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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Niigata
Niigata
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Niigata
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Niigata
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Niigata
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 Hire a Car in Niigata?
Niigata is a vibrant city with plenty to offer, from historical sites to stunning natural landscapes. While public transport is available, hiring a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and make the most of your trip with the convenience of a hire car.
Explore Scenic Routes: Niigata is known for its picturesque countryside, including beautiful coastal roads and mountain passes. A hire car allows you to easily access these scenic routes and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Visit Local Attractions: Many of Niigata's attractions, such as sake breweries, rice fields and traditional villages, are located outside the city centre. With a hire car, you can conveniently visit these attractions without relying on public transportation schedules.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Hiring a car gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. You can easily stop at roadside attractions, explore local markets and discover hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Niigata
Before hiring a car in Niigata, it's essential to understand the hire terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance and other important policies to ensure a smooth and hassle-free hire experience.
Area
726.45 square kilometres (280.48 square miles)
Population
Approximately 800,000 residents
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST) - GMT+9
Ideal for
Exploring rural areas and scenic routes
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to hire a car in Niigata is typically 21 years old. However, some hire companies may have a higher minimum age or charge additional fees for younger drivers.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the hire price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some hires offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies typically require you to return the car with a full tank of petrol.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation, child seats or additional drivers.
Car Hire Prices in Niigata – How Much Does It Cost?
Hire car prices in Niigata can vary depending on the type of car, hire duration and time of year. Here's an overview of estimated daily prices for different car categories.
Business:
from £41 / $51.50 / €49
Electric:
from £23.29 / $29.25 / €28.50
Classic:
from £15.29 / $19.20 / €18.80
Executive:
from £32.28 / $40.60 / €39.40
7 Seater:
from £35.65 / $44.85 / €43.50
Automatic:
from £23.29 / $29.25 / €28.50
SUV:
from £15.72 / $19.75 / €19.30
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to August): Expect higher demand and prices increasing by 20-30% due to summer holidays and festivals.
Low season (November to March): Often offers discounts and lower rates due to fewer tourists.
Car hire prices in Niigata are affected by seasonal demand. Understanding these trends can help you find the best deals.
How to Book a Car in Niigata?
Booking a hire car in Niigata is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and convenient experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car hire comparison website to find the best deals from different hire companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Hire Terms - Review the hire terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your hire car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, passport and credit card when picking up your hire car.
General Information About Niigata
Niigata is a city known for its rich culture, delicious food and beautiful natural landscapes. Hiring a car is a great way to explore the region at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Niigata offers a unique blend of urban and rural experiences. Driving around Niigata allows you to visit local sake breweries, explore traditional villages and enjoy the scenic coastline. Understanding local traffic laws and parking regulations is essential for a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Hakusan Shrine
A historic shrine known for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere.
Northern Culture Museum
Showcases the history and culture of the Niigata region.
Marinepia Nihonkai
A large aquarium featuring a variety of marine life.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Convenient parking options are available in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits when parking on the street.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre.
Petrol Stations in Niigata
ENEOS
A major fuel chain with stations located throughout Niigata.
Idemitsu
Another popular fuel brand with widespread availability.
Showa Shell
Offers refuelling options in various locations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Niigata
Carry Cash
While credit cards are accepted in many places, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments.
Learn Basic Japanese Phrases
Knowing a few basic Japanese phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Be Aware of Traffic Rules
Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and regulations before driving.
Allow Extra Time for Travel
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so allow extra time for travel.
Key Transportation Hubs in Niigata
Major Bus Stations
Niigata Station Bus Terminal
The primary bus terminal serving local and long-distance routes.
Railway Stations
Niigata Station
The main railway station providing connections to various destinations.
Airports
Niigata Airport (KIJ)
Serves domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Niigata?
To hire a car in Niigata, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Here's what you'll need to have prepared.
You need a valid driver's licence. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence.
The minimum age to hire a car is typically 21, but it may vary by hire company.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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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 Niigata 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.
Meh. Rice fields everywhere.
David Lee
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
Niigata's coast was stunning, though the museums felt a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 18.10.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Summer in Niigata was amazing! Having a car made exploring the beaches and mountains so easy. The rice paddies were beautiful, and the food was incredible.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 28.07.2025
Quick business trip, but Niigata charmed me! Getting around with a rental car was so convenient. Beautiful countryside.
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Lovely visit to Niigata; catching up with friends was great. The local sake was delicious, although the souvenir shops felt a bit touristy.
Karen Wilson
Reviewed: 22.02.2025
Heard great things, and Niigata exceeded expectations!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Exploring Niigata by car was fantastic! The scenery was breathtaking, and I loved the local food. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 26.12.2024