California (USA) Car Rental
Find your rental car from 281+ providers. We show the real price - no surprises at the counter.
Drive onRight
MotorwayUp to 105-129 km/h
Alcohol limit0.8 per mille
Min. ageUsually 21+
Most Popular Pickup Points in California (USA)
Driving in California (USA) - Rules & Tips
Traffic rules, pickup conditions and ways to keep the cost down.
🚦 Traffic Rules
- Drive on: Right
- City speed: 40-56 km/h
- Rural roads: 89-105 km/h
- Motorway: up to 105-129 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.8 per mille
- Emergency: 911
🪪 Pickup & Requirements
- ID + license: always required
- Deposit: usually required
- Credit card: commonly needed
- Fuel policy: full-to-full is standard
- Tolls/fees: may apply
- Winter: plan for weather conditions
💸 Save Money
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for the best rates.
- Compare the total price - not just the headline number.
- Choose full-to-full fuel to avoid hidden charges.
- Film the car at pickup. Seriously - it takes 30 seconds.
About Renting a Car in California (USA)
Three things that make the biggest difference for price, peace of mind and zero hassle.
Total Price & Terms
Compare excess amounts, fuel policies and what's actually included. A cheap headline rate can turn expensive at the counter if you're not careful.
Insurance
Check what's covered and how high the excess is. The right level of protection often costs less than an unpleasant surprise at drop-off.
Right Pickup Point
Airport, city center or station - pick the location that saves you time. Time is money, especially on holiday.
Find Your Pickup Point
California (USA): the cheapest airports
7-day rental, pick-up 3/12.
| Airport | Suppliers | From |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Airport SFO | 11 | 229 € |
| Oakland Airport OAK | 8 | 229 € |
| Los Angeles Airport LAX | 20 | 230 € |
| San Jose Airport SJC | 11 | 231 € |
| Burbank Airport BUR | 10 | 238 € |
| Ontario Airport ONT | 11 | 242 € |
| Palm Springs Airport PSP | 9 | 242 € |
| Santa Ana Airport SNA | 11 | 243 € |
Prices for a 7-day rental, collected 4/11, and may have changed.
Airports in California (USA) (33)
Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
27 rental companies
San Diego Airport (SAN)
18 rental companies
Santa Ana Airport (SNA)
14 rental companies
Burbank Airport (BUR)
12 rental companies
Ontario Airport (ONT)
12 rental companies
San Francisco Airport (SFO)
12 rental companies
San Jose Airport (SJC)
12 rental companies
Oakland Airport (OAK)
11 rental companies
Palm Springs Airport (PSP)
10 rental companies
Fresno Airport (FAT)
9 rental companies
Sacramento Airport (SMF)
9 rental companies
Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS)
9 rental companies
Meadows Field Airport (BFL)
8 rental companies
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
8 rental companies
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
6 rental companies
Monterey Airport (MRY)
6 rental companies
McKinleyville Airport (ACV)
4 rental companies
Imperial County Airport (IPL) (IPL)
3 rental companies
Redding Regional Airport (RDD) (RDD)
3 rental companies
Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) (SNS)
3 rental companies
San Luis Obispo Airport (SBP)
3 rental companies
Oxnard Airport (OXR) (OXR)
3 rental companies
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) (CLD)
2 rental companies
Del Norte County Airport (CEC) (CEC)
2 rental companies
Modesto City-County Airport (MOD) (MOD)
2 rental companies
Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) (SMX)
2 rental companies
Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH)
1 rental company
Chico Regional Airport (CIC) (CIC)
1 rental company
Inyokern Airport (IYK) (IYK)
1 rental company
Mammoth Lakes Airport (MMH)
1 rental company
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) (SBD)
1 rental company
Truckee Tahoe Airport (TKF)
1 rental company
Watsonville Municipal Airport (WVI) (WVI)
1 rental company
City & Station Locations (248)
San Francisco Fishermans Wharf
City Center · 8 companies
Los Angeles Center
City Center · 7 companies
San Francisco Center
City Center · 7 companies
Anaheim South
City Center · 6 companies
Beverly Hills Center
City Center · 6 companies
Los Angeles West
City Center · 6 companies
Los Angeles West Hollywood
City Center · 6 companies
San Diego Center
City Center · 6 companies
San Francisco Union Square Center
City Center · 6 companies
Concord Center
City Center · 5 companies
Corona Center
City Center · 5 companies
El Cajon Center
City Center · 5 companies
Escondido Center
City Center · 5 companies
Folsom SouthEast
City Center · 5 companies
Fresno North
City Center · 5 companies
Glendale Center
City Center · 5 companies
Hemet East
City Center · 5 companies
Mountain View Monta Loma
City Center · 5 companies
Napa South
City Center · 5 companies
Oakland Center
City Center · 5 companies
Ontario East
City Center · 5 companies
Riverside Indiana Avenue
City Center · 5 companies
Sacramento Fulton Ave
City Center · 5 companies
San Diego Embassy Suites by Hilton
City Center · 5 companies
San Diego Kearny Mesa
City Center · 5 companies
San Ramon Center
City Center · 5 companies
Santa Ana South
City Center · 5 companies
Simi Valley Center
City Center · 5 companies
Visalia Center
City Center · 5 companies
Walnut Creek Center
City Center · 5 companies
Burbank Center
City Center · 4 companies
Camarillo Center
City Center · 4 companies
Duarte Center
City Center · 4 companies
Fairfield North
City Center · 4 companies
Fremont Centerville
City Center · 4 companies
Gardena Center
City Center · 4 companies
North Hollywood Lankershim Blvd
City Center · 4 companies
Inglewood South
City Center · 4 companies
Lake Forest Rockfield Boulevard
City Center · 4 companies
Long Beach Center
City Center · 4 companies
Northridge South
City Center · 4 companies
Palmdale North
City Center · 4 companies
Rancho Cucamonga Center
City Center · 4 companies
Redondo Beach Center
City Center · 4 companies
Sacramento Midtown
City Center · 4 companies
San Francisco O'farrell Street
City Center · 4 companies
San Francisco South
City Center · 4 companies
Santa Clara Center
City Center · 4 companies
Santa Monica Center
City Center · 4 companies
Torrance Center
City Center · 4 companies
Anaheim Disneyland
City Center · 3 companies
Apple Valley Center
City Center · 3 companies
Arcadia Center
City Center · 3 companies
Bell Gardens Center
City Center · 3 companies
Berkeley Center
City Center · 3 companies
Buena Park Center
City Center · 3 companies
Burlingame Center
City Center · 3 companies
Cathedral City Center
City Center · 3 companies
Chula Vista Northwest
City Center · 3 companies
Chula Vista South
City Center · 3 companies
Frequently Asked Questions - About Renting a Car in California (USA)
What do I need to rent a car in California (USA)?+
A valid driver's license and photo ID are always required. Most providers also ask for a credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. Check age requirements and payment terms before you book.
Can I rent without a credit card?+
Some providers accept debit cards, but it's not guaranteed. Many require a credit card for the deposit. Filter by payment options when comparing, and always double-check the fine print.
What does 'full-to-full' fuel policy mean?+
You collect the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and most cost-effective option - and it avoids fuel surcharges at drop-off.
How does insurance and excess work?+
Basic insurance (CDW) is usually included, but the excess - the amount you'd pay in case of damage - can be high. Compare what's covered, especially for glass, tires and underbody damage.
Can I pick up in one city and return in another?+
Yes - one-way rentals are widely available. An extra fee often applies, so always check the total cost before booking.
What's the cancellation policy?+
It depends on the provider and booking type. Many offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Always confirm the terms in your booking confirmation.
Read Our Guides
Practical advice that saves money and avoids trouble at the rental counter.
Driving in the USARoad rules, fines and tips for your trip.
First Time RentingA fast start - without the mistakes.
Insurance GuideCDW, excess and what actually applies.
Credit Card & DepositDon't get caught off guard at the desk.
Avoid Hidden FeesCommon traps - and how to dodge them.
Pickup Checklist10 checks that prevent disputes later.
More to Consider When Renting in California (USA)
✈️ Airport vs City Pickup
Airport desks often have more providers and longer hours. City locations can be more convenient if you're staying centrally - but parking costs add up. Compare both options before deciding.
❄️ Winter Driving
Weather in California (USA) can change fast. Make sure the car has appropriate tires for the season and check what roadside assistance is included. On longer trips, pay extra attention to insurance cover.
↔️ One-Way Rentals
Picking up in one city and dropping off in another can work brilliantly - but it may cost extra. Check the "one-way fee" before confirming so there are no surprises on the bill.
Time to hit the road?
281+ locations across California (USA). Enter your dates and see what's on offer.
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California (USA) Car Rental
281+ locations
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