Not every trip needs a full-day hire; some need an hour or two, while others might need a week or longer.
Whether you have an item to collect, errands to run, a weekend away, or need a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired, choosing between hourly vs daily vs weekly car hire comes down to your plans.
In this blog, we’ll break down the sorts of trips that suit each length of hire to help you make the right choice for your booking.
The quick answer: hourly, daily or weekly?
The right length of hire depends on your plans. Typically, a few hours suits errands and other quick trips; daily hire works well for sightseeing, day trips, and weekends away; and weekly hire covers longer trips like road trips, family holidays, and extended travel.
When hourly car hire makes sense
For some trips, a few hours behind the wheel is all you need. When you only have a quick trip or errand to run, like picking up furniture from IKEA, collecting your partner from the airport or popping out for an appointment, sometimes you only need the convenience of a car for a couple of hours.
In this case, hourly car hire can be especially useful if you typically use public transport, bike, or travel on foot but only occasionally need access to a car. Instead of booking for a full day, you can book a vehicle for the hours you expect to need it. With KINTO, bookings can start for as little as one hour, giving you the flexibility to fit your hire around your plans.
With flexible car hire, you can choose a booking length that suits your trip, whether you need a car for an hour, a day, or longer*.
When daily car hire is the sweet spot
When your plans take up most of the day, a daily booking gives you more time to work around your schedule. Daily car hire works well for a day trip, sightseeing, a weekend away, or when family and friends are visiting, and you need to get around.
It can also be a good fit for attending events, like a concert or wedding, or just when you have a busy day planned. If you’re heading away for the weekend, booking by the day gives you the peace of mind to focus on the drive, make spontaneous stops along the way and enjoy the journey and destination without planning your day around a short booking window.
When weekly car hire wins
A few days isn’t always enough, particularly when you’re without your usual car, or you’re travelling for longer periods. Weekly car hire is a practical option if your usual car is out of action while it’s being repaired, you’re waiting for a new car to arrive, travelling for work, or planning an extended family trip.
Booking for a week or longer may offer a lower daily car hire rate than shorter hire periods, depending on the provider, distance travelled and the vehicle. Before booking, compare different hire durations to see which offers the best option for your needs.
Weekly hire gives you access to a car for the time you need without committing to a longer-term arrangement, making it useful for periods when you need a car but a few days isn't enough.
Not sure? You can extend as you go
Sometimes no matter how prepared you are, your plans change even after you’ve booked your car. Car repairs might take a few extra days, or you’re having a fun time away and decide you want to stay an extra night. With flexible car hire, like KINTO, you can extend your booking if your plans change.
You can extend KINTO bookings through the app, as long as another member hasn’t booked the vehicle. To extend your booking, open your Current Journey, select Extend Journey and choose the new date and time you’d like to return the car. Then you’re all set to go!
But what if your needs stretch from a few weeks to a month or longer? KINTO Flex may be a better fit for your hire needs. If you’re unsure which option is right for your trip, read our guide to KINTO car share, car hire and car subscription.
Find the right hire for your needs
When you need a car for a few hours, a weekend away or for longer travel, choosing the right hire length comes down to your plans. With KINTO, you can book a Toyota car for the time you need, and if your plans change, extend your hire through the app, subject to availability.
.avif)