How to find a cheap car rental deal in Taiwan
Searching for a cheap rental car in Taiwan? With prices starting from Rs7,510 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're looking for a go-anywhere compact, a family sedan, or something in between, we compare all the best offers to help you spend less.
For travel plans that last more than a few days, Rs52,568 is the lowest available rate for a weekly rental.
Check out the range of car rentals in Taipei. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in Taiwan.
Taipei is the most popular city for car rentals.
Compare deals from Herze Car Rental before making a decision. It's chosen by more people than any other company in Taiwan.
Collect your ride from the airport if you're flying in. Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan Airport, Kaohsiung Airport and Taipei Sung Shan Airport offer car rental pickup locations either at the terminal or nearby.
Taipei, Kaohsiung, Makung, Taichung and Kinmen are some of the most convenient cities to pick up a set of wheels.
Think about going with a one-way rental. Providers occasionally lower prices on certain routes to shift vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Taiwan, choose 'Return car to a different location' to find those deals.
Need wheels for a few weeks? Sometimes you can score a discount if you lock in a full month, so try tweaking your dates to find the lowest rates.
To avoid extra costs, go for a vehicle that comes with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll collect it with a full tank and return it full, meaning you only pay for the fuel you use.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey instead of watching the odometer tick over. Check for this feature under the 'Policies' filter and cover more ground without added fees.
Best time to book a car rental in Taiwan
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance gives you better odds of securing the best price on a car rental in Taiwan.
November is the most affordable month to rent a car. You can expect average daily rates of Rs15,542 then.
May is typically the most expensive.
Compare car rental types in Taiwan
Economy: Drive away in one of these and help keep your travel budget on track. Lower daily rates and fuel-efficient engines mean you spend less overall while still getting a smooth, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: Mini and economy cars are part of this category. Their compact dimensions and easy handling make navigating busy city streets far less stressful. And with engines designed to use less fuel, they're an obvious choice when searching for a cheap rental car in Taiwan.
Medium: Medium rentals are the happy middle ground. Neatly bridging the gap between small and large, they provide extra space and comfort without sacrificing practicality. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: Big adventures call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with your crew or heading off on a longer drive, these full-size cars deliver the space you need. Expect generous seating, ample luggage capacity and comfort that goes the distance.
SUV: Road trips across Taiwan are a breeze in one of these. The elevated seating position offers a wider view of what's ahead and helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Engineered for versatility, they can take you from multi-lane highways to more unpredictable terrain without missing a beat.
Van: When there's plenty to pack in, a van is up to the task. This category of car for rent in Taiwan handles people and cargo with ease. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a reliable solution for group travel, moving or business transport.
Luxury: Ready to go all in? This is more than getting from A to B — it's about arriving in style. Luxury vehicles combine head-turning design, high-end tech, and finely tuned performance in one exceptional package.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance protects you against the excess you're liable for if your rental car is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Taiwan by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Driving in Taiwan: What you need to know
Age requirements often vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Taiwan may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Kids coming with you? Child car seat laws vary according to the location, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Check if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in Taiwan.
You'll need some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card for the required security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Driving in Taiwan can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Taiwan. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Where to road trip in Taiwan?
Taiwan is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung, plus airport pickup points at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport. If you're planning car rental in Taiwan, the routes below show how pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types vary depending on the terrain and pace you're after.
East Coast Highway: Hualien to the Southern Rift Valley
Pick up your car in Hualien and drive south along the coastal route that runs between steep cliffs and the Pacific. It suits drivers who are comfortable with mountain curves and want to cover a dramatic, varied stretch without long daily distances.
Recommended car: Compact SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Hualien Airport.
Good for: Nature lovers, couples, adventure travellers.
Road conditions: Paved coastal highway, winding mountain sections, some narrow stretches.
Best time to go: October to December for stable, dry weather.
Trip length: Four to six days.
Key stops: Ruisui, Dulan.
Cultural Heartland: Taipei to the Historic Towns of Central Taiwan
Start in Taipei and head south into the inland basin towns where Taiwanese history, temple culture and traditional craft industries are densely concentrated. The driving is easy and the stops are close together, making this a strong choice if you want cultural depth without long hours on the road.
Recommended car: Compact sedan.
Suggested pickup point: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Good for: History enthusiasts, first-time visitors, families.
Road conditions: Divided urban highways, well-maintained rural roads, light mountain approaches.
Best time to go: March to May for mild temperatures and lower rainfall.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: Sanyi, Lukang.
Southern Loop: Kaohsiung to the Tropical South and Mountain Interior
Pick up your car in Kaohsiung and loop through the volcanic landscapes, indigenous communities and forested mountain passes of the island's deep south. It's best suited to experienced drivers who want to combine city access with genuinely remote terrain across a manageable number of days.
Recommended car: Mid-size SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Kaohsiung International Airport.
Good for: Adventure travellers, culture seekers, repeat visitors.
Road conditions: Urban expressways, steep mountain roads, unpaved sections in highland areas.
Best time to go: November to February for cooler highland temperatures.
Trip length: Six to eight days.
Key stops: Meinong, Maolin.
Weather and driving conditions in Taiwan
Weather
Taiwan has four seasons, with a warm, humid summer from June through September that brings most of the year's rainfall and typhoon activity. Spring and fall are mild and dry, while winter is cool in the north and warm in the south.
Heavy rain is a real factor when driving in Taiwan, especially during typhoon season, so slow down on coastal and mountain roads and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Fog can settle thickly over mountain passes in the central ranges, where reduced visibility makes steady, unhurried driving essential. Summer heat builds quickly in low-lying areas, and checking your coolant and tyre pressure before long stretches helps you avoid roadside issues.
Driving conditions
Highways in Taiwan are well-maintained and clearly signed, making a road trip in Taiwan straightforward on the main routes. Head into the central mountains or along quieter east coast roads and you'll find narrower, winding surfaces that reward careful driving.
On mountain roads through central and eastern Taiwan, Formosan macaques occasionally cross near forested areas. Stray dogs are a more common concern on rural roads, particularly after dark.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
Whether you're going far or keeping it local, a good overnight stop can make all the difference after a long day on the road. Once you've booked your car rental in Taiwan, browse the range of hotels in Taipei if you're passing by this major stop. You can also search Kaohsiung accommodation options or check out more places to stay in Makung as you plan the rest of your route.
