Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Salinas - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Salinas
Salinas
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Salinas
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Salinas
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Salinas
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 Salinas?
Salinas is a vibrant coastal city offering a blend of stunning beaches, historical sites, and exciting attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the region at your own pace.
Explore the Monterey Peninsula. A rental car allows you to easily visit nearby attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Discover Scenic Drives. Enjoy the iconic 17-Mile Drive or head south along the Pacific Coast Highway for breathtaking views of the coastline.
Visit Local Wineries. Salinas Valley is renowned for its vineyards. With a car, you can conveniently tour and taste wines at various wineries.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Salinas
Before renting a car in Salinas, be aware of the age requirements, license stipulations, insurance options, and fuel policies. Being informed ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
23.2 square miles (60.1 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 160,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Coastal exploration and wine tasting tours
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.2/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
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 & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank.
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 Salinas – How Much Does It Cost?
Economy-class rentals typically average from £30 / $38 / €36 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Classic:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €60 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €72 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
SUV:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees 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.
How to Book a Car in Salinas?
Book early for the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. 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 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.
General Information About Salinas
Salinas is a key agricultural hub and gateway to the Monterey Peninsula, offering a unique blend of urban and rural experiences. Exploring the city and its surroundings is enhanced by understanding local traffic patterns, parking, and fuel access.
Salinas, located in the heart of California's agricultural region, is known for its rich history and proximity to stunning coastal attractions. While Salinas has local transport options, renting a car provides flexibility, especially for exploring the wider Monterey County. Be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations for a smooth visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
National Steinbeck Center
Explore the life and works of renowned author John Steinbeck.
Oldtown Salinas
A historic district with charming shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Boronda Adobe History Center
A glimpse into the region’s early California history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
City-operated garages offer secure parking in the downtown area.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but time-limited.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city center and using local transport to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Salinas
Major Brands
Find stations from Chevron, Shell, and 76 readily available.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are located throughout the city and along major highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps to locate the nearest gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Salinas
Watch for Agricultural Traffic
Be mindful of farm vehicles on rural roads, especially during harvest season.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 / 16:00–18:00) when roads are often congested.
Check Local Events
Check the city calendar for events that may impact traffic and parking.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially when traveling during the warmer months.
Key Transportation Hubs in Salinas
Major Bus Stations
Salinas Transit Center
Serves as a central hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Salinas Amtrak Station
Provides train services to various destinations along the coast.
Airports
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
Located approximately 20 miles from Salinas, offering regional flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Salinas?
Renting a car in Salinas is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the United States, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries 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
Our Content Quality
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, 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 Salinas 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.
Heard great things about Salinas, and it mostly lived up to the hype. Renting a car was convenient, although the local produce market felt a bit underwhelming.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Charming Salinas! A perfect weekend getaway, exploring was effortless with my rental car.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 18.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Clark
Reviewed: 06.02.2025
Loved my Salinas trip! Seeing friends and exploring with my rental car was so easy and fun.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 28.05.2025
Salinas felt like coming home after all these years! So easy to get around.
Katherine Wilson
Reviewed: 19.11.2024
Salinas felt familiar, like a homecoming after all this time! Exploring was so easy.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 17.12.2024
Salinas was surprisingly charming! Getting around with a car was a breeze; made my quick business trip so much easier.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Quick business trip, having a rental car made things easy. Salinas was efficient, though the hotel breakfast was a bit underwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 22.06.2025