Shanghai car rentals from $38/day

Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Shanghai. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.

The average gas price in Shanghai is $4.27 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $51 and $68, depending on the car size.

Standard (Volkswagen Jetta or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Shanghai.

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

A Standard car rental in Shanghai costs $39 per day, on average.

A Compact car rental in Shanghai costs $43 per day, on average.

A Premium car rental in Shanghai costs $92 per day, on average.

In Shanghai, cars are most frequently rented at Hertz B2 Carpark, 760 Datong Rd (4 miles from city center).

Most car rental providers in Shanghai offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Shanghai, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 5 car rental agencies in Shanghai.

Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Shanghai so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

When choosing car rentals in Shanghai, a compact and fuel-efficient car is highly recommended. The city's traffic can be dense and chaotic, making maneuvering through narrow streets and crowded areas challenging. Renting a compact car, such as a small sedan or hatchback, provides better agility and easier parking. Also, a fuel-efficient car model will help you navigate the city's heavy traffic without using so much fuel. With limited parking spaces and sometimes lofty parking fees, a smaller car will prove more practical and economical, making it the top choice for driving in Shanghai.

In Shanghai, China, speed limits are determined based on road type and traffic conditions. Generally, the speed limits are set at around 60-70 km/h (37-43 mph) on city roads where there's a major road with a mid-road divider or two yellow lines; 80 km/h (50 mph) on China National Highways; 100 km/h (62 mph) on city express roads; and 120 km/h (75 mph) on expressways. However, it's crucial to understand that speed limits may change depending on specific zones and road signs. Shanghai also has speed cameras in effect, especially in high-traffic areas, so don't think you can get away with speeding just because you don't see any police.

When driving car rentals in Shanghai, the best places to park are in commercial areas, shopping centers, and designated parking lots near popular attractions and public-transportation hubs. Parking fees vary depending on the location and time of day. Parking will probably cost around ¥10-¥20 per hour (approximately $1.50-$3) in downtown areas. It's essential to carry sufficient cash with you, as some parking facilities might not accept electronic payment methods. Additionally, be cautious when parking on the streets that you park in a legal manner to avoid parking fines or towing.