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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Placerville
Placerville
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Placerville
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Placerville
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Placerville
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 Placerville?
Placerville, California, is a gateway to the historic Gold Country and the stunning Sierra Nevada. While the town itself is walkable, a rental car unlocks the region's full potential.
Explore Gold Country: Placerville is surrounded by historic towns and scenic drives. A car allows you to easily visit places like Coloma (where gold was first discovered) and Sutter's Mill without being tied to tours or public transport.
Access Outdoor Adventures: From hiking and biking trails to fishing and kayaking spots, the Sierra Nevada offers endless outdoor activities. A rental car makes it easy to transport gear and reach trailheads that are not easily accessible by public transportation.
Convenience for Families: Traveling with kids or a group? A rental car provides the space and flexibility you need to comfortably explore the region, carrying luggage, snacks, and everyone together.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Placerville
Before booking a rental car in Placerville, understand the rental terms. Meeting the minimum age, having a valid license, and understanding insurance and deposit policies are essential. Additional fees may apply for extras.
Area
15 square kilometers (5.8 square miles)
Population
Approximately 10,700 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring Gold Country
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during commute times, 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Placerville require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
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. A passport may also be required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—returning the car with a full tank avoids extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Placerville – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £11 / $14 / €12 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer tourism.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the winter months.
*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 Placerville?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
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 mountains.
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, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Placerville
Placerville is rich in Gold Rush history. Ideal for exploring the surrounding Sierra Nevada, it's best experienced with knowledge of local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access.
As a gateway to the Gold Country, Placerville offers historic landmarks and outdoor activities. While Placerville is relatively small, renting a car is practical if you plan to explore beyond the town to places like Apple Hill, wineries, or hiking trails. Driving within Placerville is generally easy, but it’s important to be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Historic Main Street
A charming street with Gold Rush-era buildings, shops, and restaurants.
Hangtown's Gold Bug Park & Mine
Explore a real gold mine and learn about the area’s mining history.
Apple Hill
A collection of apple orchards and farms offering fresh produce, baked goods, and family-friendly activities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Lots
Several public parking lots are available downtown, typically free of charge.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on Main Street, with time limits.
Parking Garages
There are no parking garages in Placerville.
Gas Stations in Placerville
Availability
Several gas stations are located along Highway 50 and throughout town.
Major Brands
Look for Chevron, Shell, and Valero stations.
Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Placerville
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be heavy during peak tourist seasons, especially in the fall during Apple Hill season.
Check Local Events
Placerville hosts various events throughout the year, which can impact traffic and parking.
Be Aware of Wildlife
Deer and other wildlife are common in the surrounding areas, so drive cautiously.
Use GPS
Navigation apps can help you find the best routes and avoid traffic delays.
Key Transportation Hubs in Placerville
Airports
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Placerville, it is the closest major airport.
Bus Stations
El Dorado Transit
Provides local bus services throughout El Dorado County, including Placerville.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Placerville?
Renting a car in California is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet key requirements before driving. Here’s what you need.
If you're from the US, your standard license is sufficient. International visitors 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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Placerville 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.
Placerville was a great jumping-off point! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy. Relaxing getaway.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
It was wonderful revisiting Placerville after all these years! Having a car made getting around so convenient, and I explored so much more than I ever could have before.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 16.11.2024
Loved my quick Placerville trip! Getting around with a rental was a breeze, and catching up with friends was perfect.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Charming weekend getaway! Having a car made everything so convenient. Loved exploring the area.
David Lee
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Such a peaceful escape! Placerville was the perfect base; having a car let me easily explore the stunning nearby coastline and relax completely.
Christopher Garcia
Reviewed: 28.05.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Placerville was delightful! Exploring the area with a car was so convenient and made the trip perfect.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.09.2024
Low-key lovely place
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Pretty chill, actually
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 22.11.2024