San Jose car hire
Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in San Jose
Save up to 42%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
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.
Cheap car hire in San Jose
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in San Jose
- Explore every nook and cranny of San Jose with the flexibility a hire car can provide. Whether it is a trip to the Alum Rock Park in the northeast of San Jose or the Levi Stadium, which is about 9 miles out of the city, a hire car can get you there in no time.
- There are various hire car options at San Jose International Airport, including Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Sixt. The Rental Car Center can be found at Terminal B and passengers landing at Terminal A are provided with a shuttle bus transporting them directly to the Rental Center.
- Californian cities in general are teeming with tourists during the summer season and traffic can be a challenge during peak times. Also, drivers have a reputation to not use the turn signals when changing lanes or making a turn, so always double-check and drive carefully. Always watch out for pedestrians, as crosswalks are sometimes not properly indicated, and San Jose is one of the cities with the highest pedestrian death rates, so it’s better to be safe.
- San Jose’s morning rush hour is at its worst between 7 and 8:30 AM, so it is advisable to avoid starting any trips during that time. Between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, when workers return to their homes, traffic increases significantly again, especially on the US-101. As San Jose is famous for its amazing weather, the summer season comes with tourists and therefore more congestion on the roads, so always plan at least 30 minutes ahead.
- Book your car hire in San Jose at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Standard car hire in San Jose are around -21% cheaper than other car types, on average
San Jose car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in San Jose
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Jose?
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Jose, CA?Which car to choose also depends on your plans during a trip to San Jose. To seize the innumerable opportunities for a road trip into nature or to surrounding cities, an SUV is a good choice, as it provides efficient traction and space. If cruising through the city and making most of the weather is part of the plan, a convertible is the optimal choice.
What’s the speed limit in San Jose?
The allowed speed is always signposted, but the general basic law for speed limits is 65 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas, and 15 mph in alleys. However, the state’s speed limit laws require drivers to adapt to the current conditions, i.e. when there is fog, children are close by, or heavy rain decreases road traction.
Where are the best places to park in San Jose?
There is a color scheme which lets drivers know where they can park in the city. If there is a green line, parking is allowed for a short amount of time (indicated on a sign). If there is no line at all, unrestricted parking is possible – however, note that it could be metered, so check the surrounding curb to find a meter machine. For longer parking, choose a public garage or parking lot like the Fourth Street Garage or Market and San Pedro Square Garage, which are about $20 per day.
What is the best car hire company in San Jose?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in San Jose are Alamo (8,5, 72 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8,0, 55 reviews), and Thrifty (7,3, 72 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in San Jose?
The average price of fuel in San Jose is R73,53 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R882 and R1 176, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in San Jose?
Standard (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San Jose.
How can I find car hires near me in San Jose?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in San Jose?
A Standard car hire in San Jose costs R897 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in San Jose?
An Intermediate car hire in San Jose costs R742 per day, on average.
San Jose car rental reviews and directory
Alamo
8,6
Very Good
404 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.1
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 844 370 8303
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2023
6,0 Okay
May 2021
Pros:
Check-in was easy and she/the agent was friendly.Cons:
Not a fan of NISSAN cars. Dash isn't intuitive and not the best car to drive. Found trash under the seat from a previous driver.10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2020
Pros:
The staff was amazing.8,0 Very Good
Sep 2020
Pros:
Vehicle fine. Check in process easyCons:
Explanation of car features as no vehicle manual supplied. Had no idea how to access gas tank4,4 Mediocre
Jul 2020
Cons:
The agent offered a upgrade for a fee for a jeep cherokee. I had an issue with my card and had to call them. I walked from the transaction to call the card provider and was assigned a Nissan Rogue. I have hated every Nissan I have driven and would never pay extra to drive one. It was past 9 pm and I still had to go home and load up before leaving on my 800 mile drive to be with my mom who's husband died the next morning. My back still hurts from the low quality nissan seating .Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7,8
Good
300 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
7.6
9 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1080 D Blossom Hill Rd
+1 408 979 8282
1485 Kerley Dr
+1 408 437 1001
1659 Airport Blvd Ste 5
+1 833 813 5264
2635 Cunningham Ave
+1 408 937 4988
282 Barack Obama Blvd
+1 408 286 4444
300 Almaden Blvd
+1 408 286 4444
3581 Stevens Creek Blvd
+1 408 246 6477
3591 Pearl Avenue
+1 408 448 2100
395 Curtner Ave
+1 408 280 2111
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2024
4,8 Mediocre
Oct 2020
Cons:
We rented for a month an SUV in order to go from CA to FL. The internal electrical stopped working on our way there. When I called to alert the problem in California, they told me to go to the nearest airport enterprise location in FL. Here, their first answer was that I should take it to a Firestone store to get it checked. I called the nearest Firestone and they told me they couldn't touch the car being so new and low milage; it was the dealership's problem. I called enterprise again and they told me to take it to the nearest dealership. At the dealership they told me that they can't service a car brought in by the customer. With enough frustration built, and the original San Jose office shinning by their absence, I demanded a simple swap of the car but they made me call 4 different enterprise locations in FL looking for an SUV replacement. An assistant manager in Daytona finally managed to put us in a minivan, but all of this took 20 calls and 3 days of painful dodging by their representatives. I will definitely be dodging their service in their future. Not recommend.8,0 Very Good
Sep 2020
Pros:
All good3,2 Poor
Aug 2020
Pros:
Price did not show fees upon pickupCons:
Show all fees instead of catching your consumer off guard10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was quick to help. Great car.Cons:
Nothing4,8 Mediocre
Jul 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff.Cons:
1. Someone picking up the phone (called two open locations, no answer, one said to leave a message). 2. Being given instructions for one-way drop off at airport at time of rental or at least posted in rental car drop off lot. I had to call Enterprise to find out what to do once I parked the car as there was no attendant (Medford, OR). 3. Receiving revised receipt. There "special" car was a huge, double-cab pick up truck. Basically, no trunk and this was an airport pick up. So, I upgraded to a Toyota Corolla. When I dropped off the car, I was told a receipt would automatically be emailed to me but I never received and had to contact customer report for a copy.Dollar
7,6
Good
222 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.4
Value for money
7.6
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 999 6561
Filters
Reviews
6,0 Okay
Apr 2021
Pros:
The car was clean and the price was very fair. However, see below...Cons:
I rented a certain class for not only the luxury comfort, but for the size. However, Dollar did not have the car I rented. They first tried to down grade me to a lower class, but larger car. I did not think this was fair so I did not agree. We went through the options and I explained, due to having two of my elder uncles with me and their need for a larger car, I needed something larger. Eventually a larger car was offered, but at a much higher rate. Again, I did not agree as a car in my category should have been available to me. Eventually I was offered another luxury vehicle (supposedly in the same class), but much smaller and the entire weekend we had difficulty getting my uncles in and out of it. Due to the inability to have a car ready for me in the class I rented I would have preferred the “upgrade” to an adequate car but the agent would not agree without additional payment to which I did not think was fair.10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2020
Pros:
Staff very friendly and helpfulCons:
Should be more proactive in looking for damages during inspection10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2020
Pros:
Friendly service4,4 Mediocre
Dec 2019
Cons:
I prepaid and Dollar upsold my poor mother. Never again will I use kayak for car rentals.10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2019
Pros:
The whole experience was a breeze and was fastCons:
No complaints7,2 Good
Sep 2019
Pros:
Easy drop off.Cons:
Was expecting a lower rateThrifty
7,3
Good
211 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.1
Value for money
7.1
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 999 6561
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Mar 2024
4,4 Mediocre
Nov 2020
Pros:
Pick up has been painful. Drop off was cumbersome. Still awaiting my final receipts.7,2 Good
Oct 2020
Pros:
Straightforward process. Car feels cleanCons:
The hood of the car open but there was no indication of it on the car. Found out when it started moving on the freeway. This put my life in danger. Staff should have made sure that the hood was close and the car should have warned the driver that the hood is open.6,4 Okay
Sep 2020
Pros:
The staff were very friendly at pick up and drop off and the car was clean. It had a few scratches, but nothing too bad. Fuel economy was better than expected.Cons:
The price was significantly better than other companies for the same type of car and it would have rated a higher score on value for money if it were not for the fact that the car needed some TLC. The engine sounded rough under load (like it was knocking), it needed oil (which I added) and the convertible top had trouble locking properly when it was lowered. I noticed later that the key had a sticker on it that said "check engine", but it seems that was not done.9,2 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was very helpful and friendly at SJCCons:
Car wasn't in spot marked on envelope. Had to look around for a few minutes to find it.10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Pros:
All aspects of this rental were wonderful. Typical pushy sales on upselling when you go to pickup, but that's expected and you can "nope" your way through it.Budget
6,5
Okay
203 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.4
Value for money
6.3
5 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1350 N 1st Street
+1 669 223 1795
1659 Airport Boulevard, Ste 3
+1 408 286 7850
2180 Tully Road
+1 408 809 0512
2200 Eastridge Loop Ste 1104
+1 669 255 4102
3680 Stevens Creek Blvd, Ste B
+1 669 244 4335
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2024
6,0 Okay
Jan 2024
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
2,0 Poor
Sep 2022
8,0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff member just left the station saying he wioo up or be back and never came back. The other agent had to take over both linesHertz
6,4
Okay
312 reviewsCleanliness
7.0
Comfort
7.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
6.4
10 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1040 The Alameda
+1 408 998 8207
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 938 6000
170 S. Market Street
+1 408 286 6201
2487 Alum Rock
+1 408 929 0995
3076 Almaden Expwy
+1 408 265 6050
3565 Stevens Creek Blvd
+1 408 260 9476
3565 Stevens Creek Blvd
+1 408 260 9476
5645 Cottle Rd
+1 408 578 4021
575 W San Carlos St
+1 408 998 8207
725 Ridder Park Drive#95
+1 408 437 6250
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Mar 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
2,0 Poor
Nov 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
Fox
6,2
Okay
573 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
6.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.3
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Boulevard
+1 408 709 2950
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
2,0 Poor
Dec 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2023
4,0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
The car had not been cleaned. Also it had body damage that had not been fixed. The car was expensive, and they would not let me cancel my reservation. I will not use them again.Payless
6,2
Okay
220 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.8
Value for money
6.6
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 724 4400
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was excellent at pick up and drop offCons:
Had difficulty finding the actual registration desk. Confusing multiple floors/signing. Didn’t know Payless was also Avis.10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff was helpful. When I picked up the car, it had a half tank of gas. They told me to return it with the same amount, which I did. But when I got there, they charged me for the remainder for a full tank. I went to the desk and the agent there and guy who checked it out a few days before to me were very helpful and corrected it (refunded the difference).6,0 Okay
Mar 2021
Pros:
Clean car, employees at counter very politeCons:
For starters I thought I was renting car with kayak not with other party that I never heard of it. On paper it says I got car at 5:36 but reality was that car was no ready and got it at 5:59p not a problem understandable even if it delay me am put me to more traffic time but for them is not ok for us to turn late, I got there at 8;07p and seems I was charge another. My point is we don’t get discount for pick up late but get fully charged for being late “very fair”2,0 Poor
Oct 2020
Pros:
I can't cancel8,4 Very Good
Aug 2020
Cons:
The signs at the airport were poor. Luckily a security guard arrived and directed me to the 4th floor. I rented from Payless, a sign at their counter directed me to Budget and, in the end I got the car keys from Avis. Car was small, as ordered, so the comfort wasn't excellent, but as expected. The onboard computer and controls, in the Nissan Versa, are hard to understand and reset. I never trusted the distance-to-empty indicator/estimate and when driving almost 2,000 miles that is important. Had two cellphones connected, one for calls and one for audio. The incoming calls always kept going to voice mail after pausing the audio. Overall excellent, but quirky. Recommend9,6 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Pros:
The person that helped us was extremely helpful and friendly. She recognized it was my birthday on the day of pickup and greeted me. No issues at drop offCons:
Our pick up was scheduled for 9 and we came to the counter at 8:45, but no one was there. We waited until about 9:14 and decided to just go to the elevator to the lot since there was still no one there to help or no sign for instructionsSixt
7,7
Good
83 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.4
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 888 749 8227
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
4,0 Mediocre
Oct 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2022
Avis
6,9
Okay
72 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
7.2
5 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1350 N 1st Street
+1 669 223 1570
1659 Airport Boulevard Ste 2
+1 408 993 2224
2180 Tully Road
+1 408 809 0502
2200 Eastridge Loop Ste 1104
+1 669 255 4088
3680 Stevens Creek Blvd, Ste B
+1 669 223 0424
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
4,0 Mediocre
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was inept and inexperienced to handle a simple situation. We liked the car model.Cons:
The car was not cleaned at all. Surprising they rented out without cleaning and sanitizing in COVID times. After bringing this issue to the agent, he said he could not help it. I was mad but had no option but to take it. Myself and two of my family members cleaned the car inside out for two hours before starting the trip. Horrible experience. Won’t rent from Avis again.10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
professional staff. very efficient checkin and return process. nice car in good shape and very clean. everything that I could ask for worked very well6,4 Okay
Jul 2020
Cons:
The car needs a good wash8,0 Very Good
Mar 2020
Cons:
Rented from San Jose airport but actually was recorded as one mile away at a hotel pickup9,6 Wonderful
Jul 2019
Pros:
Staff was great, price was goodNational
9,5
Wonderful
2 reviewsCleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.2
Value for money
8.7
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd Ste 8
+1 844 370 8304
Filters
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Mar 2017
Pros:
Helpful employees at pick up and drop off.Cons:
Rate was high, but I should have made the reservation earlier.10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2022
Airport Van
5,6
Fair
25 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.6
Value for money
5.3
2 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
765 Coleman Ave
1-408-573-7111
788 North King Road
+1 213 784 8585
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Cons:
Good overall2,0 Poor
May 2020
Cons:
Incorrect pick up address and contact information, no one there to assist4,8 Mediocre
Jun 2019
Pros:
The can was in good condition.Cons:
The offices were filthy, the line desperately long. I lined up for more than an hour to pick up the van. And no excuses were given by the staff.5,6 Fair
Jul 2018
Pros:
Lot of Van optionsCons:
Limited Mileage and long wait2,0 Poor
May 2018
Pros:
The rate appeared favorable for newer vehicle with unlimited mileage.Cons:
Did not rent from AVR when it turned out not to be unlimited mileage. My experience with Sixt was excellent.3,2 Poor
Apr 2018
Pros:
They did have availability of the van. Ran well.Cons:
wrong address was provided by Kayak. They gave us 15 seat passenger van with zero cargo space. They did not even tell us about this upfront. Also i had to wait 45 minutes at the rental space for them to finish cleaning up, and they changed the rental vehicle at the last minute. Van was not fully cleaned. The back seats were very dirty.One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Please Go To Fox Counter
+1 408 709 2950
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
561 West Hedding St.
+1 866 932 0060
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd Car Rental Center San Jose Ca
+1 408 709 2950
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
San Jose Airport
+1 408 709 2950
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 800 940 9332
1701 Airport Blvd
+1 800 940 9332
561 W Hedding Street
+1 800 940 9332
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
788 North King Road
+1 213 784 8585
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
San Jose airport
+1 844 742 5870
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1701 Airport Blvd, San Jose, CA
+1 415 370 8478
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near San Jose
Good to know
Most popular car type | Standard |
|---|