Manage booking

Free cancellation
Best price guarantee
No hidden fees
24/7 multilingual support

Car rental in Redwood City - Search, Compare, and Save

Free cancellation
No hidden fees

Pick-up location

Pick-up date

Drop-off date

AvatarsRate

4.67/5

Reviews from 1300+ people

Excellent

Rate
star

Trustpilot

Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Redwood City

Redwood City

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Redwood City

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Redwood City

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Redwood City

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Redwood City?

Redwood City is a vibrant area with diverse attractions and scenic routes. Renting a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, reaching locations public transportation might miss.

Explore Scenic Routes. Redwood City is near the Pacific Coast Highway and the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering scenic drives that are best experienced with a rental car.

Visit Nearby Attractions. A rental car allows convenient access to attractions like Filoli Historic House & Garden, Half Moon Bay, and Stanford University.

Flexibility for Business. If you're visiting for business, a rental car ensures you can attend meetings and visit clients without relying on taxis or ride-sharing services.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Redwood City

Before renting a car in Redwood City, be aware of the local rental terms. These include age requirements, license stipulations, insurance needs, and deposit policies. Understanding these will ensure a hassle-free rental experience.

Area

Approximately 34.7 square miles

Population

Approximately 85,000 residents

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8

Ideal for

Exploring the Bay Area and beyond

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Redwood City require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional 'young driver' fees.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in conjunction with their home country license.

3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required, held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when rented.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS navigation systems and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Redwood City – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £24 / $30 / €27 per day

Classic:

from £20 / $25 / €22 per day

Executive:

from £56 / $70 / €63 per day

7 Seater:

from £64 / $80 / €72 per day

Automatic:

from £32 / $40 / €36 per day

SUV:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand with prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Often comes 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 Redwood City?

To book a car in Redwood City, compare prices, select the right vehicle, and carefully review the rental terms. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that meets your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements before finalizing your booking.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking well in advance, particularly during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Redwood City

Redwood City offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Renting a car allows you to easily navigate the area and explore nearby locations.

Redwood City is a dynamic city in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, offering a blend of technological innovation and historical charm. As a central location, it provides easy access to both bustling city life and serene natural landscapes. While Redwood City has local transit options, a rental car provides the most flexibility for reaching surrounding attractions, such as the coastal areas and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Driving in Redwood City requires awareness of local traffic patterns and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Filoli Historic House & Garden

    A stunning estate with beautiful gardens and a historic mansion.

  • Downtown Redwood City

    A vibrant area with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

  • Pulgas Water Temple

    An architectural landmark commemorating the water supply to San Francisco.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several parking garages are available downtown, offering hourly and daily rates.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available on many streets, but be aware of time limits and street cleaning schedules.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using Caltrain and parking at a station further from the city center.

Gas Stations in Redwood City

  • Major Brands Available

    Gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Mobil are easily accessible.

  • Convenient Locations

    Find gas stations along El Camino Real and Woodside Road.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Apps like Google Maps can help locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.

Useful Tips for Visiting Redwood City

  • Be Aware of Rush Hour

    Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening commute times.

  • Check Parking Regulations

    Pay attention to parking signs to avoid tickets or towing.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Utilize apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and directions.

  • Plan for Weather Changes

    The Bay Area weather can change quickly, so be prepared for varying conditions.

Key Transportation Hubs in Redwood City

Major Bus Stations

Redwood City Transit Center

Serves as a central hub for SamTrans buses, connecting to various parts of San Mateo County.

Railway Stations

Redwood City Caltrain Station

Provides commuter rail service along the Peninsula, connecting San Francisco and San Jose.

Airports

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Located approximately 16 miles north of Redwood City, offering numerous domestic and international flights.

San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)

Situated about 25 miles south of Redwood City, serving various domestic and international destinations.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Redwood City?

To rent a car in Redwood City, you’ll need to meet several requirements, including having a valid driver's license, being of the minimum age, and providing a credit or debit card for the security deposit.

  • A valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may charge additional fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.

  • A passport or other form of photo identification may be required, especially for international renters.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

FacebookInstagramWeb site

Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Redwood City as

4.3

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.

Redwood City was lovely! Having a rental car made getting around so easy. The downtown area was charming, though I did find the selection of cafes a bit limited. Overall, a pleasant trip.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 05.02.2025

Summer in Redwood City was perfect; easy access with my rental.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 19.07.2025

Exploring Redwood City this summer was a breeze! So much to see, and having a car made it perfect.

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 05.03.2025

Pretty chill vibe

KL

Kai Lee

Reviewed: 18.08.2025

Pretty relaxed, actually.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 14.03.2025

Redwood City was fantastic! So much has changed since my last visit, and having a car made exploring effortless.

DW

David Wilson

Reviewed: 29.07.2025

Redwood City charmed, though the library was surprisingly small. Renting a car was a breeze.

JM

Jessica Martinez

Reviewed: 24.09.2024

Pleasant enough, really.

AW

Ava Wilson

Reviewed: 18.08.2024

Meh. Kinda pricey.

OK

Oliver King

Reviewed: 26.08.2024

Pretty chill place

MD

Maya Davis

Reviewed: 01.01.2025

Pretty laid-back, honestly.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 09.01.2025

Pretty low-key, really

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 13.01.2025

VisaMastercardAmexPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay
LinkedinInstagramFacebook

© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.