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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.
- 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.
