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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Oakland
Oakland
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Oakland
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Oakland
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Oakland
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 Oakland?
Oakland, California, is a vibrant city with a diverse cultural scene, delicious food, and stunning natural landscapes. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the ultimate flexibility to explore all that Oakland and the surrounding Bay Area have to offer.
Explore Beyond the City. Oakland is a gateway to incredible destinations like Napa Valley, Muir Woods, and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. A rental car allows you to easily embark on day trips and weekend adventures.
Visit Diverse Neighborhoods. Oakland's unique neighborhoods, from Jack London Square to Temescal, are spread out. A car makes it easy to experience the distinct character of each area.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities. With a rental car, you can easily access Oakland's numerous parks, hiking trails, and waterfront activities. Pack your gear and head to Redwood Regional Park or Lake Merritt.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Oakland
Before booking a rental car in Oakland, familiarize yourself with the rental terms and conditions. Key aspects include age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential fees.
Area
Approximately 78 square miles
Population
Approximately 440,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
City exploration and regional travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Oakland 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. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Oakland – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Seasonal Trends
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 the off-season.
*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 Oakland?
Booking a car in Oakland involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.
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 travel needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Booking early can often secure lower prices, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental.
General Information About Oakland
Oakland is a diverse city with a rich cultural history and a thriving arts scene. Navigating Oakland by car requires an understanding of local traffic laws and parking regulations.
As a major city in the Bay Area, Oakland offers a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. While Oakland has public transport, renting a car is useful for trips outside the city center. Driving in Oakland requires caution, as parking can be limited, and traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Top Attractions to Discover
Jack London Square
A waterfront district with restaurants, shops, and historic landmarks.
Lake Merritt
A large tidal lagoon offering scenic walks, boating, and picnicking.
Oakland Museum of California
A museum showcasing California art, history, and natural sciences.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Numerous garages offer hourly and daily rates, providing secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but time limits and rates vary.
Park & Ride
Consider using BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) park-and-ride lots for access to downtown Oakland.
Gas Stations in Oakland
Major Brands
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and 76 throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are generally easy to locate, especially along major thoroughfares.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the nearest and cheapest gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Oakland
Plan for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, so plan your trips accordingly.
Be Aware of Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits to avoid tickets.
Consider Public Transportation
BART and AC Transit are viable options for getting around the city.
Explore Different Neighborhoods
Take the time to visit Oakland's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character.
Key Transportation Hubs in Oakland
Major Bus Stations
14th Street & Broadway
A central hub for AC Transit buses serving the East Bay.
Railway Stations
Oakland - Jack London Square Station
Serves Amtrak trains connecting to various destinations.
Oakland Coliseum Station
Provides access to BART and Amtrak services.
Airports
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Oakland, serving domestic and international flights.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located about 20 miles southwest of Oakland, offering a wide range of international and domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Oakland?
Renting a car in Oakland requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth rental experience.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and those under 25 may face additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit and rental charges.
Proof of insurance may be required. Check if your existing auto insurance covers rental cars.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Oakland 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.
Oakland was great for a relaxing coastal getaway. My rental car made exploring easy, though Jack London Square felt a little touristy.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Oakland surprised me! Having a car made getting around so easy. Loved the diverse food scene and vibrant art.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 02.02.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 22.07.2025
Cruising around Oakland was a breeze! Great food, vibrant neighborhoods, and easy parking with my rental.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.10.2024
Busy trip, but Oakland was efficient. Getting around was easy. The museums were underwhelming, though.
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 06.08.2025
Oakland was wonderful! Getting around with a car was so convenient, and the coastal views were breathtaking. Pure relaxation.
Evelyn Brown
Reviewed: 22.02.2025
Oakland was a fantastic stop on our road trip! Exploring with a car was effortless.
Katherine Davis
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
Oakland felt vibrant; the food scene was amazing, but some museums felt a bit dated.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 11.09.2024
Oakland exceeded my expectations! Exploring in my rental car was so freeing and fun.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 04.08.2025
So glad I returned to Oakland after all these years! Having a car made it so easy to revisit old favorites and discover new gems.
Olivia Peterson
Reviewed: 18.08.2024
First time in Oakland, and I loved exploring! So much to see. The Lake Merritt area was a bit crowded, though.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 24.05.2025