Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Riverside
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Riverside
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Riverside
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Riverside
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
Riverside is a vibrant city with numerous attractions and points of interest. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience to explore at your own pace.
Explore Hidden Gems. A rental car allows you to discover Riverside’s lesser-known attractions, scenic routes, and surrounding areas that are not easily accessible by public transport.
Convenience and Comfort. If you are traveling with family, or have specific needs, a car rental ensures a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.
Time Efficiency. Maximize your time by traveling directly to your destinations without waiting for buses or trains.
Before renting a car in Riverside, ensure you meet all requirements and understand the rental terms. Key considerations include age limits, license requirements, insurance, and deposit policies.
Area
Approximately 211 square kilometers
Population
Around 330,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring the Inland Empire
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Riverside require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements vary; some offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with the same fuel level as when rented.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges can apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
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
Peak season (June to August): Expect 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.
Follow these steps to efficiently book a car in Riverside. Ensure all requirements are met and rental conditions are understood to avoid any issues.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your 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 longer trips.
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.
Riverside blends a rich history with modern amenities, making it an ideal location to explore. Understanding traffic rules, parking, and local customs will enhance your experience, especially if you are renting a car.
As the birthplace of California’s citrus industry, Riverside offers a unique mix of cultural attractions, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods. While Riverside has public transport options, a car rental is beneficial for exploring areas beyond the city center. Be aware of local traffic regulations, parking constraints, and peak congestion times to ensure a smooth driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
A National Historic Landmark renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Mount Rubidoux Memorial Park
Offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the city.
Riverside Art Museum
Features a diverse collection of regional and international art.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize city-owned garages or private facilities for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city center and using public transport to reach downtown Riverside.
Gas Stations in Riverside
Wide Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Riverside and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Find major fuel brands like Chevron, Shell, and ARCO along main roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Riverside
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM / 4:00 PM–6:00 PM) to minimize traffic congestion.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas and near parks.
Check Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs and regulations to avoid fines and towing.
Use Navigation Apps
Employ navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.
Airports
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Located approximately 18 miles west of Riverside, offering domestic and international flights.
Railway Stations
Riverside-Downtown Station
Served by Metrolink, providing commuter rail services to Los Angeles and other regional destinations.
Bus Stations
Riverside Transit Agency (RTA)
The main provider of public bus services in Riverside and the surrounding area.
Renting a car in Riverside is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A card in the primary driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some rental agencies might prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other government-issued ID might be needed for international renters.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 Riverside 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.
Riverside surprised me! So easy to explore by car.
David Lee
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Pretty chill, vibe
Mike Chen
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Pretty low-key
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 07.05.2025
Riverside was delightful! Cruising around in my car was so convenient, exploring all the hidden gems.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 27.12.2024
Peaceful Riverside getaway! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy. Highly recommend.
Grace Bennett
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Heard great things about Riverside, and they were right! Exploring by car was a breeze.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 16.03.2025
Exploring Riverside was fun; I zipped around easily in my rental. The Mission Inn was gorgeous, though the gift shop felt a bit overpriced.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 03.09.2024
Such a pleasant drive through Riverside! Having a car made exploring so much easier. We'll be back.
Ashley Wilson
Reviewed: 28.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, easy.
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
Pretty chill place
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 24.12.2024
Loved my quick Riverside trip! Getting around with my rental was effortless, and catching up with friends was perfect.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 17.11.2024
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Great stop on our road trip! Riverside was charming, easy to navigate with our rental.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 27.01.2025