Berkeley car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Car Rental Deals
Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in Berkeley

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Mini

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Berkeley car hire

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 86 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car hire company in Berkeley?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Berkeley are Budget (7.8, 5 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.3, 8 reviews), and Hertz (7.0, 9 reviews).

What is the most popular car to hire in Berkeley?

SUV cars (Kia Sportage or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to hire in Berkeley. SUV cars in Berkeley cost R1 936/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as R863/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 R646/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Berkeley when prices are R969/day on average, which tends to be 2 004% 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.

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.
  • Intermediate hire cars in Berkeley are around 36% 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.

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

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

  • How much does a Mini car hire cost in Berkeley?

    A Mini car hire in Berkeley costs R2 530 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Berkeley?

    A Full Size car hire in Berkeley costs R2 427 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Berkeley?

    A Standard car hire in Berkeley costs R1 309 per day, on average.

Berkeley car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

Cleanliness

7.7

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

7.2

2 locations in Berkeley

Show locations

Locations in Berkeley

2000 Kittredge Street

+1 510 666 1270

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

600 Gilman Street

+1 510 524 7237

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

6,0 Okay

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Tres bon accueil

1 out of 2

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

7.1

3 locations in Berkeley

Show locations

Locations in Berkeley

1706 San Pablo Avenue

+1 510 526 3900

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1990 Oxford St.

+1 510 223 6444

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

3001 Shattuck Ave

+1 510 841 8300

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

10,0 Wonderful

DeeperThanAtlantis7, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Nothing

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Super easy

Cons:

A hybrid

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I got a text from Enterprise saying that there were no cars available from the location that was closest to me. Even though I reserved it through Kayak stating that the car that I reserved was available. Sucks. I canceled the reservation, went elsewhere.

1 out of 3

Hertz

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

7.1

One location in Berkeley

Show locations

Locations in Berkeley

1061 San Pablo Ave.

+1 510 558 1438

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

2,0 Poor

Antony, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing. Told me they didn’t haven’t care.

Cons:

Not being extremely rude, and announce they have the right to cancel my reservation at Hertz if they don’t have cars even though it said they do online. Multiple other car agencies said they do not have cars available. Hertz said they did and the man at the desk was very rude and unhelpful.

2,0 Poor

Mahmood, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Poor poor poor. Everything is poor.

1 out of 3

Avis

Cleanliness

1.9

Comfort

2.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

1.9

Value for money

2.9

2 locations in Berkeley

Show locations

Locations in Berkeley

2000 Kittredge Street

+1 510 705 8991

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

600 Gilman Street

+1 510 558 0441

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

5,6

Fair

One location in Berkeley

Show locations

Locations in Berkeley

1061 San Pablo Ave.

+1 510 558 1438

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5,6

Fair

One location in Berkeley

Show locations

Locations in Berkeley

1061 San Pablo Avenue

+1 510 558 1438

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

37 travellers who hired a car in Berkeley gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.6

Car hire locations in or near Berkeley

Berkeley car hire information

Pick-up locationBerkeley
Car types
Hire locations9
Airport locations0

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