Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Hamilton
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Hamilton
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Hamilton
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Hamilton
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Hamilton, a vibrant city in Ontario, offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Here's why a rental car is your best bet:
Explore Diverse Attractions. Hamilton boasts a wide range of attractions from the Royal Botanical Gardens to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. A car allows you to visit multiple locations easily.
Access Waterfalls and Conservation Areas. Known as the 'City of Waterfalls,' Hamilton is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. A rental car allows convenient access to these picturesque destinations.
Enjoy Day Trips to Nearby Cities. Hamilton's central location makes day trips to Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and other Southern Ontario destinations easy with a rental car.
Before booking a rental car in Hamilton, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. Here's a breakdown of essential points:
Area
1,138 square kilometres (439 square miles)
Population
Approximately 570,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Exploring waterfalls and nearby cities
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Hamilton require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on their country of origin.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS navigation and child seats.
Expect the following estimated daily prices for various car types:
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €25 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer tourism.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts due to lower demand.
Prices can fluctuate based on the time of year. Keep these trends in mind:
Booking a rental car in Hamilton is straightforward. Follow these steps for a smooth experience:
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Hamilton offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Understanding local driving conditions is essential for a smooth experience.
Hamilton, Ontario, blends industrial heritage with natural beauty. As a hub for arts, culture, and outdoor activities, it’s best explored with a rental car to venture beyond the city centre. Driving in Hamilton requires awareness of traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access, ensuring a stress-free visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Royal Botanical Gardens
Explore diverse plant collections and scenic trails.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Discover a collection of historic aircraft.
Dundas Peak and Tew Falls
Hike to stunning viewpoints and waterfalls.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city-operated garages for secure parking downtown.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but check time limits.
Park & Ride
Leave your car at designated lots and use public transport to access central areas.
Gas Stations in Hamilton
Availability
Numerous gas stations are located throughout the city.
Major Brands
Find brands like Petro-Canada, Shell, Esso, and Mobil.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Hamilton
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for buses and parking meters.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban areas.
Traffic Delays
Plan for traffic delays during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM / 4:00-6:00 PM).
Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits to avoid traffic violations.
Major Bus Stations
Hamilton GO Centre
Serves as a major hub for GO Transit bus and train services.
Railway Stations
Hamilton GO Centre
Provides train services to Toronto and other destinations.
Aldershot GO Station
Located in Burlington, offering additional train services.
Airports
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
Handles domestic and international flights, primarily serving cargo and low-cost carriers.
Renting a car in Hamilton is a straightforward process. Here's what you'll need:
A valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued ID may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Hamilton as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed vibe
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 31.03.2025
Hamilton was great for a quick business trip. Easy to get around, and I enjoyed exploring a bit.
David Lee
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Business trip efficiency defined Hamilton for me. Getting around was a breeze, though the city's coffee options felt a bit limited. Would return.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Low-key, kinda chill.
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
Exploring Hamilton was a dream! Having a car made getting around so easy, allowing me to discover hidden gems and enjoy the beautiful scenery at my own pace. I loved it!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 06.03.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Ashley Wilson
Reviewed: 30.03.2025
Loved exploring Hamilton! So convenient having a car; I saw so much.
Christopher Davis
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
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Pretty chill, really.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 07.02.2025