Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Grass Valley
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Grass Valley
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Grass Valley
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Grass Valley
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
Grass Valley is a charming city nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a blend of historical attractions and natural beauty. While local transportation is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Historic Downtown. Grass Valley's historic downtown area is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. With a rental car, you can easily navigate the downtown streets and discover hidden gems.
Access Outdoor Adventures. Located near the Tahoe National Forest, Grass Valley offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. A rental car allows you to reach trailheads and scenic spots that are not easily accessible by public transport.
Visit Nearby Attractions. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as Empire Mine State Historic Park, Nevada City, and the Yuba River. These destinations offer unique experiences and are just a short drive away.
Before renting a car in Grass Valley, be aware of the rules, minimum age, necessary license, insurance, mileage, and deposit policies. Additional costs may apply for specific extras or young drivers.
Area
5.97 square miles
Population
Approximately 13,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring the surrounding area
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM)
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Grass Valley require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
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 & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) may be available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during these months.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose a car that fits your needs, and carefully review the rental terms. Book early, especially during the peak season. Don’t forget your driver's license, a valid credit card, and ID when you collect the car.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the surrounding areas.
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, particularly during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Grass Valley offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Knowing local traffic rules, parking, and fuel options is essential, especially if you're renting a car to venture beyond the town center.
Grass Valley, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is rich in Gold Rush history and scenic landscapes. While the city is compact and walkable, a rental car is a practical option for exploring the surrounding areas. Driving within Grass Valley is generally straightforward, but it’s important to be aware of local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Explore one of California’s oldest and richest gold mines.
Downtown Grass Valley
Discover unique shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks.
Nevada County Fairgrounds
Attend local events and fairs.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use local parking garages for secure options in the downtown area.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking meters and time limits in the city center.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the main areas and using public transport to access central locations.
Gas Stations in Grass Valley
Major Brands Available
Find Chevron, Shell, and other major brands along highways and main roads.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are readily available throughout Grass Valley and surrounding areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or other navigation apps to locate nearby fuel stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Grass Valley
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) when roads can be congested.
Watch for Pedestrians
Stay alert for pedestrians, especially in the downtown area.
Explore Local Events
Check local event listings for festivals, fairs, and other activities.
Respect Local Regulations
Adhere to local traffic laws and parking regulations to avoid fines.
Airports
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Located approximately 70 miles southwest of Grass Valley, it is the nearest major airport.
Bus Stations
Grass Valley Transit Center
Provides local bus services within Grass Valley and connections to surrounding areas.
Renting a car in the United States is generally straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before you hit the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the US, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
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 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 for international renters.
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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 Grass Valley 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 Jones
Reviewed: 11.11.2024
Peaceful, good drives
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 27.07.2025
Charming town, perfect for a weekend escape! So much to see and do, easy to get around.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Absolutely loved exploring Grass Valley! The scenery was breathtaking, and having a car made it simple to discover all the hidden gems. We'll be back!
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 06.10.2024
Kinda sleepy; overpriced coffee
David Lee
Reviewed: 27.01.2025
Grass Valley was a pleasant stop on our road trip. Exploring the town was easy, though the selection at the local bookstore was a little underwhelming. Otherwise, a nice experience.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 05.12.2024
Scenic drive through Grass Valley! Charming town, easy to navigate. Great stop on our road trip.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 01.01.2025
Low-key, pretty chill
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
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Grass Valley was lovely for a weekend getaway! Having a rental car made exploring so easy. The downtown area was charming, but the selection at the Saturday farmer's market was a bit smaller than I expected. Would definitely return.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 19.03.2025