How to find a cheap car rental deal in Hartford
Searching for a cheap rental car in Hartford? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging $79 a day, we compare the best offers so you can search less, save more, and hit the road happy.
$40 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Hartford.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $193 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Four weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Hartford car hire.
Browse the offers available with Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.
The coverage Hertz or another supplier includes with your Hartford car rental can vary, so always go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car rental options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at $79 a day.
Taking second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $74.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $71 a day with this supplier.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Intermediate rental category is the crowd favorite among travelers visiting Hartford.
Flying to Hartford? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car rental at Bradley International Airport. If you're flying to Hartford through this airport, simply collect your wheels after landing and go. The drive to the city center is about 12 miles and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car rental types in Hartford
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Hartford puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are excellent for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Hartford car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Hartford makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, versatile, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Hartford car rental lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so compare before you book.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Hartford.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a higher rate, so carefully review the policies before confirming your booking.
Add a car seat to your Hartford car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest option.
You'll be asked for some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 25mph in urban areas and 70mph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when you can, but carry a little cash for places that don't accept electronic payment.
English is the language spoken by most people in this country.
Best hotels in Hartford for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time enjoying your stay at The Goodwin. About 0.5 miles from central Hartford, it comes with parking, luggage storage and air conditioning.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford South-Glastonbury also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features parking, plus luggage storage and a kitchen. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 4 miles from the city center.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the selection of hotels in Hartford. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car rental deal in Hartford and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Mark Twain House & Museum, Wadsworth Atheneum and Hartford Stage are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Hartford
Worcester should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Worcester Art Museum and Redemption Rock Brewing. This city is about 55 miles northeast of central Hartford.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Worcester include Residence Inn Worcester and Courtyard Worcester.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car rental in Hartford and drive around 25 miles north to Springfield. Featuring Titanic Museum and Basketball Hall of Fame, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Springfield has some comfortable places to stay including Best Western Springfield West Inn and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springfield MA. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Want to head even further out? Boston is a top road trip destination that's about 95 miles northeast of Hartford. Make a few pit stops at Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Freedom Trail.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston Bayside and Hilton Boston Park Plaza have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Boston.
