Skyscanner Car Rental Booking
Jan 20 2026
Whether you’re cruising the sun-soaked highways of Spain, navigating Japan’s efficient road network, or exploring the rugged landscapes of New Zealand, booking car rentals with Skyscanner can save you time and money. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best countries to rent cars at Skyscanner, why they’re ideal, and smart strategies to secure the lowest prices.
Why Use Skyscanner for Car Rental Booking?
Skyscanner isn’t just for flights; it’s a robust travel search engine that compares car rental offers from major providers (like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and local vendors) all in one place.
Key Benefits
Instant price comparison across dozens of rental companies
Transparent fees and filter tools
Multiple pickup/drop-off locations
Worldwide coverage
Flexible date search to pinpoint the cheapest rental days
Top 8 Countries Where Skyscanner Shines for Car Rentals
Below are countries where Skyscanner typically delivers great value and extensive rental options for international and domestic travellers.
United States: Huge Fleet + Competitive Pricing
The U.S. is one of the best places for affordable car rentals due to:
High competition between major brands
Multiple airport and city locations
One-way rental flexibility
Major cities: Los Angeles, Orlando, Las Vegas, New York
Spain: Best for European Road Trips
Spain offers:
Strong inventory from European and international brands
Roads suited for self-drive touring
Competitive prices outside peak summer
Popular regions: Andalusia, Costa Brava, Canary Islands
Italy: Scenic Drives Made Easy
Italy’s car rental market is vast, particularly in:
Tuscany
Amalfi Coast
Sicily
Note: Skyscanner often finds deals even during shoulder seasons (spring and fall).
Australia: Explore Big Distances Without Breaking the Bank
Australia’s long road trip culture and large inventory in cities like:
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Pro Tip: Opt for unlimited kilometres if you’re planning long drives.
Japan: Efficient and Easy to Navigate
Japan used to be expensive to drive, but demand for rental cars has grown and Skyscanner often finds competitive offers, especially for:
Kansai region
Hokkaido
Kyushu
Pro Tip: Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travel.
Germany: Autobahn Adventures Await
Germany offers robust options with:
Competitive pricing even in Munich & Frankfurt
High road quality
Ideal for exploring Bavaria, Black Forest, and the Rhine Valley
Note: Book diesel options if available; they can be cheaper.
New Zealand: Epic Scenic Routes
Car rentals are highly popular here due to:
A culture of scenic self-drive itineraries
Strong competition among rental brands
Seasonal deals in shoulder months
Top drives: South Island glacier routes, Northland coastal roads
Pro Tip: Book early in peak summer (Dec–Feb).
Portugal: Affordable Rentals + Beautiful Coastlines
Portugal typically offers:
Good availability year-round
Lower fees than neighbouring Spain for smaller cars
Great value in Lisbon and Porto
Note: Smaller compact cars are often cheapest and easier to park.
Tap Here to book your next car rental with Skyscanner at affordable prices.
Car Rental Price Comparison
Country | Typical Daily Rate | Best Time to Book | Notes |
United States | $25 – $50 | 1–2 months ahead | Large inventory |
Spain | $30 – $60 | 2–4 months ahead | Seasonal peaks |
Italy | $35 – $75 | 3–5 months ahead | ZTL zones |
Australia | $30 – $65 | 2–3 months ahead | Long distances |
Japan | $40 – $80 | 2–4 months ahead | IDP needed |
Germany | $35 – $70 | 1–2 months ahead | Autobahn driving |
New Zealand | $40 – $85 | 3–5 months ahead | Peak summer high |
Portugal | $30 – $60 | 2–4 months ahead | Compact cars help |
Note: Estimated average price, actual prices vary by season, city, and car type.
Best Practices to Save Money When Booking Car Rentals on Skyscanner
Here are proven travel hacks that reduce costs and stress:
Book Early, Especially in Peak Season
Lower price: Rental companies usually offer their best rates when availability is high. As cars start selling out, prices increase due to demand-based pricing.
Better vehicle choice: Early bookings give you access to a wider range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and family-sized options.
Compare Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Sometimes a city centre office is cheaper than an airport, even with added transport costs.
Use Filter Tools
Skyscanner lets you filter by:
Price
Car type
Fuel policy
Free cancellation
Always refine the search to your priorities.
Check Insurance Policies
Avoid duplicating coverage:
Use your travel credit card rental insurance if supported
Decline redundant onboard insurance
Look for Unlimited Mileage
For long drives to different cities, you can avail the unlimited kilometres option to avoid extra fees.
Drive Smaller Cars
Especially in Europe and Japan:
Lower rental price
Better city parking
Improved fuel economy
Book Refundable Options
Check out the refundable option for booking for future purposes. If the prices drop, you can cancel and rebook at a lower rate.
Avoid One-Way Drop Fees When Possible
If flexibility allows:
Return the car to its original location
Choose intercity trips that loop back
This avoids one-way fees that can add substantially.
Must-Ask Questions Before Booking
Before clicking “Reserve,” confirm:
Are taxes & fees included?
What’s the fuel policy?
Is the vehicle age restricted?
Are drop-off charges included?
What insurance is included by default?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Skyscanner really compare car rental companies?
Yes, it aggregates real-time prices from major global brands and trusted local agencies to show you competitive options.
Can I book free cancellation rentals?
Yes. Skyscanner filters include “free cancellation” so you can book risk-free and rebook if prices drop.
Should I buy extra insurance through Skyscanner?
Only if you lack coverage through personal auto or credit card benefits, always verify before paying.
Are one-way rentals more expensive?
Often, yes. Many companies charge a drop fee. Whenever possible, return the car to the same location to save.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
In many countries (e.g., Japan, some EU states), you may need an IDP in addition to your home license, so verify requirements before travel.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a road trip, Skyscanner should absolutely be part of your planning toolkit. From the United States to New Zealand, travellers consistently find great prices, flexible options, and transparent terms.
Visit Skyscanner Car Rentals now and compare prices for your destination of choice!