Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Gilroy
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Gilroy
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Gilroy
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Gilroy
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
Gilroy, California, is more than just the Garlic Capital of the World; it's a gateway to the stunning landscapes and attractions of the Central Coast. While Gilroy itself offers plenty to see and do, a rental car unlocks the true potential of this region, providing the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Explore the California Coast. The breathtaking Pacific coastline is within easy driving distance, offering scenic drives and charming seaside towns.
Discover Local Wineries. The Santa Clara Valley is home to numerous wineries, and a car allows you to visit several in a day, enjoying tastings without worrying about transportation.
Visit Nearby State Parks. Explore the natural beauty of Mount Madonna County Park or Pinnacles National Park, both offering hiking trails and stunning views.
Before booking a rental car in Gilroy, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Area
41.86 square kilometers (16.16 square miles)
Population
Approximately 59,520 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring wineries and nearby attractions
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during commute hours
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Gilroy require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver's LicenseA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. InsuranceBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage options like a collision damage waiver (CDW) or supplemental liability insurance.
4. Security DepositA security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card. The amount can vary depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
5. Mileage and Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy (unlimited or limited) and fuel policy (full-to-full or pre-paid). Returning the car with less fuel than required can result in extra charges.
Average economy-class car rentals in Gilroy start from £32 / $40 / €38 per day. Prices can vary depending on the season, availability, and rental company.
Business:
from £48 / $60 / €57 per day
Electric:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Classic:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
Executive:
from £56 / $70 / €67 per day
7 Seater:
from £64 / $80 / €77 per day
Automatic:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
SUV:
from £44 / $55 / €53 per day
Peak season (June to August): During the summer months, expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Off-season rentals often come with discounts, making it a great time to visit if you're on a budget.
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 car in Gilroy is easy if you follow these steps:
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 luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documents when picking up your rental car.
Gilroy is a charming city located in Santa Clara County, California, known for its garlic production and annual Garlic Festival. Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the surrounding areas and attractions.
Gilroy offers a mix of agricultural landscapes, wineries, and outdoor recreational opportunities. While the city is relatively easy to navigate, having a car allows you to explore nearby attractions like Pinnacles National Park and the Monterey Bay Aquarium without relying on public transportation or taxis. Understanding local traffic regulations and parking options will enhance your driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
A horticultural theme park with rides, gardens, and attractions for families.
Pinnacles National Park
A stunning national park with hiking trails, rock climbing, and unique geological formations.
Santa Clara Valley Wine Region
Explore the local wineries and vineyards, offering wine tasting and tours.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in downtown Gilroy.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available in the downtown area.
Parking Lots
Various parking lots are located throughout the city, offering convenient parking options.
Gas Stations in Gilroy
Major Brands Available
You can find major gas station brands like Chevron, Shell, and Valero in Gilroy.
Easy Access
Gas stations are conveniently located along major roads and highways.
Plan Ahead
It's always a good idea to fill up your tank before heading out to explore the surrounding areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Gilroy
Check Traffic Conditions
Use navigation apps to check for traffic conditions before heading out.
Plan Your Route
Plan your route in advance to avoid getting lost.
Drive Safely
Obey all traffic laws and drive safely, especially in residential areas.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water with you, especially if you plan to hike or spend time outdoors.
Airports
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Located approximately 30 miles north of Gilroy, offering domestic and international flights.
Railway Stations
Gilroy Station
A Caltrain station providing commuter rail service to San Francisco.
Renting a car in Gilroy is a relatively straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need:
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. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required, especially 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 Gilroy 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.
Gilroy was a fantastic base for my relaxing coastal getaway! Having a car made exploring the nearby beaches and towns incredibly convenient. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Great pit stop on our road trip! Gilroy was surprisingly charming, and having a car made getting around a breeze.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 10.01.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Such a pleasant drive through Gilroy! Having a car made exploring so effortless. We loved it.
Jessica Hernandez
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Summer in Gilroy was perfect! Having a car let us explore so easily. Loved it.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 25.04.2025
Gilroy was a delightful summer escape! Having a car made getting around so convenient.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
Low-key, kinda cute
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 17.02.2025
Heard great things, Gilroy lived up to the hype!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 04.12.2024
Pretty chill place.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 05.07.2025
Peaceful Gilroy escape! Renting a car was a breeze, perfect for exploring the coast.
Benjamin Taylor
Reviewed: 10.11.2024
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Quick business trip to Gilroy, but having a car made everything so easy! The city was charming and efficient. Highly recommend.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 22.10.2024