Is it worthwhile to book a rental car in Nova Scotia?

We recommend cheap rental cars if you’re traveling on a tight budget so that you can visit as many places as possible. A car rental in Nova Scotia will enable you to make the most out of your visit. During your visit to Nova Scotia, you can start in Halifax, the capitol city. Halifax has a bustling waterfront dotted with restaurants, attractions, and scenic views of the beautiful harborfront. Next, you can head southwest to Peggy’s Cove, which is under an hour drive from Halifax. Alternatively, you can choose to tour Mahone Bay, Luneburg, Blue Rocks fishing village, and finally, make a stop in the famous historic town of Liverpool. Other places to visit in your rental car include Yarmouth, Annapolis Valley, Bay of Fundy, Cape Breton, Ingonish Beach, Guysborough, and Tangier. Only a rental car will allow you to reach most of these destinations during your stay in Nova Scotia.

What are the driving conditions like in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is one of the most popular places to visit while touring the east coast of Canada. You can be even more adventurous when you travel around Nova Scotia in a rental car. Usually, roads in this Canadian province are in good condition and you can enjoy driving without major hurdles. Along with ice, snow, and colder temperatures, the winter season comes with potentially risky driving conditions. Decreased visibility and slippery roads can also be a challenge when driving in Nova Scotia. To stay safe in your car rental, make sure it is in good working order. The car should be equipped with the recommended winter tires to handle slippery roads and snowy conditions. When driving in Nova Scotia, you’ll want to rent an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, designed specifically to handle winter conditions.

What laws should I be aware of when driving in Nova Scotia?

We recommend studying and understanding the laws of Nova Scotia even before you sit behind the wheel of your car rental. Driving in any Canadian city or province is similar to driving in the United States. Only a few differences exist in terms of the driving rules and provincial traffic laws. The speed measurements are usually in kilometers per hour (km/h) instead of miles per hour. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for passengers of all ages. Cellular phones are only allowed if they are used “hands-free" while you are driving. It’s best to check with Nova Scotia’s department of motor vehicles for recent changes in traffic laws.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Nova Scotia?

Whether you’re going for cheap car rentals or luxury cars, you must have the right documents at the time of your car rental pickup. A valid driver’s license is mandatory for all drivers. You will also need to present proof of your auto insurance to be allowed to drive in Nova Scotia. Travelers from countries other than the US are required to submit an International Driving Permit (IDP) if they are staying in Canada for more than six months. You’ll need to pay for your car rental with a valid credit card.

Cheap Car Rentals in Nova Scotia from just $25

Looking for cheap car rental deals in Nova Scotia? Search right here on momondo!

Discover deals from rental companies in 70,000+ locations with momondo.

Best deals found for Nova Scotia car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental cars in Nova Scotia

Chevrolet Spark

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

$25/day

6 May - 3 Jun

See offer

Kia Rio

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

4-door vehicles

$25/day

6 May - 3 Jun

See offer

Mini Countryman

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

$26/day

5 May - 2 Jun

See offer

Volkswagen Jetta

or similar Standard

Up to 5 passengers

$28/day

5 May - 2 Jun

See offer

Kia Sportage

or similar Full-size

Up to 5 passengers

$29/day

5 May - 2 Jun

See offer

Jeep Patriot

or similar Intermediate SUV

Up to 5 passengers

$30/day

8 May - 15 May

See offer

Ford EcoSport

or similar Compact SUV

Up to 4 passengers

$31/day

10 May - 24 May

See offer

Ford Fusion

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

$32/day

12 May - 2 Jun

See offer

Nissan Sylphy

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

$37/day

4 May - 12 May

See offer

Rental cars insight and trends in Nova Scotia

Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in Nova Scotia

Companies

Other Information

What is the best rental car company in Nova Scotia?

The best rental car company in Nova Scotia is Budget. This is based on an average momondo customer rating of 8.8/10 from 197 reviews. If you are planning a trip to Nova Scotia, you will be able to find Budget at 10 locations in the region, such as in the city of Halifax.

Nova Scotia car rental deals found on momondo

Find the rental car in Nova Scotia that's right for you

	Small cars	$37 - $99
	All Car Types	$42 - $108

The average price of a small car rental in Nova Scotia is $52. The cheapest time to rent a small car in Nova Scotia is in January. The price is 29% lower than the rest of the year at just $37 per day. A small car rental is typically 17% less expensive than the average rental car in Nova Scotia. The average price of a vehicle rental in Nova Scotia can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Nova Scotia small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car rental in Nova Scotia is $53. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in Nova Scotia is in April. The price is 36% lower than the rest of the year at just $35 per day. A medium car rental is typically 13% less expensive than the average rental car in Nova Scotia. The average price of a vehicle rental in Nova Scotia can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Nova Scotia medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car rental in Nova Scotia is $83. The cheapest time to rent a large car in Nova Scotia is in January. The price is 41% lower than the rest of the year at just $49 per day. A large car rental is typically 26% more expensive than the average rental car in Nova Scotia. The average price of a vehicle rental in Nova Scotia can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Nova Scotia large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV rental in Nova Scotia is $68. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Nova Scotia is in January. The price is 40% lower than the rest of the year at just $41 per day. A SUV rental is typically 9% more expensive than the average rental car in Nova Scotia. The average price of a vehicle rental in Nova Scotia can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Nova Scotia SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van rental in Nova Scotia is $100. The cheapest time to rent a van in Nova Scotia is in January. The price is 35% lower than the rest of the year at just $66 per day. A van rental is typically 39% more expensive than the average rental car in Nova Scotia. The average price of a vehicle rental in Nova Scotia can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Nova Scotia van rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a luxury car rental in Nova Scotia is $89. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in Nova Scotia is in January. The price is 40% lower than the rest of the year at just $54 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 31% more expensive than the average rental car in Nova Scotia. The average price of a vehicle rental in Nova Scotia can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Nova Scotia luxury car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a convertible rental in Nova Scotia is $74. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in Nova Scotia is in April. The price is 17% lower than the rest of the year at just $62 per day. A convertible rental is typically 17% more expensive than the average rental car in Nova Scotia. The average price of a vehicle rental in Nova Scotia can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

Chevrolet Spark

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

$25/day

6 May - 3 Jun

See offer

Kia Rio

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

4-door vehicles

$25/day

6 May - 3 Jun

See offer

Toyota Yaris

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

$48/day

13 May - 20 May

See offer

Nova Scotia car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in Nova Scotia

Budget

8.8

Very good

113 reviews•10 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

6.0

Okay|Sep 2023

The car I got was smaller than what I anticipated and there was apparently no other vehicle so I had to settle.for what Budget gave me.

2.0

Poor|Sep 2023

Everything could have been better…i will never rent fron there again….car smelled like cat pee, never got the vehicle that i had booked to rent and the price did not change from a truck to a small car…i feel completely ripped off

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2023

Booked a Suppliers Choice car and they chose the perfect vehicle for us.

4.0

Mediocre|Sep 2023

They overcharged and at first gave us a vehicle that gets very poor mileage and did not at all Macy had the one we had reserved We had already purchased insurance through kayak and got roped into spending $356 more for insurance because they told us we didn’t have coverage

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2023

Friendly staff, short wait, nice car, easy.

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2023

Very good. Just a little more expensive than I remembered

1 out of 38

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.6

Very good

38 reviews•19 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

8.0

Very good|Jul 2023

Good

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2023

I had great experiences with Enterprise. When I thought about the US exchange rate with you, I called Enterprise and, as they did not charge in US funds, I got the cheaper rate and cancelled the booking I had through you.. I have rented from them a few times now as the transmission is gone on my car so I thank you for suggesting that company. Twila

10.0

Wonderful|Oct 2022

The customer service was great and would use this company again anytime based on that.

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2022

Harman Johal is great -- a very friendly, efficient and understanding "agent" (he's actually the branch manager). Mid-rental, we needed to make two major changes to our original contract; Harman accommodated us quickly and with no hassle at all. Highly recommend!

8.0

Very good|Sep 2022

Liked the vehicle and liked the agent at the pick-up location. Did not like them not having a car ready for us at the scheduled time. Had to wait for them to receive a car back and then clean it up for us. Also did not like the drop off location. Extremely confusing to find.

8.0

Very good|Sep 2022

We found Enterprise Car Rental a good rental business

1 out of 13

View Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in Nova Scotia

Avis

8.6

Very good

51 reviews•11 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2024

Smooth dealing

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

My car was a 2020 Mazda that could barely get up hills. The Cabot trail is all hills. The car had 80,000 Km on it. The engine sounded as is it wanted to blow up when it was just sitting there idling. It would rev up to 4000 RPM regularly and went through almost 5 tanks of gas. For the price I paid I would have liked a newer vehicle. The staff wasn’t very friendly either, and when I called to inquire about a different drop off point in Halifax the guy was rude to me, even starting the conversation with just ‘Hello’ lol Terrible experience all around

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

It was great 😎🎶🎶🎶😎

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

Really kind and efficient staff. Awesome location on Grafton

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2023

Everything

2.0

Poor|Oct 2022

We are very disappointed with our experience and will never use Avis again. After calling the day before our booking to change the pick up time and confirm (which the agent did confirm there was no issue with the new pick up time and the pick up time was changed), we took a taxi to downtown Avis from the airport as airport Avis was sold out. Upon arrival, Avis was closed and we were left without a rental car to get to our hotel 2 hours away. We took a taxi half way to the hotel before the airport Avis location called back saying they now had a mini van available, even though we had booked an SUV. This cost us about $400 more than anticipated ($100 taxi and can was $300 more for the week than SUV) and 4 hour of our time. It was a horrible experience on my birthday and to start our honeymoon and we will never use Avis ever again.

1 out of 17

View Avis Locations in Nova Scotia

Hertz

7.0

Good

36 reviews•5 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

4.0

Mediocre|Aug 2023

I had requested a sedan. Upon arrival, I was advised the only option was a jeep. This was very disappointing. I regularly drive an SUV but the jeep was large and boxy. I was on edge driving the vehicle throughout my rental period. While I do recognize rental vehicles are in short supply due to a shortage of cars and high demand, I continue to be frustrated that my 'only option' was presented as a jeep while others before and after me were provided with easier to drive options. I was relieved to drop the jeep off at the airport. I considered returning it after day 1 but the flexibility and understanding shown by Hertz staff was cold and verged on inconsiderate. When I am spending over $900 to rent a car for 5 days, my expectations are high. With my daughter in University at Dalhousie, we will return to the area. I will be very hesitant to rely on Hertz in the future or mentally prepare myself for substandard customer service.

6.0

Okay|Jun 2023

Mediocre, Quick to charge fees even when not warranted, slow to repay! I cancelled within the cancellation period and they still charged the cancellation fee. I did get it back after having to ask for it. Peter

6.0

Okay|May 2023

I wanted to change the drop off location to the airport but to do so was such a hassle and increased the price so exponentially that I left it as it was in order to move forward with the rental

2.0

Poor|Sep 2022

When I arrived to pickup my car the agency was closed. I had called hertz hours earlier that day to confirm my reservation. Did not get a car I reserved weeks in advance.

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2022

Car rentals always end up costing more than the initial quote. It would be helpful to provide all additional options/charges up front. Having said that the staff at pick-up and return were very friendly; we got an upgrade, and the car was spotlessly clean. Would definitely book again. The clincher was rushing back to the car when I realized I’d lost my wallet when we got to the check-in area at departures….to hear the attendant we’d dropped the car off with saying “hear she is” and returning my wallet (with ID needed for travel) with a smile!

2.0

Poor|Sep 2022

You messed up my request to have a car at the airport and it cost me $80 for a cab to pick up the bloody car in the city

1 out of 12

Alamo

8.5

Very good

5 reviews•1 location

Check prices

Overview

Dollar

7.8

Good

11 reviews•3 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

The speed of service was excellent . The car was great and the price was right. Great experience

8.0

Very good|Sep 2022

Price Service

2.0

Poor|Sep 2022

Dollar Westin Hotel Halifax 1. Was very long in attending to me while the attendant was on a long break. 2. failed to clean the car upon handover; 3. Gave us 2 keys together with unbreakable wire. 4. Upon return would not inspect the car at all with me when asked, and said he was busy with customers ( none there for 25 minutes) while talking to his girlfriend. 5. Did not leave manual in car. 6. Neither Attendant asked the customer if everything wss OK.

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2022

Quick and easy pick up and delivery. When I was picking up it was raining heavily and the one of the employees brought the car around under the hotel entrance canopy, which was exceptional service.

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2022

Everything went exactly as it was supposed to. The car we requested was waiting for us when we arrived, check in was quick, and return was simple and easy. A pleasure!

1.9

Poor|Oct 2021

The pick up experience was dreadful. We went the day before we were to pick up our car rental to ensure that everything was in place. We were assured that the mid size car we rented and paid for would be there. When we returned the next day to pick up the car we were told that they only had a compact car available and that we should pay the extra for an SUV that was available. We said no that we wanted the mid size car we rented and paid for. The two attendants wasted 30 minutes trying to convince us to take the SUV. We refused and they finally said they would have to bring the car that we ordered from another location and that would take another 30 minutes. We did not appreciate the attendants wasting our time. The drop off was much less onerous. Dropped the keys left a phone number and email address.

1 out of 4

Thrifty

7.7

Good

20 reviews•4 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

6.0

Okay|May 2023

Car was dirty when I picked it up (inside and out), but I did get a good rate on it

2.0

Poor|Dec 2022

Actually I don’t like customers service

2.0

Poor|Oct 2022

The Halifax Thrifty at the Westin Hotel where we picked up our rental had very poor service--we would never rent from them again. The people were rude, the car was not at all clean on the inside (gunk on the seat, children's hand smears on the windows, etc.). When we asked them to clean it, it was as though we were asking for a huge deal. They did send it back to be cleaned but much of it was the same and reported as being "stained" so it wouldn't come out. When we got to our place we took a wet cloth to it and it came off no problem. Should we have to clean our own rental car??? They also have a policy that they charge for a second driver (even though we are married), the rate that they were quoting per day was crazy and felt like a cash grab. We have never had this problem with Thrifty before, in fact when we went to another location they changed it so we could both drive with no extra fees. This was the worst car rental experience we have ever had--and we rent cars a LOT! I would suggest never using this location again--when we looked at other reviews (of course after we had trouble at that location) it was clear we weren't the only ones.

8.0

Very good|Sep 2022

The vehicle had great room for us. Quite pricey for two weeks

2.0

Poor|Aug 2022

Very expensive. Returned car two days early and still got charged the full amount. Customer service rep was extremely rude.

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2022

All good. many thanx.

1 out of 7

National

2.0

Poor

1 review•3 locations

Check prices

Overview

Car rental in Nova Scotia

Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in Nova Scotia so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

How long do people rent a car when staying in Nova Scotia?

The most popular length of time momondo users rent a car in Nova Scotia is 7 days. For a 7-day rental the average daily price is $57, though prices are subject to change depending on the type of car you rent and what city you stay in. To rent a car for a week in general is $399 on average and for a weekend rental, expect to pay a total of $130 on average. Month-long Nova Scotia car rentals are generally about $1,787 in total depending on your dates.

When did momondo last update prices for cars in Nova Scotia?

Prices for cars in Nova Scotia are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for cars in Nova Scotia?

As of April 2025, there are 64 operators available to choose from for cars in Nova Scotia.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Nova Scotia?

The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including Nova Scotia. In many EU countries drivers must be 18 years old. As a rule, you’ll need to be 21 to hire a car abroad, and a young driver surcharge may be applied if you are under 25. We recommend reading through the policy of your chosen rental company before booking.

What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in Nova Scotia?

When renting a car in Nova Scotia, all drivers must present a full valid driving license. An International Driving Permit is required if the driving license is written in a language different to that of the country of rental and may be necessary to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you are renting abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend checking with the individual rental company you are booking with.

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in Nova Scotia?

You should book a car rental in Nova Scotia using momondo because it is quick, free and easy to use and could save you money. momondo does the hard work of finding the rental car prices and policies, all you need to do is compare and choose what works best for your trip.

How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in Nova Scotia?

Once you have performed a search for a car rental in Nova Scotia, momondo will show the results and enable you to find the best deal by using our filters; here you can narrow your search down by vehicle type, price, agencies and a multitude of policies that can apply.

Does momondo show car rental deals in Nova Scotia with free cancellation?

Yes, momondo allows you to filter specifically for car rental companies in Nova Scotia offering free cancellation.

Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in Nova Scotia on momondo?

Fair fuel policies are specifically available to select on momondo, allowing you to refine your search for rental cars in Nova Scotia.

Can I find a car rental in Nova Scotia which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?

Enhanced cleaning services can be found on all car rental locations on momondo including Nova Scotia.

Can I search for rental cars in Nova Scotia with unlimited mileage on momondo?

Yes, unlimited mileage options can be found on rental cars in Nova Scotia on momondo.

An easier way to manage your Nova Scotia trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

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Find better results for your stay in Nova Scotia

Save money when you book cars with momondo

Best deals on cars

See deals from rental agencies in 70,000+ locations.

Price transparency

See the total cost up front so there are no surprises.

Book with flexibility

Find cars with free cancellation and enhanced cleaning.

Price Alerts

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Search car deals

Car rentals in Nova Scotia

Looking for cheap car rental deals in Nova Scotia? Search right here on momondo!

Best deals found for Nova Scotia car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental cars in Nova Scotia

Rental cars insight and trends in Nova Scotia

Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in Nova Scotia

What is the best rental car company in Nova Scotia?

The best rental car company in Nova Scotia is Budget. This is based on an average momondo customer rating of 8.8/10 from 197 reviews. If you are planning a trip to Nova Scotia, you will be able to find Budget at 10 locations in the region, such as in the city of Halifax.

What is the most popular type of car to rent in Nova Scotia?

Although there are plenty of other rental car types to choose from, the most popular type for a trip to Nova Scotia are SUV sized cars. 90% of our users chose this rental type and found prices for $94/day on average.

Nova Scotia car rental deals found on momondo

Find the rental car in Nova Scotia that's right for you

Nova Scotia car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in Nova Scotia

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Car rental in Nova Scotia

Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in Nova Scotia so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

How long do people rent a car when staying in Nova Scotia?

When did momondo last update prices for cars in Nova Scotia?

How many operators does momondo search for cars in Nova Scotia?

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Nova Scotia?

What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in Nova Scotia?

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in Nova Scotia?

How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in Nova Scotia?

Does momondo show car rental deals in Nova Scotia with free cancellation?

Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in Nova Scotia on momondo?

Can I find a car rental in Nova Scotia which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?

Can I search for rental cars in Nova Scotia with unlimited mileage on momondo?

An easier way to manage your Nova Scotia trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your stay in Nova Scotia

Popular rental car types in Nova Scotia

Most popular cities within the region, based on searches in past 12 months on momondo

Best deals on cars

Best deals on cars

Price transparency

Price transparency

Book with flexibility

Book with flexibility

Price Alerts

Price Alerts