Car Rental in Shanghai | Compare Cheap Car Hire Shanghai

Landmarks in Shanghai
Last updated: Jun 23, 2025

Find the best car rental deals in Shanghai. Compare prices from top rental companies and book your perfect ride today.

We Compare Thousands of Car Rental Providers

We search across all major car rental companies to find the best and cheapest deals for your exact dates and deliver the results instantly to you!

24 May 2025

The price was much lower and ...

The price was much lower and compares 1000s of agencies!

Ronald Goodin

18 Apr 2025

Great service and easy booking

Found the perfect car for our family vacation at an unbeatable price!

Sarah Johnson

No car rental availability found for your dates in Shanghai try Discover Cars instead! Discover cars lets you compare the providers for your dates and location on one handy place.

Car Rental Information for Shanghai

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis that perfectly blends modernity with rich cultural heritage. Known as China’s largest city and a global financial hub, it offers visitors a dynamic urban experience with its iconic skyline, bustling shopping districts, and historic neighborhoods. The city’s unique charm lies in its juxtaposition of futuristic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the historic Bund waterfront lined with colonial-era buildings. Shanghai is a gateway to exploring Chinese culture, art, and cuisine, attracting tourists with its world-class museums, theaters, and festivals. Visitors can enjoy a mix of traditional Chinese gardens and temples alongside contemporary architecture and nightlife. Its extensive public transport system makes exploring easy, while the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere ensures a diverse culinary and cultural experience. Shanghai’s blend of East and West, old and new, makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

Rental Requirements

  • Valid driver's license
  • Credit card in driver's name
  • Minimum age: 21 (25 for some vehicles)

Popular Rental Companies

  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Enterprise
  • Budget

Driving in Shanghai

Major international car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and local providers operate in Shanghai. Typical daily rental costs range from 300 to 600 CNY depending on the vehicle type. Drivers must hold a valid Chinese driver’s license; international licenses are not accepted without conversion. The minimum driving age is usually 21 or 23 years old. Roads in Shanghai are well-maintained but traffic congestion is common, especially during peak hours. Parking in central areas can be expensive and limited. From a tourist perspective, renting a car is generally unnecessary due to the excellent public transportation system and heavy traffic conditions. It is more practical to rely on metro, taxis, and ride-hailing services for getting around the city.

Explore Shanghai

Things to Do in Shanghai

Visitors can enjoy river cruises on the Huangpu River to see the city skyline, explore traditional markets and street food tours, visit art galleries and theaters, and experience Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife. Cultural activities include attending Chinese opera performances, exploring historic neighborhoods like the French Concession, and participating in tea ceremonies. For adventure seekers, there are biking tours and day trips to nearby water towns.

Essential Shanghai Information

Type: City
Currency: CNY
Timezone: Asia/Shanghai
Best Time to Visit: Best time to visit is spring or autumn for comfortable weather.
Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Shanghainese, English

We now have our own AI assistant!

She is ready to help you with all your travel-related questions. 

Landed At Adventure