




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 August 9, 2026.
Most popular company | ACO |
|---|---|
Price of gas per gallon | $4.43 |
Average price per day | $28 |
Cheapest price per day | $15 |
Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in Houston, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
January
$31
February
$38
March
$45
April
$46
May
$42
June
$49
July
$48
August
$40
September
$35
October
$42
November
$42
December
$40
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Avis
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National
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Fox
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NextCar
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Ability Rent a Car
Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in Houston, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on August 9, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $28/day when booking a rental car in Houston. The best deal a user found was for $9/day from Zoom Rent A Car, booked on Aug. 1.
ACO Rent A Car is one of the top picks in Houston. They can have you in a rental car for about $124 per week on average.
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.
You can potentially save up to 73% on a month-long rental by booking with Zoom Rent A Car. Zoom Rent A Car is the cheapest rental company available within the next few months. Renting a car in Houston can cost you on average $532 a month or $18 a day. For extended stays in a location, this option will usually save you the most.
The average price for a weekend car rental in Houston is $53. Renting a Economy is your cheapest option if you’ve looking to save money on your weekend car rental in Houston. For the month of September, Cheapflights users have found rental cars in Houston for as low as $47/day.
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 ($18+).