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Houston car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Houston

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Mini car
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Economy car
Economy
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Compact car
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Intermediate car
Intermediate
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Standard car
Standard
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Full-size car
Full-size
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Luxury car
Luxury
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Minivan car
Minivan
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Passenger van car
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SUV car
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Commercial car
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KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Houston

  • Travelers flying into Houston will want to consider renting a car while they are in town, as in Houston -- and in Texas in general -- it is much easier to get around in a car than to rely on public transportation. For instance, if you would like to catch a Texans game at NRG Stadium, it would take 50 minutes to take public transport via METRORail from downtown to the stadium, as opposed to 20 minutes by car.
  • Picking up a hire car after your flight to Houston? At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, travelers can reach the hire Car Center via shuttle bus from any of the three terminals and from the Baggage Claim Area. For travelers flying into Hobby Airport, shuttle buses to the hire Car Center depart from Curb Zone 1 with signs out to guide the way.
  • Houston’s morning rush hour lasts from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in the evening it starts as early as 4 p.m. and runs till 7 p.m. During rush hour, many of the highways can become severely congested and are worth avoiding. In particular, US-59 and IH-10 in the Galleria area can become especially congested.
  • Travelers should be aware that many of the highway exit ramps will exit onto feeder roads that run parallel to the highway before exiting onto regular streets. The feeder roads are also a convenient place to pull a U-turn if you find that you have exited the highway too early.
  • Book your rental car in Houston at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Houston are around 16% cheaper than other car types, on average

Houston car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Houston 
Learn how KAYAK collects reviews and tips from users.
AlishaJul 2024
Definitely go with Alamo! Wonderful experience across-the-board and no lines. The line at Budget was probably 1.5-2 hours long and I didn’t have to wait at all with Alamo. You also get to literally walk out and pick whatever car you want based on the group that you paid for so it’s really nice to have a say in what car you drive!
Verified travelerJul 2024
Be ready for a low budget experience. You get what you pay for.
Verified travelerApr 2024
Easirent is NOT located with the rest of the rental car places, but if you are looking for really sweet people and a quick cheap rental, Easirent is great.
Verified travelerMar 2024
IAH has a unique rental plaza and have a large selection of vehicles. I would definitely go there more often.
Verified travelerMay 2024
Good service and quick service
Verified travelerMar 2024
I found driving in Houston to be quite sensible.
Verified travelerFeb 2024
Easy driving, road users in Houston seem very considerate. Much more so than Boston!
Verified travelerJan 2024
My experience Good. Just keep up
Verified travelerJan 2024
Pay attention to tolls, if you do not want to pay tolls, use GPS of your cell phone to use no-toll roads
MartaSept 2023
If you’re not familiar with Houston it’s easier to stay on the grid instead of using the freeways as they can be ver intimidating & fast, 6 lanes wide!
BenSept 2023
Lots of tolls. Might need to coordinate with rental company upon pickup unless you know for sure you can avoid tolls
Verified travelerOct 2023
Lots of traffic and more than a few speeders. By and large, it was manageable.
Verified travelerNov 2023
May want to consider the agency and the vehicle you choose carefully.
Verified travelerNov 2023
No different than other big city's.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Get there really early. Preregister. Houston traffic sucks, especially at rush hour, but it's not like DC or LA or NY traffic. Use your Navigator, you'll be fine. When returning the car, don't get gas on the road leading into the airport...it's literally $1 more per gallon than the gas on the other side of the street--heading out of the airport. Fill up before you get there, or spend an extra 10 minutes to U-turn to get gas on the other side of the road. We drive faster than folks in most big cities. Please stay out of the fast lanes if you're getting passed on the right. And if you're really slow, please stay off the freeway altogether. Slow drivers cause a lot more accidents than fast drivers. We have these nifty things called "access roads" that parallel the freeways. They may be disconcerting, at first, but they're great for slow drivers. Even though we drive faster, there are plenty of law enforcement agencies looking to make money on traffic offenses. Drive with the flow of traffic to minimize your risks of being the one that gets pulled over. Again, Navigator may be your friend.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Purchase your toll fee at the agent when you pick up your car for hassle-free travel.
TracyAug 2023
Houston was great to drive in. Never encountered any crazy drivers. The open road, lots of space.
CharryseAug 2023
Be prepared for a quick and easy check out and check in.
SpinozaJul 2023
Good car is needed for expressway
Verified travelerAug 2023
Ez tag is a must
Verified travelerJul 2023
Traffic patterns and frontage roads are somewhat unique in Houston (Texas more generally). Be prepared for heavy traffic time to destination is always longer than you expect.
ZacharyJun 2023
Multiple people advised me not to mess with the police. Zero tolerance on cannabis and draconian operating under the influence laws. If you drink, don’t drive.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Very busy roads. Get out early so you won't be late due to traffic.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Don’t forget to get the toll pass! There are toll roads everywhere now.
HansJun 2023
Buy the toll option, or you'll be driving in secondary roads.
Verified travelerJul 2023
Car rental location is only reached by bus shuttle
Verified travelerJul 2023
Pay attention to the road
Verified travelerJun 2023
It was my first time in Houston, and this experience wasn't the best. They should have an idea of how many people are going to show up to pick up their rentals at different points of the day, and make sure they have enough staff to serve those people so no one stays in the line for more than 15 minutes.
Verified travelerJul 2023
Do your research, don’t go with a company because of cheaper rates. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!🤷🏻‍♀️
SabrathiaJul 2023
Houston drivers are a bit reckless and most seem to drive in a myopic bubble.
AllanAug 2023
Triple check your agreement, don’t trust rental agents
Verified travelerMay 2023
Hope there is no toll fee, hoping driver will used there turning signal .
AyazMay 2023
Give extra time when returning at IAH

FAQs about renting a car in Houston

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Houston?

    Large vehicles are very common in Houston, so visitors to the city may want to consider renting an SUV or another large vehicle because otherwise they may find their view of the road obscured by the other large vehicles. The roads are constructed with large cars in mind, so small parking spots and narrow lanes are not a concern.

  • What’s the speed limit in Houston?

    Drivers in Houston will see a wide range of road speeds from 20 - 30 mph in residential areas to 30 - 55 mph on larger city roads. For highways in Houston, the speed limit is almost always 70 mph, though occasionally speed limits of 75 and 80 mph will be seen on the larger highways.

  • Where are the best places to park in Houston?

    Parking garages are your best bet for finding affordable parking in downtown Houston, especially when an event such as a Houston Rockets game is going on. Street parking is also available, but it can be difficult to find an empty spot during peak hours. However, if you are set on streetside parking and are willing to walk a block or two, then a free spot should be easy enough to find.

  • What is the best rental car company in Houston?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Houston are Alamo (8.5, 105 reviews), Sixt (7.7, 123 reviews), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.2, 119 reviews).

  • How much is gas price in Houston?

    The average gas price in Houston is ₪13.58 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between ₪163 and ₪217, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Houston?

    Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Houston.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Houston?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Houston?

    An Intermediate car rental in Houston costs ₪223 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Houston?

    A Standard car rental in Houston costs ₪366 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Houston?

    A Full Size car rental in Houston costs ₪337 per day, on average.

Houston car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Alamo

8.5

Very good

Read 52 reviews

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.3

2 locations in Houston

Show locations

Locations in Houston

17300 Palmetto Pnes

+1 833 511 1743

Monday06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:59
Thursday06:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:59
Saturday06:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:59

7600 Airport Blvd

+1 833 511 1746

Monday05:00 - 23:59
Tuesday05:00 - 23:59
Wednesday05:00 - 23:59
Thursday05:00 - 23:59
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday05:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Passenger van

KAYAK
The van had a dirty windshield and we had to ask for it to be cleaned when we picked it up. More importantly we were told to bring it back with a full tank but we were given a van with a half tank and had to ask them to fill the tank. Their preparation of the van needs improvement.

10.0 Wonderful

Alisha, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
This is honestly the easiest best rental car experience I’ve ever had. It was quick to check in/pick up and even easier to drop off. What I really liked was the fact that I got to literally just go pick a car on my own, not be told which car I’m getting. It felt cool to walk down an Isle of cars and be able to get into whichever one I like!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2024

Economy

KAYAK
The front staff were very friendly and helpful and the car fit our needs very well.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
We had to wait for over an hour to pick up this car. Don’t rent from this location.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Didn’t like the manual seats. I’m short and need the electric ones. Otherwise it was great.

10.0 Wonderful

Sergio, Mar 2024

Minivan

KAYAK
Easy and quick rental plus great car in excellent conditions.

1 out of 18

Sixt

7.7

Good

Read 81 reviews

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.8

Value for money

7.5

3 locations in Houston

Show locations

Locations in Houston

17330 Palmetto Pines

+1 888 749 8227

Monday05:00 - 23:59
Tuesday05:00 - 23:59
Wednesday05:00 - 23:59
Thursday05:00 - 23:59
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday05:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:00 - 23:59

383 Ruthven Street

+1 888 749 8227

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

7901 Airport Blvd

+1 888 749 8227

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Rabbi Menachem, Apr 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Every part of the rental met or exceeded expectations. Thanks so much!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
Great !

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
The BMW was extremely comfortable, but we had a heck of a problem trying to figure out which button to push for various things. The people at the checkout counter, the key distribution and the return were simply a lot of fun. All of them were smiling and laughing when appropriate. That is a good operation! We were very impressed.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
I was quoted a price upon reservation. When I arrived to pick up the car I was told the car did not have GPS which I assumed it would have and absolutely needed. The car with GPS cost me more than TWICE as much as the initial quoted price and it was not a category update. I have consistently rented with Sixt for years in Paris, France. You can look it up. GPS was never an issue. To say the least I am extremely disappointed at what I consider as misrepresentation, and will steer away from Sixt in the future.

8.0 Very good

Richard, Oct 2022

KAYAK
Staff was helpful and car was ready when I arrived.

10.0 Wonderful

Kathy, Oct 2022

KAYAK
Our car rental experience in Houston was great. We received an upgrade and were very pleased with Tim at the rental place. He was very nice and most helpful. The people that took cat of us when picking up and dropping off the vehicle were great as well. I would highly recommend Sixt @ Houston. Thank you

1 out of 27

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.2

Good

Read 69 reviews

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

7.1

49 locations in Houston

Show locations

Locations in Houston

10104 Katy Fwy

+1 713 468 6878

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1035 Silber Rd

+1 713 956 9533

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1107 Silber Rd

+1 346 201 3239

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

11130 Gulf Fwy Ste 320

+1 713 943 0911

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

11242 Fm 1960 Rd W Ste J

+1 281 897 0675

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

11322 North Freeway

+1 281 447 4373

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

11625 Katy Fwy

+1 281 558 0685

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

11960 Wickchester Lane

+1 281 558 0685

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

12150 Katy Fwy

+1 281 589 5370

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

12230 Hempstead Rd

+1 713 895 9616

Opening times not available

12280 Westheimer Rd Ste 300

+1 281 679 1166

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00