Your guide to last-minute car rental: top deals, tips, and tricks
Jan 7, 2025
There are countless scenarios when last-minute car rental can save the day. It could be a sudden insatiable urge for an impromptu road trip, a list of errands a mile long, or a new puppy who ate something it shouldn’t have and now requires a last-minute trip to the emergency vet.
Same-day car rentals are growing in popularity for many reasons. Chief among them is the independence and convenience of having a personal vehicle without the burden of monthly payments, surprise repair bills, or parking headaches.
And while the digital age has made last-minute car rentals more accessible than ever, choosing the right service can be overwhelming. How do you know which platform will be the best fit for you, your situation, and your wallet?
Luckily, we’ll be covering all this and more. Keep reading for the inside scoop on finding the best last-minute car rental deals, insider tips for a pain-free experience, and avoiding common, same-day car rental pitfalls. Ready? Let’s hit the road!
Why last-minute car rentals make sense
Let’s face it — while undeniably convenient, personal cars are expensive and often inefficient. On average, they spend 95% of their lifetime parked. So, it makes sense that more people than ever are opting for shared mobility options.
The latest Oliver Wyman study found that more than a third of Europeans are prepared to give up their private cars. Moreover, this figure rises to 40% among individuals aged 18–34, highlighting a generational trend toward shared mobility solutions.
Here are the top reasons busy people see same-day car rentals as a worthy opponent to car ownership:
Availability: services like Bolt Drive make it easy to find and book a nearby car with a tap, 24/7.
Flexibility: whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment getaway or a last-minute change of plans, same-day car rentals mean you can always get where you need to be.
Affordability: last-minute deals can fit any budget as long as you know where to look. (Keep reading for more on last-minute car deals.)
Once you know the ins and outs of same-day car rentals, you might not even miss owning a car. You’ll wonder why you ever put up with the repair bills, tyre rotations, or vacuuming stray crisps from between the seats.
How to find the best last-minute car rental deals
Finding a great deal on a last-minute car rental doesn’t have to become a full-time job. Once you know the ropes, finding the best price to match your travel situation will become second nature.
Here are a few top tips used by savvy travellers to find affordable last-minute car rentals.
Use rental apps: platforms like Bolt Drive offer real-time availability and up-front pricing, making it easy to find a car that fits your budget and needs.
Be flexible: being flexible with pickup times or location can often lead to lower rates.
Look for promotions: many rental companies offer last-minute car deals, so look for promo codes or discounts to use toward your next trip.
Compare prices: use travel deal sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Carflexi to compare rates across multiple platforms.
Book smart: when possible, book during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing.
Booking a same-day car rental is a breeze when you’re prepared. Here are some key things to keep in mind when booking:
Verification process: make sure you have a valid driving licence and credit card handy. Many platforms require these for quick verification.
All-inclusive pricing: services often include fuel, insurance, and parking in their rates, but be sure to check the fine print to avoid hidden surprises.
Selection: the earlier you book, the wider the range of cars you’ll have to choose from. Like most things, waiting too long will limit your options. This is especially relevant if you’re taking a family road trip or travelling a bit more off the grid and require a more robust set of wheels.
With platforms like Bolt Drive, you can reserve a car and hit the road within minutes.
Best platforms for last-minute car rentals
While traditional car rental companies can be a good option in some situations, they often require you to plan around their operating hours and specific pickup or drop-off locations.
Online platforms, on the other hand, offer greater convenience, flexibility, and competitive pricing, to boot. Forget the hassle of paperwork and car parks — just use an app on your phone to unlock a car nearby and hit the road!
When you need a last-minute rental car, these platforms are a fantastic place to start:
Popular for its pay-as-you-go car-sharing model in cities.
Ideal for short-term and last-minute trips.
App-based booking with real-time car availability.
Local Car Sharing Platforms
Search for ‘local car rental deals near me’.
Popular social platforms like Facebook Marketplace can even offer alternatives.
NB The quality and safety of vehicles can vary significantly, and scams are a potential risk. Always verify the legitimacy of the service and inspect the car thoroughly before renting.
Common same-day rental car scenarios
Sometimes, last-minute car rentals aren’t just about convenience — they’re essential. Here are some common scenarios where same-day rentals can save the day:
Unexpected travel changes: whether it’s a cancelled flight or a delayed train, renting a car last minute keeps you on track to reach your destination.
Spontaneous road trips: when the open road calls, same-day rentals allow you to start your journey on a whim.
Business emergencies: whether it’s a last-minute meeting in another city or picking up a stranded client, a last-minute car rental can help keep your work on track.
Family emergencies: need to visit a sick relative or pick up a prescription before the pharmacy closes? A same-day rental gives you the mobility to be there for loved ones in need.
Special occasions: RSVP ‘Yes’ to that last-minute wedding invite in style with a same-day car rental that suits the occasion.
Temporary replacement vehicle: if your car’s in for repair, renting a car for the day ensures you can get where you need to be without any extra hassle.
Exploring a new city: when public transport doesn’t cover all the spots you want to visit, a same-day rental offers quick and convenient travel.
A night out: use Bolt Drive to get to the venue, and if you’ve had a drink, take a Bolt ride home instead. Enjoy safety and convenience without the stress of retrieving your car the next day.
Moving or errands: whether picking up a new office chair you bought online or running a list of errands, same-day van or car rentals provide the perfect blend of convenience and practicality.
Quick tips for smoother last-minute car rental trips
To make your last-minute rental experience stress-free, keep these tips in mind:
Check for damage: before setting off, inspect the car and take photos of any pre-existing damage. You can usually delete them after your trip, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Understand the policies: review the fuel, mileage, and return policies to avoid unexpected fees when you return the keys.
Plan your route: familiarise yourself with the pickup and drop-off points to streamline your trip and ensure you arrive on time.
Travel light: whenever possible, pack light to make transferring to your rental car easier — and reduce the chances of leaving something behind.
Remember these simple tips to avoid learning last-minute car rental lessons the hard way!
Find a last-minute car rental near me
Imagine being able to rent a car in cities across Europe using a single, intuitive app.
With Bolt, Europe’s leading mobility super-app, you can choose from a range of vehicles, including compact cars, family SUVs, and electric options. With just a few taps, you can unlock a car nearby and be on your way.
Thanks to Bolt Drive‘s upfront pricing and flexible options, you can always find a safe, reliable vehicle that fits your itinerary and your wallet.
