Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Berkeley with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Berkeley?
You should book your car hire in Berkeley around 60 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Berkeley?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Dollar (R28,53/day), Hertz (R28,98/day), and Thrifty (R31,41/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Dollar 1061 San Pablo Ave. (2,6 km from city centre).
What is the most popular car to hire in Berkeley?
Hires in the Medium category (Toyota Corolla or similar) are the most popular option in Berkeley, costing R890/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R561/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Berkeley?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Berkeley is January at an average cost of R596/day. June is the most expensive month to hire a car in Berkeley when prices are R1 015/day on average, which tends to be 1 777% above the yearly average hire price for Berkeley.
Which car hire company in Berkeley has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Berkeley, more than any other car hire company.
Berkeley car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Berkeley by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
R547 - R1 030
All Car Types
R996 - R1 581
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Berkeley?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Berkeley?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Berkeley?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Berkeley?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Berkeley?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Berkeley?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Berkeley?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Berkeley?
Small car hire in Berkeley typically costs around R795 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R547 per day, which is about 32% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 35% cheaper than the average car hire in Berkeley, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Berkeley typically costs around R1 073 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R942 per day, which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 12% cheaper than the average car hire in Berkeley, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Berkeley typically cost around R1 170 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R896 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 4% cheaper than the average car hire in Berkeley, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Berkeley typically costs around R1 313 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R968 per day, which is about 27% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 8% more expensive than the average car hire in Berkeley but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Berkeley typically costs around R1 749 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R1 377 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 31% more expensive than the average car hire in Berkeley but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Berkeley typically costs around R1 106 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R660 per day, which is about 41% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 10% cheaper than the average car hire in Berkeley, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Berkeley typically costs around R1 724 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average R1 389 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 30% more expensive than the average car hire in Berkeley but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Berkeley typically costs around R1 805 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R1 014 per day, which is about 44% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 33% more expensive than the average car hire in Berkeley but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Berkeley
One of the main reasons to rent a car when visiting Berkeley is that, with one, it is a simple drive to reach the many wonderful nature parks that surround the city. For example, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers wonderful views of the bridge, bay, and the city. However, it is a slow process to get there via public transportation, while in a car it just an easy 30-minute drive from central Berkeley.
Looking to pick up a hire car for your time in Berkeley? If you are flying into San Francisco International Airport, the hire car counters are located in the hire Car Center. To reach the hire Car Center from the airport, simply hop onto the AirTrain Blue Line at any of the terminals and get off at the hire Car Center stop.
Jaywalking is particularly common in Berkeley and drivers should be on the lookout for pedestrians, particularly when near UC Berkeley. This is partly because of the high density of pedestrians and also because of the many tiny streets in the area. In general, jaywalking isn’t as big of an issue as it is in some other big U.S. cities, but it is still something to look out for.
Berkeley, like many suburbs in large cities, suffers from daily bouts of rush hour. Typically, drivers can expect rush hour to last from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The evening rush hour can be particularly congested for drivers leaving the downtown area, so it is highly advised to time your driving accordingly. I-80 and the Bay Bridge are two spots to skirt around if you are looking to avoid traffic.
Medium hire cars in Berkeley are around 33% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Berkeley
What type of car is recommended for driving in Berkeley?
The roads in Berkeley are more than large enough to accommodate all sizes of vehicles from SUVs to sedans. That being said, there are some neighborhoods with smaller streets; for the most part, however, they aren’t an issue. Additionally, parking is another thing to keep in mind as in the most popular parts of town, larger cars may be difficult to find parking spots large enough for.
What’s the speed limit in Berkeley?
Drivers can expect residential speed limits in Berkeley to range from 25 to 35 mph, while on larger roads the speed limit goes up to 50 mph and even up to 65 mph on motorways. On highways and interstates, drivers will see speed limits ranging from 65 to 70 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Berkeley?
Streetside parking can be very difficult to find in the central areas of Berkeley, especially during the peak hours of the work week. Aside from streetside parallel parking, parking garages are the main option available. In general, the garages are your best bet for parking, particularly if you are planning on to a more popular area. Drivers can usually expect to pay around $2.00 - $3.00 per hour for parking.
Which car hire agencies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
One extra hour of rental costed half of the full day rate. It might be common but it’s still outrageous.
2,0 Poor
Lobsang, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
I was not provided with the car category I was promised when booking online. I booked Toyota RAV4 and similar type, but I was given Nissan Kicks when I went to pick up the car. To add to the injury, the agent insulted my intelligence by claiming that the two cars are of same category. I am on vacation and didn’t want to challenge his claim and start an argument and ruin my vacation. I guess that might be exactly the reason why the rental company don’t care about fulfilling its own commitments. I am taking this up with the company and will update here whether I receive a credit back the differences in rental price.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size
Tres bon accueil
1 out of 2
Hertz
6,9
Okay
Cleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
7.3
One location in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
1061 San Pablo Ave.
+1 510 558 1438
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Filters
No reviews available
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
6,6
Okay
Cleanliness
7.3
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.3
3 locations in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
1706 San Pablo Avenue
+1 510 526 3900
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 13:00
Sunday
1990 Oxford St.
+1 510 223 6444
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
Sunday
3001 Shattuck Ave
+1 510 841 8300
Opening times not available
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2025
People carrier
Service desk was very rude. Both during pic up and drop off. Rather than stating policies plainly, they lied to my face and gave me attitude when I pushed back.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Compact SUV
Well, first of all the fees I didn't know was Is going to happen. The car that I was gonna get wasn't charged yet.They wanted me to charge it before even took off. It was supposed to be 58$ and I knew that I was gonna have to get insurance but it was like 3 different types and roadside was seperate also. Soi was chargeed 30 to reserve it 96 for the rental and $100 extra . And the $300 deposit I didn't know about I had to go put cash in my bank when I came back they closed for the day. I wasn't able to get the car. So I missed the wedding.I was supposed to go to and that really sucked.
6,0 Okay
Alexander, Feb 2024
Passenger van
Very long process to get the car, unnecessarily so. Had to talk to two people to leave with the car that I had reserved. I waited over 30 minutes in the lobby amongst other renters. Strange
1 out of 2
Avis
4,6
Mediocre
Cleanliness
4.6
Comfort
3.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.6
Value for money
4.6
2 locations in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
2000 Kittredge Street
+1 510 705 8991
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 12:00
Sunday
08:00 - 12:00
600 Gilman Street
+1 510 558 0441
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 13:00
Sunday
09:00 - 13:00
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
paul, Nov 2025
Standard SUV
Staff was excellent.
1 out of 1
Dollar
5,3
Fair
One location in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
1061 San Pablo Ave.
+1 510 558 1438
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
5,2
Fair
One location in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
1061 San Pablo Ave.
+1 510 558 1438
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
Filters
No reviews available
22 travellers who hired a car in Berkeley gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5,3
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