Nova Scotia car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Nova Scotia
Top tips for renting a car in Nova Scotia
- Drink-driving is taken very seriously across Canada, with Nova Scotia being no different. Police are allowed to pull you over and perform a breathalyser test on you if they suspect you might have been drinking alcohol. The legal limit in Nova Scotia is 0.05%, with suspensions being issued for anyone found to be above this alcohol blood level.
- If you are driving your Nova Scotia car hire with children in the vehicle, you must abide by the region’s child safety laws. For instance, kids of a certain age must be in a suitable safety restrain that is appropriate to their age, weight, and height. Infants must be in a rear-facing child seat if they’re under one year old, or weigh less than 10 kg. Other kids that are younger than nine and weigh more than 18 kg, but who are smaller than 145 cm, can go in a forward-facing booster seat. All other children must wear a seat belt at all times.
- You can take your Nova Scotia car hire across the state borders, proving your agreement allows for it. Most car hire companies also permit you to travel across borders too, with the U.S. being only a few hours' drive away. It’s important that you have written permission from your car hire company before you do so, otherwise your insurance will become void, and you may not be able to pass through border control. You will also need to ensure that your visa allows for travel to the U.S.
- It’s worth noting that if you are driving around Nova Scotia, the north of the region has far less petrol stations, so you should ensure that you always fill up before you set off. Most petrol stations are on the main motorways, too. During the winter, Nova Scotia can experience a lot of snow, so you should also drive with vigilance in adverse weather conditions and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front.
- Book your rental car in Nova Scotia at least 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Intermediate rental cars in Nova Scotia are around 28% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Nova Scotia
What is the most popular rental car in Nova Scotia?
Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Nova Scotia.
What is the best rental car company in Nova Scotia?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Nova Scotia are Budget (8.8, 195 reviews), Avis (8.6, 103 reviews), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.4, 91 reviews).
How can I find car rentals near me in Nova Scotia?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
Should I hire a car in Nova Scotia?
Hiring a car in Nova Scotia is strongly recommended. With a hire car you have the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace, whilst also being able to reach remote and scenic areas, which isn’t always possible with public transport. Nova Scotia is well known for its beautiful landscape and breathtaking coastal views, which is something you’ll become familiar with if you have a hire car. With a car you will find it easy to visit popular attractions, such as Cape Breton Island, Bras d’Or Lake and Dominion Beach Provincial Park, which is a stunning park and garden. You will also stumble upon charming coastal towns in your hire car and be able to reach some iconic natural parks, such as Ogden Round Lake Wilderness Area.
What is driving like in Nova Scotia?
Driving in Nova Scotia is an enjoyable experience, with drivers being relatively considerate and roads being well-maintained. The roads tend to be wide and spacious throughout the region, with there being good signage too to help you on your way. Some of the smaller and lesser-used roads can be narrow and bumpy, so it’s necessary to take care when in the countryside. In Nova Scotia, you will drive on the right-hand side of the road, which is different from the UK. In some of the popular tourist areas, parking can be hard to come by, so you should plan accordingly and arrive at your destination in good time.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Nova Scotia?
In general, you will need to be 21 years of age to hire a vehicle in Nova Scotia. Some agencies will require you to be older than this, though, so it’s advised you check in advance. There is also likely to be a surcharge for drivers under 25 years of age, whilst most car hire agencies have age restrictions on specific vehicle types. Whilst most companies will accept a full UK driving licence, you might also need an International Driving Permit to hire a vehicle. In addition, you must have held your licence for at least 12 months prior to the hire period.
Car rental locations in Nova Scotia
Car rental directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Nova Scotia
27 Locations
Avis car rental locations in Nova Scotia
13 Locations
Budget car rental locations in Nova Scotia
13 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in Nova Scotia
6 Locations
Discount Car & Truck Rentals car rental locations in Nova Scotia
5 Locations
National car rental locations in Nova Scotia
5 Locations
Thrifty car rental locations in Nova Scotia
4 Locations
keddy by Europcar car rental locations in Nova Scotia
4 Locations
Dollar car rental locations in Nova Scotia
3 Locations
Europcar car rental locations in Nova Scotia
3 Locations
Sunnycars car rental locations in Nova Scotia
3 Locations
Alamo car rental locations in Nova Scotia
2 Locations
Good to know
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
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