Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in USA California - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in USA California
USA California
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
USA California
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
USA California
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
USA California
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 the USA California?
California, with its iconic cities, breathtaking coastlines, and diverse landscapes, offers an unparalleled travel experience. While public transportation is available in urban areas, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore the Golden State at your own pace. From cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway to discovering hidden gems in national parks, a rental car is the key to unlocking California's full potential.
Unmatched Flexibility: Public transportation can be limiting, especially when venturing outside major cities. A rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and explore destinations on your schedule.
Access to Remote Locations: California boasts stunning natural attractions, many of which are inaccessible by public transit. With a rental car, you can easily reach national parks like Yosemite and Death Valley, as well as scenic coastal routes and charming small towns.
Comfort and Convenience: Traveling with luggage or a group can be challenging on public transport. A rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
Cost-Effective for Groups: For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple tickets for trains or buses. Plus, splitting gas costs makes road trips even more affordable.
Driving in USA California: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
25-35 mph
Languages
English, Spanish
Average petrol price
$4.50 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
55-70 mph
Currency
US Dollar
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
8.5/10
Dialling Code
+1
Driving in California is generally a pleasant experience, but it's essential to be aware of the local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and smooth journey. Here's what you need to know before hitting the road.
1. Basic Driving Rules California law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. Children under 8 years old or shorter than 4'9" must be in a car seat or booster seat. It is illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving.
- Seatbelts Required
- Child Restraints
- Cell Phone Use
2. Speed Limits Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph). Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 25 mph in residential areas and business districts, and 65-70 mph on highways.
- Residential Areas
- Highways
3. Right-of-Way Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. At intersections, drivers must yield to vehicles already in the intersection or to the vehicle on their right if arriving simultaneously.
- Pedestrians
- Intersections
4. Parking Pay attention to parking signs and meters. Red kerbs indicate no parking, white kerbs are for passenger loading/unloading, and blue kerbs are reserved for disabled parking.
- Kerb Colors
- Meters and Signs
5. Toll Roads Some bridges and highways in California have tolls. Options for payment include cash, FasTrak, or licence plate tolling.
- Payment Options
Top drives in the USA California:
California is best explored with a car. Public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice.
That is why car rental is well developed in California, and you can hire any vehicle, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since the region is very large, one or two weeks of vacation with a car can be enough to explore only some parts of it.
Car Rental Prices in USA California – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in the USA California
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £55 / $70 / €65 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £35 / $45 / €40 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in USA California
Renting a car in California gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but costs can add up quickly. Here are some smart ways to save money on your car rental while still getting the best experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices tend to rise closer to the pick-up date. Booking in advance not only guarantees better rates but also gives you a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Use price comparison sites to find the best car rental deals. Many rental companies offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or memberships with travel reward programs.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Bigger vehicles cost more to rent and fuel. If you're travelling solo or as a couple, an economy car is the most budget-friendly option.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental companies may offer expensive insurance add-ons. Before purchasing, check if your travel insurance or credit card covers rental car insurance to avoid extra charges.
5. Stick to a Single Driver.: Adding extra drivers often comes with additional fees. If possible, stick to one designated driver to keep costs down.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Returning a car with an empty tank can result in high refuelling charges. Always refill at a local petrol station before drop-off to save money.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in the USA California?
Renting a car in California is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need:
Valid Driving Licence – If you're from the USA, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for a certain period, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Minimum Age Requirement – Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
Credit or Debit Card – A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
Proof of Identity – A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 USA California 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, yeah.
Chad Johnson
Reviewed: 07.11.2024
California sunshine and open roads! Cruising the coast was unforgettable. So much fun exploring.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Pretty good, actually.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 17.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
David Lee
Reviewed: 21.11.2024
Pretty good vibes
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 07.02.2025
Pretty chill drive
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 24.04.2025
Pretty good, actually.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Fantastic family trip! California's beauty was easily accessible with our car. Unforgettable memories.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 30.12.2024
Pretty good roads
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 13.09.2024
California was amazing! A spontaneous weekend trip, made so easy by having a car. The scenery was breathtaking.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 12.04.2025