Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Barstow
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Barstow
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Barstow
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Barstow
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
Barstow is a gateway to the Mojave Desert and a hub for exploring Southern California's unique landscapes. While there are local transportation options, a rental car gives you the freedom to discover the area at your own pace. Here are a few compelling reasons to rent a car in Barstow.
Explore the Mojave Desert: Barstow is the perfect starting point for exploring the vast and beautiful Mojave Desert. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like the Calico Ghost Town, the Mojave River Valley Museum, and the Rainbow Basin Natural Area.
Visit Route 66 Landmarks: Barstow is a historic Route 66 town, and a rental car allows you to cruise along this iconic highway and discover its many landmarks, diners, and roadside attractions.
Day Trips to Nearby Attractions: With a rental car, you can easily take day trips to nearby attractions like the outlet malls in Barstow, or explore the surrounding desert landscapes.
Before booking a rental car in Barstow, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposits, mileage, and potential extra fees. Understanding these factors will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 45 square miles
Population
Approximately 25,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Desert exploration and Route 66 trips
Rush Hours
Limited rush hour traffic in Barstow
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Barstow require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
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 & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the car's return, provided there's no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy before booking. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for things like additional drivers, one-way rentals, or optional add-ons such as GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (March to May): Sees higher demand due to spring break and outdoor activities, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts as tourism decreases
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 rental car in Barstow is a straightforward process. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you secure the best deal and vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Barstow. Consider factors like price, vehicle type, and customer reviews.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's an economy car for solo travel or an SUV for family adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your valid driver’s license, credit card, and proof of insurance when you pick up your rental car.
Barstow is a town in the Mojave Desert known for its Route 66 history and proximity to various attractions. Understanding local driving conditions and regulations is important for a smooth trip.
As a desert town, Barstow offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. While the town itself is relatively small, having a car is essential for exploring the surrounding areas and making the most of your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Calico Ghost Town
An authentic silver mining town preserved as a historic landmark.
Mojave River Valley Museum
Showcasing the history and culture of the Mojave Desert region.
Route 66 Mother Road Museum
Dedicated to preserving the history of Route 66.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking lots are available in downtown Barstow.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available in certain areas.
Free Parking
Free parking is often available at shopping centers and attractions.
Gas Stations in Barstow
Major Brands Available
You can find gas stations from major brands such as Chevron, Shell, and Arco.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are located throughout Barstow and along major highways.
24-Hour Availability
Some gas stations offer 24-hour service.
Useful Tips for Visiting Barstow
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, especially when exploring the desert.
Plan for the Heat
Temperatures can be extreme, especially in summer. Plan outdoor activities accordingly.
Check Road Conditions
Be aware of potential road closures or delays due to weather or construction.
Be Prepared for Remote Areas
Carry a map, water, and snacks when traveling to remote areas.
Major Bus Stations
Barstow Transportation Center
Serves as a hub for Greyhound and other bus lines.
Railway Stations
Barstow Amtrak Station
Provides access to Amtrak's Southwest Chief route.
Airports
Barstow-Daggett Airport (DAG)
A small regional airport located near Barstow.
Renting a car in Barstow is generally straightforward, but there are essential requirements you need to meet to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
You'll need a valid driver's license. If you're from another country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) might be required alongside your original license.
Most rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may incur additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies might prefer or require a credit card.
Present a passport or another government-issued photo ID for verification purposes.
This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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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 Barstow 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.
Getting a car in Barstow made exploring the area so much easier for a quick weekend trip. The quirky roadside attractions were fun, though the local diner was a bit underwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 20.09.2024
First time in Barstow, and I loved it! Exploring with my rental car was so convenient.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Okay, pretty relaxed.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Honestly surprised by Barstow! Having a car made getting around super easy, and I explored so much more than I expected. Great little desert town.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Efficient business trip; Barstow exceeded expectations.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 25.04.2025
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Barstow was even better than I remembered! After all these years, it was great to revisit, and having a car made exploring so easy. Plenty to see and do, and the people were so friendly. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 05.06.2025