Expedia's main customer service number for car rentals
Expedia's general customer service line is 1-800-EXPEDIA (1-800-397-3342). This number handles car rental questions, booking changes, and cancellations. When you call, you'll reach a representative who can look up your reservation using your confirmation number or the email address tied to your booking.
Wait times vary by time of day and season. Early morning (before 9 a.m. Eastern) and weekday calls typically have shorter hold times than evenings or weekends. If you're calling about a rental that starts soon, have your confirmation number ready — it's the fastest way for a representative to pull up your details.
Expedia also offers chat and email support through their website, though phone is usually faster for urgent changes. The phone line operates seven days a week, though hours may vary by season.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-EXPEDIA (1-800-397-3342) to reach Expedia's car rental support team for booking changes, cancellations, or questions about your reservation.
- Have your confirmation number ready when you call, as representatives use it to locate your booking quickly.
- Early weekday mornings typically have shorter wait times than evenings or weekends.
- If you booked through a third-party site or partner, you may need to contact that company instead, since Expedia does not handle all car rental bookings.
- Chat and email support are available on Expedia's website but usually take longer than a phone call for urgent issues.
When to call versus when to use online options
Phone support is the right choice if you need to make a change before your rental pickup date, cancel a reservation, or resolve a problem with a current rental. A representative can modify your booking when ready and confirm the change in real time.
Use the website chat or email if your question is not time-sensitive — for example, asking about a rental company's pet policy or whether a specific car type is available at your location. These channels work well for questions that don't require when ready action, though responses can take several hours or longer.
What information you'll need before calling
Gather these details before you dial to speed up the call: your confirmation number (found in your booking confirmation email), the email address or phone number you used to book, your driver's license number, and the pickup location and date. If you're calling about a problem with a current rental, also have the rental car's license plate number and the rental company's name.
If you're calling to modify a booking, know what you want to change — the pickup date, drop-off location, car type, or cancellation. Representatives can usually make these changes on the spot if the rental company allows it, but some changes may trigger a fee or require rebooking.
Rentals booked through partners or third-party sites
If you booked your car rental through a partner site — such as Costco Travel, AAA, or a hotel rewards program — that organization may handle customer service instead of Expedia. Check your confirmation email to see which company issued the booking. The email will usually list a phone number or customer service contact for that specific partner.
Similarly, if you booked directly through a rental company's website (Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, or National) and straightforward used Expedia to compare prices, contact the rental company directly. Expedia's phone line cannot modify bookings made outside their system.
Common reasons to call Expedia about car rentals
The most frequent calls involve changing the pickup or drop-off date, canceling a reservation, or asking about a price difference after booking. Expedia can also help if you're having trouble accessing your confirmation, need to add a driver, or want to upgrade your car type before pickup.
If you have a problem during the rental itself — such as a damaged car, a missing feature, or a billing dispute with the rental company — Expedia can sometimes mediate, but the rental company is usually the first point of contact. Call the rental company's roadside information or customer service line while you're at the location, then follow up with Expedia if the issue isn't resolved.
What to expect during your call
After you reach a representative, they'll ask for your confirmation number or booking details to pull up your reservation. This usually takes one to two minutes. Once they have your booking on screen, they can answer questions, make changes, or process a cancellation.
If you're calling to cancel, the representative will explain any fees based on the rental company's cancellation policy. Some rentals are fully refundable up to a certain date, while others charge a percentage or flat fee. The policy depends on the rental company and the rate you booked, not Expedia itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Expedia refund my car rental if I cancel?
Refund may be able to access depends on the rental company's cancellation policy and the rate you booked. Some rates are fully refundable until a set date, while others charge a cancellation fee. The representative can tell you the exact policy for your booking when you call.
Can I change my car rental pickup date by phone?
Yes, Expedia can change your pickup or drop-off date if the rental company has availability at your location. Some changes are free, while others may require you to pay a rate difference or rebooking fee. The representative will explain any charges before confirming the change.
What if I booked a car rental through Expedia but the rental company is giving me trouble?
Contact the rental company first about issues at the location, such as a damaged car or missing features. If the rental company doesn't resolve it, call Expedia to report the problem and ask them to follow up on your behalf. Expedia can sometimes pressure the rental company to make things right.
Is there a number to call the rental car company directly from Expedia's site?
Your confirmation email includes the rental company's name and location address. You can search online for that company's customer service number, or call their location directly. This is faster than going through Expedia if your issue is specific to the rental company's service.
Can I add an extra driver to my reservation by phone?
Yes, Expedia can add an additional driver to most reservations before pickup. The rental company may charge a daily fee for the extra driver, and some companies have restrictions on who can be added. The representative will let you know the cost and any limitations for your specific rental.