Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in California with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in California?
You should book your car hire in California around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in California?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Yesaway (R26,46/day), Budget (R35,05/day), and Sixt (R41,66/day).
What is the most popular car to hire in California?
Hires in the Small category (Kia K4 or similar) are the most popular option in California, costing R915/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R707/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in California?
The cheapest month to hire a car in California is January at an average cost of R745/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in California when prices are R1 033/day on average, which tends to be 1 742% above the yearly average hire price for California.
Which car hire company in California has the most locations?
Avis operates 56 locations in California, more than any other car hire company.
California car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in California by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
R573 - R925
All Car Types
R933 - R1 336
How much does it cost to hire a small car in California?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in California?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in California?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in California?
How much does it cost to hire a van in California?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in California?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in California?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in California?
Small car hire in California typically costs around R781 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R573 per day, which is about 27% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 34% cheaper than the average car hire in California, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in California typically costs around R1 154 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R874 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 3% cheaper than the average car hire in California, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in California typically cost around R1 073 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R849 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 9% cheaper than the average car hire in California, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in California typically costs around R1 178 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R957 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. SUVs are usually the same price as an average car hire in California.
Van hire in California typically costs around R1 694 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 363 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 31% more expensive than the average car hire in California but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in California typically costs around R986 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R633 per day, which is about 36% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 17% cheaper than the average car hire in California, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in California typically costs around R1 339 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 087 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 13% more expensive than the average car hire in California but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in California typically costs around R1 431 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 217 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 18% more expensive than the average car hire in California but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Budget
Small
R992/day
R819/day
Top tips for hiring a car in California
All car hirers in California are required to produce a valid driver's licence with an expiration date that does not fall within the present hire period. You can also hire a car even if you don't have a licence issued by the US government. All you need to do is present a passport and either an international licence or your licence from Australia.
When two cars meet on a steep road and neither can pass, the car facing downhill is required to back up to let the other pass, since when backing up a slope, the car that is facing downhill has more control. When it comes to stop signs in California, they are more frequent than traffic lights. All motorists must come to a full stop at any stop sign.
If your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or more, you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle in California. Also, you are only allowed to operate a cellphone while driving if you’re using a hands-free device or when you need to call for assistance in an emergency.
25% of our users found a car hire in California for R819 or less
Small hire cars in California are around 34% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in California
How much does it cost to hire a car in California?
On average a car hire in California costs R992 per day.
How can I find car hires near me in California?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
Where should I hire a car in California?
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in California are Los Angeles (47% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in California), San Francisco (35%) and San Diego (6%).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in California?
On average a car hire in California costs R6 942 per week (R992 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in California?
On average a car hire in California costs R29 750 per month (R992 per day).
Should I hire a car in California?
Given that California is quite large with numerous sprawling cities, hiring a car is a practical and economical way to get around the area. Even though the majority of large cities have their own public transportation networks, driving is still often faster and easier. Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego are a few cities in California that are best navigated with a vehicle. Having access to your own car can also come in handy, especially if you plan on visiting a more rural city or taking a road trip.
What is driving like in California?
California is typically warm and sunny. However, it’s at times rainy, which is a critical time to drive yourself around. When it's raining, go at a slower speed and make sure to utilise your windscreen wipers and headlights. Also, ensure that you have the appropriate tyre chains for your hire car's tyres if you plan to drive in the snow during winter. Try to stay in the right lane whenever you are on a road or freeway with numerous lanes, unless when overtaking. Remember that a left turn from one one-way street to another one-way street can only be made when the signal is red. Unless it’s clearly banned, you can usually turn right at a red light after stopping completely and checking for approaching traffic. You have to pre-pay for your petrol in California. If you are using a credit card, you’ll need to swipe your card at the pump to activate the pump. You’ll also be required to provide your postal code to prevent credit card fraud.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in California?
Most car hire companies require that you be at least 21 years old in order to hire a vehicle in California. If you’re between the ages of 21 and 24 and need to hire a car, you’ll likely pay a young hirer fee and may only be allowed to hire certain classes of vehicles.
Car hire directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in California
176 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in California
115 Locations
Avis car hire locations in California
86 Locations
Budget car hire locations in California
82 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in California
72 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in California
71 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in California
29 Locations
Midway car hire locations in California
23 Locations
Eagle Rent A Car car hire locations in California
21 Locations
National car hire locations in California
21 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in California
18 Locations
Alamo car hire locations in California
17 Locations
Car hire locations in California
Everything you need to know for your car hire in California
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