Rental car from USA to Canada ?

[Venkat219]

Hi, I recently got PR and thinking to go Canada by land from USA. Is it possible to rent a car in use and drop off in Canada ? or any service available from USA to Canada border ?

 

[PMM]

Hi

Hi, I recently got PR and thinking to go Canada by land from USA. Is it possible to rent a car in use and drop off in Canada ? or any service available from USA to Canada border ?

1. Contact the car rental companies, the ones that are closest to the border, usually have cars for 1 way rentals to Canada, but note there may be quite a large drop off fee.

 

[Sricand]

Hi Venkat. Did you manage to cross into Canada via a rental car? Did you tell the rental agency that you are dropping off in Canada? I might be looking into this in a few weeks time. When I try to search for cars using the rental agency websites, I am unable to use drop off location in Canada. It says no car available.

 

[steaky]

Hi Venkat. Did you manage to cross into Canada via a rental car? Did you tell the rental agency that you are dropping off in Canada? I might be looking into this in a few weeks time. When I try to search for cars using the rental agency websites, I am unable to use drop off location in Canada. It says no car available.

Alternatively, you can fly to Buffalo airport and take a uber to Niagara Falls. Then cross the rainbow bridge border to Canada on foot (if you don't have much personal belongings).

 

[Copingwithlife]

Hi Venkat. Did you manage to cross into Canada via a rental car? Did you tell the rental agency that you are dropping off in Canada? I might be looking into this in a few weeks time. When I try to search for cars using the rental agency websites, I am unable to use drop off location in Canada. It says no car available.

Why wouldn’t you tell them you’re dropping the car off in another?

The reason why it probably states unable to use drop off location in Canada is that # 1 it’s in another country, # 2 they don’t allow there vehicles to leave the USA

And yah, it’s probably not a good idea to not tell them , and then take the car out of the country .

 

[Sricand]

Alternatively, you can fly to Buffalo airport and take a uber to Niagara Falls. Then cross the rainbow bridge border to Canada on foot (if you don't have much personal belongings).

Unfortunately this would not be an option for me as I would be having both check-in and hand luggages with me. I have an expired PR card but would be planning to enter Canada with a job offer in hand.

 

[Sricand]

Why wouldn’t you tell them you’re dropping the car off in another?

The reason why it probably states unable to use drop off location in Canada is that # 1 it’s in another country, # 2 they don’t allow there vehicles to leave the USA

And yah, it’s probably not a good idea to not tell them , and then take the car out of the country .

Don't get me wrong. I am all for transparency here which is the right thing... The rental agency websites were not very clear in their explanation on one-way transfers from US to Canada. They said possible within the terms and conditions but their system doesn't allow the booking. Likely need to call them on their toll free numbers and get the booking done.

 

[steaky]

Unfortunately this would not be an option for me as I would be having both check-in and hand luggages with me. I have an expired PR card but would be planning to enter Canada with a job offer in hand.

Unless you have 2 check-in and one carry-on (which is not backpack), I don't see why you can't take this option. Can you limit the items you accompanying and have the rest shipped to you instead?

 

[Jozov]

In 2012 I drove a Herzt rental car from New York City to Montreal, one way.
I was visiting the US, and had Canadian PR then.
Its more expensive than a normal rental - but it was cheaper for us than flying (and the ride was nice).

 

[steaky]

In 2012 I drove a Herzt rental car from New York City to Montreal, one way.
I was visiting the US, and had Canadian PR then.
Its more expensive than a normal rental - but it was cheaper for us than flying (and the ride was nice).

But can you online book it? I entered Pickup location as JFK; Dropoff location as YUL and the website says "sorry, no vehicles available for the locations, dates and times selected". It might worked a decade ago, but it might not work today.

 

[Jozov]

But can you online book it?

I did.

It might worked a decade ago

New York to Montreal:

• Avis allows $797 one way
• Expedia suggests that Alamo can do it too for same price.

 

[steaky]

New York to Montreal:

• Avis allows $797 one way
• Expedia suggests that Alamo can do it too for same price.

But not Hertz