Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Martinez
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Martinez
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Martinez
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Martinez
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
Martinez, California, offers a blend of historical charm and modern attractions, making it an ideal destination to explore by car. While public transportation is available, a rental car provides the freedom and flexibility to discover everything this vibrant city and its surrounding areas have to offer.
Explore Local Attractions. A car allows you to easily visit popular spots like the John Muir National Historic Site, the Martinez waterfront, and the numerous parks and recreational areas in Contra Costa County.
Day Trips to Nearby Destinations. With a rental car, you can take scenic drives to nearby cities such as Walnut Creek, Concord, and even San Francisco, expanding your exploration beyond Martinez.
Convenience for Families and Groups. Traveling with family or a group is much simpler and more comfortable with a rental car, providing ample space for luggage and flexibility in scheduling.
Before renting a car in Martinez, be sure to familiarize yourself with the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age requirements, licensing stipulations, insurance options, and fuel policies. Understanding these details ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
13.01 square miles (33.7 km²)
Population
Approximately 38,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Sightseeing and regional 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 Martinez require drivers to be at least 21 years old. 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 an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others restricting the number of miles allowed. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options such as GPS navigation, child seats, additional drivers, and one-way rentals.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often sees discounted rates, making it a budget-friendly time to rent.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a rental car in Martinez involves a few straightforward steps to ensure a smooth and satisfactory experience. From comparing prices to understanding rental terms, here’s a guide to help you through the process.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Martinez.
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 family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid any surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car from the designated location.
Martinez is a charming city with a rich history and various attractions. Having a car allows you to explore not only the city but also the surrounding areas at your own pace. Be aware of local traffic regulations and parking options to ensure a smooth driving experience.
Martinez offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, scenic waterfront views, and access to regional parks. While compact, having a vehicle greatly enhances your ability to explore beyond the downtown area. Consider traffic patterns and parking availability, particularly during peak hours, to maximize your enjoyment.
Top Attractions to Discover
John Muir National Historic Site
Preserving the home and legacy of the famous naturalist, John Muir.
Martinez Waterfront
Offering scenic views, walking paths, and recreational opportunities along the Carquinez Strait.
Briones Regional Park
Providing extensive hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Located in the downtown area, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Available but can be limited, especially during business hours. Check posted signs for time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located near major transit hubs to avoid downtown traffic.
Gas Stations in Martinez
Major Brands
Find stations from major brands such as Chevron, Shell, and 76 in and around Martinez.
Location
Most gas stations are conveniently located along main roads and highways.
Payment
Most stations accept both credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Martinez
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush-hour traffic, especially on weekdays.
Check for Events
Check local event calendars for potential road closures or increased traffic.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilize GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and navigation.
Explore Beyond Downtown
Take advantage of your rental car to explore the surrounding areas and regional parks.
Major Bus Stations
County Connection Bus Transfer Station
Serves as a hub for local bus routes throughout Contra Costa County.
Railway Stations
Martinez Amtrak Station
Provides rail service to various destinations throughout California and beyond.
Airports
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located approximately 35 miles southwest of Martinez, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Situated about 45 miles southwest of Martinez, providing extensive global flight options.
Renting a car in Martinez is generally a straightforward process, but ensuring you have the necessary documents and meet the requirements will make it even smoother. Here's what you'll need:
A current, valid driver’s license is essential. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card for the deposit.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required, especially for international renters.
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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 Martinez 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.
Charming Martinez! Getting a car there was a breeze, making it easy to explore all the hidden gems.
David Lee
Reviewed: 29.04.2025
Low-key, kinda chill
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
Relaxing, good vibes
Ashley Brown
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
Such a lovely visit! Meeting friends in Martinez was effortless, thanks to having a car. We explored the waterfront and enjoyed some delicious local food.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 08.07.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 23.07.2025
Family vacation in Martinez was perfect! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful area.
Karen Wilson
Reviewed: 27.02.2025
Back in Martinez after ages! So much has changed, yet it still feels like home. Having a car made exploring so easy.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 20.09.2024
Martinez felt familiar yet different after all these years. Renting a car was a smart move; the town's bakery was sadly closed, though.
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 01.06.2025
Loved exploring Martinez! Having a car made everything so convenient and easy.
Sophia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
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Martinez was even better than I remembered! Returning after so many years, exploring with the freedom of a rental car made it perfect. So much to see, and the local spots were charming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 08.07.2025