When you're planning a trip to Bhubaneswar, whether for a spiritual pilgrimage, business visit, or a leisurely vacation, renting a car can seem like the smartest move. With landmarks spread out across the city and beyond, a private vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. But while many tourists and locals alike turn to car rental in Bhubaneswar or car rental in BBSR, as it’s often abbreviated), there's a catch that isn’t always visible at first glance: hidden costs.

In this guide, we break down the less obvious charges you might encounter when booking a rental car in Bhubaneswar — and how to avoid falling into the most common traps. Because, as any savvy traveler knows, the devil is always in the details.

1. The Illusion of the “Base Rate”

At first, you’re likely to be lured in by attractive daily rates — “₹999/day” or “Budget Cars at ₹699 Only!” These prices sound appealing, especially when compared to taxi fares or app-based cabs. However, once you proceed to book, that base rate rarely reflects the actual amount you'll end up paying.

What to watch for:

• The price shown may not include GST, which can add 12-18%.

• Insurance, often not included in the base price, is either optional or mandatory, adding ₹200–₹500 per day.

• There may be platform fees or booking charges that sneak in at checkout.

Tip: Always click through to the final booking page and examine the breakdown of charges. Don’t assume the price in the search result is final.

2. Fuel Policies: Empty, Full, or Partial?

One of the most confusing — and potentially costly — aspects of car rental in Bhubaneswar is the fuel policy. Companies often use one of the following:

• Full-to-Full: You get the car with a full tank and return it full.

• Same-to-Same: You return it with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.

• Prepaid Fuel: The company charges you in advance for a full tank, regardless of how much you actually use.

Hidden cost trap: Many customers forget to refuel before returning. Rental companies then charge inflated rates per litre — often ₹120 or more — compared to the actual market price of ₹95–₹100.

Tip: Always take a photo of the fuel gauge when picking up the car and plan your refuel stop ahead of return.

3. Mileage Limits That Sneak Up on You

Several car rental services in BBSR offer vehicles with restricted kilometers. It’s not uncommon to see daily caps of 120–150 km. If you exceed this, overage charges can range between ₹5 to ₹12 per kilometer.

So, if you're planning a day trip to Konark or Chilika Lake, you could be looking at a significant extra charge, especially if your round trip exceeds the limit.

Tip: Ask whether unlimited kilometers are available, and calculate your route ahead to see whether a capped plan makes financial sense.

4. Late Return Fees

Returning the car late — even by just 30 minutes — can trigger another hidden cost. Many rental agencies in Bhubaneswar have strict timelines, and exceeding your return window can mean:

• Extra hourly fees (₹100–₹300/hour)

• A full day’s charge, if you exceed by more than 2 hours

Some agencies also calculate days in 24-hour blocks, while others use calendar days. So if you rent at 4 PM on Friday and return at 10 AM on Saturday, you may be charged for two full days instead of one.

Tip: Clarify the agency’s policy on timing and grace periods when booking.

5. Security Deposits and Delayed Refunds

Most car rentals in Bhubaneswar require a security deposit, typically ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for hatchbacks and up to ₹10,000 for SUVs. While refundable, getting your money back is not always smooth or quick.

Many users report:

• Refund delays of 7 to 10 working days.

• Deductions made for alleged scratches or late returns, sometimes without proof.

• In some cases, deductions for cleaning charges.

Tip: Always do a video walkaround when picking up and dropping off the vehicle. Email the video or photos to yourself to timestamp it. This can protect you if disputes arise.

6. Damage Charges and the Insurance Grey Zone

Even if your rental includes insurance, it may not cover everything. Scratches, tire damage, windshield cracks, and underbody scrapes are often excluded from standard insurance policies. What's worse, many customers don’t realize these exclusions until they’re hit with a ₹2,000–₹10,000 repair bill.

Tip: Ask for the Terms of Insurance. If you’re nervous about possible damage costs, look for agencies offering Zero Liability or Full Coverage Insurance, even if it costs extra.

7. Driver Charges in “Self Drive” Rentals

This one sounds counterintuitive, but some car rental companies in Bhubaneswar promote “Self Drive” cars, but the fine print reveals:

• A mandatory driver fee in certain high-demand locations.

• Driver accommodation and meal charges if you keep the vehicle overnight with the driver.

This applies more to chauffeur-driven options, but some platforms blend both Self Drive and chauffeured vehicles on the same listing pages, confusing users.

Tip: Double-check that your vehicle is truly “Self Drive” and not bundled with a driver by default.

8. Airport Pickup Charges

If you’re arriving at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBSR) and opt for a pickup or drop-off, be aware:

• Many services add a pickup/drop fee of ₹200–₹500.

• Some even include airport parking fee recovery charges.

This charge is rarely mentioned upfront and only appears in the invoice.

Tip: If you're comfortable, consider taking a short auto or cab to a nearby pickup point outside the airport zone to avoid this cost.

9. Toll and Permit Surprises

If you’re planning to drive outside Bhubaneswar — say to Puri or Gopalpur — your rental car may require additional permits or toll payments.

While major national highways use FASTag, renters often don’t check if the tag is loaded. You might:

• Have to pay cash at toll booths, or

• Get charged later by the agency with a convenience fee added.

Tip: Confirm that FASTag is active and preloaded. Some agencies charge an extra ₹50–₹100/day for this.

10. Add-On Accessories and Their Charges

Need a child seat, mobile charger, or a GPS unit? Great — but be ready to pay.

Most car rental in BBSR services offer these extras, but they:

• Cost ₹100–₹500 per item per day.

• Are sometimes added automatically in premium rentals.

Tip: Bring your own accessories when possible. Also, uncheck any pre-selected extras during online booking.

Conclusion: Transparency Is the Best Travel Companion

Car rental in Bhubaneswar is undoubtedly a convenient and flexible way to explore Odisha. But understanding and identifying hidden costs can make the difference between a great trip and a frustrating one.

Whether you're a local planning a weekend escape or a traveler exploring the spiritual heartland of India, keep your eyes open, read the fine print, and ask the right questions. In a city as warm and welcoming as Bhubaneswar, your car rental experience should match the hospitality of the place.

Final Tips at a Glance: