Cheap Car Rental in Houston, TX

Top car rental in Houston, TX

You will certainly want to have a rental car in Houston, Texas! As the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States, you simply need a car in order to explore the city to its fullest, from Downtown to Neartown and beyond. Here is a brief guide to finding cheap rental cars in Houston, TX.

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Houston rental cars are available in over 80 locations throughout the city! Houston car hire typically starts at around $45 a day for short-term rentals.

Tips for finding cheap car rental deals in Houston

You can typically find the cheapest rental cars in Houston at both of the airports that serve the Houston area, the George Bush International Airport (IAH) and the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Prices typically only differ by $1 or $2 between these two major rental car locations, so regardless of which airport into which you fly, you can immediately take advantage of some of the best deals on rental cars in Houston.

Rental car rates in Houston remain fairly constant year-round, regardless of how far in advance you book your rental car. The notable exception to this rule, however, comes in the summer: Houston rental car rates are typically around $15 more expensive in July and August. If you can, avoid traveling to Houston during these busy months, in order to get the best deals on Houston rental cars.

If it is inconvenient for you to travel to the airport to pick up your rental car, you can find good rates at numerous locations throughout the city, particularly Downtown, southwest, and in Champion Forest.

Houston car rental: key things to remember 

• Particularly because a rental car is necessary to get around the city of Houston, rush hour can add a significant amount of time to your travels. Rush hour on the streets and highways typically spans from 7 to 9 in the morning and from 4 to 6 in the afternoon. You should definitely avoid driving the West Loop near Galleria during the afternoon rush hour, but you can expect to experience stop-and-go traffic on any of the major throughways throughout the city at the busiest times of the day—particularly with the added hindrance of almost constant road construction.

Parking your rental car in Houston:

• On-street parking is available throughout Houston, though it is most expensive and most difficult to find in Downtown and Neartown. You can park on the street in Downtown Houston for up to three hours for a fee that varies depending on location. Fees are payable by cash, credit card, and pay-by-phone.
• On-street parking is free in Downtown Houston after 6 pm Monday through Saturday and all day on Sundays.
• There are almost 100,000 off-street parking spaces available throughout Downtown Houston, in parking garages and parking lots. Prices vary quite a bit, so it’s worth shopping around. Daily rates can range from around $10 to $25 at the cheapest, especially if you park slightly outside the most popular areas. Downtown Houston is highly walkable!

Toll roads in Houston and near Houston airport 

• There are a number of tolled highways in the Houston area, particularly to the southwest of the city. The major tolled roads include the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road, the Westpark Tollway, and the Grand Parkway. Use of these toll roads typically costs less than $1 a trip and is recorded via electronic monitoring. Ask your Houston rental car company how they pass these fees onto you and whether you accrue any surcharges for the use of toll roads with your rental car.

Road trips in your Houston rental car: Attractions

1. Galveston, 50 miles to the south: because Houston is so huge, it’s easy to forget that it’s almost located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Take a day trip to nearby Galveston in order to breathe in the sea air! Galveston is a great tourist location within an hour’s drive of downtown Houston (depending on the traffic!), located along the beachfront of Galveston Island.
2. Webster, 30 miles southwest of Downtown Houston: Webster is home to the NASA Space Center, one of the most spectacular museum complexes in the United States and is well worth the 30 minute drive from downtown (depending on the traffic).
3. Sam Houston National Forest, 60 miles to the north: take a break from the metal and cement jungle of Houston and spend some time in Texas’s remarkable natural landscapes at this national forest, located about an hour north of the city. This forest is a great place to relax in, hike through, and become acquainted with Texas’s unique ecosystem. Even better, it is rarely crowded.

Car companies in Houston: Hertz car deals

When you visit Houston, Texas, you'll find a plethora of car rental options, making it easy to explore everything this vibrant city has to offer. Whether you're looking to rent a car in Houston for your arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport or you prefer to pick up your rental downtown, there are numerous rental companies to choose from.

Exploring Houston with Hertz

One of the most well-known names in the car rental industry, Hertz, offers an array of choices from compact cars for city exploration to full-size vehicles for added comfort and space. Houston's vast expanse awaits your discovery, from the stunning Houston Museum District to the awe-inspiring Space Center Houston and the iconic Johnson Space Center. There's plenty to explore in this thriving metropolis, often referred to as the "Space City."

Maximizing your Houston experience

To ensure you make the most of your Houston experience, here are some tips:

• Book your rental car in advance to secure the best prices and explore Houston at your own pace.
• Look for rental car deals with free cancellation to maintain flexibility in your travel plans.
• Check for any additional fees such as a young driver surcharge if you're under the age of 25.
• Take a day trip to nearby cities like Austin or explore Houston's city center with the freedom of your rental vehicle.

Houston is America's fourth-largest city, known for its diverse culture, Texan charm, and rich history tied to the space program. Having an up-to-date vehicle at your disposal allows you to navigate this city's vast offerings while leaving your vehicle worries behind. With a rental car, you can drive away and explore the Lone Star State at your own pace.