Car Rental in London, Canada: A Practical Guide for 2026

This guide covers everything from avoiding young driver surcharges to planning your regional routes.

Navigating London, Ontario—a vibrant hub of about 422,324 residents—is most convenient with your own set of wheels. Whether you are arriving at London International Airport (YXU) or planning to explore Southwestern Ontario, securing a car rental in London, Canada, gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule. The local rental market is well-established, featuring major international brands located right inside the airport terminal. However, renting a vehicle here comes with specific provincial regulations, age limits, and insurance choices that can quickly inflate your bill if you are unprepared. This practical guide outlines the essential rules of the road, explains how to navigate rental counters, details the exact document requirements, and highlights the best driving routes starting from London to ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey.

L'essentiel: Rules, Age Limits, and Licensing

Before booking your car hire in London, Canada, you must ensure you meet Ontario's strict driver's license requirements. To rent a vehicle, you must hold at least a G2 or a full G class driver's license. Holding only a G1 learner's permit makes you completely ineligible for commercial car rentals.

The standard minimum age to rent a car in Ontario is 21 years old. If you are a young driver aged 21 to 24, expect to pay a daily young renter surcharge, which typically ranges between $25 and $35 per day. Furthermore, young renters are restricted from booking luxury vehicles, minivans, or full-size SUVs.

When it comes to driving boundaries, major agencies like Enterprise and National allow you to drive across Canadian provinces and cross the border into the United States. However, driving your rental vehicle into Mexico is strictly prohibited. For parking, while exact municipal rates across London's public lots vary, always check local street signs to avoid fines.

Rental Costs and Insurance Options

While base rental rates fluctuate continuously depending on seasonal demand and vehicle availability, understanding the mandatory and optional add-ons will help you estimate your total budget.

If you choose to purchase optional Damage Waiver (DW) coverage directly from Enterprise at London International Airport, expect rates to range between $31.99 and $36.99 per day, depending on the vehicle class you select.

Another cost to consider is the fee for additional drivers. For instance, Enterprise charges an extra daily fee of $10 for each authorized driver added to the rental agreement at the airport. However, there is a helpful exception: a renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets all age and licensing requirements can be added as an authorized driver at no extra charge. To get the best rates, it is highly recommended to book your vehicle well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons in Ontario.

Where to Pick Up Your Vehicle

The primary hub to rent a car in London, Canada, is London International Airport (YXU). The airport hosts several major rental agencies, making it highly convenient for arriving passengers to collect their vehicles immediately after landing.

The service counters for major providers—including Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Alamo, and National—are located directly inside the main terminal building. You will find them situated right across from or immediately in front of the domestic baggage claim area. This layout allows you to walk straight from retrieving your luggage to signing your rental agreement without needing to take an airport shuttle.

Road Trips and Driving Out of London

London's location in Southwestern Ontario makes it an ideal starting point for regional road trips. The city is connected to major highways like the Highway 401 corridor, allowing easy access to surrounding natural wonders, lakeside towns, and major metropolitan areas.

Before setting off, ensure you have programmed your GPS and understood the toll routes if you plan to head towards the Toronto area (such as the Highway 407 ETR). If you are driving during the winter months, be prepared for sudden snow squalls, which are common in this region of Ontario. Always check that your rental vehicle has adequate windshield washer fluid and that you are comfortable with the vehicle's handling before departing the rental lot.

Where to go by car

Tolls: rates vary by country and route segment — check current pricing before you go.