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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Downey
Downey
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Downey
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Downey
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Downey
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 Downey?
Downey, California, offers a blend of historical landmarks and modern attractions best explored with the freedom of a rental car. While public transportation is available, a car provides unparalleled flexibility, especially for visiting locations beyond the immediate city center.
Explore Local Landmarks. Renting a car allows easy access to Downey's attractions, such as the oldest operating McDonald's and the Columbia Memorial Space Center.
Access to Neighboring Cities. With a car, you can easily venture to nearby attractions in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and other Southern California destinations.
Convenience for Families and Groups. A rental car provides comfort and space, making it ideal for families or groups traveling with luggage or equipment.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Downey
Before renting a car in Downey, it's important to understand the standard terms and conditions. Here’s what you should know.
Area
12.55 square miles (32.51 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 115,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Long-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Downey require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, renters under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLP) are available. A security deposit is usually required, held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees can apply for add-ons like GPS navigation systems, child seats, or additional drivers. One-way rentals may also incur extra charges.
Car Rental Prices in Downey – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30
7 Seater:
from £28 / $35 / €34
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19
SUV:
from £8 / $10 / €10
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Higher demand leads to prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season
Prices vary based on the season. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Downey?
Follow these steps to easily book a rental car in Downey.
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 fits your needs, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and other important details.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your car early, especially during peak travel times.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance when you pick up the vehicle.
General Information About Downey
Downey is a city in Southeast Los Angeles County, known for its rich history and vibrant community. Understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations will enhance your driving experience.
Downey offers a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, making it a dynamic place to explore. While the city is relatively easy to navigate, being aware of traffic patterns and local regulations is important for a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Columbia Memorial Space Center
An interactive science museum focused on space exploration.
Oldest Operating McDonald's
A historic McDonald's restaurant with a retro design.
Downey Theatre
A performing arts venue hosting a variety of shows and events.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public garages are available in downtown Downey.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available, but time limits and fees apply.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options for events to avoid traffic congestion.
Gas Stations in Downey
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Mobil.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are conveniently located throughout the city.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the nearest gas station.
Useful Tips for Visiting Downey
Plan for Traffic
Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) to save time.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid congestion.
Check for Events
Check local event schedules to avoid parking difficulties.
Be Aware of Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits to avoid tickets.
Key Transportation Hubs in Downey
Major Bus Stations
Downey Landing Transit Center
Serves as a hub for local bus routes.
Railway Stations
Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Transportation Center (Metrolink)
Provides access to Metrolink trains.
Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Located approximately 20 miles west of Downey.
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Located approximately 10 miles south of Downey.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Downey?
Renting a car in Downey requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth process.
A valid driver’s license is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
You may need to provide proof of insurance, or you can purchase additional coverage from the rental company.
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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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Downey 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.
Great stop on our road trip! Downey was surprisingly convenient, easy to navigate with our rental car.
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 26.04.2025
Okay, pretty relaxed
Jessica Williams
Reviewed: 27.12.2024
Low-key, pretty good
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 25.10.2024
Downey was a pleasant surprise! Being back after so many years, it felt familiar yet refreshed. Getting around with my rental car was a breeze. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 22.05.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chris Brown
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Downey was perfect for our summer road trip! Having a car made exploring so easy. Plenty of great spots to eat and the city felt very safe.
Karen Miller
Reviewed: 12.05.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 16.01.2025