VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with National in Halifax include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is a premium partner of the leading car hire companies in Halifax, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes extra benefits that no other company can match:
- Full vehicle coverage with no excess (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: get back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls charged during your hire
- Premium travel medical assistance for up to 5 passengers in case of emergency, covering up to CAD 200,000 (pre-existing conditions excluded)
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All at no additional cost, ensuring a unique hire experience with complete protection and peace of mind during your trip in Halifax.
Will I face unexpected charges at the National counter in Halifax when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Halifax are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Halifax charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where is the National car hire counter at Halifax Stanfield International Airport?
The National car hire counter at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is located on the lower level of the Airport Parkade at 747 Bell Blvd, Enfield, NS. After collecting your baggage, follow the signs in the Arrivals area towards the parking garage. The National counter is a short walk from the terminal, inside the parkade structure, where you will receive your hire agreement and vehicle keys.
There is no off-site shuttle required for National at Halifax airport. The process is walk-up, so factor in time for baggage claim and the short walk to the parkade. Arriving with your documents ready will help speed things along at the counter.
- Counter location: Lower Level, Airport Parkade, 747 Bell Blvd, Enfield, NS
- Follow Arrivals signage towards the parking garage
- No shuttle needed, walking distance from the terminal
- Bring your booking confirmation, driver's licence, and credit card
Can I pick up a National hire car at Halifax Train Station centre?
Yes, National car hire has a centre in downtown Halifax at 1161 Hollis St, which is at the Halifax Train Station. This is a convenient option if you are arriving by train or prefer a city-centre collection rather than going to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ).
The downtown Halifax location is approximately 3.8 miles from the airport, so if you are flying in, the airport parkade counter at 747 Bell Blvd is typically the more practical choice. However, if your itinerary takes you directly into the city, the Hollis St location is a viable alternative.
- Downtown address: 1161 Hollis St, Halifax, NS B3H 2P6 (Halifax Train Station)
- Airport address: 747 Bell Blvd, Enfield, NS (Lower Level, Airport Parkade)
- Confirm counter hours for your chosen location before arrival, as downtown and airport hours may differ
- Bring your booking confirmation, valid driver's licence, and a major credit card in the main driver's name
What documents do I need to collect a National hire car in Halifax?
To collect a National hire car in Halifax, you must present a set of physical, original documents at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- Valid driver's licence (physical, original, unexpired) in the main driver's name
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold
- Passport or valid government photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or travel tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver's licence is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your original licence. For licences in English or using a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not mandatory for hiring in Halifax, Canada.
Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold at the National counter in Halifax. Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined.
How do tolls work when driving a National hire car in Halifax?
When driving a National hire car in and around Halifax, there are two main toll situations to be aware of.
- Halifax Bridges (Angus L. Macdonald and A. Murray MacKay): As of 17 March 2025, tolls on both Halifax bridges have been removed entirely. You can cross these bridges at no charge.
- Cobequid Pass (Highway 104): This 45-km toll section between Masstown and Thomson Station charges approximately CAD 4.00 for passenger cars. Nova Scotia-plated hire vehicles are often waved through at cash lanes, but out-of-province plates are subject to the toll. Use the cash lane and inform the attendant if your National hire has NS plates.
Halifax uses the MACPASS cashless transponder system for bridge tolls, though those tolls no longer apply. If you drive through a cashless toll lane without a transponder, the hire company receives the invoice and may charge you the toll amount plus an administrative fee of CAD 15 to CAD 25.
All bookings include Hola Car Rentals Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Halifax hire. Submit your toll receipts and hire agreement to [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
What is the security deposit for a National hire car in Halifax?
When you collect a National hire car in Halifax, the counter will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card. This hold is not a charge but reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle.
For hires in Canada, typical security deposit holds range from GBP 200 to GBP 300, though some Halifax locations may require a hold of approximately GBP 500 depending on the vehicle class and hire terms. Premium or specialised vehicles may carry higher holds.
- Only a major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit
- Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted at the National counter in Halifax
- The hold is released after vehicle return, but your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release
- Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined or has insufficient available credit
Confirm the exact hold amount with the National agent at the Halifax counter before signing, as amounts can vary by location, season, and vehicle class.
Does National in Halifax offer after-hours vehicle returns?
Yes, National hire locations in Halifax offer after-hours key drop for vehicle returns. If you are returning your car outside of counter operating hours, you can drop the keys in the National drop box located beside the hire booth in the return area and park in the designated National parking spaces.
For airport returns, the drop-off area is at the Airport Parkade at 747 Bell Blvd. For the downtown Halifax location at 1161 Hollis St, 24-hour drop-off is also available.
- Park in the designated National return area and follow posted signage
- Drop keys in the National key drop box beside the hire booth
- Take photos of the vehicle condition and fuel gauge before leaving
- Keep your hire agreement and any fuel receipts
Note that when you return a vehicle after hours, the hire company will inspect it the next business day. Any damage or fuel discrepancies noted at that time may still be charged to your card. Returning the vehicle with a full tank and documenting its condition with photos protects you in case of any dispute.
Can I add an additional driver to my National hire in Halifax?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your National hire in Halifax, either at the time of booking or at the counter during collection. The additional driver must be present at the Halifax counter with a valid driver's licence and any required identification.
For National, Alamo, and Enterprise, the additional driver fee is US$ 15 per day plus applicable taxes when not included in your rate. Check your booking confirmation to see if an additional driver is already included in your plan, as some rates cover one additional driver at no extra cost.
- The additional driver must be physically present at the Halifax counter at collection
- They must present a valid driver's licence (and an IDP if their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet)
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
- Only drivers listed on the agreement are covered by the hire protections
If someone drives the National vehicle in Halifax who is not listed on the hire agreement, cover such as CDW/LDW may be void and additional charges could apply.
What are the driving restrictions on Halifax roads affecting National hire car drivers?
Halifax has several road features that can catch first-time drivers off guard, particularly in the downtown peninsula area where National hire car customers often drive after collecting at the airport or the Hollis St location.
- Dedicated bus lanes on Robie Street and Young Street are active Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Private vehicles must not use these curbside lanes during those hours.
- Morris Street has been converted to one-way vehicle traffic to accommodate bike lanes, reversing its previous two-way layout. Navigation apps may not always reflect recent changes, so pay attention to posted signs.
- Halifax follows Complete Streets Guidelines, meaning vehicle lanes are narrower, turn radii are tighter, and posted speeds are lower in many areas compared to typical North American roads.
- Construction zones related to ongoing transit corridor work on Robie Street may narrow lanes and alter routing near the city centre.
When driving your National hire car in Halifax, use a GPS or navigation app and allow extra time when travelling through the downtown peninsula, especially during weekday peak hours. Following posted signage is the most reliable guide, as road layouts continue to evolve.
Does travel assistance apply to National hire car trips in Halifax?
Travel assistance is included with most bookings, but it does not apply to customers who are residents of Canada or the United States. If you are visiting Halifax from outside North America and renting a National vehicle, your booking likely includes travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection.
This coverage is relevant if you experience an emergency during your Halifax hire, such as a medical situation while driving on Highway 104 towards the Cobequid Pass or elsewhere in Nova Scotia.
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers for non-pre-existing conditions
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To use travel assistance during your National hire in Halifax, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your booking confirmation number ready when you call. Canadian and US residents do not qualify for this benefit.
What is the fuel policy for National hire cars in Halifax?
National hire cars in Halifax operate on a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
- At collection, check the fuel gauge with the National agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on your hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Refuel within approximately 15 km of the return location (Airport Parkade at 747 Bell Blvd or the downtown Halifax location at 1161 Hollis St) so the gauge does not drop before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the National vehicle in Halifax with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the hire company's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refuelling service fee. Returning the car full is always the most cost-effective option.
For after-hours returns at Halifax locations, leave your fuel receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone as proof.
Can I rent a National in Halifax and return it in another city?
Yes, one-way hires are available with National in Halifax, allowing you to pick up in Halifax and return the vehicle at a different location within Canada. A one-way drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, vehicle class, and distance.
The drop-off fee is route-specific and will be shown during the booking process under the section listing charges due at the destination. Review your booking confirmation to confirm whether a drop-off fee applies to your Halifax itinerary.
- One-way hires within Canada are generally permitted with National
- The return location must be specified on your hire agreement at the Halifax counter
- Returning to a different location than agreed without prior arrangement may result in additional charges
- Cross-border one-ways (for example, Halifax to a US city) may be restricted or carry higher fees; confirm with the Halifax counter before your trip
If you need to change your drop-off location after booking, contact support as soon as possible, as changes may reprice the hire and affect the drop-off fee.
Is third-party liability insurance included with National in Halifax?
Yes, provincial law in Nova Scotia requires every vehicle on the road to carry third-party liability insurance. When you hire a National in Halifax through Hola Car Rentals, statutory third-party liability cover is included with your hire by default, as required by Canadian law.
This statutory liability covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the National vehicle in Halifax and across Canada. However, the default statutory minimum may be lower than what you might want in the event of a serious accident.
- Basic third-party liability is included by law with all National hires in Halifax
- You can purchase additional liability cover (LIS/ALI/SLI) at the counter for higher limits
- LIS/ALI/SLI does not cover damage to the National vehicle itself, which requires CDW/LDW
- Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered
Review your booking confirmation to see what liability cover is included in your chosen rate, and consider adding extra liability cover at the Halifax counter if you want protection beyond the statutory minimum.
Can drivers under 25 hire a National in Halifax?
Yes, drivers under 25 can hire a National in Halifax, but a young driver surcharge may apply at the counter. National, along with Alamo and Enterprise, permits drivers below 25, though the hire company may impose additional fees and restrictions depending on the driver's age and the vehicle class selected.
The exact surcharge for young drivers at the Halifax National counter varies. You should review the Renter Requirements policy for specific age thresholds and young driver charges applicable to your booking.
- Drivers under 25 are generally permitted at Halifax National locations
- A young driver surcharge is likely to apply and will be charged at the counter
- Some vehicle classes may be restricted for drivers under a certain age
- The additional driver must also meet the minimum age requirements if under 25
To avoid surprises at the Halifax counter, check the age policy details on your booking confirmation before travelling and budget for any applicable surcharge.
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