Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Hayward
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Hayward
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Hayward
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Hayward
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
Hayward, California, offers a blend of urban and natural attractions, making a rental car an ideal choice for exploring the area. While public transportation is available, a car provides the flexibility to visit attractions at your own pace and venture beyond the city center.
Explore Regional Parks: Hayward is close to several regional parks like Garin Regional Park and Don Castro Regional Recreation Area. Having a rental car allows you to easily access these natural spaces for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Visit the Hayward Shoreline: The Hayward shoreline offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. With a rental car, you can conveniently drive along the coast, stop at various viewpoints, and explore the Hayward Regional Shoreline.
Day Trips to Nearby Cities: Hayward's central location makes it easy to take day trips to San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area cities. A rental car provides the freedom to explore these diverse destinations without relying on public transportation schedules.
When renting a car in Hayward, it's important to be aware of the standard terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other potential fees.
Area
63.5 square miles (164 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 162,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Exploring the Bay Area at your own pace
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during commute hours, especially on weekdays between 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Hayward require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional young driver fees.
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. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLP) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others restricting the number of miles allowed. Fuel policies also differ, with many companies requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car rental prices in Hayward can vary based on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
7 Seater:
from £64 / $80 / €72 per day
Automatic:
from £36 / $45 / €41 per day
SUV:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer travel.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the winter months.
Prices for rental cars in Hayward fluctuate based on the time of year and demand.
Booking a rental car in Hayward is a simple process. Follow these steps to secure your vehicle.
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 - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documentation when you pick up your rental car.
Hayward is a city in Alameda County, California, located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for its diverse community and access to both urban and natural amenities, Hayward offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.
Hayward is conveniently located near major highways, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas. However, it's important to be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Hayward Japanese Gardens
A serene and beautiful garden featuring traditional Japanese landscaping.
Hayward Regional Shoreline
A scenic area offering trails, wildlife viewing, and access to the San Francisco Bay.
Downtown Hayward
Home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in downtown Hayward.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available throughout the city.
Park & Ride
Park & Ride lots are available for commuters using public transportation.
Gas Stations in Hayward
Major Brands
You can find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Valero in Hayward.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are conveniently located along major roads and highways.
Fuel Prices
Fuel prices can vary, so it's a good idea to compare prices before filling up.
Useful Tips for Visiting Hayward
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush hour traffic, especially on weekdays.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.
Check Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking regulations and time limits to avoid tickets.
Explore Local Eateries
Sample the diverse culinary offerings in Hayward.
Major Bus Stations
Hayward BART Station
Serves as a major hub for AC Transit and other bus lines.
Railway Stations
Hayward Amtrak Station
Provides limited Amtrak service to other cities.
South Hayward BART Station
Located in the southern part of the city, offering access to BART services.
Airports
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located approximately 15 miles northwest of Hayward, offering domestic and international flights.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Hayward, serving as a major international hub.
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Located approximately 35 miles south of Hayward, providing additional flight options.
To rent a car in Hayward, you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide necessary documentation.
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. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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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 Hayward 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.
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Hayward surprised me! Exploring with my car was so easy and fun. Loved the local feel.
Evelyn Lee
Reviewed: 17.05.2025
Low-key, kinda fun
Ben Davis
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Meh. Kinda bland.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Great stop on our road trip! Having a car made getting around Hayward so easy. Enjoyed exploring the area.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 07.12.2024
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Hayward was a breeze! Cruising around in my rental, I found some great local spots. So convenient and enjoyable!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 05.08.2025