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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Carmel
Carmel
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Carmel
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Carmel
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Carmel
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 Carmel?
Carmel is a charming coastal town renowned for its artistic heritage and scenic beauty. While walkable, a rental car allows you to effortlessly explore the wider Monterey Peninsula.
Discover Hidden Gems. Many of the region's most breathtaking spots, like Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Garrapata State Park, are best accessed by car. You can easily reach secluded beaches and scenic overlooks.
Explore the Monterey Peninsula. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit nearby attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, and the historic town of Pacific Grove.
Customize Your Itinerary. Public transport options in the area are limited, making a rental car essential for those who want to explore at their own pace and create a personalised travel experience.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. Whether you're travelling with family, golf clubs, or luggage, a rental car offers the freedom to travel comfortably and efficiently.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Carmel
Before booking a rental car in Carmel, be sure you know the rules. This includes age restrictions, what kind of licence you need, what the insurance covers, deposits, mileage, and what happens with the fuel.
Area
Approximately 4.7 square miles
Population
Around 4,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Scenic drives and coastal exploration
Rush Hours
Limited traffic congestion, but expect delays during peak tourist season
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Carmel require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is necessary. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence isn't in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is often included, but options such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually required and refunded upon the car's return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others impose restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Carmel – How Much Does It Cost?
Economy cars typically average around £40 / $50 / €45 per day. Prices vary based on the season and demand.
Business:
from £60 / $75 / €70 per day
Electric:
from £50 / $63 / €58 per day
Classic:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Executive:
from £70 / $88 / €80 per day
7 Seater:
from £80 / $100 / €90 per day
Automatic:
from £45 / $57 / €52 per day
SUV:
from £55 / $69 / €63 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Higher demand during summer months, with prices rising by 20-30%.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season months.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Carmel?
Book early for best prices. Don't forget your licence, credit card, and ID.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your dates and preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and ID when collecting your rental.
General Information About Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea, often called just Carmel, is known for its natural scenery and arts. Understanding local traffic and parking is key.
Carmel is a city on California's Monterey Peninsula. It's famous for its artistic community. Renting a car gives freedom to see more than just the city centre, letting visitors explore the coastline and visit nearby attractions. Awareness of local traffic and parking rules is important to ensure a stress-free trip.
Top Attractions to Discover
Carmel Mission
A historic landmark and a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture.
Carmel Beach
A scenic beach perfect for walking, surfing, and enjoying sunsets.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
A stunning reserve with hiking trails, tide pools, and diverse wildlife.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in downtown Carmel.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available, but can be limited, especially during peak season.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options during busy times to avoid congestion in the city centre.
Gas Stations in Carmel
Shell
Located on Carmel Valley Road.
Chevron
Found on Ocean Avenue and Carmel Rancho Boulevard.
Valero
Situated on Rio Road.
Useful Tips for Visiting Carmel
Plan for Traffic Delays
Be aware of potential delays during peak hours and tourist season.
Respect Pedestrians
Carmel is a pedestrian-friendly town, so always watch out for walkers.
Check Local Events
Be aware of events that may impact traffic and parking.
Utilise Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to find real-time traffic updates and locate nearby gas stations.
Key Transportation Hubs in Carmel
Major Bus Stations
Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST)
Provides bus services within Carmel and to surrounding areas.
Railway Stations
Monterey Station
The nearest train station is in Monterey, about a 15-minute drive from Carmel.
Airports
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
Located just a few miles from Carmel, offering flights to major cities.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
A major international airport approximately a two-hour drive from Carmel.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Carmel?
To rent a car in Carmel, you'll need to meet a few requirements.
You'll need a valid driver's licence. Visitors may need an International Driving Permit.
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A valid card is required for the security deposit.
A passport may be required for international renters.
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Carmel 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.
Relaxing, low-key vibe
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Carmel was charming! Having a car made exploring so easy this weekend. The beaches were gorgeous, and the town itself is a delight. Highly recommend a visit!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
Carmel was delightful! Short trip, great friends, perfect car.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Summer in Carmel was idyllic! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, allowing us to fully explore the stunning coastline.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Absolutely loved Carmel! The coastal drive was breathtaking, and having a car let us explore hidden coves. Such a peaceful getaway.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 04.05.2025
Pretty mellow, overall
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
Carmel exceeded expectations! I'd heard great things, and having a car to explore the stunning coastline and charming town was perfect. Highly recommend.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Carmel was fantastic! Having a car made exploring the beautiful beaches so easy during our summer getaway.
Ashley Thompson
Reviewed: 03.01.2025
Charming town, but the shops were pricey. Glad I had my rental car though!
Katherine Lee
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Carmel was a pleasant surprise! Exploring with a rental car was convenient, though the local ice cream was a bit underwhelming. Definitely worth a visit.
David Martinez
Reviewed: 06.12.2024
Carmel was lovely; the ocean views were breathtaking. However, the local bakery had a surprisingly short selection.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 26.09.2024
Pretty chill, really
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 25.04.2025