Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Redwood City
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Redwood City
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Redwood City
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Redwood City
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 Redwood City 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.
Summer in Redwood City was perfect; easy access with my rental.
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.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 05.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually.
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.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 29.07.2025
Redwood City charmed, though the library was surprisingly small. Renting a car was a breeze.
Jessica Martinez
Reviewed: 24.09.2024
Pleasant enough, really.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 18.08.2024
Meh. Kinda pricey.
Oliver King
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Pretty chill place
Maya Davis
Reviewed: 01.01.2025
Pretty laid-back, honestly.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Pretty low-key, really
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
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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.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 05.02.2025