Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Houston - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Houston
Houston
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Houston
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Houston
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Houston
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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 Houston?
Houston, Texas, a sprawling metropolis, is best explored with the freedom and flexibility a rental car provides. While public transportation is available, it doesn't always reach all the attractions and destinations you might want to visit. Here’s why renting a car in Houston is a great idea:
Explore Diverse Neighborhoods: Houston's neighborhoods, from the historic Heights to the trendy Montrose, are spread out. A car allows you to easily explore these unique areas at your own pace.
Visit Attractions: Many of Houston's top attractions, like the Space Center Houston, are located outside the city center. With a rental car, you can reach these destinations without relying on public transportation or ride-sharing services.
Day Trips: Houston is a great base for exploring other parts of Texas. With a rental car, you can easily take day trips to Galveston Island, San Antonio, or Austin.
Convenience: Houston is a large city, and getting around can be time-consuming. A rental car provides the convenience of traveling on your schedule and avoiding long waits for public transportation.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Houston
Before renting a car in Houston, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Area
Approximately 665 square miles (1,722 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 2.3 million residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (GMT-6)
Ideal for
Extended exploration of the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Houston require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, but many require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras like GPS navigation systems, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Houston – 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 (March to May, September to November): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (June to August, December to February): Often comes with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Houston?
Booking a car in Houston is simple when you follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience:
1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like passenger capacity and luggage space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your valid driver’s license, credit card, and proof of identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Houston
Houston is a sprawling city with a diverse culture and economy. Knowing the local traffic conditions and regulations will ensure a smooth driving experience.
As the largest city in Texas, Houston is a hub for energy, manufacturing, aerospace, and transportation. With its vast size and numerous attractions, renting a car provides the most convenient way to explore the city and its surrounding areas. However, navigating Houston's roads requires understanding local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Top Attractions to Discover
Space Center Houston
The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, offering a fascinating look at space exploration.
Museum District
Home to 19 museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Houston Zoo
A 55-acre zoo with over 6,000 animals from around the world.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Numerous parking garages are available throughout the city, offering hourly and daily rates.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available in many areas, but be sure to check the time limits and payment requirements.
Park & Ride
Park & Ride facilities are available for commuters, allowing you to park outside the city center and take public transportation into downtown Houston.
Gas Stations in Houston
Wide Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Houston.
Major Brands
You'll find major brands like Shell, Exxon, Chevron, and Valero at most gas stations.
Convenience Stores
Many gas stations are attached to convenience stores, offering snacks, drinks, and other travel essentials.
Useful Tips for Visiting Houston
Plan for Traffic
Houston is known for its traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Plan your routes accordingly and allow extra time for travel.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic updates and find the best routes.
Stay Hydrated
Houston can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Be Aware of Toll Roads
Some roads in the Houston area are toll roads. Be sure to have cash or an EZ Tag to pay the tolls.
Key Transportation Hubs in Houston
Major Bus Stations
Greyhound Bus Station
Located in downtown Houston, serving long-distance bus routes.
Railway Stations
Amtrak Station
Located near downtown Houston, providing rail services to various destinations.
Airports
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Located approximately 23 miles (37 km) north of downtown Houston, serving domestic and international flights.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Located approximately 7 miles (11 km) southeast of downtown Houston, primarily serving domestic and some international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Houston?
Renting a car in Houston is easy with the proper documentation. Here's what you'll need:
A valid driver's license from your country or state of residence is required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and those under 25 may incur additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
While not always required, having proof of your own car insurance can be helpful.
Our Content Quality
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, 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.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Houston as
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.
Loved my Houston weekend! Having a car was perfect for sightseeing. So much to see!
David Lee
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Houston was surprisingly spread out, but renting a car made it manageable. The food scene was amazing, though the humidity was a bit much.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Exploring Houston was a breeze! So much to see and do, and having a car made it perfect.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 11.03.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 16.03.2025
Houston surprised me! Easy to get around, and I saw so much.
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 17.11.2024
Pretty decent, overall.
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 17.05.2025
Houston was fantastic! Getting around with a rental car made exploring so easy. Packed so much into a weekend – loved it!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 28.02.2025