Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Walnut Creek
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Walnut Creek
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Walnut Creek
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Walnut Creek
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.
Walnut Creek, California, is a vibrant city offering a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace.
1. Explore Regional Parks: With a rental car, accessing nearby natural attractions like Mount Diablo State Park becomes effortless. Enjoy hiking trails and panoramic views without worrying about transport logistics.
2. Convenient Shopping and Dining: Walnut Creek boasts excellent shopping centres and diverse dining options. A car allows you to easily transport purchases and explore various restaurants across the city.
3. Day Trips to San Francisco and Wine Country: Walnut Creek's central location makes it ideal for day trips. Drive to San Francisco for sightseeing or head to Napa Valley and Sonoma to sample world-class wines.
Before renting a car in Walnut Creek, understanding the rental terms is essential for a smooth experience. Here are key aspects to consider:
Area
14.8 square miles
Population
Approximately 70,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring regional parks
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance and DepositsStandard rentals 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 and Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS navigation.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Walnut Creek is straightforward. Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience:
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites 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 outdoor adventures.
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 licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Walnut Creek is a bustling city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Renting a car provides flexibility to navigate the city and surrounding areas.
Walnut Creek offers a vibrant downtown area with upscale shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. As a central hub in Contra Costa County, it provides convenient access to regional parks, hiking trails, and neighbouring cities. While Walnut Creek has public transport options, a car allows you to explore at your own pace, especially when venturing beyond the city centre.
Top Attractions to Discover
Ruth Bancroft Garden
A renowned botanical garden featuring diverse succulents and desert plants.
Broadway Plaza
An upscale outdoor shopping centre with a variety of retailers and restaurants.
Mount Diablo State Park
Offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the Bay Area.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several garages are available downtown, including those at Broadway Plaza and nearby commercial buildings.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but restrictions and time limits apply.
Park & Ride
Consider BART stations like Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill for park-and-ride options to San Francisco.
Gas Stations in Walnut Creek
Major Brands Available
Chevron, Shell, and Valero stations are readily available throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Most gas stations are located along major roads like Ygnacio Valley Road and Walnut Avenue.
Use Navigation Apps
Google Maps or Waze can help locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Walnut Creek
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) when roads are often congested.
Utilise Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and directions.
Check Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits to avoid tickets.
Explore Nearby Parks
Take advantage of the numerous regional parks and outdoor activities in the area.
Major Bus Stations
Walnut Creek BART Station
Serves as a central hub for local and regional bus services, connecting to various destinations in Contra Costa County.
Railway Stations
Walnut Creek BART Station
Provides rapid transit service to San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area cities.
Airports
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located approximately 25 miles west of Walnut Creek, serving domestic and international flights.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Situated about 35 miles southwest of Walnut Creek, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
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
If you're from the United States, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept 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.
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 clients rate such place as Walnut Creek 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 vibe
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 30.08.2024
Walnut Creek was a fantastic summer escape! Having a car made getting around so convenient, and we explored so many charming spots. Highly recommend!
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Loved exploring Walnut Creek! Having a car was a great way to see everything. So much to discover!
David Lee
Reviewed: 04.11.2024
Pleasant enough, really.
Megan Taylor
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Pretty low-key, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Kind of bland, overpriced coffee
James Brown
Reviewed: 14.08.2025
Solid, pretty chill.
Michael Harris
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Sophia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
Perfect weekend getaway! Renting a car made exploring Walnut Creek so easy.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 16.08.2024