Renting from Routes? You Need to Read This Routes Car Rental Review First

If you’ve stumbled upon this Routes car rental review while hunting for a deal, you’re not alone. Like many budget-conscious travelers, I was lured in by the low prices offered by Routes car rental — especially when booking through third-party sites like Expedia.

But after years of experience (and overhearing far too many frustrated conversations at the rental counter), I’ve learned there’s a lot more to Routes car rentals than meets the eye.

This post isn’t sponsored. In fact, it’s something I wouldn’t normally bother to write. But given the repeated complaints I’ve witnessed (and some odd moments of my own), I felt it was worth sharing what I wish I knew before renting with Routes car rental in Ottawa, and other Canadian locations like Toronto.

If you’re considering renting from them, read on. This Routes car rental review could save you stress, unexpected fees, and possibly your whole trip.

What Is Routes Car Rental?

Routes Car Rental is a Canadian-based company that operates in several major cities across Canada and the United States, including Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, and has expanded internationally through a mix of company-run and partner locations in other regions. According to Auto Rental News, Routes is a privately owned car rental company headquartered in Toronto that has grown its footprint through a global affiliate network.

They position themselves as a budget-friendly rental option and often appear near the top of car-rental aggregator sites thanks to very low headline prices, something also reflected on platforms like DiscoverCars where Routes frequently ranks highly for price.

Think of Routes Car Rental like a discount airline. The upfront price can look great, but many extras come with additional fees. Policies, deposits, and insurance requirements can also vary by location, especially at international or partner-operated offices. If you don’t read the fine print — or assume everything works the same as a big-brand rental — you may run into surprises at the counter.

That’s why understanding the specific rules of the pickup location before you book is key.

The Hidden Costs of Routes Car Rentals

Booking through a third-party site like Expedia can often get you the lowest headline rate, but don’t stop there. Once you have your reservation, go directly to Routes’ website and read the rental policies for your specific pickup location.

I’ve personally heard more than once, while standing at the counter, other customers complaining that certain fees or requirements “weren’t stated when they booked.” The response from behind the desk has consistently been blunt and unsympathetic — pointing back to the website and saying the information was available online.

Here’s what to look out for before you arrive:

1. Offsite Locations & Shuttle Delays

Routes’ locations are almost always offsite, meaning you’ll need to take a shuttle from the airport. While this isn’t unusual for budget rental companies, in my experience, their shuttle service is inconsistent, especially at the Ottawa airport.

Their tracking system is dated, and sometimes the shuttle can take longer than expected. That said, I’ve never missed a flight or had trouble returning a vehicle on time, but you’ll want to factor in extra time for pickup and drop-off.

Planning to explore the capital? Book an Ottawa city tour to make the most of your trip.

2. International Driver’s License Requirement

Here’s where many renters hit a wall: Routes requires international drivers to present an International Driving Permit (IDP).

I’ve rented cars all over the world, including South Africa and the Balkans, and rarely had to use my IDP. But at Routes car rental Ottawa, I’ve personally witnessed multiple people left scrambling because they didn’t have one.

If you’re visiting Canada from abroad, double-check their IDP requirement in advance or you could be forced to pay for a second driver or cancel your reservation altogether.

3. Mileage Restrictions – Odd But Important

Unlike other rental agencies, Routes calculates mileage differently based on where you’re driving.

For example, if you’re staying within Ontario, you may get unlimited mileage or a very generous cap. But cross a provincial border (not a state border — this isn’t the U.S.), and mileage restrictions tighten significantly, often with extra charges.

On one trip where I planned to visit Quebec, I nearly got dinged with a mileage penalty. Make sure to declare your travel route upfront, especially if you’re road-tripping across borders.

Planning a Quebec road trip? Check out my guide on the Best Route 138 Road Trip or along the Gaspésie Peninsula.

4. Extra Paperwork at Pickup

Routes requires significantly more paperwork than most rental agencies. You’ll be asked to sign multiple forms — both electronically and on paper — and may be recorded on video while reviewing your vehicle.

While it adds to the pickup time (especially if there’s a line), this extra layer of detail helps avoid disputes when returning the car. Still, budget extra time when arriving to pick up your rental.

PRO TIP: If you are taking the shuttle to the offsite location, aim to be at the front of the bus so you can get out and to the counter first. In my experience, you risk waiting 10 minutes plus per customer!

5. Cleaning Fees – Especially for Pets

On my most recent rental return, a customer ahead of me was shocked to receive a $338 pet hair cleaning fee. The dog had been small and friendly, but hair is hair — and Routes takes pet cleaning seriously.

Whether or not the fee was fair is debatable. The customer claimed a lint brush would’ve done the trick. Regardless, if you’re traveling with a pet, bring a lint roller and clean thoroughly before returning the car. Better yet, know the fees in advance and factor that into your booking decision.

6. Google Review Pressure

After each rental, customers are handed a tablet or shown a QR code to leave a Google review on the spot. While this may seem harmless, it’s often tied to staff bonuses — and in some cases, I’ve felt pressured to leave glowing feedback after an awkward experience.

A few days after returning a vehicle, I even received a follow-up phone call, which some may appreciate, but I personally found intrusive. Cold calling doesn’t sit well with everyone.

My Routes Car Rental Ottawa Review: The Bottom Line

I’ve rented from Routes at the Ottawa airport multiple times, as well as from Toronto, mostly when visiting family. I had one very bad experience that almost made me swear off the company entirely. But price always speaks, and when Routes has the lowest rate, I still consider them.

The trick is understanding their rules and playing by them. When you know what to expect, you can save a lot of money and a lot of frustration.

Exploring Ottawa?

Planning a trip to Ottawa? It’s a compact, walkable city with great museums, neighbourhoods, and easy day trips, making it an ideal base for both short stays and longer explorations.

For accommodation, consider staying at Le Germain Hotel Ottawa — a chic boutique stay in the heart of the city. Here’s my full Le Germain Ottawa hotel review covering the rooms, location, and why it’s a solid choice if you like stylish but unfussy stays.

If you have extra time, Ottawa is also a great launch point for exploring beyond the city. I’ve put together a guide to Day Trips from Ottawa that get you out into nearby towns and nature, and if you’re even remotely into aviation or space, the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum is well worth a visit.

For getting around, renting a car makes everything easier — especially for day trips. Book your Ottawa car rental early to lock in the best rate and avoid last-minute surprises at the counter.

For more travel tips when departing Ottawa, check out my Ottawa Maple Leaf Lounge review.

FAQ – Routes Car Rental

Final Thoughts on Routes Car Rental

If you go into your Routes car rental experience with open eyes and a detailed understanding of their policies, you can walk away with a great deal. But ignore the fine print, and you’ll likely end up like many others at the counter — confused, frustrated, and suddenly not saving as much money as you thought.

For budget travelers who are flexible and policy-savvy, Routes car rentals can still be a good option. Just read the terms, plan your route, and clean up after your pets!

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