Car Rental in Surrey (Canada): Practical Guide

This guide outlines how to secure a vehicle in downtown Surrey and navigate British Columbia's rental requirements.

Surrey, Canada's rapidly growing city of about 568,322 residents, serves as a major hub in the Metro Vancouver area. Whether you are visiting for business or planning a road trip across British Columbia, having your own vehicle is often the most practical way to get around. The local car hire market features major international brands like Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Avis, Budget, and Thrifty, alongside booking platforms like DiscoverCars. Most rental depots are situated in neighborhood hubs rather than a single central airport terminal, making it essential to plan your pickup location in advance. In this guide, we break down the essential rules for renting a car in Surrey, including age restrictions, licensing requirements, local depot addresses, and scenic driving routes to help you plan your journey.

L'essentiel

To rent a car in Surrey, British Columbia, you must meet specific age and licensing criteria. The standard minimum age to rent a car is 20 to 21 years old depending on the company (for instance, 20 for Hertz and 21 for Enterprise). Drivers aged 21–24 are subject to a young renter fee, which averages $25.00 per day, and are restricted from renting specialty or luxury vehicles.

You must present a full driver's license, such as a BC Class 5 or its non-Canadian equivalent. If you hold a novice license (like a BC Class 7), expect additional surcharges or restrictions. International travelers must present their valid home country driver's license with photo identification. If your license is not written in the extended Latin alphabet, you must also provide an International Driving Permit (IDP). Note that an IDP alone is not sufficient; you must present it alongside your original license. A major credit card in the primary driver's name is required for the security deposit, and mandatory liability and collision insurance coverages apply.

Rental rates and booking tips

Rental rates in Surrey vary based on the season, vehicle class, and how far in advance you book. While specific average daily rates for 2026 fluctuate, younger drivers under 25 should always factor in the daily young renter fee of approximately $25.00 into their budget.

To secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability, it is highly recommended to book your vehicle well in advance, especially during peak summer travel seasons or holidays. Using comparison platforms like DiscoverCars can help you compare coverage options and rates across different providers. Always check if your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage satisfies the mandatory collision and liability requirements in British Columbia, or if you need to purchase additional coverage directly from the rental agency.

Where to pick up your vehicle

Unlike cities where rentals are concentrated solely at an airport, Surrey's rental services are spread across key commercial neighborhoods and downtown.

• Surrey Downtown & Central Areas: You can find multiple pickup points in the downtown area.
• Enterprise Locations: Enterprise operates several neighborhood locations across the city. You can find them in North Surrey on King George Boulevard, as well as dedicated branches in South Surrey and Surrey Newton.
• Hertz & Dollar: These two brands share a convenient neighborhood location situated at 13409 72nd Avenue.

When booking, confirm the exact address of your pickup office, as operating hours can vary between neighborhood branches compared to airport locations.

Road trips from Surrey

Surrey's location in southwestern British Columbia makes it an excellent starting point for regional road trips. The city is well-connected to major highways, allowing you to easily transition from urban driving to scenic mountain and coastal routes.

Before setting off, ensure your rental agreement permits travel across provincial borders if you plan to drive into Alberta or down into the United States. Also, check if your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires if you are traveling on mountain highways like the Sea-to-Sky or Coquihalla during winter months, as winter tires or mud-and-snow (M+S) tires are legally required on designated routes from October to April.

Where to go by car

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