You must be thinking that Car rental places open on Sundays? Let’s be honest: Sundays are weird days. Some stores are open, some are closed. Some places feel like a ghost town, others are packed with brunch-goers and weekend travelers. So when it comes to renting a car on a Sunday, it’s natural to ask: Can I even do that?
Maybe your trip starts or ends on a Sunday. Maybe your plans suddenly change and you need a vehicle last minute. Or maybe you just want to return your rental before work hits you like a truck Monday morning. Whatever the reason, it’s a good question — and we’re here to give you the no-nonsense answer.
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So… are car rental places open on Sundays or not?
The short answer? Some are, some aren’t.
Many car rental locations do open on Sundays, especially in airports or busy urban areas. But the catch is: the hours are usually shorter. While weekday hours might go from 8 AM to 8 PM, Sundays often look more like 9 AM to 3 PM or something in that ballpark.
Take Mr. Rent A Car for example, a reliable rental company if you’re in Canada — especially around Vancouver or Calgary:
- Their Richmond (River Road) location is open Sundays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Burnaby (Kingsway) is open Sundays, too, but closes earlier at 3 PM.
- Their YVR off-site airport location also stays open on Sundays — again, 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Drake Street (Downtown Vancouver) is open Sundays, closes at 3 PM.
- However, branches like Surrey, and Calgary? Closed.
So depending on where you are and what time you need to pick up or return a car, you’ll definitely want to double-check the hours — don’t just assume.
Why is Sunday such a toss-up for rentals?
Honestly, it’s a mix of things. Sundays are slower for most locations unless they’re near an airport or touristy spot. Fewer people rent cars, and some businesses use the downtime to catch up on maintenance or give staff a day off.
That said, travel doesn’t stop just because it’s Sunday — and thankfully, most decent rental companies know that.
What if you need to return a car on Sunday but the location’s closed?
Good question. Most rental companies (including Mr. Rent A Car) offer an after-hours drop-off option at certain locations. That means you can return the vehicle even if nobody’s there. Just park it in the right spot, drop the keys in a secured box, and you’re done.
It’s simple, safe, and convenient—just make sure you follow whatever instructions you were given when you picked up the car. Returning the car late or parking it in the wrong spot could still result in fees, even if you technically returned it “on time.”
How can you avoid Sunday surprises?
Here’s some friendly advice:
Always check the specific branch hours before you book. Don’t assume all branches of the same company run on the same schedule.
Try to plan your pickup and drop-off times during open hours—especially if you’d prefer to speak to a person when returning.
If you think you might be late or run into a delay, call the rental company ahead. Most places appreciate the heads-up and might even offer helpful suggestions or grace periods.
Speaking of grace periods—Mr. Rent A Car gives you 30 extra minutes after your scheduled return time before they start tacking on fees. That’s honestly super generous and makes life a little easier if you hit traffic or misjudge the clock.
So… should you rent with Mr. Rent A Car on a Sunday?
If you’re in British Columbia or Alberta, yes, it’s a solid choice. Their Sunday hours at places like Richmond and the YVR airport off-site location give you flexibility you won’t always find elsewhere.
And their website is refreshingly clear and upfront — no guessing games, no sketchy fine print. You’ll find everything you need at mrrentacar.com, from location hours to available vehicles and insurance policies.
Final thoughts: Plan ahead and keep Sunday chill
So back to the big question — are car rental places open on Sunday? Some are, some aren’t. It depends on where you are, who you’re renting from, and what time you’re trying to rent or return.
But with a little planning, renting on a Sunday doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it might even be easier since there’s less foot traffic at some locations. Just be sure to check your location’s hours, ask about after-hours returns if needed, and take a breath. You got this.
Need a rental this weekend? Book your ride with Mr. Rent A Car — whether you’re flying into YVR or just looking to explore local spots.
And for even more travel tips, deals, and car rental insights, check out Tourism Vancouver or Visit Calgary.
Safe travels — and enjoy your Sunday drive!
