• Search and Compare Icon
    Search & compare prices from leading car hire companies & save!
  • Flexible Rates Icon
    Flexible Rentals, Worldwide locations, No Hidden Fees
  • Social Media Icon
    Get in touch via Facebook
  • Multi Lingual Icon
    24/7 Multi Lingual Customer Service

Car Hire India - Useful Guide

Driving in India can be a unique and challenging experience for travelers due to various factors, including road conditions, traffic, and local driving customs. Here's an overview of what to expect when driving in India:

1. Road Conditions:

Road conditions in India vary widely. Major cities and popular tourist destinations often have well-maintained roads, but rural areas may have poorly maintained or unpaved roads. Be prepared for potholes, uneven surfaces, and occasional road hazards. In some remote areas, roads may be narrow and winding.

2. Traffic:

Traffic in India can be chaotic and congested, especially in major cities. Expect heavy traffic, honking horns, and a lack of adherence to traffic rules.
Lane discipline is often lacking, and vehicles may frequently change lanes without signaling. Roads can be shared with pedestrians, animals, and non-motorized vehicles.

3. Driving Standards:

Driving standards and road etiquette can vary widely. Defensive driving is crucial to navigate through unpredictable traffic. Be cautious of speeding vehicles, overtaking from any direction, and sudden stops.

4. Traffic Rules and Signs:

Traffic rules exist, but adherence can be inconsistent. Traffic signs and signals are commonly ignored. It's essential to have a basic understanding of local traffic laws, such as seat belt and helmet usage, speed limits, and parking regulations.

5. Vehicle Types:

A variety of vehicles share the road, including cars, motorcycles, scooters, auto-rickshaws, bicycles, and pedestrians. Be aware of all road users.

6. Licenses and Documentation:

International tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country's driver's license to drive in India. Check the specific requirements for your country. Ensure you have the necessary documents, including your driver's license, passport, and vehicle registration, when driving.

7. Roadside Assistance:

Roadside assistance services are available in major cities and on major highways. Consider having a local contact number for assistance.

8. Navigation and GPS:

GPS and navigation apps can be helpful for finding directions, especially in unfamiliar areas. Make sure your phone has an active data connection or pre-download offline maps.

9. Parking:

Parking can be challenging in crowded areas. Use designated parking spaces when available and follow local parking regulations.

10. Safety:

Drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid driving at night in poorly lit areas. Exercise caution when crossing state or city borders, as regulations and road conditions may vary.

11. Local Customs:

Learn about local driving customs and etiquette, which can vary from one region to another. Respect local road users and be patient with differences in driving behavior.
Driving in India can be an adventure, but it's essential to exercise caution and be prepared for varying road conditions and traffic dynamics. 


Cheapest car hire in India

Hyundai i10

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 47.58 EUR/day
Hyundai i10

7 Days rental at 333.07 EUR from 21/03/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai i10

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 47.58 EUR/day
Hyundai i10

7 Days rental at 333.07 EUR from 21/03/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai i10

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 52.50 EUR/day
Hyundai i10

7 Days rental at 367.55 EUR from 21/03/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Chevrolet Optra

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 78.17 EUR/day
Chevrolet Optra

7 Days rental at 547.23 EUR from 24/07/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Chevrolet Optra

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 78.17 EUR/day
Chevrolet Optra

7 Days rental at 547.23 EUR from 24/07/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Chevrolet Optra

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 78.17 EUR/day
Chevrolet Optra

7 Days rental at 547.23 EUR from 24/07/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Tata Indica

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 51.83 EUR/day
Tata Indica

7 Days rental at 362.83 EUR from 24/07/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Tata Indica

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 51.83 EUR/day
Tata Indica

7 Days rental at 362.83 EUR from 24/07/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Tata Indica

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 51.83 EUR/day
Tata Indica

7 Days rental at 362.83 EUR from 24/07/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Innova

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 101.08 EUR/day
Toyota Innova

7 Days rental at 707.57 EUR from 24/07/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Innova

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 101.08 EUR/day
Toyota Innova

7 Days rental at 707.57 EUR from 24/07/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Innova

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 101.08 EUR/day
Toyota Innova

7 Days rental at 707.57 EUR from 24/07/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Skoda Octavia

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 232.79 EUR/day
Skoda Octavia

7 Days rental at 1629.55 EUR from 24/07/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Skoda Octavia

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 232.79 EUR/day
Skoda Octavia

7 Days rental at 1629.55 EUR from 24/07/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Skoda Octavia

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 232.79 EUR/day
Skoda Octavia

7 Days rental at 1629.55 EUR from 24/07/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in India

  • Choose a Reputable Rental Company: Opt for a well-established car rental company with positive reviews and a good reputation for reliability and customer service. Major international brands and local agencies both operate in India, offering a variety of vehicle options to suit your needs and budget.

  • Understand Traffic Conditions: India's traffic can be chaotic, particularly in urban areas where congestion, erratic driving behavior, and diverse modes of transportation abound. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, road signs, and driving customs before hitting the road. Exercise patience, caution, and defensive driving techniques to navigate safely.

  • Check Documentation Requirements: Ensure you have all necessary documentation for renting a car in India, including a valid driver's license, passport, and any additional permits or documents required by the rental company. If you're an international visitor, check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country's driver's license.

  • Plan Your Itinerary Carefully: India is vast and diverse, with a wide range of destinations to explore, from bustling cities to serene countryside and everything in between. Plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account factors such as driving distances, road conditions, and local attractions. Allow extra time for travel, as unexpected delays and detours are common on Indian roads.

  • By following these tips, you can have a smoother and more enjoyable experience when renting a car in India and exploring its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

 

Popular car hire destinations in India

Laws and rules of the road when driving in India

  •  

    L

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    50kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    80kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    100-120kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    INR  90.79/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    30mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    INR

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    18

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Average prices per day for car hire in India

ItemPercent
January€ 79
February€ 79
March€ 76
April€ 79
May€ 81
June€ 81
July€ 81
August€ 80
September€ 81
October€ 81
November€ 83
December€ 84
ItemPercent
January€ 55
February€ 52
March€ 50
April€ 51
May€ 55
June€ 55
July€ 55
August€ 55
September€ 55
October€ 55
November€ 56
December€ 57
ItemPercent
January€ 98
February€ 99
March€ 96
April€ 96
May€ 100
June€ 101
July€ 101
August€ 99
September€ 101
October€ 100
November€ 102
December€ 104
ItemPercent
January€ 150
February€ 185
March€ 171
April€ 172
May€ 178
June€ 178
July€ 177
August€ 166
September€ 168
October€ 170
November€ 173
December€ 176
ItemPercent
January€ 183
February
March
April€ 169
May€ 196
June€ 200
July€ 193
August€ 193
September€ 189
October€ 184
November€ 183
December€ 185
ItemPercent
January€ 51
February€ 53
March€ 50
April€ 46
May€ 51
June€ 51
July€ 51
August€ 50
September€ 50
October€ 50
November€ 51
December€ 52
ItemPercent
January€ 177
February€ 181
March€ 176
April€ 180
May€ 185
June€ 185
July€ 184
August€ 182
September€ 185
October€ 184
November€ 188
December€ 191
ItemPercent
January€ 70
February€ 70
March€ 67
April€ 61
May€ 71
June€ 72
July€ 71
August€ 70
September€ 70
October€ 69
November€ 71
December€ 71

Select category to see average car hire prices in India

*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in India

DieselUnleaded
Apr , 2023

€ 1.03

€ 1.16

May , 2023

€ 1.05

€ 1.17

Jun , 2023

€ 1.18

€ 1.18

Jul , 2023

€ 1.03

€ 1.15

Aug , 2023

€ 1.03

€ 1.15

Sep , 2023

€ 1.05

€ 1.17

Oct , 2023

€ 1.07

€ 1.20

Nov , 2023

€ 1.02

€ 1.14

Dec , 2023

€ 1.04

€ 1.16

Jan , 2024

€ 1.03

€ 1.15

Feb , 2024

€ 1.05

€ 1.17

Mar , 2024

€ 1.03

€ 1.15

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Mar , 2024 1.03 1.15
Feb , 2024 1.05 1.17
Jan , 2024 1.03 1.15
Dec , 2023 1.04 1.16
Nov , 2023 1.02 1.14
Oct , 2023 1.07 1.20
Sep , 2023 1.05 1.17
Aug , 2023 1.03 1.15
Jul , 2023 1.03 1.15
Jun , 2023 1.18 1.18
May , 2023 1.05 1.17
Apr , 2023 1.03 1.16

Car rental price statistics in India

  • Average Price Icon
    € 362.81
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 290.05
    Highest daily price:
    Hyundai Sonata
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    98
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    14
    Most popular model:
    Chevrolet Trailblazer
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    7
    Location with most cars:
    Tirupati - Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 51.8 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    S.S.TRAVELS - Tirupati Airport
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Useful links if renting a car in India

Check out our Guide to Driving in India here:-

Other Car Hire Locations in India

We specialise in car rentals throughout India to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Bangalore
€35.1
 
 
Mini 3 4 2 from €35.1 per day
Compact 3 5 3 from €47.1 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €37.8 per day
Chennai
€35.1
 
 
Mini 3 4 2 from €35.1 per day
Compact 3 5 3 from €47.1 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €37.8 per day
New Delhi
€38.4
 
 
Mini 3 4 2 from €38.4 per day
Compact 3 5 3 from €51.5 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €42.2 per day
Mumbai Airport
€48.1
 
 
Economy 5 5 2 from €48.1 per day
Suv 5 5 5 from €87.1 per day
Compact 3 5 3 from €82.0 per day