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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in San Mateo
San Mateo
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San Mateo
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San Mateo
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San Mateo
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 San Mateo?
San Mateo, California, offers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for exploration. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to discover everything this region has to offer.
Explore the Peninsula at Your Own Pace. San Mateo is centrally located on the San Francisco Peninsula, providing easy access to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley. A rental car allows you to effortlessly explore the tech hubs, scenic coastal routes, and redwood forests at your own speed.
Visit Local Attractions with Ease. From the Japanese Garden to Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo boasts numerous attractions that are more easily accessible with a car. You can pack a picnic, bring your gear, and enjoy these spots without the constraints of public transport schedules.
Day Trips to Nearby Cities. San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Monterey are all within a comfortable driving distance from San Mateo. Renting a car makes day trips convenient, letting you explore these iconic destinations without the hassle of coordinating multiple modes of transportation.
Rental Terms and Conditions in San Mateo
Before booking a rental car in San Mateo, it's essential to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Be sure to check the fine print regarding age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential fees.
Area
Approximately 15.3 square miles
Population
Around 105,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Business and leisure travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in San Mateo require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, renters under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLI) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so be sure to understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for services such as adding extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional add-ons like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in San Mateo – How Much Does It Cost?
Understanding car rental prices in San Mateo can help you plan your budget effectively. Prices vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental duration.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
7 Seater:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £36 / $45 / €41 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand due to summer vacations, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts as demand decreases after the holiday season
Car rental prices in San Mateo are influenced by seasonal demand. Understanding these trends can help you secure the best deals.
How to Book a Car in San Mateo?
Booking a car in San Mateo involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best offers from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's an economy car for solo travel or an SUV for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and guarantee vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and confirmation voucher when picking up your rental car.
General Information About San Mateo
San Mateo is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes. Navigating the city by car requires some awareness of local traffic conditions and regulations.
Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, San Mateo offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural attractions. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the surrounding areas, including Silicon Valley, the Pacific Coast Highway, and nearby state parks. However, driving within San Mateo requires familiarity with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Japanese Garden
A serene and beautifully landscaped garden offering a peaceful retreat.
Coyote Point Recreation Area
A waterfront park with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
Hiller Aviation Museum
An aviation museum showcasing the history of flight with interactive exhibits.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize parking garages downtown for convenient and secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be mindful of time limits and parking restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid downtown traffic and parking fees.
Gas Stations in San Mateo
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands such as Chevron, Shell, and Mobil.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are conveniently located throughout the city, particularly along major thoroughfares.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting San Mateo
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in downtown areas and near parks.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak rush hours (7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM) when traffic congestion is heavy.
Use Contactless Payment
Many parking meters and businesses accept contactless payment methods for convenience.
Check Local Traffic Laws
Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and speed limits to ensure safe driving.
Key Transportation Hubs in San Mateo
Major Bus Stations
San Mateo Transit Center
Serves as a central hub for local and regional bus services, connecting San Mateo to surrounding areas.
Railway Stations
San Mateo Caltrain Station
Provides commuter rail service along the San Francisco Peninsula, connecting San Mateo to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
Airports
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located approximately 12 miles north of San Mateo, SFO is the closest major airport, serving both domestic and international flights.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located approximately 30 miles northeast of San Mateo, OAK offers a range of domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in San Mateo?
Renting a car in San Mateo requires a few essential documents and qualifications to ensure a smooth and compliant rental experience.
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 rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is necessary for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies may only accept credit cards for the deposit.
A passport or other valid form of identification may be required for international renters to verify their identity.
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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 San Mateo 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.
Chill vibe, good drives
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 21.06.2025
Pretty chill, easy going.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 06.07.2025
San Mateo lived up to the hype, though the Japanese restaurant we tried was a bit underwhelming. Exploring with a rental car was perfect!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Great stop on our road trip! San Mateo was easy to navigate, and having a car made exploring the area a breeze. We loved the parks and the overall pleasant atmosphere.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 27.03.2025
I'd heard great things about San Mateo, and it totally lived up to the hype! Exploring with our rental car was a breeze; so convenient and enjoyable.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Pretty mellow, I guess.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Low-key, pleasant enough
David Lee
Reviewed: 14.03.2025