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4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Chico
Chico
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Chico
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Chico
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Chico
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 Chico?
Chico, California, is a vibrant city with a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. While there are public transportation options, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Bidwell Park. One of the largest urban parks in the United States, Bidwell Park is a must-see destination. With a rental car, you can easily access different sections of the park, from the Lower Park's picnic areas to the Upper Park's hiking trails and swimming holes.
Discover Local Attractions. From the Sierra Nevada Brewery to the Chico State University campus, a car allows you to conveniently visit various attractions scattered throughout the city.
Day Trips to Surrounding Areas. Chico is a great base for exploring Northern California. With a rental car, you can take day trips to destinations like Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Feather River, and nearby charming towns.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Chico
Before renting a car in Chico, it's important to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are some key aspects to consider.
Area
85.4 square kilometers (33 square miles)
Population
Approximately 100,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during morning and evening commute times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Chico require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required, and international visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage limits. Fuel policies vary, with many companies requiring the car to be returned with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional add-ons like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Chico – How Much Does It Cost?
Car rental prices in Chico can vary depending on the season, type of vehicle, and rental company.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand during the summer months.
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts as tourism decreases.
Car rental rates in Chico fluctuate based on the time of year.
How to Book a Car in Chico?
Booking a car in Chico is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
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 factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when picking up your rental vehicle.
General Information About Chico
Chico is a charming city in Northern California known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and friendly atmosphere.
Exploring Chico with a rental car allows you to fully appreciate the city and its surroundings. While Chico is relatively easy to navigate, being aware of local traffic regulations and parking options will enhance your experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Bidwell Park
One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering hiking, biking, swimming, and picnicking.
Sierra Nevada Brewery
A popular destination for beer lovers, offering tours and tastings.
Chico State University
A beautiful campus with historic buildings and a vibrant atmosphere.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Downtown Chico offers several public parking garages for convenient and secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available throughout the city, but be sure to check time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options if you plan to visit downtown during peak hours.
Gas Stations in Chico
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Chico and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
You can find major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Valero in Chico.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Chico
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of moderate traffic during morning and evening commute times.
Check Local Events
Check for local events and festivals that may impact traffic and parking.
Explore Downtown
Downtown Chico is pedestrian-friendly, so consider parking and exploring on foot.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially if exploring Bidwell Park during hot weather.
Key Transportation Hubs in Chico
Airports
Chico Municipal Airport (CIC)
Located a few miles north of Chico, serving regional flights.
Bus Stations
Greyhound Bus Station
Provides long-distance bus services to and from Chico.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Chico?
Renting a car in Chico requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria.
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.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
Proof of insurance may be required, or you can purchase coverage from the rental company.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Chico 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.
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 28.10.2024
Quick business trip, but Chico charmed me! Getting around with a car was a breeze.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Chico exceeded expectations! Having a car made exploring so much easier, and I loved the laid-back atmosphere.
David Lee
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Chico was perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway. Having a car made exploring easy; the local brewery was a bit underwhelming, though.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Charming town, easy to get around; the local coffee was a bit weak.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 20.04.2025
Low-key, kinda cute
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
Efficient business trip, Chico was surprisingly delightful! Easy to navigate with my rental.
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 31.05.2025
Pretty chill, overall
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Family vacation in Chico was wonderful! Having a car made exploring the area so convenient, and we saw so much. Highly recommend!
Katherine Nguyen
Reviewed: 25.10.2024
Pretty mellow, overall.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 18.06.2025
Heard great things about Chico, and they were right! Exploring with a rental car was so easy. Beautiful scenery and friendly people.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 15.04.2025