price.

What is the cheapest rental car company in Houston?

In Houston, the most affordable rental car company right now is Easirent, offering prices from just $15.85/day over the past two weeks. Another budget-friendly choice is NextCar, with rates starting at $17.79/day.

What is the best car rental company in Houston?

Based on Cheapflights user feedback, the highest rated car rental company in Houston is Budget (rated 7.0/10 with 128 reviews). Hertz (rated 5.7/10 with 231 reviews) is also highly rated by our users.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Houston?

Planning a car rental in Houston? January is the cheapest month, costing about $37 per day. In contrast, July is the most expensive, with an average daily rate of $56. Monthly average rental prices are listed below. Remember, prices can change based on when you book, the type of car, and availability.

January

$37

February

$37

March

$46

April

$46

May

$49

June

$51

July

$56

August

$50

September

$46

October

$50

November

$51

December

$49

What car do most people rent in Houston?

SUV rentals (Chevrolet Tahoe, for example) are the most popular in Houston. Full-size (Chevrolet Tahoe) and Premium (BMW X3) rentals are also often chosen by our users when visiting Houston.

Which car rental company has the most locations in Houston?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has 53 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Hertz has the second highest number of locations in Houston at 28.

Tips for renting a car in Houston

Browse helpful tips for renting a car in Houston including age restrictions, car type suggestions and more. Tips were last updated on June 12, 2025.
  • Renting a car in Houston offers several advantages over using public transportation. Rental car owners get the convenience of having a private vehicle to travel around the city, saving time by avoiding waiting for public transportation and having the flexibility to travel anywhere they want at any time. They also can choose the vehicle that best suits their needs.
  • Houston car rental providers offer a variety of adaptations for disabled drivers, including hand controls, adapted driving pedals, and swivel seats. They also offer lowered floors and lift systems to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Additionally, they provide accessible customer service to help with any special needs or requests.
  • Many rental car companies in Houston offer after-hours returns and key drop services. Most major car rental companies have a designated location for after-hours returns, and many also offer a key drop service where you can leave the car keys in a secure, designated location. You should check with the specific rental car company that you are using to find out their exact after-hours return and key drop services.
  • When traveling with children in Houston, it is recommended to have a car seat. Texas state law requires all children under 8 years old and less than 4 feet 9 inches tall to be restrained in a child safety seat. All rental car companies in Houston provide car seats, so customers can rent one with their car.
  • Houston car rental providers offer a variety of adaptations for disabled drivers, including hand controls, adapted driving pedals, and swivel seats. They also offer lowered floors and lift systems to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Additionally, they provide accessible customer service to help with any special needs or requests.
  • Eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric cars or hybrids, produce lower or zero emissions compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. By renting an eco-friendly vehicle, you contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, helping to improve the local air quality and combat climate change. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids are generally more fuel-efficient than conventional cars. Some cities, including Houston, have designated low-emission zones or restricted areas where only eco-friendly vehicles are allowed. By renting an electric vehicle or hybrid, you gain access to these areas, ensuring you can reach your desired destinations without restrictions.
  • It is important to know before you get behind the wheel of your rental car that there are several toll roads in the Houston area. The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) Toll Roads include the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8), which is a ring road that encircles most of Houston, providing a convenient bypass around the city. The Westpark Tollway connects the western suburbs, such as Katy and Sugar Land, to downtown Houston. The Hardy Toll Road runs north-south, connecting downtown Houston with the northern suburbs. There are also toll roads by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Central Texas Turnpike System.
  • Having a rental car in Houston allows you to make some great daily trips, such as to Galveston Island, which is located just an hour's drive from Houston. Galveston offers beautiful beaches, historical sites like The Strand, Moody Gardens (a tropical-themed amusement park and botanical garden), and the historic Pleasure Pier with rides and games. You can also drive to the NASA Space Center Houston, which is the official visitor center for NASA's astronaut training and spaceflight mission control. Here you can explore interactive exhibits, tour the Space Center, and learn about space exploration.

Top rental agencies in Houston

Explore the leading car rental agencies in Houston known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car rental companies in Houston. Reviews were last updated on June 12, 2025.
Have a look at the top rental car agencies available in Houston, including Budget, Hertz and Sixt. Before making your selection, be sure to carefully review the feedback, double-check the pickup location, and verify other important details.

Budget

7.0
Good
128 reviews25 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.0

Pick-up/drop-off

7.0

Value

6.7

Hertz

5.7
Fair
231 reviews28 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.5

Comfort

6.3

Overall

5.7

Pick-up/drop-off

5.6

Value

5.7

Sixt

7.7
Good
82 reviews4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Overall

7.7

Pick-up/drop-off

7.8

Value

7.4

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.3
Good
60 reviews53 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.7

Overall

7.2

Pick-up/drop-off

7.2

Value

7.2

Avis

6.7
Okay
57 reviews23 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.3

Overall

6.7

Pick-up/drop-off

6.8

Value

6.4

Dollar

4.6
Mediocre
32 reviews12 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

5.8

Comfort

5.7

Overall

4.6

Pick-up/drop-off

4.6

Value

4.9

Thrifty

4.3
Mediocre
35 reviews13 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

5.4

Comfort

5.2

Overall

4.3

Pick-up/drop-off

4.6

Value

4.5

National

6.3
Okay
15 reviews5 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.4

Comfort

6.3

Overall

6.3

Pick-up/drop-off

6.2

Value

6.0

Car rental FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in Houston, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on June 12, 2025.
  • Which documents do I need to get car rentals in Houston?

    To rent a car in Houston, customers will need to present a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. Some rental companies may also ask for proof of insurance, such as a copy of an auto insurance policy or a credit card with auto rental coverage. The driver must be at least 21 years old and may need to provide additional documents, such as a passport if they are from another country. Additionally, customers should be prepared to show proof of address, such as a utility bill or a rental agreement. If the customer is under 25 years old, they may be subject to additional requirements, such as an additional fee or an additional driver. It is important to check the rental company’s policies and regulations before making a reservation.

  • What roads are the most congested in the city? During what time/s of day does this occur?

    The most congested roads in Houston are I-45, I-10, U.S. 59, and Loop 610. During rush hour, traffic can be especially heavy. This usually occurs between 6:00 am and 9:00 am, and then again between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm on weekdays. On the weekends, traffic can be heavy in popular areas, such as downtown and the Galleria, during the mid-afternoon and evening. Additionally, many roads experience heavy traffic during special events, such as concerts, sporting events, and festivals. Congestion can also increase during inclement weather or construction. Drivers should plan to avoid traffic and build extra time into their trip when possible.

  • What are the local drivers like in this city that visitors with a rental car should be aware of?

    Drivers in Houston tend to be friendly and courteous. It is important to follow the speed limit as it is strictly enforced. People often use their horns to alert other drivers, so visitors should be aware that they may be honked at if they hesitate more than a few seconds at a green light. Drivers are usually willing to let other cars merge into traffic, even if they have the right of way. Drivers should use their turn signal when changing lanes and should be aware of their surroundings. People usually drive in the right lane, while the left lane is used for passing. It is important to be aware of any construction zones or traffic jams that may delay travel time. When parking, visitors should pay close attention to signage and be aware of parking regulations and restrictions.

  • Can I cross the border into Mexico when I rent a car in Houston?

    Some companies do allow you to drive the vehicle into Mexico with certain restrictions and the purchase of additional insurance. You must check with your rental car company location for details, and most companies will expect you to inform them that you plan to drive to Mexico and possibly what date you will return to the United States. It is fairly commonplace that most rental companies will not allow one-way rentals to Mexico. Since it is mandatory to have Mexican auto insurance when driving in Mexico, it is important to understand that your rental car insurance may not automatically cover you in Mexico, so you'll need to purchase a separate policy specifically for your time in the country. You can buy Mexican auto insurance online or at the border.

  • Where will I find the rental car companies at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)?

    The Rental Car Center at IAH is a centralized facility that accommodates multiple rental car companies. It operates 24/7, but each rental company may have specific operating hours. Within the center, you can access services from approximately 10 major rental companies. To reach the center, simply proceed to the outside Baggage Claim area in the Arrivals section of the terminal and board one of the frequent shuttles. Look for signs indicating "Ground Transportation" and follow the path marked with "Rental Car" signs. Keep an eye out for blue and white buses labeled as "Rental Car Shuttle."

  • Where will I find the rental car companies at William P Hobby Airport (HOU)?

    At this airport, you can find approximately 10 rental companies operating. While most have service counters in the baggage claim area, a couple require you to travel to their off-site location to initiate the rental process. Fortunately, there is a convenient courtesy shuttle service that connects the terminal with the rental car facilities. To catch the shuttle, head outside the baggage claim and follow the signs indicating "Ground Transportation." Look for the clearly marked signs pointing you in the direction of the "Rental Car Shuttles." The rental shuttles can be found at Curb Zone 1 on the roadway just outside the terminal building.

  • What is the cheapest rental car found in Houston?

    In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $39/day when booking a rental car in Houston. The best deal a user found was for $21/day from THT Cars, booked on Jun. 8.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Houston for a week from Stride?

    Stride is one of the top picks in Houston. They can have you in a rental car for about $199 per week on average.

  • Can I rent a car for a month in Houston?

    The length of time you can book a rental for is subject to the inventory of the supplier. When renting a vehicle from Houston it should be possible to rent a car for a whole month if needed.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Houston for a month?

    You can potentially save up to 65% on a month-long rental by booking with THT Cars. THT Cars is the cheapest rental company available within the next few months. Renting a car in Houston can cost you on average $854 a month or $28 a day. For extended stays in a location, this option will usually save you the most.

  • How much is a car rental in Houston for a weekend?

    The average price for a weekend car rental in Houston is $75. Renting a Compact is your cheapest option if you’ve looking to save money on your weekend car rental in Houston. For the month of July, Cheapflights users have found rental cars in Houston for as low as $65/day.

Car rentals by fuel type in Houston

Browse car rentals by fuel type in Houston. Currently, Gas/Diesel cars are the cheapest to rent in Houston. Deals were last updated on June 12, 2025.

Browse through car rental deals by fuel type in Houston. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Gas/Diesel being the cheapest ($22+).

Electric

Electric

Gas/Diesel

Gas/Diesel

Hybrid

Hybrid

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