Short landing in Toronto, planning to rent a car.

[linpaws87]

Hey guys,

I'm planning to do a short landing (1 week) in Toronto in July and am planning to rent a car from the airport during my stay there.

• Any suggestions on whether it is a good idea to rent a car from the airport? If so, which company is recommended?
• What kind of insurance coverage should I go for? How much does it cost on an average for an economy car?
• I'm an Indian and have a valid US (California) driver's permit. Can I legally rent a car and drive in Canada?
• I'm planning to book an accommodation on Airbnb. Which areas should I consider to stay during my short visit? (safety, accessibility)

 

[Meya06]

1. Yes, you can rent from the airport, there're too many car rental company such as nation, budget, thrifty, enterprise, etc, you can check their website for promotion.

2. It's called "collision damage waiver" that covers some loss of, or damages, I would say the cost about $20-30 per day, depending on which company you can afford.

3. It's not a problem, you can use your license in Canada as well.

4. Burlington or Oakville are not to far from Toronto, takes only 30 minutes and would be safe place for stay.


Welcome to Canada

 

[linpaws87]

Welcome to Canada

Thank you Meya06 Your answers were really helpful.

 

[Meya06]

You're welcome!

 

[vsoftco]

Hey guys,

I'm planning to do a short landing (1 week) in Toronto in July and am planning to rent a car from the airport during my stay there.

• Any suggestions on whether it is a good idea to rent a car from the airport? If so, which company is recommended?
• What kind of insurance coverage should I go for? How much does it cost on an average for an economy car?
• I'm an Indian and have a valid US (California) driver's permit. Can I legally rent a car and drive in Canada?
• I'm planning to book an accommodation on Airbnb. Which areas should I consider to stay during my short visit? (safety, accessibility)

You should also check popular websites like expedia.ca, orbitz.com etc so you can find a good deal. Enterprise has some good deals also, I've rented from them many times. Make absolutely sure that the rate they quote is in CAD and not USD, as there is a significant difference nowadays between the 2 currencies.

 

[torontosm]

Hey guys,

I'm planning to do a short landing (1 week) in Toronto in July and am planning to rent a car from the airport during my stay there.

• Any suggestions on whether it is a good idea to rent a car from the airport? If so, which company is recommended?
• What kind of insurance coverage should I go for? How much does it cost on an average for an economy car?
• I'm an Indian and have a valid US (California) driver's permit. Can I legally rent a car and drive in Canada?
• I'm planning to book an accommodation on Airbnb. Which areas should I consider to stay during my short visit? (safety, accessibility)

1) As mentioned, there are plenty of car rental options at the airport and rates are reasonable. For exceptional deals, book through Priceline.com or Hotwire.ca as those sites frequently offer better rates than the standard travel sites
2) Most credit cards offer basic insurance if you use them for the booking. check with your bank first before committing to purchase insurance from the rental agency.
3) Yes, either your Indian or CA license would be fine.
4) My advice would be to avoid suburbs like Oakville or distant towns like Burlington. Instead, try to stay in the city itself. That way, you will get a feel of what Toronto is really like. The city is extremely safe and everything is accessible via public transit or your car.

 

[pfse]

Hey guys,

I'm planning to do a short landing (1 week) in Toronto in July and am planning to rent a car from the airport during my stay there.

• Any suggestions on whether it is a good idea to rent a car from the airport? If so, which company is recommended?
• What kind of insurance coverage should I go for? How much does it cost on an average for an economy car?
• I'm an Indian and have a valid US (California) driver's permit. Can I legally rent a car and drive in Canada?
• I'm planning to book an accommodation on Airbnb. Which areas should I consider to stay during my short visit? (safety, accessibility)

If you want to save a few dozens of backs, renting in Airport is not good idea as most of the companies are applying some "premium location fee" when you rent vehicle in airports. It is better to rent from the nearest rent office in the town and go there by bus (cost $3). This is in case you don't have to much luggage. Enterprise usually have a good rates. Avis frequently have good deals.

 

[TheMaze]

FYI, as someone that lives in Toronto, depending on where your AirBNB is and where you plan to go, having a car may be more of a liability than taking public transit and Uber. If you're going to be downtown I wouldn't bother.

 

[Bs65]

FYI, as someone that lives in Toronto, depending on where your AirBNB is and where you plan to go, having a car may be more of a liability than taking public transit and Uber. If you're going to be downtown I wouldn't bother.

apart from downtown traffic there is the parking downtown to worry about as well

 

[emamabd]

It is better to rent from the nearest rent office in the town and go there by bus (cost $3).

there's also an option to take the Union Pearson express to go to downtown (Union station)

https://www.upexpress.com/Tickets/Tickets

 

[TheMaze]

apart from downtown traffic there is the parking downtown to worry about as well

That too - I own a car and live downtown, and use it less than once a week.