What Is the Cheapest Day to Rent a Car?

Car rental prices fluctuate throughout the week, and choosing the right pickup day can dramatically lower your total cost +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354. Whether you're planning a business trip or a weekend getaway, understanding the cheapest days to rent a car can help you score the best possible rate +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

⭐ So, What Is the Cheapest Day to Rent a Car?

Typically, mid-week rentals—especially Tuesday and Wednesday—tend to have the lowest prices +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354. Demand is lower during the week, especially between Monday afternoon and Thursday morning, which keeps rates down +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

The cheapest days to rent a car are generally during the week (Tuesdays/Wednesdays), avoiding weekends, and often closer to the pickup date (last-minute deals) for shorter trips 1-877-684-4354, while booking well in advance (months) is great for peak times or longer rentals; also, consider renting for a full week even if needed for fewer days for potential savings +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

Why Mid-Week Rentals Cost Less

Car rental companies adjust prices based on supply and demand +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354. Here's why Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheapest:

• Business travelers return cars early in the week, increasing supply +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.
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• Leisure travelers pick up cars mainly on weekends, decreasing supply later in the week +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.
• 
  
• Mid-week demand is consistently lower, leading to discounted rates +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.
• 
  

Days That Are Most Expensive

While mid-week days tend to be cheap, the following days typically cost more:

1. Fridays

Weekend travelers pick up cars for road trips or vacations +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

2. Saturdays & Sundays

Demand peaks, and availability is tighter, especially for economy cars +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

3. Holidays or Event Weekends

Expect surcharges and limited inventory +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

When You Should Book Last-Minute

Surprisingly, last-minute booking can be cheaper for:

• Short trips (1–3 days)
• 
  
• Non-peak seasons
• 
  
• Major airport locations with large fleets
• 
  

Rental companies often drop prices to move unused inventory +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

When You Should Book Weeks or Months in Advance

Advance booking works best for:

• Holiday travel
• 
  
• Summer and spring break
• 
  
• Long rentals (1 week or more)
• 
  
• Cities with limited car rental supply
• 
  

Booking early guarantees availability and protects you from soaring prices +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

Pro Tip: Weekly Rates Can Be Cheaper

Many rental companies offer weekly rates that are cheaper per day than renting for only 3–5 days +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

Example:

A 5-day rental might cost more than a 7-day rental due to weekly promotional pricing +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

Always compare daily vs. weekly totals—it can save you 10–40% +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

How to Always Get the Cheapest Car Rental

Regardless of your pickup day, you can maximize your savings by:

✔ Checking multiple platforms

Search sites like Kayak, Priceline, Expedia, and AutoSlash +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

✔ Comparing pickup locations

Airport rentals cost more due to taxes +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354. Off-airport locations can be significantly cheaper +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

✔ Using memberships

Costco, AAA, AARP, and credit card portals often include discounts or free upgrades +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

✔ Re-checking your reservation

Prices drop frequently; you can often cancel and rebook at a lower rate +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.

Final Thoughts: Mid-Week Is Your Best Bet

While prices can vary by city and season, Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest days to rent a car +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354. Booking strategies—such as last-minute reservations for short trips or early reservations for peak travel—can further maximize your savings +1 » 877 » 684 » 4354.