Arcata car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

Save up to 40% on car rentals. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, agency and more to find your best car rental.

Cheap car hire in Arcata

Medium car
Medium
Luxury car
Luxury
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Arcata car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Arcata with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Arcata?

You should book your car hire in Arcata around 77 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Arcata?

Hires in the SUV category (Hyundai Venue or similar) are the most popular option in Arcata, costing R1 350/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R933/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Arcata?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Arcata is January at an average cost of R772/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Arcata when prices are R1 264/day on average, which tends to be 20% above the yearly average hire price for Arcata.

Which car hire company in Arcata has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 2 locations in Arcata, more than any other car hire company.

Arcata car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Arcata by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

R582 - R1 149

All Car Types

R1 037 - R1 405

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Arcata?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Arcata?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Arcata?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Arcata?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Arcata?

Small car hire in Arcata typically costs around R937 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average R582 per day, which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 24% cheaper than the average car hire in Arcata, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Arcata typically costs around R1 057 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R894 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 15% cheaper than the average car hire in Arcata, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Arcata typically cost around R1 096 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R771 per day, which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 12% cheaper than the average car hire in Arcata, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in Arcata typically costs around R1 353 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 202 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 9% more expensive than the average car hire in Arcata but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Arcata typically costs around R1 825 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R1 280 per day, which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 33% more expensive than the average car hire in Arcata but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Medium

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Arcata

  • Car rentals in Arcata are the best choice when you are new to the city and want to explore it. With them, you can visit places that are not covered by public transport systems, save cash by avoiding costly cab rides and spend as much time as you want exploring without worrying about missing the train or bus. If you visit Arcata in the summer, enjoy a baseball game at the Arcata Ballpark, home to a collegiate team called the Humboldt Crabs. You can find the game schedule on the team’s website and buy your tickets online.
  • When flying to Arcata, you will likely land at Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV). The airport is 12.5 km or 8 miles from the city center. There are quite a few car rental companies at the airport, including Budget, Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget Avis, and National. The car rental facility at Arcata-Eureka Airport is at the arrival gate at the terminal’s north end.
  • Arcata is considered a relatively walkable place. As such, you will come across many pedestrians in the town. When driving, be careful to avoid deadly accidents and always be vigilant because pedestrians can jump in front of your car seemingly from nowhere. There are also several cycling trails that can make driving Arcata car rentals difficult. Be keen around cyclists and always use your signals clearly and early to make all road users aware of your intentions.
  • Though driving car rentals in Arcata is relatively easy because drivers are careful and the roads are in good condition, rush hour traffic can dampen your mood. The rush hour is from 7 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 7 pm. The traffic is concentrated on major highways, so you can use other routes to avoid it. The highways that connect Arcata to the areas outside Humboldt County comprise long, winding two-lane segments that transverse river canyons and remote mountains. These roads are prone to extensive wind and rain storms, so be careful when using them.
  • Medium hire cars in Arcata are around 42% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Arcata

  • How can I find car hires near me in Arcata?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Medium car hire cost in Arcata?

    A Medium car hire in Arcata costs R1 038 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Small car hire cost in Arcata?

    A Small car hire in Arcata costs R1 399 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Arcata?

    Most people renting a car in Arcata opt for an intermediate car. This accommodates up to five passengers with four bags and the majority of these vehicles are the SUVs. However, your choice from car rentals in Arcata depends on the size of your travel group, your amount of luggage, and the places you want to visit. For instance, if you are traveling with one or two people carrying two bags and plan to visit places near the city center, an economy car is the best.

  • What is the speed limit in Arcata?

    When driving within 500-1000 feet of a school, the speed limit is 25mph though some school zones have limits of 15mph. The speed limit when driving within 100 feet of a rail crossing is 15mph. In two-lane undivided highways, do not exceed 55mph, while on interstates or highways, you can drive at 65-70mph. The maximum allowed speed for vehicles towing trailers in Arcata is 55mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Arcata?

    Be ready to pay for parking unless you park at your hotel or a business that offers its clients free parking for a specified timeframe. Parking near the Humboldt State University campus and downtown Arcata is in high demand, so park elsewhere when possible. There is a four-hour parking lot on the corner of F and 8th Street and an 8-hour lot on the corner of G and 7th Street. Metered parking zones in most places operate from 7 am to 5 pm. the parking rates are indicated on the meters.

Arcata car rental reviews and directory

 

Dollar

5,3

Fair

One location in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

530 B. Street

+1 707 269 0290

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5,2

Fair

One location in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

530 B. Street

+1 707 269 0290

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4,5

Mediocre

Cleanliness

5.2

Comfort

5.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.5

Value for money

5.1

One location in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

Arcata-Eureka Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

2 locations in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

110 5th Street

+1 707 443 3366

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday

3561 Boeing Ave

+1 707 839 4937

Monday12:00 - 20:00
Tuesday12:00 - 20:00
Wednesday12:00 - 20:00
Thursday12:00 - 20:00
Friday12:00 - 20:00
Saturday12:00 - 20:00
Sunday12:00 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2026

Economy

KAYAK
The staff were wonderful and polite and helpful.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Standard

KAYAK
The absolute rudest counter person I've ever met. Apparently she is bothered by coming to work.

1 out of 2

Hertz

No score available yet

2 locations in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

3561 Boeing Avenue

+1 707 839 2172

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

530 B. Street

+1 707 269 0290

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

3561 Boeing Ave

+1 707 388 0978

Monday11:30 - 18:00
Tuesday11:30 - 18:00
Wednesday11:30 - 18:00
Thursday11:30 - 19:30
Friday11:30 - 18:00
Saturday11:30 - 18:00
Sunday11:30 - 19:30

Filters

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Jeremy, Sept 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Unclear signage. Forced to pay more for a larger vehicle I didn't want.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Luxury

KAYAK
They did not honor the original kayak agreement

1 out of 1

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

3561 Boeing Ave

+1 707 388 0977

Monday11:30 - 18:00
Tuesday11:30 - 18:00
Wednesday11:30 - 18:00
Thursday11:30 - 19:30
Friday11:30 - 18:00
Saturday11:30 - 18:00
Sunday11:30 - 19:30

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Easy and quick pick up from the airport, and super easy drop off.

10,0 Wonderful

Christine, Oct 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
Very easy pick up and drop off

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Would have been nice for the location to actually be open. Was closed- called budget to help and was told I could go to another car car rental agency- waited almost an hour for someone to show up- when she arrived she was extremely rude and flippant. Will not use budget again. The person at the enterprise counter was extremely helpful and apologetic. They will get my business from now on

National

No score available yet

One location in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

3561 Boeing Ave

+1 707 839 3229

Monday12:00 - 20:00
Tuesday12:00 - 20:00
Wednesday12:00 - 20:00
Thursday12:00 - 20:00
Friday12:00 - 20:00
Saturday12:00 - 20:00
Sunday12:00 - 20:00

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Arcata

Locations in Arcata

3561 Boeing Avenue

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Car hire locations in or near Arcata

Arcata car hire information

Pick-up locationArcata
Car types
Hire locations1
Airport locations1