We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Niigata. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Niigata in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Niigata and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Niigata and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Niigata so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


location image

Why rent a car in Niigata?

Renting a car in Niigata offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the region's diverse attractions, from urban landmarks to rural landscapes. With your own vehicle, you can easily access remote sites like the Kiyotsu Gorge or the hot springs of Tsukioka Onsen, which are less accessible by public transportation.

Additionally, having a car allows you to experience Niigata's scenic coastal drives and mountainous terrains at your own pace, making spontaneous stops at local eateries or picturesque viewpoints along the way. This autonomy enhances your travel experience, providing a deeper connection to the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Car rental tips for Niigata

  • Niigata Airport hosts several car rental agencies conveniently located within the terminal, allowing travellers to pick up their vehicles shortly after arrival. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
  • Driving in Niigata during winter requires caution due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Ensure your rental car is equipped with appropriate winter tyres or chains, and consider a vehicle with four-wheel drive for better traction on snowy roads.
  • While Niigata's urban areas are well-connected by public transportation, having a rental car is advantageous for exploring rural attractions like Kiyotsu Gorge or Tsukioka Onsen, which are less accessible by train or bus.
  • Be aware of local driving customs, such as stopping at railway crossings and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks. Familiarising yourself with these practices will contribute to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience in Niigata.

FAQs about renting a car in Niigata

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is recommended for navigating Niigata's urban areas and rural roads. If you plan to visit mountainous regions or during winter months, consider renting a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive and winter tyres for enhanced safety.

What are the parking options?

Niigata offers ample parking options, including public parking lots and on-street parking in urban areas. Parking fees vary, with some areas offering free parking and others charging hourly rates. It's advisable to check local signage for specific regulations.

What's the speed limit?

In Japan, the general speed limits are 60 km/h (37 mph) on regular roads and 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways. However, always adhere to posted speed limits, as they can vary depending on the area and road conditions.

Popular attractions

  • Toki Messe: A multi-purpose international convention centre featuring an observation deck on the 31st floor, offering panoramic views of Niigata City and, on clear days, Sado and Awashima islands.
  • Bandai Bridge: An iconic reinforced concrete bridge spanning the Shinano River, known for its six arches and historical significance, especially for withstanding the 1964 Niigata earthquake.
  • Niigata Prefectural Botanical Garden: A 19.8-hectare garden and arboretum showcasing a diverse collection of cherry trees, conifers, and aromatic herbs, along with substantial greenhouses housing arid, aquatic, and tropical plants.
  • Northern Culture Museum: An open-air museum featuring the former residence of the Ito family, one of the wealthiest landowners in the Echigo region, complete with traditional buildings and a renowned pond-style garden.
  • Ponshukan Niigata Station: A sake paradise located inside Niigata Station, offering tastings of over 90 varieties of local Niigata sake, along with unique souvenirs and sake-based snacks.

More places to visit

  • Sado Island: Accessible by ferry from Niigata, this island offers a mix of cultural history and natural beauty, including the historic Sado Gold Mine and unique tarai-bune (tub boat) experiences.
  • Kiyotsu Gorge: One of Japan's three largest gorges, featuring dramatic rock formations and a tunnel with viewing platforms, offering stunning vistas of the chasm.
  • Tsukioka Onsen: A tranquil hot spring village known for its emerald-green waters with high sulphur concentrations, reputed for their skin-beautifying properties.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Niigata

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

National Car Hire

View more

Alamo Car Hire

View more

Enterprise Car Hire

View more

Budget Car Hire

View more

Europcar Car Hire

View more

Hertz Car Hire

View more

Thrifty Car Hire

View more

Keddy Car Hire

View more

AVIS Car Hire

View more

Firefly Car Hire

View more

: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

Car image for small and economy car category

Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

Car image for hybrid and electric car category

Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

Car image for prestige car category

Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

Car image for stationwagon and minibus car category


Niigata: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.