Car hire in Shanghai, China

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Shanghai

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Shanghai car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Find cheap car hire in Shanghai

These are the lowest Shanghai car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

Select your Shanghai pick-up location

There are 11 car hire locations in Shanghai. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Shanghai

Hiring a car in Shanghai: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceP2,382
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Shanghai

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Shanghai car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Shanghai

  • Looking for a cheap rental car in Shanghai? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging P2,382 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.

  • Lock in your ride in August and cruise away with savings. It's the cheapest time of year to rent a car in Shanghai, with average daily rates of P2,153.

  • Book early to snag a cheap rental car in Shanghai. Besides saving money, you'll have first pick of the most popular options.

  • Explore car hire deals in Shanghai from major providers like Hertz.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Shanghai car hire policy, whether you book with Hertz or another supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Shanghai.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Shanghai with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.

  • Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.

  • If you're flying into Shanghai, think about reserving one of the car rentals in Shanghai Pudong International Airport and get going faster. Landing elsewhere? You'll find car rentals in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport as well.

Compare car hire types in Shanghai

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Shanghai gets you moving without breaking the bank. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are great for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Shanghai car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Shanghai that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or large groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Shanghai car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you commit.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Shanghai.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your rental in China.

  • Add a car seat to your Shanghai car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest approach.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Shanghai

  • You'll want to explore the leading attractions in the city once you've found your car hire deal in Shanghai. 外滩建筑群 and 外滩-观景平台 are essential viewing before leaving town.

  • Make the most of your time in Shanghai by staying at Grand Central Hotel Shanghai or Starr Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai Railway Station).

  • Around 88 kilometres west of central Shanghai, Suzhou should feature on your itinerary. Head to must-see sights like Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden.

  • Hotel Soul Suzhou and Suzhou Sun Plaza Hotel are comfortable accommodation options in Suzhou.

  • Or pick up your cheap car hire in Shanghai and travel roughly 56 kilometres west to Kunshan. Featuring 南山寺 and Yufengshan Mountain, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.

  • Kick back after a day of exploring Kunshan at Metropolo Jinjiang Hotel(Kunshan Jinying International Kunju Theatre store). Or swap the wheel for a well-earned rest at Windsor Park Hotel Kunshan.

  • Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Take off to Wuxi, around 121 kilometres west of Shanghai. From Cherry Blossom Valley to 樱花林, it'll round out your trip nicely.

  • Get some shut-eye in Wuxi at Grand Park Wuxi. Hyatt Regency Wuxi also makes bedtime something to look forward to.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Shanghai will set you back around P2,382 per day or P15,308 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Shanghai is a compact SUV. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Shanghai is currently August.
On average, around P15,308. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Shanghai is P15,238.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Shanghai for a whole month is P64,606. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Shanghai, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Shanghai that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Shanghai.
Most places – Shanghai included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
Other travellers rated Hertz as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Shanghai.