Car Hire Surrey

Car Hire

Located at the heart of British Columbia, Canada, Surrey is a city of many facets. Not only does it boast a setting of stunning natural beauty, it also offers travellers the opportunity to partake in adventure sports, appreciate local cultures and feast on some of the region’s most famous dishes. That said, many travellers choose to use Surrey as a base from which to explore all that British Columbia has to offer. Surrey is engulfed by mesmerising mountain ranges, majestic river valleys and numerous national parks. To visit the city and not take in its remarkable surroundings would be quite a shame.

Who to Book With
­Surrey is home to all of the usual car hire favourites, including Hertz, Budget, Avis and Europcar. The offices of these agencies are located in several areas around the city, including at the central railway station and the bus terminal. Surrey tends to get quite busy during the peak seasons, so advanced online bookings are recommended.

Best Time to go
Surrey’s climate is best described as inter-coastal, boasting warm summers and wet winters. Peak season is during the summer months, when adventure-seekers descend on Surrey’s many national parks. Advanced bookings are advised, as prices during this time tend to rise quite sharply.

Need to Know Essentials
Upon arrival at the rental agency, drivers will be required to present the following information.

- A passport valid for no less than six months
- The credit card used to make the booking
- An International Driving Permit
- Proof of rental

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Surrey is not the largest of cities and travellers will find that driving here provides few problems. Driving is especially handy when travelling to the outskirts of the city. The roads are in good condition, but tourists should be on the lookout for no-parking zones, of which there are many. There are, however, no ‘Resident Only’ areas, which is quite useful. There is no free parking in the city, so you will need to find a Pay Station area in which to park. All pay stations have a maximum parking time, and drivers face hefty fines if they fail to adhere.

You can read more about general driving here in our guide to Canada.

Transport

The city centre is quite walkable, but for travellers who prefer motorised forms of transport, there is a reliable public transport system alongside the car rental firms. There is not train service in the city, but there is an efficient bus network and a few local taxi services. Travellers who are interested in doing daytrips are still advised to rent a car.

Buses
Operated by the Coast Mountain Bus Company, the bus service in Surrey is comprehensive and reliable. All tickets are bought on the buses and paid for in cash, with exact amounts required. Different types of tickets are available, but the most popular option with tourists is the Day Pass, which allows an unlimited number of journeys during a 24-hour period. There are bus stops all over the city, so there is no need to flag buses down. Route maps can often be found at the bus stop.

Taxis
There are plenty of taxis in Surrey, and most can simply be hailed from the side of the road. Taxis in the city are not metered, but fares are set according to distances. Most taxis operate only within the city limits, so fares for journeys to the outskirts will need to be independently negotiated. Travellers also have the option of booking taxis in advance with companies like Guildford Cab and Delta Surrey Green Cab.

Exploring

Surrey is a great city with many of its own attractions, but one of the main reasons that visitors come to the region is for the stellar nearby biking and trekking opportunities. The areas surrounding Surrey are comprised mainly of gorgeous mountain ranges and stunning national parks – everything needed for an adventurous vacation.

Recommended Drives

Darts Hill Garden Park - This is the ideal place for tourists with green fingers. The park is home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plant species. The park was a gift to the city from long-time resident Francisca Darts. All sorts of rare and beautiful flora can be viewed here.

River’s Bend Winery - Promotes itself as presenting ‘Fine Wine and Friendly People’, is located on the outskirts of the city. The winery has 14 wines of its own, which are all available for sampling. Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the gorgeous vineyard while here.

Fraser Downs Casino & Games Centre - Travellers who are feeling lucky can head here. Located only a few kilometres from Surrey, Fraser Downs is the perfect location to blow off some steam and have a bit of fun. The facilities at the casino are excellent and the staff friendly and accommodating.