San Mateo car hire
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Cheap car hire in San Mateo
| 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 Mateo
- There are multiple reasons as to why you should consider renting a car in one of the car rentals in San Mateo, such as maximum flexibility when exploring the city, as well as providing an ideal atmosphere for tourists who want to get a feel of the culture. There are a few major airports located not far from San Mateo, such as Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is around 12.4 miles away, and the San Jose International Airport (SJC), approximately 25.8 miles, which is not a long drive when using a personal vehicle. Some popular tourist attractions further from the city center include Bair Island, whose habitats have multiple diverse ecosystems, and is located between San Mateo to the north and Palo Alto to the south.
- The closest airport to San Mateo is San Francisco International Airport (SFO) which is 4.7 miles away and has several car rentals on-site, such as Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, NU Car, Avis, and State Van Rental. The agencies can be found by following the signs to the baggage claim area, then following the airport signs to the Air Train, and boarding the Blue Line train to the Rental Car Center, which is approximately 10min away. The Oakland International Airport also has on-site rentals that can be reached by following the signs to the baggage claim area, then heading to the common Rental Car Shuttle Bus which takes you to the rental car facility. Off-site San Mateo car rentals can be easily accessed using one of the multiple shuttle services or cabs.
- Like many roads in the Bay Area, you are bound to find a few traffic violators when driving in San Mateo. Drivers are warned to be cautious of jaywalkers who can hop on busy roads without warning, especially during rush hours. San Mateo is also filled with several cyclists, therefore you are advised to drive prudently, especially near trails.
- Typical rush hour in San Mateo, like many counties in the Bay Area region, starts at about 7am to 9am, then picks back up between 4pm to 6pm when people are heading home from work, with individuals spending an average of about 40-60min on the road. Commute times are likely to be extended on days which special events or festivals are being held in the city. It is recommended that visitors choose car rentals in San Mateo with navigation systems, to aid when moving on unfamiliar roads.
- Book your car hire in San Mateo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy car hire in San Mateo are around 67% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in San Mateo
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Mateo?
For small groups of people, such as couples or solo travelers, it is more convenient to choose small compact vehicles or convertibles while cruising through California, while larger SUVs are better options for larger groups and are more comfortable when touring the plains of San Mateo.
What’s the speed limit in San Mateo?
The speed limit on most residential roads is 25mph unless otherwise posted. The San Mateo Bridge is set at 65mph, while highways have multiple test areas marked 55mph. School zones have a speed limit of 25mph when driving within 500-1000 feet while children are outside or crossing the street.
Where are the best places to park in San Mateo?
There are several parking options available in San Mateo, for both flash parking and long-term parking. All parking facilities offer free parking on Sundays, holidays and after 6pm every day. The Central garage offers 3h and 10h parking spaces, which charge at around $1.25 per hour, Main Street Garage costs approximately $0.75 per hour, Kinko’s Lot charge around $0.25 per hour while South Railroad Ave, Tennis Court Garage, and Transit Center Garage all charge about $0.75 per hour.
What is the best car hire company in San Mateo?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in San Mateo is NU Car (6,3, 51 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in San Mateo?
The average price of fuel in San Mateo 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 Mateo?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San Mateo.
Which car hire agencies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
The only car hire company onsite at San Francisco airport is Thrifty.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations is Thrifty.
How can I find car hires near me in San Mateo?
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 San Mateo?
A Mini car hire in San Mateo costs R1 911 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in San Mateo?
A Compact car hire in San Mateo costs R687 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car hire cost in San Mateo?
A Full Size car hire in San Mateo costs R904 per day, on average.
San Mateo car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
10,0
Wonderful
20 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
3 locations in San Mateo
Locations in San Mateo
477 East Hillsdale Blvd
+1 650 570 6677
778 Burlway Rd
+1 650 344 6000
923a South Claremont
+1 650 570 6677
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
Everything was about the experience was outstanding. Person who took care of me was very professional and very helpful. She did an outstanding job from getting the vehicle to returning the vehicle.Cons:
Nothing could have been better. It was so easy to rent a car from Enterprise.8,0 Very Good
Dec 2020
Cons:
Less pressure from sales7,2 Good
May 2020
Pros:
Pick up was good. Drop off instructions after hours were not clear.Cons:
Drop off instructions.10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2019
Cons:
All good! Nothing better.8,0 Very Good
Mar 2019
Pros:
Night drop arrangement.Cons:
All aspects good.9,6 Wonderful
Oct 2018
Pros:
Lots of seats 15Cons:
No luggage roomAvis
6,4
Okay
4 reviewsOne location in San Mateo
Locations in San Mateo
1133 Chess Drive
+1 650 287 2677
Filters
No reviews available
Budget
6,4
Okay
2 reviewsOne location in San Mateo
Locations in San Mateo
1133 Chess Drive
+1 650 287 2680
Filters
Reviews
6,0 Okay
Apr 2018
Pros:
Easy pick up and returnCons:
Not the car I arranged for. There was a 14 dollar charge because I drove less than 75 miles. After I demanded they take it off they did. This is the dumbest thing I ever have see. A fee for driving to few miles when the rental was unlimited mileage. I am sure a lot of people just don't notice.7,2 Good
Aug 2016
Cons:
I had to wait 10 min to talk with an employee The car was not clean (found a cup of coffee on the passenger seat) and other stuff Car was only 3 quarter full and therefore they did not allow me to buy the full fuel tank option This costed me 30 to 40 dollars in Sacramento.Elita Rent A Car
4,0
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in San Mateo
Locations in San Mateo
San Francisco Airport International SFO
+1 650 343 3052
Filters
No reviews available
NU Car
No score available yet
One location in San Mateo
Locations in San Mateo
1409 Rollins Rd
+1 650 651 7145
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
8,0 Very Good
Jun 2023
8,0 Very Good
Mar 2021
Cons:
The shuttle was cumbersome.10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
The Staff was Very Professional Patient and just overall cool. They Gave me Great Prices when I had to extend my Rental.Cons:
The Deposit should be Only $200 for any Car or Truck as Long As your Card is on File.8,0 Very Good
Feb 2021
Cons:
The only downside was waiting 30 minutes for the shuttle to take you off site to office. It added additional time on trip, but overall they were very efficient and friendly.Hertz
No score available yet
2 locations in San Mateo
Locations in San Mateo
1333 Old Bayshore Highway
+1 650 579 7783
1815 Old Bayshore Hwy
+1 650 342 8259
Filters
Reviews
5,6 Fair
Aug 2019
Pros:
The staff was quick but I’m disappointed that I left my rings in the cup holder and when I called an hour later I was told nothing had been left in the car. The rings aren’t even worth a lot of money - they have heavy sentimental value to me.Cons:
Being able to trust the people who work at Hertz.5,2 Fair
May 2019
Pros:
The car was running.Cons:
Hertz scheduled a rental car pick-up time for a time when the location was closed. When my wife checked to confirm the operating hours of the location, Hertz informed her that she would need to pay an additional $115 to change the pick-up location and refused to allow her to speak with a supervisor.8,0 Very Good
May 2019
Pros:
The price was amazing, employees were friendly and the return process was quick and easy.Cons:
Initial process took a while, only 1 person working the desk. I must have arrived at a busy time ... they took those returning cars over me, knowing I was waiting longer ....10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2018
Pros:
Everything went as planned. The Hertz location was fantastic. The price I was quoted was honored.6,4 Okay
Mar 2018
Cons:
Wait time. Changed office location from pick up to drop. I choose this location because it was close to train but new location where the drop off was added a lot of transportation time.6,8 Okay
Dec 2017
Pros:
Car was nice clean and fueledCons:
Place was difficult to fined, check in clerk made sure we know how she felt about the place. Then we received the bill, at some point without talking to us we were upgraded we only found out when they added $18.01 to our bill for the upgrade.State Van Rental
No score available yet
One location in San Mateo
Locations in San Mateo
1288 Old Bayshore Hwy
+1 888 315 6888
Filters
Reviews
8,4 Very Good
May 2019
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful.Cons:
Closer to airport10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2019
Pros:
yesCar hire locations in or near San Mateo
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
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