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Rent a Car in Mississauga, Canada: Competitive Prices and a Complete Local Guide

Compare airport and city locations, understand insurance and fees, and choose the best pickup spot for easy driving around Mississauga, Toronto, and the GTA.

2026 Traveler Guide
Mississauga Car Rental Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Know
Renting a car in Mississauga is a practical way to get around the Greater Toronto Area, especially if you plan to visit multiple neighborhoods, business parks, or attractions beyond transit-friendly corridors. Mississauga sits next to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and offers quick access to major highways (401, 403, 410, QEW). A rental car is most convenient for families, business travelers, and day trips to Niagara Falls, Hamilton, or cottage country. Expect heavier traffic during weekday rush hours and consider winter driving from November through March. Pricing and availability are usually best when booked early, and you can often save by comparing nearby off-airport branches versus airport counters depending on your schedule.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Car Rental Center
Closest major airport for Mississauga. Airport rentals offer the widest vehicle choice and longest hours. Navigation: follow signs for “Car Rentals / Rental Car Center” from the terminals (many companies are in a dedicated facility with shuttle/train connections). Pros: maximum availability, late-night pickup, easy for arrivals. Cons: airport concession fees and higher taxes can make it more expensive than city branches.
Square One / City Centre Area
Popular for shoppers and central access. Pros: close to major hotels, restaurants, and transit; often cheaper than airport. Cons: limited after-hours pickup; weekend demand can sell out.
Hurontario Street Corridor (Cooksville to City Centre)
Good for local access and north-south connectivity. Pros: easy access to QEW/403/401 via connectors; convenient for residential stays. Cons: parking at some branches can be tight; traffic can be heavy at peak times.

What do you need to rent a car in Mississauga?

Renting a car in Mississauga is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Canada national photo ID is required for the main and any additional drivers.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical Canadian driving license with no major endorsements. The license must have been held for at least 1–2 years (most rentals accept 1+ year; some specific offers require 2+ years). Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted.

    Notes: Driver’s License will be checked for validity and may require authentication via 365id scanner.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB (availability depends on the specific offer). E‑vouchers or printed vouchers may be required for some offers. Debit cards are generally not accepted.
  • Age requirements: General driving age range across offers: minimum 21–25 years, maximum 74–82 years, depending on the specific offer. Some offers allow drivers 21–24 years old with a young driver surcharge of CAD $25 (reference $18.20) per day or USD $35.00 per day. Young drivers (21–24 or 24–25, depending on offer) are often restricted from renting luxury cars, mini‑vans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, and many SUV categories. Additional drivers must typically be at least 25 years old.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving license with no major endorsements, held for at least 1–2 years (some offers accept 1+ year; others require 2+ years). Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is only a translation; the original license must also be presented.
    • Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) without IDP.
    • Original driver's licenses printed in non‑Roman alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc.) must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation provided on the back of the license.

    Notes: Please ensure your license is valid for the entire rental period and complies with local regulations. Driver’s License may require authentication via 365id scanner.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required for the main and any additional drivers.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB (card types vary by offer). Some offers require an e‑voucher or printed voucher. Debit cards are generally not accepted.
  • Age requirements: General driving age range across offers: minimum 21–25 years, maximum 74–82 years, depending on the specific offer. Some offers allow drivers 21–24 years old with a young driver surcharge of CAD $25 (reference $18.20) per day or USD $35.00 per day. Young drivers (21–24 or 24–25, depending on offer) are often restricted from renting luxury cars, mini‑vans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, and many SUV categories. Additional drivers must typically be at least 25 years old.
requirementsrequirements

Best Car Rentals in Mississauga for Every Journey

Discover the perfect vehicle for your Mississauga adventure with our top-rated car rental options. Start your engine today!

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Winter

SUV

Conquer Canadian Winters with Confidence
5
3
Auto

Mississauga winters bring snow and icy roads that demand a capable vehicle. An SUV with all-wheel drive provides superior traction on slippery highways like the QEW and 401. The higher ground clearance helps navigate snow-covered suburban streets with ease. Stay warm and secure during harsh Ontario winters with confident handling in any weather condition.

Road Trip

Large

Your Perfect Companion for Scenic Drives
5
3
Auto

Ontario offers incredible drives from Mississauga to Niagara wine country, Prince Edward County, and the Muskoka lakes region. A large sedan delivers comfortable highway cruising for hours on end. Enjoy ample trunk space for luggage, groceries, or wine purchases from regional wineries. Experience the perfect blend of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort on your Canadian adventure.

City

Small

Navigate Mississauga with Agility
5
2
Auto

Mississauga's sprawling suburbs and busy shopping centers like Square One require a nimble vehicle. A compact car slips easily into tight parking spots at Erin Mills Town Centre and other malls. Beat traffic with effortless maneuvering through residential neighborhoods and downtown streets. Enjoy excellent fuel economy for daily errands around the Greater Toronto Area.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Why Pick Up at Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Best for travelers landing in the GTA who want immediate access to a wide selection of cars, extended hours, and streamlined counters. Expect higher total cost due to airport surcharges, but you may save time and get better availability for SUVs, vans, and one-way rentals—especially during holidays and winter storms.

Discover Top-Rated Car Rentals in Mississauga Today

See what real travelers say about car rentals in Mississauga. Authentic reviews help you choose with confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
RoutesBudget Friendly
3.3
5300+ reviews
$3137.4 mi from Mississauga Downtown
$1,092
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Competitive rental rates
  • Quick pickup and return
Ace
2.9
1,400+ reviews
$2107.5 mi from Mississauga Downtown
$728
  • Friendly and helpful staff members
  • Quick and easy rental process
  • New and clean vehicles available
Avis
1.6
45 reviews
$1364.8 mi from Mississauga Downtown
$546
  • Fast pickup process available
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Clean and reliable vehicles
Budget
1.2
5500+ reviews
$1255.5 mi from Mississauga Downtown
$546
  • Competitive base rates
  • Wide global availability
  • Loyalty program benefits

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 26 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Renter's Guide to Car Accidents in Canada
This guide provides essential steps for renters involved in car accidents in Canada, including safety measures, documentation, and insurance claims. Learn how to navigate the process smoothly.
View details
First-Timer's Guide to Fueling in Canada
This guide provides essential tips for first-time visitors to Canada on how to confidently fuel their rental cars, including payment methods, fuel types, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
Understanding Car Rental Costs in Canada
Learn how to navigate car rental costs in Canada, avoid hidden fees, and understand insurance options for a smooth rental experience.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"YYZ Toronto Pearson Airport accounts for 42% of GTA car rentals, with Mississauga downtown at 24% and suburban locations at 34% in 2024. Airport rentals grew 15% YoY."

Booking Patterns

"SUV bookings rose 28% in 2024, now 44% of total GTA rentals. Summer (Jun-Aug) accounts for 48% of annual bookings. Average rental duration is 4.8 days, up from 4.2 days in 2022."

Customer Pain Points

"44% of GTA renters report confusion over insurance coverage options, with 33% complaining about hidden fuel and damage waiver fees."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Global Market Insights - Canada Car Rental Market Analysis
  • Toronto Pearson Airport - Ground Transportation Statistics
  • Ontario Tourism - Market Research
  • Enterprise Holdings - Canadian Market Trends Report
  • Canadian Automobile Association - Travel Statistics
  • Gitnux - Car Rental Industry Statistics Canada
  • Consumer Reports Canada - Car Rental Survey
  • Hellascar - Hidden Costs Research
  • J.D. Power - Car Rental Customer Satisfaction Study

Drive Through Mississauga: Essential Road Trip Guide for Travelers

Everything you need to know about driving in Mississauga and Ontario, Canada - from speed limits and BAC laws to gas prices and car rental costs for your perfect road adventure.

LANGUAGES

English, French

CURRENCY

CAD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$65 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-100 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Criminal Code Threshold, Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.22/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.04/L - $1.48/L

Mississauga Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and car rental FAQs for your Mississauga road trip

Can I use my U.S. driver's license to drive in Mississauga?
Yes, U.S. citizens can drive in Mississauga with their valid U.S. driver's license—no International Driving Permit (IDP) required. If your license is in English, it's directly accepted. However, if you're from a non-English-speaking country, an IDP is strongly recommended. Bring both your original license and IDP to avoid any potential issues at the rental counter.
How much is the young driver surcharge for renting a car in Ontario?
Most rental agencies in Mississauga charge a young driver surcharge of approximately CAD $25–$35 per day for drivers under 25. The minimum age to rent is typically 21, but some premium or specialty vehicles require the driver to be 25+. If you're 21–24, budget an extra CAD $175–$245 per week on top of your rental rate.
Are winter tires mandatory for driving in Mississauga during winter?
While Ontario law requires winter tires on vehicles registered in Quebec (not Ontario), renting a car with winter tires is highly recommended from November through March. Mississauga receives 80–110 cm of snow annually, and roads can be icy. Many rental companies offer winter-equipped vehicles for CAD $10–$20 extra per day—well worth the cost for safety.
How do I pay for highway tolls like Highway 407 in the Greater Toronto Area?
Highway 407 is a fully electronic toll road in Ontario—no cash booths. Rentals passing through 407 will have the toll plus a CAD $4.95–$6.95 service fee added to your rental bill. If your rental has a transponder (e-Tag), it's charged directly. Ask your rental company about transponder options before driving on paid highways to avoid higher "video toll" rates.
What's the fuel policy for rental cars in Mississauga, and what gas should I use?
Most rental companies in Mississauga operate on a full-to-full policy—pick up with a full tank, return full to avoid refueling charges. Unleaded gasoline (87 octane regular) is the standard fuel type, priced at roughly CAD $1.45–$1.75 per liter as of 2026. Diesel is available at select stations. Always verify the fuel type (gas vs. diesel) before filling up to avoid costly mistakes.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket while driving a rental car in Mississauga?
Traffic violations (speeding cameras, red-light tickets) are tracked via the vehicle's license plate and fines are mailed to the registered owner—the rental company. The rental company will then charge your credit card plus a CAD $30–$50 administrative fee. Speeding tickets detected by camera can cost CAD $40–$500+ depending on how much over the limit. Pay promptly to avoid additional collection costs.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022

Best Business Partner Award of ABG 2023 & 2024

Best Business Partner Award of ABG 2023 & 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car Rental Service Category

The Magellan Awards in Car Rental Service Category

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The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

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