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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Oakland
Oakland
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Oakland
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Oakland
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Oakland
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 Hire a Car in Oakland?
Oakland is a vibrant city with diverse neighbourhoods, a thriving arts scene, and stunning waterfront views. While public transport is available, hiring a car offers unparalleled freedom and convenience to explore all that Oakland and the surrounding Bay Area have to offer.
Explore Diverse Neighbourhoods. From the trendy Temescal district to the historic Jack London Square, Oakland's neighbourhoods each have their own unique character. A hire car allows you to easily hop between these distinct areas and discover hidden gems.
Venture Beyond the City. With a car, you can easily access the scenic beauty of the Redwood Regional Park, the rolling hills of wine country, or the vibrant city of San Francisco across the Bay Bridge.
Tailor Your Itinerary. Public transport schedules can be limiting. With a hire car, you can create your own itinerary and explore Oakland at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you please.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Oakland
Before booking a hire car in Oakland, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other important aspects of your rental agreement.
Area
Approximately 56 square miles
Population
Around 430,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Exploring the Bay Area
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Oakland require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. Additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW), may be available for purchase. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, with many requiring you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like additional drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, and one-way rentals.
Car Hire Prices in Oakland – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Executive:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
7 Seater:
from £64 / $80 / €72 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £28 / $35 / €32 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come 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.
How to Book a Car in Oakland?
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free car hire experience in Oakland, it's best to compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms carefully. Booking early, especially during peak seasons, can help you secure the best rates.
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, considering the number of passengers and luggage space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your hire car.
General Information About Oakland
Oakland is a major West Coast port city with a rich history and diverse culture. Hiring a car is a great way to explore not only Oakland but also the surrounding Bay Area.
Oakland, California, is a vibrant city known for its thriving arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and beautiful waterfront. While Oakland has public transport, a car allows for easy access to its various neighbourhoods and nearby attractions. Keep in mind that Oakland experiences traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, and parking can be challenging in certain areas. Familiarising yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Jack London Square
A waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and historic landmarks.
Oakland Museum of California
A museum showcasing California art, history, and natural sciences.
Lake Merritt
A large tidal lagoon offering recreational activities and scenic views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available throughout the city, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be sure to check the time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities if you plan to visit downtown Oakland, as parking can be limited and expensive.
Gas Stations in Oakland
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are readily available throughout Oakland, especially along major thoroughfares.
Major Brands
You'll find major fuel brands like Chevron, Shell, and Valero.
Check Prices
Gas prices can vary, so it's a good idea to compare prices at different stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Oakland
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Oakland can experience traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, so allow extra time for travel.
Plan Your Route
Use a navigation app to plan your route and avoid traffic delays.
Be Aware of Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions to avoid tickets and towing.
Explore Public Transportation
Consider using public transport, such as BART, for travel within Oakland and to San Francisco.
Key Transportation Hubs in Oakland
Major Bus Stations
BART Stations
Many BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations serve as major bus transfer points.
Railway Stations
Oakland-Jack London Station
Serves Amtrak's Coast Starlight and Capitol Corridor trains.
Airports
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located a short drive from downtown Oakland, offering domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Oakland?
To hire a car in Oakland, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements and have the necessary documentation.
You must have a valid driver's licence. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Oakland 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.
Oakland was amazing! Cruising around in my rental, I explored so much – great food, vibrant art, and stunning views.
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 20.06.2025
Oakland was a fantastic pit stop on our road trip! Exploring the city with our rental car was so convenient.
Ethan Miller
Reviewed: 10.01.2025
Heard great things about Oakland, and they were right! Exploring by car was perfect; so much to see.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 21.09.2024
Loved my Oakland weekend! Having a car was key to exploring all the cool neighborhoods and delicious food spots. Highly recommend!
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 17.06.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Oakland exceeded expectations! Getting around with a car was effortless, allowing for easy coastal drives and exploring charming neighborhoods. Such a relaxing getaway.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Oakland was fun! Having a car for the weekend made exploring easy. The food scene was great, though some of the public restrooms could use an upgrade.
Brian Garcia
Reviewed: 29.11.2024
Oakland surprised me! A last-minute weekend trip, and having a car made it so easy to explore. Loved the diverse neighborhoods and delicious food.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 29.08.2024
Back in Oakland after ages, and it's changed so much! Renting a car was a breeze, making exploring easy. The crowds at Lake Merritt were a bit overwhelming, though.
David Lee
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 19.04.2025