Cheap car rentals in Halifax
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People mover |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Top tips for hiring a car in Halifax
- Halifax is the major economic and cultural hub of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. A hire car is the best transport choice as it will provide the scope to enjoy the breathtaking rugged coastline and reach major tourist attractions such as Peggy’s Cove with ease. Halifax has extensive maritime cultural history, which cannot be truly understood without traveling along the jagged coastline roads and stopping by small rural towns such as Duncan’s Cove and Clam Harbour.
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located 35 km (22 miles) from the downtown district and, thanks to the quiet and uncongested roads, will take approximately 40 minutes to reach by car. Major car hire companies such as Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, and Budget have counters at Halifax Stanfield International Airport and are located on the lower level of the airport parking area. Once you have picked up your baggage, follow the signage displayed Airport Parkade and you will have the keys in your hand before you know it.
- Despite being a major industrial hub for Atlantic Canada, Halifax holds on to its small-town culture -- and this is represented on the roads. Pedestrians are always given priority and often cross at random sections of the street. Therefore, keep a careful eye out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in built-up residential areas or in the downtown district.
- Driving around Halifax is a peaceful experience; road congestion is a rarity and commuters are known to travel at appropriate speeds and yield. If you plan on traveling west towards the rural community of Peggy’s Cove, take the scenic northern route (103 Highway, then Peggy’s Cove Road) and enjoy the wonderful scenery and lighthouses along the way.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Halifax for $180 or less
- Book your rental car in Halifax at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Full-size rental cars in Halifax are around -31% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Halifax
What type of car is recommended for driving in Halifax?
A car that can handle the winding coastal roads surrounding Halifax with ease should be your preferred choice for your trip. An intermediate sedan such as the Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra will provide the optimal handling capabilities and let you cruise between seaside towns with joy.
What’s the speed limit in Halifax?
Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit in urban areas of Halifax is 50 km/h (31 mph). Be wary to check if you are traveling in a school zone, as the speed limit would then be reduced to 30 km/h (18 mph). The majority of highways in close proximity to Halifax have a speed limit of 80 km/h (49 mph) or 90 km/h (55 mph).
Where are the best places to park in Halifax?
On-street parking is affordable and abundant throughout Halifax, with the cost per hour in the downtown district only $1.50 ($1.15 USD). To make things even easier, the city provides free on-street parking on weekdays after 6 pm and all day on the weekends.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Halifax?
On average a hire car in Halifax costs $180 per day.
What is the best car hire company in Halifax?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Halifax is Budget (8.9, 62 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Halifax?
The average price of fuel in Halifax is $8.94 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $107 and $143, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Halifax?
Full-size (Hyundai Santa Fe or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Halifax.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Halifax Intl airport (YHZ)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Halifax Intl airport to off-airport locations is National.
How can I find car hires near me in Halifax?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Halifax?
A Full Size car hire in Halifax costs $140 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Halifax?
A Standard car hire in Halifax costs $80 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Halifax?
A Compact car hire in Halifax costs $191 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Halifax?
In Halifax, cars are most frequently hired at Budget 747 Bell Boulevard (27 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Halifax?
On average a car hire in Halifax costs $1,257 per week ($180 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Halifax?
On average a car hire in Halifax costs $5,388 per month ($180 per day).
Which car hire companies in Halifax have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
One car hire company which has updated their car hire health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected is National
Halifax car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
9.3
Wonderful
118 reviewsCleanliness
9.5
Comfort
9.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
8.8
4 locations in Halifax
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Jun 2019
Pros:
I was not explained the détails of the invoice. When asked, there was an extra charge which need to be correct. Pickup and drop off was easy.2.0 Poor
Sep 2018
Pros:
I made a mistake and booked the car 1 day too early and when we went to pick it up, it had been rented to someone else. So we had to go back to the airport to get a car from Alamo10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2018
Pros:
All good6.0 Okay
Aug 2018
Pros:
Car worked really well. Customer service at drop off was excellent.Cons:
Car interior was worst I ever had. Ketchup on steering wheel, dirty seats and console. Dead bugs. Also hidden charge discovered when dropping off. Agent at time fixed it so that ended up ok.5.6 Fair
Aug 2018
Cons:
The interior of the car was not detailed, it had not been cleaned. There was mud smeared on the bottom passenger door panel, potato chips on the floor and under the drivers seat. There was an old receipt from the dollar store, the dash was very dusty and hadn't been cleaned, the media screen had fingerprints all over it and the drivers door panel had dirt smudged on it. I had to clean the car myself for my passengers. Not what I expected from Enterprise.4.8 Mediocre
Jul 2018
Cons:
Had to come back on second day to sort out my messed up invoice which lost a whole morning of my vacation while trying to get the correct invoice as advertised when I booked the car on line. If I had not gone back I would have been charged for another $200 extra than advertised plus the vehicle did not have a full tank and I had to make sure that was indicated correctly. In the end the supervisor had to come out and sort out the incorrect invoice and seemed to be the only person who knew what to do.Budget
8.9
Very Good
97 reviewsCleanliness
9.1
Comfort
9.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.1
Value for money
8.5
4 locations in Halifax
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
4.0 Mediocre
Sep 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2022
Avis
8.5
Very Good
42 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.7
Value for money
7.8
4 locations in Halifax
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2017
Pros:
I loved getting an SUV for our vacation and the price was very reasonable considering we returned it out of the country!9.2 Wonderful
Aug 2017
Pros:
The Taurus we rented was in great shape, clean and ready to go as promised. The manager at the Avis outlet in Halifax was courteous and helpful. Though I rented with Kayak, he found my Avid Preferred number in the system and saved me a little more. We immediately drove up to Cape Breton and all over the island. Very enjoyable trip, and the car served its purpose quite well. If we visit NS again, I will certainly rent with this agency.Cons:
Not the franchise's fault, but the road construction on Grafton Street in Halifax, not to mention all over downtown was horrible. This is on the City, with a seeming lack of proper traffic flow analysis before they'd shut down streets. Total lack of signage too.9.2 Wonderful
Jul 2017
Pros:
Friendly representatives, clean car, modernCons:
Gas tank wasn't completely filled at pickup, didn't notice till started driving10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2016
Pros:
The car was clean and in good condition; the counter help at pick up in Halifax was very friendly and very informative; the drop off at the airport was quick and easy.8.8 Very Good
Sep 2016
Pros:
They were conveniently located in the city center. The agent was by himself when we arrived soon after they opened, but he was very helpful. Perhaps we were scheduled to drop off at the airport location, we were super-upgraded for free.Cons:
Nothing really. If we must, the upgrade was a bit too luxurious (we'd requested an economy car, as it was just two of us with not much luggage, but got a Cherokee. Hmm, extra gas...)2.0 Poor
Aug 2023
Dollar
7.6
Good
30 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.4
Value for money
8.0
2 locations in Halifax
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Mar 2020
Cons:
I tried to cancel because could not travel because of -andemic. No luck. so a complete waste of money10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
Very friendly, very easy6.0 Okay
Oct 2019
Pros:
The staff were friendly, but there was a long line to pick up and a long line to drop off. You need a second staff person in the mornings. I won't rent from you again in Halifax. It's too big a hassle.Cons:
The car was also dirty. Not horrible, but not washed, and had dirty floor mats and a couple of scattered pieces of debris inside. This was not a terrible experience, but the pickup-dropoff wait of more than half an hour made it not worth it. I went by the counter of the competition in the bus station, and they had a much shorter line. I'll use them next time, which is upcoming in the spring.2.0 Poor
May 2019
Cons:
If they had a car available instead of wasting our time, that would have made the overall experience better..10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2018
Pros:
Drop off location was convenient for walking around the city after. Staff was friendly. Service quick and easy.5.2 Fair
Jul 2018
Pros:
It was great to have a car for my stay in Halifax and it was very clean.Cons:
I didn't like how my rate went from $89 to $177 because I asked to extend it less than 24 hours longer which in the beginning they told me was okay to do. The lady who I spoke with on the phone was extremely rude, so I asked to speak with a manager who was much better to deal with. I think the charges associated with extending it a day was excessive and I felt ripped off. I wouldn't recommend this company.Thrifty
7.3
Good
53 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
6.9
2 locations in Halifax
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Sep 2020
Pros:
it was cancelled due to C-198.8 Very Good
Mar 2020
Pros:
Staff excellent, car was goodCons:
Price, very high price for returning to another city when in this day and age rentals are so fluid same company owns all locations!2.0 Poor
Mar 2020
Pros:
No , ended up getting another rental car from another companyCons:
Better and helpful customer service8.8 Very Good
Feb 2020
Pros:
Yes the staff was helpful and polite. Most notably the return was exceptionally quick and easy.Cons:
More counter help. The customer in front of me asked EVERY question imaginable and some that were unimaginable and then of course the attendant was trying to up sell. Sorry but the last thing you want to do after a long day of traveling is to wait in line unnecessarily. Once they got done our transaction went smoothly and we were on our way.8.0 Very Good
Dec 2019
Pros:
Helpful staff, efficient, quick pick up and drop off.6.8 Okay
Aug 2019
Pros:
Drop off was off hours. The signage for Hertz was poor. Only Avis and budget were marked prominently on the lot. Signage and instructions could be more obvious.Cons:
Thrifty pickup was poor as no cars were available. They had to shuttle me to the local Hertz instead to complete the contract. It took about 1.5hrs to get my vehicle. Once gotten, it was fine as it looks like they gave me an upgraded car-by choice or not, I don’t know.Alamo
9.3
Wonderful
13 reviewsCleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
8.3
One location in Halifax
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2018
Pros:
The people working at the pick up in Halifax were great..friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I was in and out within twenty minutes. When we dropped off the car in Toronto the process took less then five minutes. The car was clean and great on gas. We would definitely rent from Alamo again and we highly recommend them as the place to rent vehicles.10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2017
Pros:
Helpful suggestions. Maps already marked. Super nice.6.4 Okay
Oct 2017
Cons:
1) I didn't like that the Alamo office was closed when we dropped off our vehicle. We asked businesses close by and figured out what to do. It should have been mentioned on our rental agreement. 2) We were contacted by Alamo the next day that there was damage to the vehicle. It was marked on our form when we picked up the vehicle but it was not communicated on the receiving end. My husband informed them of this and it was cleared. We arrived home to find a letter from Alamo requesting us to get in touch with them re: damaged vehicle. My husband called again to inform them of the history. Message was left a few days late stating the letter could be disregarded.10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2017
Pros:
The compact size of the Tiguan on the outside was great. The roominess on the inside was good. The service counter personnel were fast, friendly and helpful although a little too eager to try to upsize our rental to a yukon-like behemoth of a vehicleCons:
The gas mileage was so-so.4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2016
Pros:
Car was fine, performed wellCons:
Gave me a reservation to pick up after the downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia location was closed. Had to hire a cab to take me back to airport, to obtain car, Besides the extra $120.00 canadian for the two cab fares, the whole first day of our vacation lost. Would appreciate your consideration, of reimbursing me the $120.00, as reservation from Kayak the flawed cause.10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
Europcar
6.8
Okay
8 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
5.0
2 locations in Halifax
Filters
Reviews
8.4 Very Good
Mar 2019
Pros:
Yes to staff ...excellentCons:
Tires were worn but ok5.2 Fair
Jan 2019
Pros:
That I got a better car for the same costCons:
That I had to stand there and refuse to take the mini bus that they tried to find me that was not what I booked and not what I wanted.9.6 Wonderful
Jul 2017
Pros:
We had a reservation for a compact car, and were offered an upgrade to a larger car at no charge. Had a Hyundai Sonata, very nice car with good fuel economy.Cons:
We arrived at Halifax airport late (9:30 PM), and called the number. No answer. Waited about 10 minutes, called again, go someone to pick us up. Staff should have headsets to be able to answer phone wherever they are, to avoid panic attacks by customers.7.6 Good
Jun 2017
Pros:
Car was good fitted with satnav fitted and we received an upgradeCons:
Rental company would not accept vehicle excess insurance which had been purchased, so we had to take full insurance with the rental company which was more expensive and then claim a refund on the external policyHertz
6.7
Okay
21 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
6.2
2 locations in Halifax
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
9.2 Wonderful
Aug 2017
Pros:
New car, clean and comfortable.Cons:
Line up to pick up was 15 minutes. Price.10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2017
Pros:
The cost of the car wasn't as cheap as I'd hoped, but it was cheaper than any other site I looked at without discount. The car was very clean and was great on gas. There were no additional fees after returning the car, and the staff was friendly. I had no problems with this rentalCons:
The distance of the hertz rental place from the airport meant that I had to pay for a $70 cab ride, but it was still cheaper than renting from the airport.10.0 Wonderful
May 2017
Pros:
Option to upgrade for free. Friendly and interested staff.4.0 Mediocre
Aug 2023
National
8.4
Very Good
No reviews available
One location in Halifax
keddy by Europcar
6.0
Okay
No reviews available
One location in Halifax
Discount Car & Truck Rentals
No score available yet
2 locations in Halifax
Sunnycars
No score available yet
2 locations in Halifax