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4.67/5
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Berkeley
Berkeley
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Berkeley
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Berkeley
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Berkeley
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
Why Rent a Car in Berkeley?
Berkeley is a vibrant city known for its innovative spirit and diverse attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unmatched freedom to explore not only the city but also the surrounding Bay Area at your own pace.
Explore Beyond Berkeley. A rental car lets you easily visit destinations like Napa Valley, San Francisco, and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
Convenience and Comfort. Whether you're traveling with family, sports equipment, or business materials, having your own vehicle makes transportation much simpler.
Maximize Your Time. Avoid waiting for buses or coordinating rideshares; a rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and see more in less time.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Berkeley
Before renting a car in Berkeley, ensure you meet the age requirements, have a valid driver's license, and understand the rental agreement. Familiarize yourself with insurance options, security deposits, and any potential extra charges.
Area
Approximately 17.7 square miles
Population
Around 120,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
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 Berkeley require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver 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 & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI). A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage restrictions. Many rentals offer unlimited mileage. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional add-ons like GPS, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Berkeley – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £37 / $46 / €44 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £27 / $34 / €32 per day
7 Seater:
from £31 / $39 / €37 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £8 / $10 / €10 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 Berkeley?
Secure your ideal rental car in Berkeley by comparing prices, selecting the right vehicle, and reviewing rental terms. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Ensure you have all necessary documents when picking up your car.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rental deals based on your specific travel dates and requirements.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering factors like passenger capacity and luggage space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your rental car well in advance to secure lower prices and ensure availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documentation when collecting your rental.
General Information About Berkeley
Berkeley is a city rich in history, culture, and innovation. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to other Bay Area attractions, exploring Berkeley and its surroundings is best done with a car.
Berkeley is a city located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Home to the University of California, Berkeley, it's a hub for education, research, and progressive thinking. While Berkeley has public transportation, a rental car provides the flexibility to explore nearby cities, parks, and scenic routes. Be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
UC Berkeley Campus
Explore the iconic campus of the University of California, Berkeley, known for its stunning architecture and academic atmosphere.
Berkeley Marina
Enjoy waterfront views, restaurants, and recreational activities at the Berkeley Marina.
Tilden Regional Park
Discover hiking trails, a botanical garden, and a steam train at Tilden Regional Park.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize public parking garages for secure parking throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking meters and time limits when using on-street parking.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities and public transportation to avoid city traffic.
Gas Stations in Berkeley
Major Brands
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Valero.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are available throughout Berkeley and the surrounding areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Berkeley
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush-hour traffic and plan your routes accordingly.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilize navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic delays.
Respect Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.
Check Local Events
Check for local events that may impact traffic and parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in Berkeley
Major Bus Stations
Downtown Berkeley BART Station
Serves as a central hub for bus connections.
Railway Stations
Downtown Berkeley BART Station
Provides rapid transit access to San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations.
Airports
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located approximately 20 miles south of Berkeley, offering domestic and international flights.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Situated about 30 miles southwest of Berkeley, providing extensive flight options.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Berkeley?
Renting a car in Berkeley requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card is needed for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other government-issued ID may be required.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Berkeley 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.
Having a car made exploring easy; Berkeley lived up to the hype, though the crowds were intense.
Maya Jones
Reviewed: 27.09.2024
Berkeley was fantastic! Exploring the campus and the charming downtown with the family was so easy having a car. We loved the farmers' market and the views from the hills. A perfect getaway!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 02.06.2025
Chill vibe, good eats
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 07.05.2025
Loved my Berkeley road trip! Cruising around the hills, grabbing coffee, and visiting the botanical garden was such a treat. So much to see and do!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
Quick weekend trip, but Berkeley charmed us! Easy to get around, great food, beautiful views.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 12.12.2024
Berkeley was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a car made getting around so convenient; we easily explored the vibrant town and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Highly recommend!
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Business trip efficiency defined Berkeley for me. So easy to navigate with a car, and I squeezed in some lovely views between meetings.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 14.05.2025
Berkeley was perfect! Coastal drives and exploring the town were so relaxing.
Evelyn Lee
Reviewed: 14.03.2025