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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Chennai
Chennai
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Chennai
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Chennai
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Chennai
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.
Why Rent a Car in Chennai?
Chennai, a bustling metropolis, is the gateway to South India, offering a blend of culture, history, and modernity. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Diverse Attractions. Chennai is home to ancient temples, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like Fort St. George, Marina Beach, and the Government Museum.
Day Trips to Nearby Destinations. Take a comfortable drive to nearby cities like Mahabalipuram, known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed shore temples, or Pondicherry, a charming former French colony.
Flexibility and Convenience. A rental car allows you to travel on your schedule, without waiting for buses or trains, making it ideal for families, business travelers, and anyone seeking a hassle-free experience.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Chennai
Before renting a car in Chennai, be aware of the essential terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
426 square kilometres (164 square miles)
Population
Approximately 7 million residents
Time Zone
Indian Standard Time (IST), GMT+5:30
Ideal for
Independent travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Chennai is generally 21 years. Some companies may have higher age limits or charge additional fees for young drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but it's advisable to consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy, as some rentals have limited kilometres. Fuel policies vary, so understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank or not.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, out-of-state travel, late returns, or add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Chennai – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): High demand during the cooler months, prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (June to September): Monsoon season often brings discounts and lower rates
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and out-of-state rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Chennai?
Follow these steps to book a car in Chennai for a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle 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.
General Information About Chennai
Chennai offers a vibrant mix of culture and modern life. Knowing local driving conditions and regulations is essential, especially if you plan to drive outside the city center.
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a major cultural and economic hub in South India. Exploring its ancient temples, beaches, and bustling markets is best done with an understanding of local traffic rules and parking. While Chennai has a good public transportation system, renting a car is convenient for exploring beyond the city. However, be aware of the traffic, especially during peak hours. Before driving, familiarise yourself with traffic laws, fuel availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Marina Beach
One of the longest urban beaches in the world, perfect for a stroll.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
An ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Fort St. George
A historic fortress that houses a museum and other colonial-era buildings.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available in commercial areas like T. Nagar and Anna Salai.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but it's often crowded and may have time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Some suburban railway stations offer park-and-ride facilities for commuters.
Gas Stations in Chennai
Major Brands
You can find fuel stations of major brands like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the city.
Availability
Gas stations are generally easy to find, especially on main roads and highways.
Refueling Tips
Ensure you know the type of fuel your rental car requires before filling up.
Useful Tips for Visiting Chennai
Use Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or other navigation apps to navigate through the city's complex road network.
Watch for Pedestrians & Two-Wheelers
Be cautious of pedestrians and two-wheelers, as they can be unpredictable.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM / 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) when roads are heavily congested.
Hire a Driver
Consider hiring a driver for a more relaxed experience, as they are familiar with local traffic conditions.
Key Transportation Hubs in Chennai
Major Bus Stations
Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT)
One of the largest bus stations in Asia, connecting Chennai to various parts of Tamil Nadu and other states.
Railway Stations
Chennai Central
The main railway station for long-distance trains to northern and eastern India.
Chennai Egmore
Primarily serves destinations within Tamil Nadu and southern India.
Tambaram Railway Station
A major suburban railway station connecting Chennai to its southern suburbs.
Airports
Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of the city centre, serving both domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Chennai?
Renting a car in Chennai is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements.
A valid driver’s license is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Chennai 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.
Chennai was fantastic! Zipping around in my rental car, I easily met up with friends and explored the vibrant city. The food scene was incredible.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
Wonderful Chennai trip! Seeing friends was easy with a car; the city's amazing.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
Chennai surprised me! A spontaneous weekend getaway, and having a car made exploring so much easier. The food was incredible, and I saw so much.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 06.05.2025
Chennai's charm surprised me! A last-minute weekend trip, exploring the city with a car was incredibly convenient. The food was delicious.
Priya Sharma
Reviewed: 01.01.2025
Chennai was a delight! Family vacation went smoothly, exploring was easy with our rental car. So much to see!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 03.08.2025
Chennai was a breeze! Having a car made sightseeing so convenient, and the food was incredible.
David Lee
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Pretty relaxed, yeah.
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
Pretty decent, overall.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Chennai was fine. Seeing friends was easy with my car, though the heat was intense.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
First time in Chennai, and exploring independently was great with a car. The local markets were a bit overwhelming though.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
Busy trip, but renting a car made getting around Chennai much easier. The food was amazing, although the hotel pool was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 28.10.2024