10 Tips to Save Money and Get Cheap Car Rental in Singapore

It's no secret that car rental prices in Singapore have surged following the COVID-19 pandemic, and while they've since stabilised somewhat, the price remains high compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

There are many reasons for the increase in car rental prices, such as limited fleets from car rental providers, the persistent rise in Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices, increased vehicle insurance premiums, and heightened demand, especially during public holidays and school holidays. 

However, finding cheap car rental in Singapore is still achievable. Whether you need an hourly rental for a short chore or a medium-term daily rental, explore these 10 practical tips to maximise your car rental experience.

#1 Don’t rent from the airport

You’ll pay a premium if you opt to rent a car directly from Changi Airport. This is largely due to location surcharges levied by rental companies and potentially more limited vehicle availability compared to other areas. These added costs can inflate the overall price of a cheap car rental in Singapore to an expensive one.

Browsing reservations from car rental company Avis, we found that vehicle pick-ups from Changi Airport cost anywhere from S$6 to S$10 more per day compared to pick-ups from a Downtown area like Chinatown.

Price difference for car rental pick-ups from Changi Airport vs Singapore Downtown 

Based on a five-day rental from AVIS for a full-size MPV with the same pick-up and drop-off location.

#2 Shop around for a cheap price using car rental platforms in Singapore

Don't settle for the first price you see. Utilise car rental comparison platforms like Drive.sg and CarLite to quickly assess options from various providers. For hourly car rental in Singapore, try exploring local car sharing apps like GetGo instead.

Besides comparison platforms, you should also check out prices from major car rental players like Avis and Hertz. They often feature "Pay Now" discounts for upfront bookings paid in full. Additionally, if your car rental booking is able to be cancelled, keep an eye out for prices as they fluctuate, allowing you to snag an even cheaper deal closer to your rental date. 

#3 Always compare prices between brands

While budget car rental brands in Singapore like Budget or even Lion City Rentals are often the go-to for those seeking a cheap car rental in Singapore, it's crucial not to assume they will always offer the absolute lowest price compared to the big-name car rental companies.

The reality is that pricing can fluctuate significantly, even for vehicles within the same car class. Promotional offers, current fleet availability, and rental durations all have a more substantial impact on the final cost.

Car rental prices from different brands compared

Based on estimated daily rental rates for a standard 5-seater sedan. For car sharing brands in Singapore with hourly rental rates, we have assumed rental for 24 hours.

#4 Make use of membership programmes

One smart way to potentially save when you rent a car in Singapore is by leveraging membership programmes offered by various rental companies. Companies like BlueSG and GetGo offer subscriptions that come with extra perks like additional hours at no charge or lower hourly rental rates.

Alternatively, explore your credit card perks. Certain cards, such as the POSB Everyday Card, offer discounts on car rentals like a notable 10% off Hertz rentals worldwide. Lastly, don't overlook frequent flyer programmes like KrisFlyer. They often have tie-in promotions with car rental companies offering discounted rates and bonus miles. 

#5 Rent more economical car models

When aiming for a cheap car rental in Singapore, consider booking the most economical car category available, typically compact hatchbacks or sedans. These are popular choices for renters in Singapore, which might also increase your chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade if the specific model you booked is unavailable. 

While opting for a smaller car is the most straightforward way to lower the base rental cost, it's crucial to balance cost savings with practical needs. If you plan to rent a car from Singapore to Malaysia for a road trip with your family, make sure your vehicle has enough boot space for a comfortable journey.

#6 List down only one driver for your rental

A good tip to get a cheap car rental in Singapore is to have only one primary driver listed on the rental agreement. Most car rental companies in Singapore impose an extra charge for adding a second driver, typically ranging from S$5 to S$15 per day. These can add up fast if you’re renting for a longer period. 

While waivers for these extra driver fees are not common, it's always worth investigating potential exceptions. Certain credit card promotions or corporate rental packages might include the benefit of a free additional driver.

#7 See if you can find alternative sources for car rental insurance 

In Singapore, it's important to note that your personal car insurance generally does not extend to cover rental vehicles. Consequently, most individuals seeking a cheap car rental in Singapore will typically rely on the insurance offered by the rental company for protection against potential damages or losses. This can add to your rental costs.

However, before automatically opting for the rental company's insurance, consider exploring the benefits offered by your credit cards. Certain premium cards may include rental car coverage when the booking is charged to the card. Typically, the car rental coverage is included with the travel insurance offered by the credit card. However, as this is typically for overseas use, you should verify if this coverage applies to rentals within Singapore and whether it includes third-party liability.

#8 Forgo the optional extras

When aiming for a cheap car rental in Singapore, carefully consider whether you truly need the optional extras offered by rental companies. Declining these add-ons can lead to significant savings on your overall rental cost.

#9 Refuel the car yourself

To avoid unnecessary charges, it's generally more economical to refuel the car yourself before returning it. Most rental companies in Singapore charge a premium for their prepaid fuel option, meaning you'll likely pay more per litre than you would at a regular petrol station. Taking a few minutes to top up the tank yourself can lead to noticeable savings, especially on shorter rentals.

To find the most affordable petrol near your rental return location, consider using the Price Kaki mobile app developed by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). This handy app provides real-time petrol price updates for major retailers like Shell, Caltex, Esso, Sinopec, and SPC. 

#10 Use public transport or ride-hailing services instead of renting a car

Before you start renting a car in Singapore, consider whether public transport or ride-hailing services might be a more suitable option instead. Singapore's efficient MRT and bus network, along with readily available ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, and TADA, can often be a more cost-effective solution than outright renting a car. 

You should also factor in potential Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges and the often limited and expensive parking in central areas, which can significantly add to the overall cost of a rental.

For shorter, one-off journeys where you need temporary access to a vehicle for just a few hours, explore alternative hourly rental models like GetGo or BlueSG. These will allow you to rent a car for just the time you need without having to commit to a full-day or multi-day rental.