Kyoto car hire
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Cheap car hire in Kyoto
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Kyoto
- One of the key things about car hire in Kyoto is it gives you the opportunity to travel further out and explore nearby cities and sights without trying to figure out how to do it using public transport. You can take time out to drive to the formidable Kitayama Mountains or head down to Wakayama, Kii Peninsula. Osaka, Nara and Kobe are also located close by, and a trip in a Kyoto car hire is a good way to save on taxi fares and time.
- Airport car hire in Kyoto isn't possible, but there is car hire available at the nearest international airport, Osaka International (ITM), which is around 1h 20min away from the city by car. You'll find the international car hire desks at Kansai at the Aeroplaza, which is about a 3-minute walk from Terminal 1. Head along the 2F connection passage. Nippon Rent-A-Car is one of the most widely used companies and provides a wide range of choices for you.
- A couple of things to be aware of when driving inside Kyoto, traffic can be very busy and driving short distances end up taking longer than expected. The streets can be narrow with plenty of pedestrians, so you'll need to keep your eyes peeled. Honking is popular in Kyoto to signal cars passing and to tell pedestrians not to walk. If you're trying to travel during peak hours or on weekends, it's recommended that you rather walk around or use public transport in the city centre.
- One of the hardest things about driving in Kyoto is finding parking, especially during peak hours or over the weekend. If you're driving in the city during peak hours, be aware of pedestrians and expect to be stuck in traffic jams. If you're in the city centre, it's definitely easier to move around using public transport. Another thing to be aware of while driving in the city is bicycles and scooters. Locals use the road like they're driving a car and you'll be expected to give way to them.
- Book your car hire in Kyoto at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy car hire in Kyoto are around 12% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Kyoto
How much is the price of fuel in Kyoto?
The average price of fuel in Kyoto is €4.08 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between €49 and €65, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Kyoto?
Economy (Mazda Mazda2 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Kyoto.
How can I find car hires near me in Kyoto?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Kyoto?
An Economy car hire in Kyoto costs €46 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Kyoto?
A Mini car hire in Kyoto costs €52 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Kyoto?
A Compact car hire in Kyoto costs €43 per day, on average.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Kyoto?
Because of the narrow streets in some places and the heavy traffic during peak times, it's recommended that your car hire in Kyoto is a small compact or mini model rather than anything larger. These are usually more fuel efficient and much easier to navigate, which will make driving easier in the city. If you need more space, stick to sedans that aren't very wide. Some of the popular choices in Kyoto include the Ford Focus, Nissan Fuga and Fiat Panda.
What’s the speed limit in Kyoto?
Kyoto road rules are the same as those across Japan, which you'll need to be aware of for longer journeys. Inside the city limits of Kyoto, the speed limit ranges between 30 km/h and 50 km/h and you'll need to look out for signposts letting you know what it is. Outside of the city and in more rural areas, the limit is 80 km/h, while the main highways in Japan are capped at 100 km/h. Bear in mind, that many of the locals don't pay attention to these rules and tend to drive a little faster.
Where are the best places to park in Kyoto?
Parking in Kyoto is notoriously difficult to find, especially close to the city centre. You'll need to keep your eyes open for parking garages. These usually have signs outside stating how much space is available and what the costs are. Unfortunately, there is very little chance of finding free parking in the city. If you're able to, consider finding a hotel near the city centre with free parking and keep your vehicle there for minor trips in Kyoto. Reserve your car for longer trips exploring the rest of the country.
Kyoto car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
7.5
Good
4 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.0
6 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
11 2 Magohashicho Sakyoku
+81 75 762 0115
22 Mieido-cho
+81 753 420 100
31-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho
+81 75 365 0100
448-46 Kajii-cho
+81 75 211 0100
47 2 Kaguraden Oguracho
+81 774 24 0100
Nishiojidori Sanjyoagaru
+81 75 811 1100
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nothing!Cons:
I reserved a minivan (Toyota Verso) through the Kayak website, and when I arrived at the pick-up location (Osaka Kansai Airport) they only had small cars available that weren’t suitable for my 6 person family. That would have forced us to rent two cars, which would have doubled the price. They blamed it on Kayak for false advertisement, because that location doesn’t even have minivans in their inventory. We chose to cancel both reservations (28 March and 02 April), and take a bus instead which was way cheaper than renting two small cars. Not sure I will ever make travel arrangements through Kayak again due to this fiasco.10.0 Wonderful
May 2023
Alamo
6.0
Okay
1 reviewCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
9 Nakatonoda Cho Higashi 9 Jo
+81 75 681 0311
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
Nissan Rent-A-Car
2.0
Poor
No reviews available
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
4 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
Filters
No reviews available
ORIX Rent a Car
10.0
Wonderful
No reviews available
5 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
Filters
No reviews available
National
10.0
Wonderful
No reviews available
One location in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
9 Nakatonoda Cho Higashi 9 Jo
+81 75 681 0311
Filters
No reviews available
Europcar
9.4
Wonderful
No reviews available
6 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
Go To Times Car Rental Counter
+81 753 156 003
Go To Times Car Rental Counter
+81 756 054 747
Go To Times Car Rental Counter
+81 75 681 7779
Go To Times Car Rental Counter
+81 752 547 979
Go To Times Car Rental Counter
+81 75 361 0201
Multi Media B2f, 590-2 Higashishiok
+81 75 353 1313
Filters
No reviews available
Toyota Rent a Car
8.0
Very Good
No reviews available
21 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
11-2 Magohashi-cho, Sakyo-ku
+81 75 762 0115
17 Kisshoinmaegawara-cho, Minami-ku
+81 75 315 0100
22 Mieido-cho, Shimogyo-ku
+81 75 342 0100
33 Daigokawakubo-cho, Fushimi-ku
+81 75 575 0100
8-11 Fukakusanishiura-cho, Fushimi-ku
+81 75 645 0100
Dorusu Hyakumamben 1F 103-31 Tanakamonzen-cho, Sakyo-ku
+81 75 702 8100
Horikawadori Kitaoji Sagaru 69-70 Murasakinonishigoshoden-cho, Kita-ku
+81 75 415 0120
Kitaojidori Shirakawa Nishi Iru 14 Ichijojikinomoto-cho, Sakyo-ku
+81 75 712 0100
La Garu Choshi Bldg. 1F 33-1 Kawashimachoshi-cho, Nishikyo-ku
+81 75 383 0100
Mikurumadori Seiwain Sagaru 448-46 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku
+81 75 211 0100
Nishihorikawadori Sanjo Agaru Nishigawa 503-1 Anenishihorikawa-cho, Nakagyo-ku
+81 75 813 8200
Nishiojidori Sanjo Agaru 23 Nishinokyosanjobo-cho, Nakagyo-ku
+81 75 811 1100
Sotokan Sanjo Nishi Iru Kyoto Yakkadai Mae 55 Misasagiotsubata-cho, Yamashina-ku
+81 75 502 0100
Filters
No reviews available
Nippon Rent-A-Car
8.0
Very Good
No reviews available
9 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
24 Saninkamiimada-cho, Ukyo-ku
+81 75 313 1199
556-1 Toraya-cho, Karasumaoike kudaru, Nakagyo-ku
+81 75 211 3010
6 Shimogamominaminonogami-cho
+81 75 723 0919
64 Higashi Kujo Muromachi Minami-ku Kyoto-shi Kyoto
+81 75 681 0311
9 Nakatonoda-cho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku,Kyoto-shi,Kyoto
+81 756 810 311
Kyoto Kyoto-shi 614 Higashi-shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku
+81 753 440 919
Filters
No reviews available
Times
7.7
Good
No reviews available
7 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
1 Kisshoin Mukaida Nishi-cho. Minami-ku
+81 753 156 003
155-1 Mori-cho Fushimi-ku
+81 756 054 747
23-3 Higashi Kujo Kami Tonoda-cho, Minami-ku
+81 756 817 779
678 Nishiki-dori, Karasuma higashihairu, Motohonenji-cho, Nakagyo-ku
+81 752 547 979
811 Hongakuji Mae-cho, Kawara-machi Nishi Iru
+81 753 610 201
B2F,590-2 Karasuma-dori Higashi Shiokoji-cho Shimogyo-ku
+81 753 531 313
Filters
No reviews available
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.6
Good
No reviews available
One location in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
9 Nakatonoda-cho, Higashi-9-jo
+81 75 681 0311
Filters
No reviews available
Sixt
7.3
Good
No reviews available
3 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
13-1 Nishi Kujo Kitanouchi-cho
+81 75 681 0543
18-8 Nishinokyo Funazuka-cho
+81 758 031 685
55 Shijo-dori Nishinotoin Nish
+81 75 257 4800
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
6.3
Okay
No reviews available
6 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
Kyoto Railway Shinkansen, 23-3 Kamitonoda-cho,higashi-kyujyou
+81 75 681 7779
Kyoto Station (yodobashi Camera), Ojicho Karasumadori 7-jo Sagaru
+81 75 353 1313
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
Go To Times Car Rental Counter 23-3 Kamitonoda-cho
+81 75 681 7779
Go To Times Car Rental Counter 811 Hongakuji Mae-cho
+81 75 361 0201
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Kyoto
Locations in Kyoto
940 Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
+81 75 371 3020
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Kyoto
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Kyoto
Car hire insurance in Kyoto
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver
Some Kyoto car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Kyoto.
Deductible
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a no-deductible option to your Kyoto car hire.