Nova Scotia car rentals

Standard (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type 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).

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

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.

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.

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.