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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in San Jose
San Jose
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San Jose
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San Jose
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San Jose
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in San Jose?
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a blend of technological innovation and cultural attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Tech Giants. Visit the headquarters of tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook, each a short drive from San Jose. A rental car makes these trips easy and efficient.
Access Regional Parks. Discover beautiful regional parks and nature reserves surrounding San Jose. With a car, you can easily reach destinations like Alum Rock Park or the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Convenience for Business Travel. If you're in San Jose for business, a rental car provides the flexibility to attend meetings and conferences without relying on ride-sharing services.
Rental Terms and Conditions in San Jose
Before renting a car in San Jose, familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other important details.
Area
469.6 square kilometres (181.3 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1 million residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Business and leisure trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in San Jose require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras like GPS navigation systems, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in San Jose – How Much Does It Cost?
The average daily rate for an economy-class rental car in San Jose is from £32 / $40 / €39 per day.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €12
Executive:
from £28 / $35 / €34
7 Seater:
from £30 / $38 / €36
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €26
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from summer tourists.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season, with prices potentially lower by 15-25%.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in San Jose?
Booking a car in San Jose involves comparing prices, selecting a vehicle, reviewing rental terms, booking early, and collecting your car with the necessary documents.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for outdoor adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About San Jose
San Jose is a dynamic city with a blend of urban and suburban environments. Understanding local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is essential for a smooth driving experience.
As the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose offers a mix of technological landmarks and cultural attractions. While San Jose has a public transit system, renting a car is a practical option for exploring the surrounding areas, including the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific coast. Driving in San Jose requires awareness of traffic conditions, especially during rush hour.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Tech Interactive
A science and technology museum with interactive exhibits.
Winchester Mystery House
A Victorian mansion with unusual architecture and a mysterious history.
San Jose Museum of Art
Features modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city-operated parking garages for secure parking in downtown San Jose.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be aware of time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities and taking public transportation into downtown areas to avoid traffic.
Gas Stations in San Jose
Major Brands Available
Find petrol stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Valero throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Petrol stations are generally easy to find along major roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby petrol stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting San Jose
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) when roads are often congested.
Use Contactless Payment
Many parking meters and public transportation options accept contactless payment.
Check for Carpool Lanes
Use carpool lanes on highways when eligible to reduce travel time.
Key Transportation Hubs in San Jose
Major Bus Stations
San Jose Diridon Station
Serves as a major hub for bus services, including local and regional routes.
Railway Stations
San Jose Diridon Station
A central station for Caltrain, Amtrak, and VTA light rail services.
Airports
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Located close to downtown San Jose, offering domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in San Jose?
Renting a car in San Jose requires a valid driver’s licence, meeting minimum age requirements, a credit or debit card, and proof of identity.
A valid driver’s licence from your country or state is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as San Jose as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 18.09.2024
San Jose was great for my short business trip! Getting around with a rental car was easy and efficient.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 26.04.2025
Exploring San Jose was a breeze! Having a car made it so easy to visit all the places on my list. The city is beautiful, and I loved the food!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
San Jose was a pleasant surprise! Having a car made navigating so much easier during our road trip. We easily explored the city and surrounding areas.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Loved discovering San Jose! Having a car made exploring so much easier and more fun. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 05.05.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 09.06.2025
San Jose exceeded my expectations! Having a car was perfect for exploring, especially the coastal drives. Such a relaxing getaway.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Meh. Kinda bland.
Kevin Wilson
Reviewed: 07.01.2025
San Jose was fantastic! Exploring with my rental car was so convenient and fun.
Benjamin Taylor
Reviewed: 16.08.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Alex Turner
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
First time in San Jose, and I loved it! Having a car made exploring so much simpler.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
San Jose charmed me! Getting around was so easy.
Christopher Adams
Reviewed: 01.04.2025