California Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Compare rent a car rates in California from popular car rental companies

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Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel, and car to save even more.

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Enjoy maximum flexibility with penalty-free cancellation on most car rentals.

Explore California with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in California?
Set your own course in California, with car rental prices starting from per day. That’s based on prices found within the past seven days. With rates like this, it’ll be a piece of cake to find a ride that meets your needs.
What happens if I need to cancel my California car reservation?
No need to stress. You should receive all of your money back if you let us know at least six hours before pickup. Your confirmation contains information about this, and so does our Customer Service Portal. Not all prepaid reservations result in a refund though, so you may want to read through your car’s home agreement.
What types of cars can I rent in California?
Full-size rides, compact cars, powerful SUVs … Get behind the wheel of almost any kind of vehicle you like! Economy is the leading rental car category in California. Zippy, great on gas and a cinch to park, these rides make getting around bustling city streets enjoyable. Maybe best of all? They’re easy on the budget. That means you’ll have more cash to splash on other things, like seeing as much of this awesome destination as possible.
Where can I go on a road trip from California?
California is full of adventures, but don’t limit yourself to just one place. Book a set of wheels and hit the open road to see what’s in the surrounding region. We’ve pulled together these great options:

  • Head to Kansas City for a fun-filled sightseeing adventure. Around 177 kilometres from California, it has tons of inspiring attractions such as Arrowhead Stadium.
  • Why not see everything on offer in Kansas City too? Notable tourist attractions here include Legends Outlets Kansas City. Kansas City is around 193 kilometres from California.
  • Head to Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum to discover some local nature. Take a picnic to enjoy or just recharge your batteries in the fresh air. From California, it’s approximately 193 kilometres away.

Why should I rent a California car with Expedia?
You’ll get the best deal on your set of wheels with Expedia. Compact or full-size, you’re sure to find your dream ride from one of the home companies in California. Our exclusive offers, member prices and rewards programmes will help you get the most bang for your buck. And if you’d like to save more, bundle your bookings into a holiday package. Add a hotel or flights to your home vehicle reservation and get access to great discounts!
How do I find the best car rental deals in California with Expedia?
Check out customer ratings, choose your car type and compare prices from top suppliers. Expedia makes it easy to get the best deal on your home wheels. Bundle your California car rental with flight or hotel bookings and cruise off with even more in your wallet.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in California?
In most cases, the rules are 21 years and over in California. It should be noted that most outlets will charge a young renter fee. Check before you sign up, as rules may differ between rental car suppliers. Bear in mind that if you’re planning to rent a luxury vehicle or a larger car like a premium SUV, drivers may need to be older than 21.
What do you need to rent a car in California?
Before you can hop behind the wheel in California, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a credit card in the same name. If you decline to take out the home company’s insurance plan, you may also have to provide proof of your own coverage. Rules can vary, so read the policy terms and conditions before you choose a home company.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in California?
Expedia makes it a breeze to score a cheap long-term home in California. Simply head to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your preferences and compare your possibilities.
Where can I find a California car rental if I am younger than 25?
This will depend on the holiday home car companies that operate in California. They often have different age policies. If you’ve found a supplier that does cater to drivers under 25 years of age, take note that additional costs may apply. Do some research into any extra charges before picking up your vehicle.
Can I drive in California with my current driver's license?
If you don’t possess a driver’s license issued in the United States, you might need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country of residence before starting the home process. If you find that an IDP is required for you to drive in the U.S, be aware that you’ll also have to show your valid driver’s license and your passport or other form of ID. Lastly, the credit card you used to rent the car must match the name on your license and passport in order to confirm your home. Some additional requirements for renting a car in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in many states in order to rent a car, although in some places the minimum age is 21. We recommend checking local regulations, and with the car rental company before you book to understand all the terms and conditions.
  • Driving limitations: Don’t forget to read the fine print before you leave the lot so you can avoid any unnecessary fees. When renting a car in the U.S, you typically can’t cross country borders into Mexico or Canada, drive onto ferries or traverse rough terrain with a rental car. Please read all the rules and regulations before booking!

Information on Car Rentals

 
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