Manage booking

Free cancellation
Best price guarantee
No hidden fees
24/7 multilingual support

Car rental in Niigata - Search, Compare, and Save

Free cancellation
No hidden fees

Pick-up location

Pick-up date

Drop-off date

AvatarsRate

4.67/5

Reviews from 1300+ people

Excellent

Rate
star

Trustpilot

Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Niigata

Niigata

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Niigata

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Niigata

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Niigata

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent 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, renting 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 rental car.

Explore Scenic Routes: Niigata is known for its picturesque countryside, including beautiful coastal roads and mountain passes. A rental 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 center. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit these attractions without relying on public transportation schedules.

Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Renting 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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Niigata

Before renting a car in Niigata, it's essential to understand the rental terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other important policies to ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.

Area

726.45 square kilometers (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 rent a car in Niigata is typically 21 years old. However, some rental companies may have a higher minimum age or charge additional fees for younger drivers.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental 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 rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies typically require you to return the car with a full tank of gas.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.

Car Rental Prices in Niigata – How Much Does It Cost?

Rental car prices in Niigata can vary depending on the type of car, rental 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 rental 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 rental car in Niigata is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and convenient experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals from different rental 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 Rental Terms - Review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card when picking up your rental car.

General Information About Niigata

Niigata is a city known for its rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful natural landscapes. Renting 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 center.

  • 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 center.

Gas Stations in Niigata

  • ENEOS

    A major fuel chain with stations located throughout Niigata.

  • Idemitsu

    Another popular fuel brand with widespread availability.

  • Showa Shell

    Offers refueling 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

    Familiarize 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 Rent a Car in Niigata?

To rent 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 license. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.

  • The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21, but it may vary by rental 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.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

FacebookInstagramWeb site

Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Niigata as

4.2

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Exploring Niigata by car was fantastic! The scenery was breathtaking, and I loved the local food. Highly recommend!

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 26.12.2024

Meh. Rice fields everywhere.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 10.05.2025

Niigata's coast was stunning, though the museums felt a bit underwhelming.

JB

Jessica Brown

Reviewed: 18.10.2024

Pretty chill, overall.

EC

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.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 28.07.2025

Quick business trip, but Niigata charmed me! Getting around with a rental car was so convenient. Beautiful countryside.

CE

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.

KW

Karen Wilson

Reviewed: 22.02.2025

Heard great things, and Niigata exceeded expectations!

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 19.10.2024

VisaMastercardAmexPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay
LinkedinInstagramFacebook

© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.