How to find a cheap car hire deal in Houston Hobby (HOU)
In search of a cheap Houston Hobby rental car? With prices averaging $133 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after a small ride, a spacious family car, or anything in between, we compare all the best deals to make booking easy.
The cheapest daily rental price at Houston Hobby is $51.
Staying a little longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $93 and see more than just the top attractions in Houston.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Four weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a HOU car hire.
Easirent, Dollar and Thrifty are some popular providers at Houston Hobby.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Houston Hobby car hire policy, whether you book with Easirent or any other supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in HOU by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Houston Hobby with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Pack more into your journey by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices coming in at $116 a day.
Not too far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $151.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $137 a day with this provider.
If you can't decide what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of car at HOU.
Compare car hire types from Houston Hobby (HOU)
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this cheap Houston Hobby rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this HOU car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Houston Hobby big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your HOU car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Houston Hobby by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just be ready for a few added rules or costs. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your HOU car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest approach.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
If you're new to driving in the United States, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and outings. Pay by card when it's possible, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
Drive smarter from the start
The real fun starts once you've grabbed the keys to your HOU car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you like, but if you're off to central Houston, it'll take you around 20 minutes to drive the 19 kilometres or so northwest.
Allow roughly 40 minutes to drive from Houston Hobby to the city centre during peak travel times.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive, consider picking up a car hire in Houston instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
For even more variety, explore the car hire options at Houston George Bush Intercntl.. This airport also serves Houston.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Houston Hobby (HOU)
Before you move on, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around Houston first. Well-known attractions like The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building and Houston Museum of Natural Science are the perfect warm-up to your travels.
Navigate your way to Pasadena. Around 8 kilometres northeast of HOU, it's home to must-see sights like Pasadena Heritage Park & Museum and Pasadena Historical Museum.
Or grab the wheel of your Houston Hobby car hire and set off for Pearland. Roughly 10 kilometres south of the airport, Tom Bass Regional Park Section 1 and Pháp Vân Monastery are popular attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
