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Car hire in Ridgecrest - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Ridgecrest

Ridgecrest

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Ridgecrest

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Ridgecrest

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Ridgecrest

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Hire a Car in Ridgecrest?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Ridgecrest

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 – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Ridgecrest?

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.

General Information About Ridgecrest

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in Ridgecrest

Bus Stations

Ridgecrest Bus Stop

Serves routes to nearby cities.

Airports

Inyokern Airport (IYK)

A small regional airport located near Ridgecrest.

What Do You Need to Hire a Car in 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.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

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 by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Ridgecrest as

4.3

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.

Okay place, really

MJ

Mike Johnson

Reviewed: 21.12.2024

Exploring Ridgecrest with our rental car was a blast! Loved the open roads and stunning desert scenery.

SC

Sarah Chen

Reviewed: 29.01.2025

Ridgecrest surprised me! So much to see, easily accessible by car. Beautiful scenery.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 20.07.2025

Pretty chill, overall

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 01.03.2025

Loved my Ridgecrest weekend! The scenery was breathtaking, easily explored by car.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 05.02.2025

Family vacation was perfect; easy car rental made exploring Ridgecrest a breeze.

JG

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.

AW

Ava Wilson

Reviewed: 02.05.2025

Pretty relaxed vibe

KB

Kevin Brown

Reviewed: 15.12.2024

Kinda sleepy, food's meh

BM

Brian Miller

Reviewed: 28.12.2024

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