How to find a cheap car hire deal in Saint John (YSJ)
Whether you need a small car for scooting around town or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap Saint John rental car. Choose from options averaging $150 a day and get on the road for less.
$110 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental at Saint John.
Staying on in Saint John for a while? Grab a weekly rental from $558 and make room for more adventures.
To land the cheapest price, book your YSJ car hire around one week in advance.
Find your perfect ride with Alamo, Avis or Budget, some of the most well-known providers at Saint John.
Whether you go with Alamo or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Saint John car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in YSJ. Providers often need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some awesome one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Saint John with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $159 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $156, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $163 a day with this provider.
The Compact rental category is a reliable option if you're not quite sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most at YSJ.
Compare car hire types from Saint John (YSJ)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Saint John rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and advanced tech features, this YSJ car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Saint John big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group outings, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different YSJ car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Saint John by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
Age requirements vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Canada may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your YSJ car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to travel.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in Canada, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so along highways. Always go by the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in Canada. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
You'll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've picked up the keys to your YSJ car hire, it's time to map out your journey. Central Saint John is about 19 kilometres southwest and a drive of around 20 minutes if that's where your journey begins.
During peak hour, expect the drive from Saint John to the centre to take as long as 25 minutes.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also grab a car hire in Saint John. If you don't need a ride right away, wait until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Saint John (YSJ)
Start with some of the standout attractions in Saint John, like Reversing Falls and Irving Nature Park. Whether you drive your rental or get there another way, set aside time for these highlights before you move on.
Fredericton should be on your to-do list if you'd like to see Fredericton Botanic Garden and Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. This city is about 88 kilometres northwest of YSJ.
Add Oromocto to your journey too. Roughly 72 kilometres northwest of the airport, drive there in your Saint John car hire to explore top attractions like Canadian Military Engineers Museum and Fort Hughes Military Blockhouse.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Charlottetown, roughly 241 kilometres northeast of YSJ. First, visit St. Dunstan's Basilica, then follow it up with Site of L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish Home.
