KAYAK’s insights & trends for San Luis Obispo car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in San Luis Obispo with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in San Luis Obispo?
You should book your car hire in San Luis Obispo around 35 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular car to hire in San Luis Obispo?
Hires in the SUV category (GMC Yukon or similar) are the most popular option in San Luis Obispo, costing R1 497/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R731/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in San Luis Obispo?
The cheapest month to hire a car in San Luis Obispo is January at an average cost of R853/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in San Luis Obispo when prices are R1 116/day on average, which tends to be 13% above the yearly average hire price for San Luis Obispo.
Which car hire company in San Luis Obispo has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 4 locations in San Luis Obispo, more than any other car hire company.
San Luis Obispo car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in San Luis Obispo by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
R746 - R1 082
All Car Types
R1 233 - R1 521
How much does it cost to hire a small car in San Luis Obispo?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in San Luis Obispo?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in San Luis Obispo?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in San Luis Obispo?
How much does it cost to hire a van in San Luis Obispo?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in San Luis Obispo?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in San Luis Obispo?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in San Luis Obispo?
Small car hire in San Luis Obispo typically costs around R872 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R746 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 36% cheaper than the average car hire in San Luis Obispo, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in San Luis Obispo typically costs around R1 028 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average R891 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 25% cheaper than the average car hire in San Luis Obispo, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in San Luis Obispo typically cost around R1 157 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average R918 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 15% cheaper than the average car hire in San Luis Obispo, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in San Luis Obispo typically costs around R1 435 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 263 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 6% more expensive than the average car hire in San Luis Obispo but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in San Luis Obispo typically costs around R2 130 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R1 755 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 37% more expensive than the average car hire in San Luis Obispo but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in San Luis Obispo typically costs around R1 346 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average R1 000 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 1% cheaper than the average car hire in San Luis Obispo, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in San Luis Obispo typically costs around R1 534 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average R1 213 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 12% more expensive than the average car hire in San Luis Obispo but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in San Luis Obispo typically costs around R1 555 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R1 213 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 13% more expensive than the average car hire in San Luis Obispo but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
San Luis Obispo car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in San Luis Obispo
Find the location ahead of time so they know where to find Avis. Ask the representative to show you where the car is in person and how to work it.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Book way in advance for good rates
HingMay 2023
It’s a tiny airport and the car rental facility was east to navigate.
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in San Luis Obispo
Renting a car in San Luis Obispo is a convenient and flexible means of visiting the city and getting a feel of the culture. Several airports are remotely far from the town center, such as the Santa Barbara Airport, approximately 75.8 miles away, and the Los Angeles International Airport, 158.9 miles away, thus it is more ideal and cheaper to opt for rental cars in San Luis Obispo. There are also several sandy beaches, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes located a few miles out of town, easily accessible using a personal vehicle.
Some of the car rentals in San Luis Obispo are conveniently situated at the San Luis Obispo County (SBP) Airport, including Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, and Easier, which can be found at the baggage claim area at the Car Rental Center with the cars parked around 260 feet from the terminal. Off-site rentals, such as Budget, can be accessed via the airport shuttle, which is located on the east side of the terminal and are cheaper than taxis.
Like other major cities, visitors are advised to be cautious while on the road and observe traffic rules. There are a few intersections in San Luis Obispo which are known to be hazard zones, especially to speeding drivers, such as the Santa Rosa and Foothill intersection and Los Osos Valley and Calle Joaquin intersection. There are also a few cases of distracted driving, as well as jaywalkers and cyclists who fail to observe traffic laws. While selecting a vehicle in one of the car rentals in San Luis Obispo, it advisable to get GPS to be able to navigate through unfamiliar roads.
The rush hour in San Luis Obispo is pretty short-lived, with commuters spending an average of around 15 to 20min on the road, but is usually extended on roads undergoing construction. Rush hour in the morning is usually between 7:30am and 8:30am when people are leaving for work and school, and picks back up at 6pm to 7pm when people are heading back home. Heavy rains are also known to extend commute times in San Luis Obispo.
Medium hire cars in San Luis Obispo are around 20% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in San Luis Obispo
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Luis Obispo?
There are several options to choose from at San Luis Obispo car rentals, depending on whether you’re considering a solo trip or planning to explore the Central Coast area as a group. Compact vehicles are recommended for when your visit to San Luis Obispo is concentrated in the town, while large SUVs are more ideal for large numbers of people and are a more comfortable option for those who visit the landscape in the outskirts of town.
What’s the speed limit in San Luis Obispo?
The statutory speed limit in San Luis Obispo is set at 50mph. School zones have a set speed limit of between 15mph and 40mph at specific times of the day, while the speed limit in the business district is 25mph. There are also a couple of speed traps set up on Foothill Ave between Casa St and California Blvd, as well as Northbound Hwy 1, thus motorists are advised to drive with caution.
Where are the best places to park in San Luis Obispo?
There are several parking options available while on your stay in San Luis Obispo. There are parking garages such as the City of San Luis Obispo Parking as well as the Marsh Street Parking Structure, which closes at around 6pm and provide 1h free parking on weekdays, 2h free parking on Saturdays, and all-day free parking on Sundays. The municipal lot on Marsh St provides free parking for up to 2h. Parking is free in Downtown San Luis Obispo.
How can I find car hires near me in San Luis Obispo?
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 San Luis Obispo?
A Medium car hire in San Luis Obispo costs R896 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car hire cost in San Luis Obispo?
A Small car hire in San Luis Obispo costs R798 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car hire cost in San Luis Obispo?
A Special car hire in San Luis Obispo costs R974 per day, on average.
They gave me all electric car without offering me an alternative. Never used one before and was not aware of the hassle it is to find a charging station.
10,0 Wonderful
Matt & Wendy, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
Quick check in and check out. Car was clean and new.
2,0 Poor
Mark, Apr 2026
Luxury
Avis promised a Cadillac, a full luxury car. Instead, they provided a Kia with 35,000 miles on it. It was a mediocre exchange. I asked for a financial compensation for that downgrade and I was told that Avis may take care of it later. It feels like a bait and switch to me.
4,0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jan 2026
Standard SUV
Our pickup was in the back side of a motel with NO signs anywhere that said Avis. Hard to find and had to call Avis representatives to find office. The desk representative was not helpful and not very friendly… didn’t show us where the car was, how to work it, NOTHING.. I give her a zero. The car was nice and the drop off in Tuson was easy to find and the representative was very friendly and helpful.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Pick-up truck
The entire experience was wonderful. The front desk staff was fantastic to work with.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Standard
Pro:Easy check in. Improvement: Needed to call earlier that they were closing right when we were going to pick up car. Did not realize they closed same time we were to pick up car.
1 out of 8
Budget
7,8
Good
Cleanliness
7.9
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.8
2 locations in San Luis Obispo
Locations in San Luis Obispo
4554 Broad Street
+1 805 541 3977
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
975 Airport Drive, Suite 5
+1 805 541 2722
Monday
08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 22:00
Thursday
08:00 - 22:00
Friday
08:00 - 22:00
Saturday
08:00 - 18:00
Sunday
08:00 - 22:00
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Luther, Mar 2026
Intermediate
Counter service was a little slow but the agent was friendly. Walk to /from lot to the terminal is a bit inconvenient.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Intermediate
Please contact me
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Intermediate SUV
Rental agent was exceptionally helpful and very nice!
6,0 Okay
Daniel, May 2025
Economy
I requested a child’s booster seat and when I made the reservation, it didn’t cost extra. It just showed my total cost with seat included free. When I arrived for pickup, they informed me that it was an additional $15 per day. This obviously is frustrating for a renter to find out at this point. Not cool
10,0 Wonderful
Elizabeth, Sept 2024
Intermediate
TOO NOTCH!
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Economy
The man at the desk was really pleasant and helpful and got me into a car quick , even unpgraded me to a wonderful orange Tacoma for minimal fee. He was kind and made it a great experience overall. Thank you to him.
1 out of 8
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7,0
Good
Cleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
6.4
4 locations in San Luis Obispo
Locations in San Luis Obispo
12318 Los Osos Valley Rd
+1 805 546 6270
Opening times not available
2989 Broad Street
+1 805 546 6270
Monday
08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:30
Thursday
08:00 - 17:30
Friday
08:00 - 17:30
Saturday
Sunday
975 Airport Dr
+1 844 942 0338
Monday
08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 20:00
Thursday
08:00 - 20:00
Friday
08:00 - 20:00
Saturday
08:00 - 20:00
Sunday
08:00 - 20:00
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Opening times not available
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2026
Pick-up truck
I only needed the car for 3 hours. The 24 hour rate was a lot. A nice option for 12 hours or same day pickup/drop off discount
6,0 Okay
Loren, Jun 2026
Intermediate
The windows were not clean, inside and out. I had to buy cleaning solution and paper towels the next morning to clean them so I could see. Ridiculous !
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2024
Compact SUV
Great and easy collection, very helpful staff and easy drop off! Would use again for a rental car.
4,0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Nov 2024
Intermediate
When I went to pick up the car my credit card wasn't working when putting in the machine. The representative said he couldn't enter it manually. Finally it worked but almost had a heart attack if it didn't. Then on my on 2nd to last day the battery went bad had to call road side assistance and was told it would be a $55 charge. The AAA driver said it was the original battery and wouldn't hold a charge and probably would have to call the next morning. Fortunately I ran the car for about an hour and half and it did start the next day and the enterprise representative waived the fee.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Compact
Car was not available upon arrival. No cars.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Standard
No car available
1 out of 2
Hertz
6,3
Okay
Cleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.7
Value for money
6.3
3 locations in San Luis Obispo
Locations in San Luis Obispo
4554 Broad Street Suite #130
+1 805 781 3385
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
4751 Aviadores Way
+1 805 781 3383
Monday
09:00 - 21:30
Tuesday
09:00 - 21:30
Wednesday
09:00 - 21:30
Thursday
09:00 - 21:30
Friday
09:00 - 21:30
Saturday
09:00 - 21:30
Sunday
09:00 - 21:30
975 Airport Drive Ste.06
+1 805 781 3383
Monday
09:00 - 22:30
Tuesday
09:00 - 22:30
Wednesday
09:00 - 22:30
Thursday
09:00 - 22:30
Friday
09:00 - 22:30
Saturday
09:00 - 22:30
Sunday
09:00 - 22:30
Filters
Reviews
4,0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Dec 2021
United Dropped me in DC and I had to Rent a Car to Drive myself home to VA Beach. I requested a FULL SIZE Car and got a Little KIA. It didn't even have Electric Seats or a Rear Window Wiper. The Driver who took us from Airport to Avis was Very Rude and insisted on playing his Radio Loud even when I explained I needed to Make an Important Phone Call.
National
8,0
Very Good
One location in San Luis Obispo
Locations in San Luis Obispo
975 Airport Dr
+1 844 942 0338
Opening times not available
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 San Luis Obispo
Locations in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo County Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
104 travellers who hired a car in San Luis Obispo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4,8
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