Salinas car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once for car hire deals in Salinas

Here is why travellers choose KAYAK

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Car Rental Deals
Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in Salinas

Discover the best prices and deals for your travel.
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
* These are the best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours and may change
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Full-size

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Salinas car hire

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

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

You should book your car hire in Salinas around 47 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car hire company in Salinas?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Salinas are Hertz (5.1, 3 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.0, 2 reviews), and Dollar (5.6).
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Rated 2.0/10
Dollar
Dollar
Rated 5.6/10
Thrifty
Thrifty
Rated 5.6/10

What is the most popular car to hire in Salinas?

SUV cars (Class Premium SUV or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to hire in Salinas. SUV cars in Salinas cost R1 608/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as R893/day.

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

The cheapest month to hire a car in Salinas is January at an average cost of R897/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Salinas when prices are R1 274/day on average, which tends to be 2 021% above the yearly average hire price for Salinas.

Which car hire company in Salinas has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Salinas, more than any other car hire company.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Salinas

  • There are plenty of lovely places to tour in Salinas. Car rentals in Salinas ease travel around the city, allowing for as many stops as you wish. You can drive to the top racing track in California, the Laguna Seca, or shop for fresh produce at the Oldtown Salinas Farmer's Market. Cowgirls and cowboys will love a visit to California Rodeo Salinas, where they will get to watch the best tricks from the best horses.
  • Your driving experience can be made much easier and more enjoyable by being familiar with the main routes in Salinas. An example of such roads is US Route 101 which is a major highway that runs north-south through Salinas and connects the city to other major cities in California. East Market Street runs through downtown Salinas and is home to many shops, restaurants, and businesses. North Main Street runs north-south through Salinas and is a major route for commuters and travelers. To navigate these roads easily when driving Salinas car rentals, be aware of the traffic patterns and use caution when crossing intersections.
  • The Salinas car rentals desks at Salinas airport provide a wide range of vehicles and the added convenience of choosing at the airport rather than off-site locations. The airport is only 7min away from the city center. When you reserve the car, you can get into your vehicle minutes after you step off the plane. You are required to be over 21 years and have a valid driver's license to rent a car in Salinas.
  • Similar to the rest of California, Salinas has rules against driving while intoxicated. Driving a car while intoxicated is prohibited if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. The legal limit is lower for those under 21 and is set at 0.01% BAC. You may be subject to harsh punishments, like fines, jail time, and license suspensions if you are found guilty of DUI in Salinas.
  • Driving in Salinas may appear simple, but it has its challenges, like rush hour traffic. Morning peak traffic occurs between 7 am and 9 am, while afternoon peak traffic occurs between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Another issue that Salinas drivers face on occasion is road flooding. The majority of the flooding happens between January and March. Consequently, if you rent a car in any other month, you won't have to worry about this problem.
  • Whether you're new to the area or a seasoned driver in Salinas, it's crucial to remain vigilant on certain roadways that can present unique hazards. By driving cheap car rentals in Salinas with extra caution and awareness, you can better navigate these routes and help prevent accidents. One such road is North Main Street which experiences high traffic volume, especially near the downtown area. It also has several intersections, which require drivers to be extra cautious while crossing. Another is Sanborn Road which can be tricky to navigate, especially during wet or slippery conditions. Boronda Road runs through residential areas and has several speed bumps and stop signs, so it’s best to slow down while driving.
  • Drive cautiously through downtown Salinas. The area is densely packed with one-way streets that frequently switch directions. You can, however, customize car rentals with GPS to aid in city navigation. Because this is an agricultural area, you may encounter animals on the road, so drive carefully to avoid hitting them. Drivers are reminded to keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing Boronda Road between Hemingway Drive and Dartmouth Way, which is a busy thoroughfare with numerous routes feeding into it.
  • Standard hire cars in Salinas are around 62% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Salinas

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

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

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

    A Full Size car hire in Salinas costs R2 765 per day, on average.

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

    A Standard car hire in Salinas costs R1 675 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Salinas?

    An Intermediate car hire in Salinas costs R817 per day, on average.

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

    The best car to rent from car rentals in Salinas when traveling in groups is a van because it has enough room for many including plenty of luggage space. You can also easily fit all of your luggage and you will not have to listen to your team members complain about not having adequate personal space, which will save you time and frustration. Another benefit of renting a van in Salina is that it can help you save money. Traveling in a small car may appear more cost-effective, but this isn't always the case, especially when traveling in a group. Tolls and gas can quickly add up. You and your friends can share the cost of the tolls, gas, and car by renting a van, making the trip much more affordable for everyone.

  • Are there restricted roads in Salinas?

    Yes. There are some restricted roads that you should be mindful of when driving cheap car rentals in Salinas. John Street is restricted to commercial vehicles only. Most of the other restricted roads in the area are one-way streets like Abbott Street which runs westbound from Main Street to Salinas Street, South Main Street running southbound from Alisal Street to Market Street, and East Market Street running eastbound from Salinas Street to Sanborn Road.

  • What is the speed limit in Salinas?

    The speed limit in Salinas differs based on the kind of road and the area it is in. The speed limit on loose surface or gravel highways is 30 mph and 35 mph on paved two-lane township highways. The speed limit in residential areas is 25 mph. The speed limit on two-lane roads is 45 mph, 50 mph on paved 4-lane divided highways, and 55 mph on main interstate highways.

  • How old should I be to rent a car in Salinas?

    Rental car companies in Salina typically require renters to be 21 or older, while some may have a minimum age of 25 years for specific car types.  Younger drivers can also anticipate additional requirements and fees, such as providing extra insurance coverage or paying higher security deposits due to their age.

  • Where are the best places to park in Salinas?

    Salinas provides convenient parking areas even in car rentals in Salinas. They include Public Parking Lots & Garages, On-Street Parking, 20min Parking Zones, 1-hour Parking zones, 90min Parking zones, 2-hour Parking zones, 4 Hour Parking, EV Parking, Handicap Parking, and Reserved Parking. Some great places to park are 499 W. Alisal Street, 111 W. San Luis Street, 300 Lincoln Avenue, and 282 Monterey Street, which are all free.

Salinas 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.

Hertz

Cleanliness

5.4

Comfort

5.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.4

Value for money

4.8

2 locations in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

2049 Del Monte Blvd

+1 831 200 2897

Monday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Tuesday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Thursday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Friday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00

50 Mortensen Ave

+1 831 449 2081

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Every thing

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Kayak reserved my car at Salinas Airport from Saturday to the following Saturday. Come to find out right before I am to pick up the car that location is not open weekends. Nobody bothered to tell me that they where not open. I had to scramble and find another car. Luckily Avis in Santa Cruz was able to bail me out.

1 out of 1

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

4.0

3 locations in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

1150 Auto Center Cir

+1 831 442 0808

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

1191 Echo Avenue

+1 831 394 3333

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

280 Mortensen Ave

+1 831 422 4200

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Customer service at drop off in SFO made me feel very uncomfortable. They are looking to cheat customers out of money however they can.

1 out of 1

Dollar

5,6

Fair

One location in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

50 Mortensen Ave

+1 831 449 2081

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5,6

Fair

One location in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

50 Mortensen Ave

+1 831 449 2081

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

One location in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

Monterey Regional Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

1933 Del Monte Blvd.

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Salinas

Locations in Salinas

200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108, Monterey, , USA California

+1 914 368 0091

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00
Sunday10:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

8 travellers who hired a car in Salinas gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.1

Car hire locations in or near Salinas

Salinas car hire information

Pick-up locationSalinas
Car types
Hire locations5
Airport locations0

Not what you’re looking for? Find thousands of other hotels, flights and car hire with KAYAK.