Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Alameda
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Alameda
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Alameda
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Alameda
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Alameda is a unique island city known for its historic charm, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere. While Alameda is accessible via public transportation, renting a car offers greater flexibility and convenience, especially for exploring the wider Bay Area.
Explore at Your Own Pace. Alameda's attractions are spread out, and a rental car allows you to visit them without being tied to bus or ferry schedules.
Convenient Access to Nearby Attractions. San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area destinations are easily accessible with a rental car, making day trips simple and convenient.
Ideal for Families. If you're traveling with children or have a lot of luggage, a rental car provides the space and comfort you need.
Before booking a rental car in Alameda, be aware of the standard requirements, which include minimum age, a valid driver's license, and understanding insurance and deposit policies.
Area
10.6 square miles
Population
Approximately 78,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Sightseeing and Day Trips
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during weekday commute hours.
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Alameda require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsA security deposit is usually required, held on the renter's credit card. Standard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have 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 optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27
Executive:
from £48 / $60 / €54
7 Seater:
from £56 / $70 / €63
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36
SUV:
from £30 / $38 / €34
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.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site 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 exploring the surrounding areas.
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 license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Alameda is a charming island city with a relaxed atmosphere. While the city is relatively easy to navigate, having a car can enhance your experience, allowing you to explore beyond the immediate vicinity.
Alameda is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and family-friendly vibe. While it is conveniently located near San Francisco and Oakland, public transportation options are limited. Renting a car provides the freedom to explore the island and surrounding Bay Area at your own pace.
Top Attractions to Discover
Alameda Beach
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking on this popular beach.
USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum
Explore a historic aircraft carrier docked in Alameda.
Park Street
Stroll along this charming street filled with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Where to Find Parking
Street Parking
Metered street parking is available throughout Alameda.
Public Parking Lots
Several public parking lots are located near popular attractions.
Residential Areas
Free parking is available in some residential areas, but be sure to check posted signs for restrictions.
Gas Stations in Alameda
Chevron
Located on Park Street and other main thoroughfares.
Shell
Several locations throughout Alameda.
Valero
Available on the outskirts of the city.
Useful Tips for Visiting Alameda
Check Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs to avoid tickets.
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits, especially in residential areas.
Plan for Traffic
Traffic can be moderate during commute hours, so plan your trips accordingly.
Enjoy the Scenery
Take advantage of the scenic drives along the waterfront.
Airports
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located approximately 10 miles from Alameda, it is the closest airport.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located approximately 25 miles from Alameda.
Ferry Terminal
Alameda/Oakland Ferry Terminal
Provides ferry service to San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations.
BART Stations
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Several BART stations are located in nearby Oakland, providing access to the wider Bay Area.
Renting a car in Alameda is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before driving.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Alameda as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Low-key, kinda cute.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 03.12.2024
Pretty laid-back, easy.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Summer in Alameda was delightful! Exploring the island with a rental car was so convenient. Beautiful scenery and charming shops everywhere.
Evelyn Torres
Reviewed: 31.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
Alameda was perfect for my quick business trip; easy to get around.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Alameda was peaceful; perfect for a coast-side getaway. The ferry was surprisingly crowded, though.
Katherine Wilson
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
Alameda was a pleasant stop on our road trip. The shops were nice, though the ice cream place had a long line.
Christopher Brown
Reviewed: 30.05.2025
Chill island vibes
Brian Smith
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Loved exploring Alameda! Having a car made getting around so easy, and I found some charming shops and beautiful parks. Definitely recommend it.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 04.08.2025
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Relaxing, low-key.
David Lee
Reviewed: 23.11.2024