Cheap Car Rentals in California from $12

If you want to use car rentals in California, you will need to be at least 21 years old. If you’re between ages 21 and 24 and looking for a cheap car rental in California, keep in mind that until age 25, you’ll be charged a daily fee on top of the cost of your rental vehicle. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license or photo ID which will not expire for the duration of your trip. Current temporary driver’s licenses may be accepted if presented with another government ID. Active U.S. military personnel may present a current military ID with an expired driver’s license as long as the names on both IDs match and they meet the requirements of their state’s military extension policy. If you’re visiting from outside the U.S., besides your country’s driver’s license, you may also be required to bring a passport and International Driver’s Permit. Specific ID requirements vary across different California car rentals, so you’ll want to review these before your trip. Credit or debit card payments will be accepted under most circumstances. If you’re under age 25, some car rentals will require a credit card rather than a debit card.

Familiarity with local driving rules can make your car rentals in California an enjoyable experience. Drivers in the Golden State use the right side of the road. California uses posted speed limits, but it also relies on a Basic Speed Law which requires drivers to travel only as fast as road and weather conditions allow. Near schools or in business and housing areas, the speed limit is 25 mph (40 km/h). Intersections without stop signs and limited visibility in either direction have a speed limit of 15 mph (24 km/h). When near a public transit vehicle such as a trolley or bus, the limit is 10 mph (16 km/h). The speed on undivided two-lane highways is limited to 55 mph (89 km/h), but on interstate highways, the speed limit is as high as 70 mph (112 km/h). Seatbelts are required for all occupants. The state limits alcohol consumption for drivers to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% for those age 21 and older. Please check the Department of Motor Vehicles for changes to these or other driving laws before selecting rental cars in California.

When selecting car rentals in California, you’ll want to be prepared for plenty of driving, as the state is very long. If you plan to spend a great deal of time on the road, select a fuel-efficient car or SUV for your California car rentals. Finding a cheap car rental in California is easy, as there are plenty of options. Choose an electric car rental for city driving with heavy, stop-and-go traffic. Select an economy car rental to reach your destination on a tighter budget. The Golden State’s milder climate and miles of Pacific coastline make travel by convertible an appealing option as well. You’ll find there are enough rental cars in California to suit any preference.

In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $32/day when booking a rental car in California. The best deal a user found was for $8/day from Zoom Rent A Car, booked on Sep. 12.

Turo is a popular option for travelers looking for car rental in California. You can expect the average cost of rental car to be about $397 per week.

Yes, cars are available to be rented out for an entire month in California.

Prices can be as low as $1,701 if you consider booking with Zoom Rent A Car. That price represents savings of 93% compared to the California average. The monthly cost of a car rental in California is on average $1,701 ($57/day).