The best options for renting a car in Montréal
After trying Discount, Globe, Avis and Budget, my pick for renting a car in Montréal is Alamo and National downtown: prices, service and tips to save.
After testing several car rental companies in Montréal, I found that the best options are Alamo and National downtown.
The two companies share the same counter and may offer the same cars, but they stand out for their prices and service, which beat the other companies I’ve tried, such as Discount, Globe, Avis and Budget.
Why Alamo and National are my favourites
Service and prices
What sets Alamo and National apart is not only the quality of their service but also their competitive prices. National is slightly more expensive, but it offers extra perks, especially through its free Emerald Club, which gives you access to a fast lane at the counter and lets you collect benefits over multiple rentals.
Booking online: a must
I strongly recommend booking directly on the Alamo or National website after creating an account. You’ll get access to exclusive promotions and upgrades. Being a member of National’s Emerald Club also brings significant extra advantages for frequent travellers.
Simple, flexible and fast
One thing I particularly liked about Alamo and National is how simple and flexible the rental process is. You don’t need to be very precise about your arrival time, there’s always a car available, and everything is handled quickly and hassle-free. The cars are also very good quality and often new, which makes driving a pleasure.
Simplified damage claims for Canadian residents
For Canadian residents renting with a credit card that includes insurance, the process in case of damage is very simple and quick. Just open a claim with your insurer, pass on the claim number linked to the rental, and the insurer and the rental company handle the rest, with no stress for you.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to rent a car in Montréal, I highly recommend National’s Emerald Club or Alamo downtown. Their combination of competitive prices, superior service and flexibility makes them a winning choice for getting around.
