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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Merced
Merced
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Merced
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Merced
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Merced
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 Merced?
Merced, California, nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, offers a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. While public transport is available, renting a car allows you to explore the region at your own pace, unlocking hidden gems and making the most of your visit.
Explore Yosemite National Park: Just a short drive from Merced, Yosemite is a must-see destination. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore its iconic landmarks, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints without being tied to tour schedules.
Discover the Central Valley: Merced serves as a gateway to the agricultural heartland of California. With a car, you can easily visit local farms, wineries, and charming small towns that offer a taste of authentic Californian culture.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, having a rental car provides the flexibility to attend meetings, visit family, or simply explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Merced
Before renting a car in Merced, be aware of the standard rental terms and conditions. These guidelines help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
Approximately 60.4 square kilometers (23.3 square miles)
Population
Approximately 86,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Road trips and exploring nearby attractions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Merced require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers 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 & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage limits. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for add-ons like GPS navigation systems, child seats, or for one-way rentals where the car is returned to a different location.
Car Rental Prices in Merced – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees 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.
How to Book a Car in Merced?
Booking a car in Merced involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rates from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for more space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your car, bring your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documentation.
General Information About Merced
Merced is a growing city with access to Yosemite National Park and other attractions. Driving in Merced is generally straightforward, but understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations is helpful.
As a central location in the San Joaquin Valley, Merced serves as a hub for agriculture and tourism. While Merced has some public transportation options, renting a car is a practical choice for exploring the surrounding area, including Yosemite and other natural attractions. However, driving within Merced requires awareness of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Yosemite National Park
Iconic natural beauty and hiking trails.
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Great for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Castle Air Museum
Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy this impressive collection of aircraft.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city-operated garages for secure parking in the downtown area.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be aware of time limits.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities if you plan to visit Yosemite to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Merced
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Arco.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city and along major highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps can help you locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Merced
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during peak hours to minimize delays.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be aware of pedestrians, especially in the downtown area.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially if traveling during the hot summer months.
Check Weather Conditions
Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially if visiting Yosemite.
Key Transportation Hubs in Merced
Major Bus Stations
Merced Transportation Center
Serves as the primary hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Merced Amtrak Station
Provides rail services to destinations throughout California and beyond.
Airports
Merced Regional Airport (MCE)
Offers limited commercial flights.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Located about 70 miles south, provides a wider range of flight options.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Merced?
Renting a car in Merced requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
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, and additional fees may apply for those under 25.
A credit or debit card is required for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required for verification.
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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 Merced 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.
Heard great things about Merced, and they were right! Exploring with my rental car was effortless and fun.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Loved my Merced trip! Having a car made it easy to see everything I wanted. The scenery was stunning, and I found some great local spots.
Evelyn Jones
Reviewed: 23.09.2024
Merced was a great jumping-off point for my relaxing coastal getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
Merced was a delightful surprise! Exploring with the family and our car was so easy and fun.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 31.12.2024
Merced was perfect! So easy to get around and see my friends. Great time.
Chloe Harris
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
Merced was a perfect spontaneous weekend getaway! Renting a car made exploring so easy and enjoyable.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 08.11.2024
Merced exceeded expectations! Having a car was key; I easily explored the charming downtown and surrounding areas. Beautiful scenery and friendly people.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Merced was efficient for my business trip. Having a car made everything so easy.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 28.06.2025
Merced felt smaller than I remembered. It was easy getting around, though the downtown coffee shop options were limited. Glad I had my car.
Katherine Smith
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
Merced pleasantly surprised me! Cruising around in my rental car, I found charming shops and lovely parks. Highly recommend!
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 15.06.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Family vacation in Merced was fantastic! Getting around with our rental car was so convenient, exploring the area was a breeze.
David Lee
Reviewed: 05.12.2024