Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Ridgecrest
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ridgecrest
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ridgecrest
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ridgecrest
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.
Ridgecrest, California, offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, outdoor adventures, and access to significant landmarks. While local transportation options exist, hiring a car provides the freedom and flexibility to fully explore the region at your own pace.
Explore the Mojave Desert: Ridgecrest is the gateway to the vast Mojave Desert. With a rental car, you can easily access scenic drives, hiking trails, and unique desert landscapes that are otherwise difficult to reach.
Visit Nearby Attractions: Hiring a car allows you to conveniently visit attractions like the Maturango Museum, Death Valley National Park, and the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, all within driving distance of Ridgecrest.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Public transportation in and around Ridgecrest is limited. A rental car offers the convenience of travelling on your own schedule, without waiting for buses or relying on ride-sharing services.
Before hiring a car in Ridgecrest, familiarise yourself with the standard terms and conditions. These include age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other essential policies to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
21.44 square miles
Population
Approximately 28,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring desert landscapes
Rush Hours
Limited traffic congestion
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Ridgecrest require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. Non-US residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for add-ons such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car hire prices in Ridgecrest vary depending on the season and type of vehicle.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (March to May): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to spring tourism and outdoor activities.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the winter months when tourism is lower.
Prices fluctuate based on seasonal demand.
Booking a car in Ridgecrest is simple and convenient. Follow these steps for a seamless rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the desert.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and any other required documents when picking up your rental car.
Ridgecrest is located in the Indian Wells Valley in California. It's a gateway to Death Valley and other desert attractions, offering a unique blend of outdoor activities and historical sites.
Ridgecrest provides a mix of suburban and rural environments. Driving is the most convenient way to get around, especially for visiting attractions outside the city centre. Understanding local traffic and parking regulations will enhance your experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Maturango Museum
Discover the rich history and culture of the Mojave Desert region.
Death Valley National Park
Explore the extreme desert landscape, located a short drive from Ridgecrest.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
One of the largest naval bases, a significant part of the region's identity.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Limited public parking garages are available; check local listings.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is usually available, with clearly marked signs regarding time limits.
Park & Ride
Park-and-ride options are limited; most attractions have parking on-site.
Gas Stations in Ridgecrest
Major Brands Available
Find Chevron, Shell, and other major fuel brands in and around Ridgecrest.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are conveniently located along the main roads and highways.
Plan Ahead
Ensure you have enough fuel before heading into remote desert areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Ridgecrest
Stay Hydrated
The desert climate can be harsh, so drink plenty of water.
Check Weather Conditions
Be aware of extreme temperatures, especially during summer.
Plan Your Route
Use navigation apps to plan your route and avoid getting lost in remote areas.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Distances between attractions can be significant, so allow extra time for travel.
Bus Stations
Ridgecrest Bus Stop
Serves routes to nearby cities.
Airports
Inyokern Airport (IYK)
A small regional airport located near Ridgecrest.
To hire a car in Ridgecrest, you will need to meet certain requirements.
A valid driver's licence is required, whether from the United States or another country. Some international licences may require an International Driving Permit.
Most car rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit and rental payment.
While most rental companies offer insurance options, you may need to provide proof of existing insurance coverage.
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.
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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 Ridgecrest 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.
Exploring Ridgecrest with our rental car was a blast! Loved the open roads and stunning desert scenery.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Ridgecrest surprised me! So much to see, easily accessible by car. Beautiful scenery.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Pretty chill, overall
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Loved my Ridgecrest weekend! The scenery was breathtaking, easily explored by car.
David Lee
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
Family vacation was perfect; easy car rental made exploring Ridgecrest a breeze.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Quick business trip, car rental made it easy. Ridgecrest was fine; the hotel breakfast was a bit underwhelming, though.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 02.05.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 15.12.2024
Kinda sleepy, food's meh
Brian Miller
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
Okay place, really
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 21.12.2024