Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Costa Mesa
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Costa Mesa
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Costa Mesa
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Costa Mesa
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.
Costa Mesa is a vibrant city known for its arts, culture, and beautiful beaches. While there are public transportation options, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore everything this Southern California gem has to offer.
Explore Beaches at Your Pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and other nearby coastal attractions without waiting for buses or rideshares.
Access Shopping and Dining. Costa Mesa is home to world-class shopping destinations like South Coast Plaza and a diverse culinary scene. A car allows you to conveniently access these attractions.
Visit Nearby Attractions. Easily drive to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, or other Southern California hotspots for day trips, offering convenience and comfort.
Before renting a car in Costa Mesa, ensure you meet the minimum age, possess a valid driver's license, and understand insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Be aware of potential additional fees for extras or young drivers.
Area
16.9 square miles
Population
Approximately 113,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Road trips and city exploration
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 Costa Mesa require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport and credit card are typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card.
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 FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £36 / $45 / €42
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30
7 Seater:
from £28 / $35 / €34
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19
SUV:
from £8 / $10 / €10
Peak season (June to August): Higher demand during summer, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts often available in the off-season
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
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 exploring nearby areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Costa Mesa is a blend of culture and commerce, ideal for shopping and day trips. Exploring is best done with knowledge of traffic rules, parking, and fuel access.
Costa Mesa is known for its upscale shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. While it has public transport, renting a car is helpful for exploring beyond the city. Driving requires awareness of traffic laws and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
South Coast Plaza
Luxury shopping destination with high-end retailers and department stores.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
A premier performing arts complex hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances.
Fairview Park
Large recreational area with hiking trails, picnic spots, and scenic views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise parking structures at South Coast Plaza and other shopping centres.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available in some areas, but can be limited.
Park & Ride
Consider parking at locations offering easy access to public transport.
Gas Stations in Costa Mesa
Major Brands Available
Find stations like Chevron, Shell, and Arco throughout the city.
Easy Access on Major Roads
Fuel stations are readily accessible on main thoroughfares.
Use Navigation Apps
Apps like Google Maps and Waze help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Costa Mesa
Be Aware of Traffic
Plan for potential traffic delays, especially during rush hours.
Use Navigation Apps
Rely on apps for real-time traffic and directions.
Check Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs to avoid tickets.
Explore Nearby Cities
Consider day trips to nearby beach cities like Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
Major Bus Stations
Costa Mesa Transit Center
Serves as a central hub for local bus routes.
Airports
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Located a short drive from Costa Mesa, providing domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Costa Mesa is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before driving.
If you're from the United States, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential extra fees for those under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies prefer credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Costa Mesa 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.
Quick weekend trip, car rental made it easy. Costa Mesa was fun, although the airport shuttle was a bit pricey.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Great short trip to see friends! Having a car made getting around Costa Mesa so easy.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 09.06.2025
Exploring Costa Mesa was a breeze! So convenient having a car; loved the easy access to everything.
Ava Johnson
Reviewed: 18.03.2025
Pretty low-key, tbh
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 25.04.2025
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Costa Mesa lived up to the hype! So much to see and do. The South Coast Plaza was a bit overwhelming, though.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 13.05.2025