Toronto Hire Car Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Discover Toronto by Hire Car

Toronto is one of the most important metropolitan areas in Canada, with a population of about two and a half million on an area of more than 630 square kilometres, roughly comparable to that of Hamburg, on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.

Nearly a third of Canada’s population lives here in the Greater Toronto Area.

At the same time, the city is also the most important economic centre of the country and the local stock exchange is one of the big seven in the world.

You can spend an entire vacation in Toronto without getting bored.

But there is also a lot to discover in the surrounding area. Without problems, this works with the hire car. We have put together a few tips for renting and travelling.

Receiving the hire car

Many hire car stations can be found at the Toronto airport on Level 1 next to the parking garages. Some stations can also be found just outside the airport. The free Terminal Link Train will take you there.

Renting the right car

Around Toronto, you will find a perfectly developed road network. Since you will be travelling long distances in Canada, you better choose a bigger and more comfortable car.

Insuring the car properly

Even though the road traffic in Canada is rather thin compared to Germany, especially in a big city like Toronto a small accident can happen quickly. With a comprehensive insurance without deductible you are well covered. With liability insurance, you should make sure that the sum insured is at least one million euros. Because if people are injured in an accident, it quickly becomes expensive. If the coverage amount of your rental company seems too low, you can provide additional security with a so-called traveller policy.

Hire car prices

For the most part, you can count on fairly reasonable hire car rates in Toronto. And the price difference between small cars and luxury cars is pleasingly small. But at holiday or trade show times, there can be a shortage of vehicles. And then the prices also rise. You can count on a good deal if you book well in advance and use our price comparison.

hire car price comparison Toronto

Tank control

Only book with rental companies where you receive the car with a full tank of gas and also return it with a full tank. This is the most transparent solution for everyone.

age limit

Many rental companies charge extra if the driver is under 25. And some don’t rent to drivers under 21. Check your rental company’s terms before you book the car.

Accessories

In the Canadian winter, you may need snow chains. Or you may need child seats for the little ones.

Free kilometers

Canada is a vast country where you will have to drive many miles to reach even supposedly nearby places. Therefore, always hire car with free kilometres.

Customer Review Hire Car

Most rental customers are satisfied with the hire car stations in Toronto. However, some find fault with long wait times. And some customers report that you were charged hidden fees on the spot. Make sure you have adequately insured the car at the time of booking and check the rental agreement carefully before signing. To avoid getting stuck with a rogue rental company, you should also read the customer reviews on this portal before booking.

Safety hire car

Normally, you can expect to get a roadworthy car in Toronto. Nevertheless, you should test the lights and do a brake test before your first drive. In winter, you should also check that your hire car is also equipped with winter tires.

Bail

Some rental companies do not block the deposit due on the credit card but actually debit the amount. In this case, you sometimes have to wait longer until the money is transferred back after returning the car. It is best to inquire about the conditions before booking.

Sights in Toronto

CN Tower: Best views
The CN Tower is a good point to start a sightseeing tour. A glass elevator takes you up to the 553-meter-high building. From the top, you’ll enjoy great views of the city and surrounding area in fine weather. On the other hand, if it’s foggy, you can save yourself the expensive elevator ride. The CN Tower is open daily from 09:00 to 10:30. A ticket costs 32 Canadian dollars. If you book online, the price is reduced to $28.80.

St. Lawrence Market: the belly of the city
Next stop could be the St. Lawrence Market, which has been around for more than 2 centuries. At St. Lawrence Market, you can stock up on Canadian specialties at countless stalls and also eat cheaply.

Chinatown: Trip to Asia
At the end of your first city stroll, you could still stroll through the lively Chinatown and feel like you are in the Far East in the middle of Toronto.

Suggestion of a round trip

Hamilton: 19th century “castle”
A first round trip by hire car could take you first to Hamilton. In about an hour you will be there. In Hamilton, you can check out the pretty Dundurn Castle, which was built in the 1930s. It doesn’t have much to do with a castle in the European sense, but the historic interior brings the past back to life. On the same grounds is the Hamilton Military Museum, where you can see historic weapons. Some date back to the time of the British-American War in 1812.

Niagara Falls: Breathtaking Natural Spectacle
You can make your next stop by hire car at the famous Niagara Falls. From Hamilton, it will take you less than an hour by hire car. Niagara Falls is a unique natural spectacle. On average, 4200 m³ of water per second thunder into the depths here. On the Canadian side, the falls have a height of 52 meters.

About an hour and a half will cost you the return trip to Toronto, where you can plan the next trip with the hire car at your leisure.

Conclusion

Toronto is an ideal location for a hire car trip. The city has a lot to offer and there are numerous worthwhile destinations in the surrounding area that can be easily reached by hire car. And with our handy price comparison, you’ll always find a great deal and a car that suits you.