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 10/22 and drop-off date of 11/21. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental.
Wed 10/16
Wed 10/23
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Houston car rentals in 2024

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 October 9, 2024.

Most popular company

EASIRENT

Price of gas per gallon

$3.56

Average price per day

$51

Cheapest price per day

$21

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

Discover the most affordable period to rent a car in Houston and save money on your trip. The monthly average price data is based on historical data over the last year and was last updated on October 9, 2024.

January

$37

February

$46

March

$53

April

$59

May

$52

June

$54

July

$58

August

$51

September

$47

October

$53

November

$49

December

$43

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in Houston is January. The most expensive time to rent a car is April. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Compare available car types for rental in Houston

Compare and contrast the various car types offered for rental in Houston to find the perfect fit for your trip. Price data is based on averages over the last 12 months and was last updated on October 9, 2024.

Small cars

$38 - $60

All Car Types

$50 - $72

To rent a small car in Houston, the United States, you would pay an average price of $48/day. September is the cheapest month to rent a small car in Houston, the United States (~$38/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is April (~$60/day). In fact, September is about 23% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a small car rental for Houston. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Houston, renting a small car saves you 21% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Houston small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a medium car in Houston, the United States, you would pay an average price of $50/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a medium car in Houston, the United States (~$41/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is June (~$63/day). In fact, January is about 20% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a medium car rental for Houston. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Houston, renting a medium car saves you 18% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Houston medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a large car in Houston, the United States, you would pay an average price of $77/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a large car in Houston, the United States (~$57/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is March (~$94/day). In fact, January is about 27% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a large car rental for Houston. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Houston, renting a large car is 21% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Houston large car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a SUV in Houston, the United States, you would pay an average price of $58/day. September is the cheapest month to rent a SUV in Houston, the United States (~$51/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$70/day). In fact, September is about 14% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV rental for Houston. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Houston, renting a SUV saves you 5% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Houston SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a van in Houston, the United States, you would pay an average price of $116/day. September is the cheapest month to rent a van in Houston, the United States (~$94/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$145/day). In fact, September is about 20% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a van rental for Houston. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Houston, renting a van is 48% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Houston van rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a pickup truck in Houston, the United States, you would pay an average price of $62/day. August is the cheapest month to rent a pickup truck in Houston, the United States (~$43/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is November (~$96/day). In fact, August is about 31% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a pickup truck rental for Houston. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Houston, renting a pickup truck is 0% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To rent a luxury car in Houston, the United States, you would pay an average price of $82/day. February is the cheapest month to rent a luxury car in Houston, the United States (~$70/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is April (~$100/day). In fact, February is about 15% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a luxury car rental for Houston. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Houston, renting a luxury car is 25% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Houston luxury car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a convertible in Houston, the United States, you would pay an average price of $88/day. February is the cheapest month to rent a convertible in Houston, the United States (~$68/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is April (~$105/day). In fact, February is about 24% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a convertible rental for Houston. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Houston, renting a convertible is 31% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

Ford Fiesta$21/day
2
M
A/C
Ford Fiesta
Hyundai Accent$24/day
4
M
A/C
Hyundai Accent
Ford Focus$29/day
4
M
A/C
Ford Focus

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 October 9, 2024.
  • 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 October 9, 2024.
Have a look at the top rental car agencies available in Houston, including Budget, Hertz and Alamo. Before making your selection, be sure to carefully review the feedback, double-check the pickup location, and verify other important details.

Budget

7.1
Good
129 reviews25 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.0

Pick-up/drop-off

7.2

Value

6.8

Hertz

5.7
Fair
235 reviews28 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.5

Comfort

6.4

Overall

5.7

Pick-up/drop-off

5.6

Value

5.8

Alamo

8.5
Very good
50 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.7

Overall

8.5

Pick-up/drop-off

8.7

Value

8.3

Sixt

7.7
Good
81 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.2

Overall

7.7

Pick-up/drop-off

7.8

Value

7.5

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.3
Good
65 reviews49 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.7

Overall

7.2

Pick-up/drop-off

7.1

Value

7.2

Avis

6.9
Okay
58 reviews23 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.5

Overall

6.8

Pick-up/drop-off

6.9

Value

6.6

Dollar

4.9
Mediocre
32 reviews8 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.1

Comfort

5.9

Overall

4.9

Pick-up/drop-off

4.9

Value

5.2

Thrifty

4.7
Mediocre
42 reviews9 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

5.7

Comfort

5.5

Overall

4.6

Pick-up/drop-off

4.9

Value

4.8

Best Houston car rental deals found

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 October 9, 2024.
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.
Nissan Versa$21/day
5
M
A/C
Nissan Versa
Chevrolet Spark$21/day
2
M
A/C
Chevrolet Spark
Nissan Sylphy$22/day
5
M
A/C
Nissan Sylphy

Car rental FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in Houston, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on October 9, 2024.
  • 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?