Skip to content

Car Rental in India

Discover India your own way, from Goa to the Himalayas. Compare offers from local car rental companies and book online in minutes with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and convenient pick-up at airports and city locations.

Cities

Cities: India

All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.

Terms

Rental terms in India

The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.

  • Driver age — from 21 years.
  • Driving experience — from 1 years.
  • Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
  • Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
  • Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
  • A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
  • No-deposit rentals are often available.
  • National driving licence.
  • Driver’s passport.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
  • A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road

Driving rules in India

A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.

Driver’s guide — India
Currency INR
Speed limits 70 city · 100 rural · 110 expressway · 120 motorway (km/h)
Blood alcohol limit up to 0 ‰
Daytime headlights not required
Vignette (toll roads) not required

Traffic rules: India

  • Drive on the left with right-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the right, and traffic moves clockwise around roundabouts.
  • Speed limits: 70 km/h in urban areas, up to 100 km/h on standard roads, 110 km/h on national highways, and up to 120 km/h on expressways.
  • The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% (30 mg per 100 ml of blood). Exceeding the limit may result in substantial fines and possible arrest.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers.
  • Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
  • Toll roads are paid electronically through FASTag. Rental vehicles are usually already equipped with a FASTag sticker.
  • During the monsoon season (approximately June to September), roads may become slippery or flooded. Winter tyres are not required.
  • Carry your national driving licence, International Driving Permit (IDP), and vehicle documents at all times, as roadside inspections are common.
Questions

Frequently asked questions about car rental in India

License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in India?

Yes. Foreign drivers almost always need an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with their national driving licence and passport. Most rental companies will not provide a self-drive vehicle without an IDP.

What is the minimum age for renting a car?

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience. Some vehicle categories, especially premium cars, may require drivers to be at least 25.

Which side of the road do people drive on?

India has left-hand traffic, and vehicles have the steering wheel on the right. Drivers used to right-hand traffic should allow time to adjust, particularly at roundabouts.

Is a security deposit required?

Yes. A security deposit is usually blocked on the driver’s payment card. The exact amount depends on the vehicle and rental company.

Where can I pick up and return the car?

The most popular locations are airports and city offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, and Chennai. Hotel or airport delivery is often available.

Can I drive to neighbouring countries?

No. Rental companies generally do not allow their vehicles to be taken outside India, including to Nepal or Bhutan.

What insurance should I choose?

Basic insurance is included in the rental price. Full CDW with zero excess is available for additional protection against minor damage.

When is the best time to visit and book?

The ideal travel season is from October to March, outside the monsoon period. During peak season, especially in destinations such as Goa, booking in advance is recommended.

Nearby

Similar destinations

Neighboring and kindred countries of the Balkans and the Caucasus with built-in car search.

Choose a city

Compare prices and book a car

Choose a city in India — inside is a preset search with offers from local rental providers.

  • Free cancellation
  • Secure booking
  • 24/7 support