It is usually a requirement that those who are intending to hire a car in Kerala will need a suitable credit card in order to pay for the deposit of their hire vehicle. The deposit is generally paid in the advance of any accidental damage that could be inflicted on the vehicle whilst it is in your possession. Providers will commonly accept other forms of card payment, like Visa or Mastercard, but it’s best to inform your provider beforehand to make sure you have a suitable option of payment. Cash or cheque payments usually aren't accepted.
If you plan to cross the border with your Kerala car hire, then it’s commonly safe to do so. A provider usually requests that you alert them of any potential border crossing for your intended duration, in order to make sure that it is a suitable option. You might also find that certain vehicle types are not allowed to cross the border, so make sure that you choose an appropriate vehicle type beforehand.
Drivers who are intending to hire a car whilst in Kerala will be happy to know that there’s a lot of branches available to hire a car. It is best to check with your provider beforehand regarding the circumstances that surround returning a vehicle. It is a usual request that you return your hire vehicle to the same branch that you picked it up from. Whilst this is usually a requirement, some branches are willing to make other arrangements for returning the vehicle to a separate branch. Branches are commonly found within the city centre or outside international airports, like Cochin International Airport (COK), Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), Kannur International Airport (CNN) and Kozhikode International Airport (CCJ).
Book your rental car in Kerala at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Standard rental cars in Kerala are around 7% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Kerala
Hiring a car in Kerala is the perfect option of choice if you want to enjoy the state without the restrictions of having to rely on public transport. Whilst there is a variety of public transport available, there is a reduced service depending on which day you travel, meaning that hiring a vehicle is essential to enjoy some of the top attractions. Some attractions, sights and landmarks include Varkala Beach, Eravikulam National Park, Athirappilly Water Falls, Edakkal Caves, Silent Valley National Park as well as much more.
Driving in Kerala is easy and is suitable for both experienced and less-experienced drivers. When you drive in Kerala, you will always drive on the left-hand side of the road, so driving isn’t too dissimilar to driving around in the UK. All hire vehicles will be equipped with a steering wheel located on the right-hand side. Always approach a roundabout with caution and give way to drivers who are coming from the right. Depending on which road you’re driving on, you’ll find different limits of speed. On most roads, you’ll find a speed limit of 50 km/h (31 mph), whereas other major and main roads may increase the limit to 70 km/h (43 mph). Speed might not be signposted, and drivers should always drive at an appropriate speed for the road.
Depending on which provider that you choose to hire a car from in Kerala, you will commonly find that requirements differ in terms of age. You can find suitable companies hiring vehicles to those as young as 18 years old, but the most common minimum age to hire a vehicle is 21 or 23 years old. If you fall in this category, specifically under 25 years old, then expect to face an additional sub charge at your booking, also known as a young driver’s handling fee. It is also a requirement with some providers that you have held your licence for at least 12 months before you are due to hire the vehicle and take it around Kerala.
Standard (Opel Zafira Tourer or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Kerala.