jacky-lo-kCNf42AH5RM-unsplash.jpg

Rent a car in the Philippines

Find the best car rental prices on the largest travel marketplace in the Philippines
Rent the perfect car

Select locations

Driver’s age

30 - 65

Driver’s age: 30 - 65

I live in

I live in: The Philippines

Pick-up details

Select dates

Pick-upDrop-off

Driver’s age

30 - 65

Driver’s age: 30 - 65

I live in

I live in: The Philippines

Select time

Pick-up time

Drop-off time

Wide Selection of Travel Services
Best Price Guarantee
Easy Booking & Cancellation
Comprehensive Destination Guides

Choose by type

Find the exact car you are looking for by browsing our wide selection of cars

Verified customer reviews

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Choose by destination

We offer car rentals in all the main cities and airports in the Philippines

Best car rentals

These are the best car rental companies to rent a car in the Philippines

Rent a car in the Philippines

Car Rentals Philippines - Self-Drive

Renting a self-drive car in the Philippines will give you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace. It also allows you to discover new destinations and tourist spots not included in regular tours. Commuting is common in the Philippines, but driving a car will save you cost, time, and energy. You don't need to transfer from one vehicle to another like boarding public buses, taxi/cabs, jeepneys, and tricycles to go to your destination. Locals who have cars also prefer self-drive when traveling in and outside the city for convenience and comfort. 

The Philippines is divided into three major islands (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao). We recommend renting a car in the location where you’re traveling to. If you’re exploring Luzon, you can rent a car in Manila and drive around the neighboring cities and provinces. If you’re exploring the Visayas, rent a car service is available in major cities like Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod. Are you traveling around Mindanao? You can rent a car in Davao and explore at your convenience.

 

Rent a Car in Manila

Metro Manila, the National Capital Region located in Luzon, includes the capital city Manila and other urban centers like Makati, Quezon City, Pasay, and Mandaluyong, to name a few. Driving in Manila is more convenient than riding public transportation. Tourist spots within Metro Manila are geographically located near each other and are easier and faster to reach with a self-drive car.

Since Metro Manila has a significant population and covers multiple cities, the government implements traffic regulations to decongest the traffic. It includes the number coding scheme during weekdays, one-way streets, designated areas for loading and unloading, and assigned lanes for motorcycles and buses. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these traffic rules and regulations before driving in Manila. Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below to learn more about these rules. 

The majority of provinces in Luzon are located on one main island and are connected by highways and expressways. Driving in Manila will also give you the freedom to explore tourist spots outside the cities. You can self-drive from Manila to other destinations or provinces in Luzon and explore Tagaytay, Batangas, Pampanga, Baguio, Ilocos Region, and Bicol region to name a few. 

 

Rent a Car in Cebu

Cebu is one of the main jump-off points when driving to destinations around the Visayas. Unlike Luzon, where the majority of cities and provinces are on one main island, Visayas is divided into multiple islands. These islands are connected by national highways and ports where you can board your self-drive cars in Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) ferries or vessels. Renting a car and driving in Cebu will let you explore Cebu tourist spots like Mactan, Moalboal, Malapascua, Oslob, Bantayan Island, and other Visayas destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Iloilo, and Bacolod.

 

Rent a Car in Davao

Davao is the center and main jump-off point in Mindanao. Similar to Luzon, the majority of Mindanao destinations are on one island and are connected by national highways. Renting a car and driving in Davao will let you easily reach destinations in Mindanao like Cagayan De Oro, Zamboanga, and Surigao, to name a few. You can also board your self-drive cars in Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) ferries or vessels to explore Mindanao island destinations like Camiguin and Siargao.

 

Cheapest Car Rentals in the Philippines

Guide to the Philippines is partnered with credible car rental providers that provide the best value and quality car rental services in key destinations like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Browse and compare our collection of car rental products to find the cheapest car rentals in the Philippines to best suit your needs and preferences. Make sure that you avail of self-drive car rentals from authorized providers only that have regularly maintained and serviced vehicles for safe driving in the Philippines. 

 

Practical Information

The Philippines generally has a tropical climate and is divided into the dry season and wet season. Depending on the month and the place you’ll be visiting, make sure to check weather updates first. Be cautious as this will prevent accidents that might happen while you’re behind the wheel.

If you’re driving during the rainy season, practice extra caution and avoid flooded roads or landslide-prone roads. Keep your tank full and make sure your brakes are in good condition. If the weather update indicates a typhoon, it’s best to avoid traveling and just stay indoors. 

Regardless of the season, you must be a responsible driver. Do a pre-trip inspection of your car, take photos of it once you receive it, and check the weather conditions before hitting the road. Knowing the rules and regulations (will be discussed in detail below in the FAQ section), as well as making the necessary precautions will help you in having a great time in the Philippines.

 

Frequently asked questions

Where to rent a car in the Philippines?

For your vacation in the Philippines, the majority of car rentals in the Philippines are in the cities of Metro Manila or the National Capital Region in Luzon. These include cars for rent in the urban centers of Quezon City, Makati, and Mandaluyong, to name a few.



If you’re taking a flight to the Philippines and you’ll arrive at the Manila airport and other Philippine airports, you can also hire a rental car. Your car rental in the Philippines can be picked up 24 hours a day from airport centers or from travel agencies like Guide to the Philippines.

How to rent a car in the Philippines?

Rent a car process in the Philippines is simple. When looking for rent a car self drive, choose a destination where you want to rent a car in the Philippines, like Manila car rental, Cebu car rental, rent a car in Davao, or car rental in Clark Pampanga. Select what type of car rental vehicle you want to avail of, you have the option to rent small budget car rentals, 4x4 SUV rental, luxury car rental in the Philippines, or van rental in the Philippines. You can choose from our top-rated Philippines car rental partners like Avis car rental and Hertz car rental Philippines.

How much is rent a car in the Philippines per day?

The most affordable car rental in the Philippines rates is $30 per day. Car rental rates in the Philippines also depend on the vehicle you’re renting, van rental rates are usually higher than car rental prices for sedans, which are the most affordable cars in the Philippines. Guide to the Philippines offers many vehicle options for cheap car rental in the Philippines.

Can I rent a car and use it for tour?

Yes, you can drive your car rental vehicle to top tourist spots in the Philippines or when booking Philippine travel packages. Renting a car in the Philippines for your vacation is a great way to explore the country’s top attractions at your own pace and tour of the Philippines.

Can foreigners rent a car in the Philippines? Is my driver's license valid in the Philippines?

Yes, foreigners can hire a Philippine car rental. If you’re a foreigner, your driver’s license is valid for 90 days in the Philippines, provided that it’s in English. If not, make sure to get an English translation from your local embassy first to avail of car rental services in the Philippines.

What documents do I need when driving a rent a car in the Philippines?

Always have your car rental services document, passport, and driver’s license with you at all times. In case you get into an accident or a road problem when availing cars for rent, this will help the authorities identify who you are and let them know you’re driving a car rental in the Philippines.

Is rental car mileage really unlimited?

There is no car rental mileage limit in the Philippines for our rent a car services.

How is the road network in the Philippines?

There are the Philippines highway network and the Philippines expressway network.

How is the highway road network?

The Philippines highway network roads are made up of national roads with corresponding numbers. They are given unique names based on their location or destinations covered. i.e., National Route 1: Pan-Philippine Highway or Maharlika Highway connecting Luzon to Mindanao through roads, bridges, and ferry services.

How is the express road network?

The Philippines expressway network roads are made up of controlled-access expressways and regional high standard highways that have toll gates. i.e., E1 or Expressway 1, which includes North Luzon Expressway or NLEx, and E2 or Expressway 2, which includes South Luzon Expressway or SLEx.

What is Epifanio de los Santos Avenue?

Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, also known as EDSA, is a major thoroughfare that connects the major cities. EDSA can be quite congested during weekday rush hours.

When are general rush hours?

Between 7-9 am and 5-9 pm, when most of the city-dwellers are heading to/from work and school.

Can you reach islands on a rental car?

It is possible to reach the 3 main islands by rental car. You can opt to board your car for rent vehicle in the Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) vessels or ferries that connect major destinations in the country from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao. You will need to drive to the ports where they are docked and drive the car inside the vessel. From here, you can choose to stay inside the vehicle for short-distance travel or stay inside the ferry, where there are seating or sleeping quarters available depending on the vessel and distance covered. Take note that some car rentals in the Philippines do not allow their vehicles to be driven outside of the main islands or regions. Example includes Manila car rentals, which are limited to Luzon island only, and Cebu car rentals, which are limited to Cebu island only.

Which side of the road do you drive on in the Philippines?

Philippine roads require vehicles to be driven on the right side of the road, with all vehicles in left-hand drive.

What are the requirements for renting a car in the Philippines?

Typically, you need a valid driver's license, a valid ID, and a cash or credit card for the security deposit. International tourists may need to present their passport and an international driver's license.

What is the minimum age for renting a car in the Philippines?

The minimum age requirement in the Philippines is usually 21 years old, but some car rental companies may require renters to be at least 25 years old for certain vehicle categories.

How are the Philippine rental car rates calculated?

Philippine rental car rates are usually calculated based on the type of car, rental duration, mileage, and any additional services or insurance selected. Fuel charges and taxes may also apply.

Can I rent a car for long-term or monthly use?

Yes, many car rental companies offer long-term rental options, commonly known as monthly rentals. These can be cost-effective for extended stays, business trips, or for a longer Philippine itinerary.

How do I choose the best car rental in the Philippines?

To choose the best car rental in the Philippines, consider factors like your budget. Compare car rental rates, and if you’re looking for an affordable rent a car in the Philippines, opt for those car rental companies offering cheap rental car prices. Make sure to also check the rental company's reputation, vehicle options, insurance coverage, and rental terms. Read customer reviews and compare prices to make an informed decision.

What types of cars are available for rent in the Philippines?

Car rental companies offer a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, vans, and sometimes luxury cars. Some car rental companies have Nissan rental, Honda Civic rental, and Toyota for rent, which also includes Toyota Fortuner rental and Innova for rent. The availability may vary depending on the rental agency, like Guide to the Philippines.

Are there restrictions on where I can take the rented car?

Some rental companies may impose restrictions on taking the car to certain areas or countries. Always check the rental agreement for any limitations on travel.

Are toll fees included in the rental cost?

It depends on the rental agency. Toll fees are typically not included in the rental cost, but some car rental agencies include toll fees in their rental packages. Make sure to check with reputable agencies like Guide to the Philippines before booking.

What should I do in case of an accident or breakdown?

In case of an accident, contact the local authorities and the car rental company immediately. For breakdowns, contact the rental company's emergency assistance line for guidance.

Are there penalties for returning the car late?

Returning the car late may result in additional charges. It's important to adhere to the agreed-upon return time or communicate any changes with the rental company.

Can someone else drive the rented car?

Most car rental companies are for you to rent a car with driver or for self drive car rental. If you choose a self drive car rental, additional drivers can usually be added to the rental agreement for an extra fee. They must meet the same age and license requirements as the primary driver.

How are traffic rules and regulations different in the Philippines?

It's important for renters, especially international tourists, to familiarize themselves with local traffic rules and regulations. Follow speed limits, traffic signs, and other rules to avoid penalties.

Can I rent a car in the Philippines for a family tour package?

Yes, many car rental companies, like Guide to the Philippines, offer family tour packages in the Philippines. These packages often include spacious vehicles suitable for families, child safety seats, and sometimes even tour guides.

Do car rental companies in the Philippines provide vehicles with child safety seats?

Many car rental companies offer child safety seats as an optional add-on. It's recommended to request this in advance to ensure availability and proper installation.

Are there Philippine honeymoon packages that include car rentals?

Yes, some travel agencies, like Guide to the Philippines, offer Philippine honeymoon packages that include car rentals for couples to explore romantic destinations at their own pace. These packages may also include special amenities for honeymooners.

Can I rent a luxury car for my honeymoon in the Philippines?

Absolutely, many car rental companies in the Philippines offer luxury cars for special occasions, including honeymoons. You can choose from a range of high-end vehicles for a more luxurious and comfortable experience.

Are there any all-inclusive packages that combine car rentals with Philippine luxury resorts in the Philippines?

Yes, some travel agencies provide all-inclusive packages that combine car rentals with stays at Philippine luxury resorts. These packages may include airport transfers, guided tours, and other perks for a seamless and indulgent experience.

Can I arrange for a car rental directly from a luxury resort in the Philippines?

Some luxury resorts in the Philippines may offer concierge services to assist guests in arranging car rentals. It's recommended to contact the resort in advance to inquire about transportation options.
Link to appstore phone
Install the Philippines’ biggest travel app

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.