Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Eureka
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Eureka
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Eureka
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Eureka
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
Eureka, California, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and redwood forests. While walking around the Old Town is pleasant, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the wider region at your own pace.
Explore Redwood National and State Parks. These majestic forests are a must-see, but public transport is limited. A rental car makes it easy to access trailheads and scenic drives like the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
Discover the Lost Coast. This rugged coastline is best explored by car, allowing you to visit secluded beaches and charming towns like Ferndale and Petrolia.
Visit Victorian Architecture. Eureka's Old Town features stunning Victorian architecture. Driving around the area allows you to see more examples beyond the immediate downtown core.
Before booking a rental car in Eureka, be aware of the general requirements. These include age restrictions, license requirements, insurance, deposit policies, and potential additional fees.
Area
14.5 square miles (37.5 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 27,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring redwood forests and coastal drives
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during commute times: 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Eureka require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but you can purchase additional coverage. A security deposit is usually required, held on your credit card, and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems and child safety seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
7 Seater:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £36 / $45 / €41 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect 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.
Booking a rental car in Eureka involves several steps. By comparing prices, choosing the right car, reviewing terms, booking early, and having the required documents, you can ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and the type of driving you'll be doing.
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.
Eureka is a charming city known for its Victorian architecture and proximity to redwood forests. Understanding local traffic conditions, parking regulations, and fuel access will enhance your visit.
Eureka, California, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and redwood forests. While walking around the Old Town is pleasant, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the wider region at your own pace.
Top Attractions to Discover
Old Town Eureka
Stroll through the historic district filled with Victorian architecture and unique shops.
Redwood National and State Parks
Explore the majestic redwood forests, a short drive from Eureka.
Humboldt Bay
Enjoy scenic views and recreational activities along the bay.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize city-operated parking garages for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but time limits and payment are required.
Private Lots
Several private parking lots offer additional parking options.
Gas Stations in Eureka
Major Brands
Find Chevron, Shell, and other major fuel brands throughout the city.
Convenience Stores
Many gas stations are combined with convenience stores for added convenience.
Easy Access
Gas stations are readily accessible along major routes.
Useful Tips for Visiting Eureka
Plan for Weather
Eureka's weather can be unpredictable; pack layers.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be aware of pedestrians, especially in Old Town.
Check Tide Schedules
If visiting the coast, check tide schedules for safe beach access.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be congested during commute hours; allow extra travel time.
Major Bus Stations
Eureka Transit Center
Serves as the primary hub for local and regional bus services.
Airports
California Redwood Coast – Humboldt County Airport (ACV)
Located approximately 17 miles north of Eureka in McKinleyville, offering flights to major cities.
Renting a car in Eureka is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or another 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 Eureka 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.
Eureka was great! Saw friends, explored easily by car.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 28.05.2025
Busy trip, but renting a car in Eureka made things smoother. The Redwood National Park was amazing, though the hotel breakfast was a bit underwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 19.05.2025
Loved exploring Eureka! Having a car was perfect for our road trip; we zipped around so easily. The scenery was breathtaking.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 03.12.2024
Quick stop in Eureka on our road trip. The waterfront was lovely, though the local coffee was a bit weak.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 30.04.2025
After years away, Eureka felt like coming home. Exploring by car was effortless; the coast is stunning!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 18.02.2025
Exploring Eureka was a breeze! Having a car let us easily visit the charming Old Town and enjoy the stunning coastal drives. Absolutely loved it.
Olivia Peterson
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Summer in Eureka was fantastic! Exploring with our rental car was so convenient.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
Pretty laid-back, honestly.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
Eureka exceeded expectations! Exploring by car was effortless.
Katherine Thompson
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
Low-key cool vibe
Noah Garcia
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
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Pretty relaxed, overall.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 19.05.2025