National Car Rental at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) — Everything You Need to Know Before You Arrive
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Where Is National Car Rental at Toronto Pearson Airport?
National Car Rental is at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at YYZ. Just follow the Car Rental signs from Arrivals — head to Level 1 of the Parking Garage. That’s it.
Terminal 1 vs Terminal 3 — Which Counter to Use
- Terminal 1 → Arrivals → Car Rental Signs → Parking Garage Level 1 → National Counter
- Terminal 3 → Door F → Cross the Road → Turn Right → National Booth
Tip: Check your boarding pass before landing — your terminal number is printed right on it.
Step-by-Step: From Arrivals to National Counter
Terminal 1:
- Collect your luggage
- Follow Car Rental signs
- Go to Parking Garage Level 1
- Walk to National Counter — done
Terminal 3:
- Collect your luggage
- Exit through Door F
- Cross the road
- Turn right — National Booth is right there
Tip: The walk takes just 7 to 10 minutes. No shuttle needed from either terminal.
Shuttle and Accessibility Route
Traveling with a wheelchair or heavy luggage? The elevator goes directly to Level 1. No extra charge for mobility aids.
Tip: Use the elevator near Door 2 in Terminal 1 — it drops you straight at the car rental level.
Table of Contents
National Car Rental Fleet at YYZ — Cars and 2026 Rates
Not sure which car to pick? Here’s the simple breakdown by budget and need.
Economy and Compact — CA $59/day — Solo Travelers
Traveling alone or with one bag? Economy and Compact cars start at CA $59/day — cheapest option at YYZ. Easy to park, fuel-efficient, perfect for city driving.
Tip: Book 2 to 3 weeks early — economy cars sell out fastest at YYZ.
Standard, Fullsize and Premium — CA $64 to $69/day
More legroom, more comfort. Standard starts at CA $64/day, Fullsize at CA $65/day, Premium at CA $69/day. Best for long drives or business trips.
Tip: Fullsize is the sweet spot — more space than Standard, cheaper than Premium.
SUVs and Minivans — CA $72/day — Families and Groups
Traveling with family or luggage? SUVs and Minivans start at CA $72/day. Fits 5 to 7 passengers comfortably with full luggage.
Tip: Book SUV at least 3 weeks ahead — especially in summer and holiday season.
How to Book National Car Rental at YYZ
Booking takes 5 minutes. Here is exactly how to do it right.
Online Booking vs Walk-In — Real Price Difference
Online is always cheaper. Walk-in at the counter costs 20% to 30% more — no guaranteed car class either.
Tip: Book directly on nationalcar.ca — avoid third party fees.
Best Time to Book for Lowest Rate in 2025
Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead for best price. Last minute rates at YYZ jump fast — especially weekends and holidays.
Tip: Tuesday and Wednesday pickups are cheapest at Toronto Pearson.
Documents Checklist — What to Bring at Pickup
Bring these — no exceptions:
- Valid driver’s license
- Credit card in your name
- Booking confirmation
- Passport (international travelers)
Tip: License must be held for at least 1 year. New drivers pay extra young driver fee.
Credit Card vs Debit Card — What National Accepts
Credit card is preferred. Debit cards are accepted but a larger deposit hold applies. Visa, Mastercard and Amex all accepted.
Tip: Use a credit card — smaller deposit hold and faster release after return.
National Car Rental Prices at YYZ — Full 2025 Breakdown
Here are the real numbers — no surprises.
National Car Rental Rates at YYZ (2025)
| Car Type | Daily | Weekly |
| Economy | CA $59 | CA $295 |
| Standard | CA $64 | CA $320 |
| Fullsize | CA $65 | CA $325 |
| Premium | CA $69 | CA $345 |
| SUV/Van | CA $72 | CA $360 |
Tip: Weekly rate saves you about 15% vs paying daily.
Airport Surcharge and Hidden Fees — Honest Breakdown
Renting at YYZ adds extra charges:
- Airport concession fee — 11.11%
- Additional driver — CA $10/day
- Young driver fee (21-24 years) — CA $11 to $25/day
- GPS rental — CA $10 to $15/day
Tip: Use your phone GPS — save CA $10/day instantly.
Cheapest Day to Rent at Toronto Pearson
Tuesday and Wednesday are cheapest. Friday and Sunday are most expensive — business and weekend travelers drive prices up.
Tip: Pick up Tuesday, drop off Monday — you get the full week at lowest rate.
Emerald Club at Toronto Pearson — Is It Worth It?
Short answer — yes. Especially if you rent more than twice a year.
What Emerald Club Members Get at YYZ
- Skip the counter completely
- Choose your own car from the Emerald Aisle
- Faster pickup — under 5 minutes
- Free to join — no annual fee
Tip: Sign up free at nationalcar.ca before your trip — activate before arrival.
How to Skip the Counter Completely
Emerald Club members go straight to the Emerald Aisle in the garage. Pick any car in your class. Drive to the exit — show your license and membership card. Done.
Tip: No paperwork at the counter. Total time from garage to exit gate — under 5 minutes.
How to Earn and Transfer Free Days
Earn 1 free day for every 7 rentals. Emerald Club members can also earn 1 free day with every two eligible midsize or larger rentals of at least 2 consecutive days during promotional periods. slickdeals
Tip: Always rent signed into your Emerald Club account — points only count when logged in.
Quick Comparison: Which Program is Best?
National Emerald Club (Top Choice)
Counter Skip: ✅ Yes
Earn Free Days: Every 7 rentals
Annual Fee: FREE
Best For: Speed and picking your own car.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Counter Skip: ✅ Yes
Earn Free Days: Every 7 rentals
Annual Fee: FREE
Best For: Selection of Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Avis Preferred
Counter Skip: ✅ Yes
Earn Free Days: Every 12 rentals
Annual Fee: FREE
Best For: Reliable corporate bookings.
Tip: Emerald Club wins on free day earn rate — best value for frequent YYZ renters.
National vs Other Car Rentals at Toronto Pearson
At YYZ, all major rental desks are in the same parking garage. The main difference is speed vs. price. National is the fastest, but others might be cheaper.
National vs Enterprise — Same Owner, Different Style
Both are owned by the same company. National is built for business travelers who want to “grab and go” without talking to anyone. Enterprise is better for families who need extra help or a slightly lower price.
Insider Fact: National usually has the newest cars with the lowest mileage.
National vs Hertz — Speed vs Selection
Both are premium brands. Choose National if you want to skip the counter entirely using the Emerald Club. Choose Hertz if you are looking for a specific luxury car or an EV (Electric Vehicle).
Insider Fact: National’s exit process in the garage is usually faster than Hertz.
National vs Avis and Budget — Best for Your Wallet
Budget is almost always the cheapest option inside the airport. Avis is more for corporate travelers. Compared to National, Budget can save you 15-20%, but you will likely wait in a longer line.
Insider Fact: Budget and Avis share the same cars; you just pay less at the Budget sign.
Quick Comparison Table
| Company | Best For | Price |
| National | Saving Time | High |
| Enterprise | Great Service | Mid |
| Hertz | Luxury Cars | High |
| Budget | Saving Money | Low |
Pro Tip: If National is too expensive, book with Enterprise. It’s the same parking lot and the same owners, but often $10-$15 cheaper per day.
Bottom Line: Pick National if you are in a rush; pick Budget if you want the lowest price.
Money-Saving Tips for National Car Rental at YYZ
Renting at Toronto Pearson doesn’t have to be expensive. Since National is a premium brand, you have to be smart to get the best deal. Here is how to keep your costs down in 2025.
Book Direct vs Third Party — What Actually Saves More
Third-party sites like Expedia or Kayak often show lower “sticker prices,” but booking directly on National’s website usually wins. Why? Because National’s Emerald Club benefits (like free upgrades) only work for direct bookings. If you book through a third party, you might save $5 today but lose out on a $50 upgrade or free rental days later.Insider Fact: National often drops its direct prices 48 hours before the pickup date if they have too many cars on the lot.
Corporate and Costco Discount Codes That Work in 2025
Using a “Contract ID” is the fastest way to slash prices. Many travelers use Costco Travel codes or AAA/CAA discounts which can save you 10% to 25% at YYZ. If you work for a large company, check your employee portal for a corporate code—these often include free insurance, which is a massive saving.Insider Fact: Always carry proof (like a membership card) because YYZ agents sometimes ask to see it to honor the discount.
Insurance — Buy National’s or Use Your Own Card
National’s “Loss Damage Waiver” (LDW) at Pearson can cost $30+ per day. Most Canadian and US travel credit cards (like Amex Gold or Chase Sapphire) already cover car rental insurance for free. Just make sure to decline National’s coverage and pay the full rental with that specific credit card to stay protected.Insider Fact: Personal car insurance from Ontario (Policy form OEF 27) usually covers rentals, so check your own car policy first.
Pro Tip: Join the Emerald Club (it’s free). It allows you to book a “Midsize” car but pick up a “Full-size” or “SUV” from the Emerald Aisle for no extra charge.
Bottom Line: To save the most, use a Costco discount code, skip National’s insurance if your credit card covers it, and always join the Emerald Club for free upgrades.
Pickup and Return: A Simple Guide for YYZ
Getting your car and dropping it off at Toronto Pearson is straightforward if you know these few steps. Since National is located right in the terminal garages, you avoid the hassle of shuttle buses.
Pickup and Return Process
When you arrive, head to the National counter on Level 1 of your terminal’s parking garage. If you are an Emerald Club member, you can usually skip the counter and go straight to the “Emerald Aisle” to pick any car in that row. For returns, simply follow the “Rental Car Return” signs as you approach the airport.
After-Hours: You can return your car 24/7. If the booth is closed, park in the National area and leave the keys in the secure drop box.
Fuel Policy: Always choose the “Full-to-Full” option. Refill the tank at a gas station 5-10km away from the airport to avoid National’s high refueling fees.
Wrong Terminal: Don’t panic if you return the car to Terminal 1 instead of Terminal 3. You can take the free Link Train between terminals in minutes.Insider Fact: Returning your car to the “wrong” terminal at YYZ usually doesn’t result in a fee, as both lots are managed by the same team.
Accessibility and Special Needs at YYZ
National provides specific services for travelers who need extra assistance or are traveling with family.
Special Requests (Wheelchairs & Child Seats)
Accessibility: National offers hand-control equipped vehicles at no extra charge. However, you must call at least 48 hours in advance to ensure the vehicle is ready. The rental area itself is fully wheelchair accessible with wide elevators.
Child Seats: You can rent rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seats. Expect to pay around $13 – $15 CAD per day. While available on-site, it is safer to reserve them online when you book your car to ensure they have the right size in stock.
Local Tip: If you are traveling with a baby, bring your own seat if possible. Most airlines check car seats for free, and it saves you the daily rental cost.
Bottom Line: The pickup and return process is 24/7 and very walk-friendly, but always book special equipment like hand controls or baby seats at least 2 days early.
Frequently Asked Questions
National is located on Level 1 of the parking garages at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. You don’t need a shuttle; just walk across the pedestrian bridge from the arrivals level and follow the "Car Rental" signs.
No. National is owned by Enterprise Mobility (along with Enterprise and Alamo). Hertz is a completely separate company that competes with National. While they are located in the same garage, they have different counters and loyalty programs.
Generally, Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to start a rental at YYZ. Since Toronto Pearson is a huge business hub, prices often spike on Sunday nights and Mondays when corporate travelers arrive for the work week.
Yes, you can return your car 24/7. If you return it when the counter is closed, simply park in the designated National area, note your mileage and fuel level, and drop the keys in the secure "Key Drop" box located near the rental booth.
Yes, but with strict rules. At YYZ, National usually requires a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo, and you must show proof of a return flight. They will also place a large "hold" (security deposit) on your account, so using a credit card is much easier.
If you chose the "Pay Later" option, you can usually cancel or change your booking for free anytime. However, if you chose "Prepay," you will likely face a cancellation fee ranging from $50 to the full cost of the rental, depending on how close you are to the pickup time.