South Lake Tahoe car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

Save up to 40% on car rentals. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, agency and more to find your best car rental.

Car Rental Deals
Booking Insights
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in South Lake Tahoe

Medium car
Medium
Luxury car
Luxury
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for South Lake Tahoe car hire

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

How far in advance should you book car hire in South Lake Tahoe?

You should book your car hire in South Lake Tahoe around 67 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in South Lake Tahoe?

Hires in the Small category (Hyundai Kona or similar) are the most popular option in South Lake Tahoe, costing R1 464/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R1 165/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in South Lake Tahoe?

The cheapest month to hire a car in South Lake Tahoe is December at an average cost of R1 179/day. October is the most expensive month to hire a car in South Lake Tahoe when prices are R1 550/day on average, which tends to be 15% above the yearly average hire price for South Lake Tahoe.

Which car hire company in South Lake Tahoe has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 4 locations in South Lake Tahoe, more than any other car hire company.

South Lake Tahoe car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in South Lake Tahoe by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

R888 - R1 493

All Car Types

R1 246 - R1 733

How much does it cost to hire a small car in South Lake Tahoe?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in South Lake Tahoe?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in South Lake Tahoe?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in South Lake Tahoe?

How much does it cost to hire a van in South Lake Tahoe?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in South Lake Tahoe?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in South Lake Tahoe?

Small car hire in South Lake Tahoe typically costs around R1 217 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average R888 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 15% cheaper than the average car hire in South Lake Tahoe, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in South Lake Tahoe typically costs around R1 178 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R942 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 18% cheaper than the average car hire in South Lake Tahoe, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in South Lake Tahoe typically cost around R1 249 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R646 per day, which is about 49% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 13% cheaper than the average car hire in South Lake Tahoe, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in South Lake Tahoe typically costs around R1 540 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R1 120 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 8% more expensive than the average car hire in South Lake Tahoe but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in South Lake Tahoe typically costs around R2 010 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 308 per day, which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 30% more expensive than the average car hire in South Lake Tahoe but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in South Lake Tahoe typically costs around R1 570 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R1 098 per day, which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 10% more expensive than the average car hire in South Lake Tahoe but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in South Lake Tahoe typically costs around R1 269 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average R855 per day, which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are currently 11% cheaper than the average car hire in South Lake Tahoe, which defies expectations.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Medium

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in South Lake Tahoe

  • Renting a car in South Lake Tahoe provides a comfortable and convenient way of getting around the city. South Lake Tahoe car rentals also give you the freedom to explore the city by visiting places such as Rubicon Trail, Van Sickle Bi-State Park, and the Gondola at Heavenly. Most public transport options have larger vehicles that are only limited to city roads. A ride from car rentals in South Lake Tahoe allows you to maneuver through mountain roads to get to you even to a remote destination quickly.
  • Visitors flying to South Lake Tahoe arrive at the Lake Tahoe Airport, located about 3 miles from the city center. No car rentals in South Lake Tahoe agencies have offices at the airport, but the flight hub partners with various reputable companies to deliver your rental car at the Airport's FBO, Mountain West Aviation for pickup. Easirent, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and Avis car rentals operate in the region.
  • South Lake Tahoe residents love to ski and snowboard, and most of them drive to ski destinations on the weekends during the winter months. The traffic heading and within the main roads can be a little bit congested, especially on I-80 and Highway 50. These roads are typically busy in the afternoon and Friday evenings. At this time, children leave school, and it is critical to be watchful as they tend to be playful even along the roads.
  • In a resort city like South Lake Tahoe, highways have bends as they wind through the mountainous region, and you must maintain safe speeds. Winter weather in the city can make the road slippery. You are advised to inspect your vehicle's condition before driving. Some roads might have 10'-17' snow cover, and snowplows often clear the ice, especially on main and feeder roads. Ensure you keep behind the snow removal machine for road safety. It is also advisable to travel before or after rush hours (around 7am to 8am, and 5:30pm to 7pm).
  • Medium hire cars in South Lake Tahoe are around 38% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in South Lake Tahoe

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in South Lake Tahoe?

    Snow and ice are inconstant weather conditions in South Lake Tahoe, and driving may need a powerful off-road rental vehicle. Choose a compact 4x4 SUV if you’re traveling as a family/group or a winter-ready truck if you’re hauling your snow toys. An AWD car provides the required traction for stability on the road and comfort on off-road tracks. It also alleviates the need to mount chains on tires. During warm seasons, you can opt for a compact or mid-sized car for easy navigation and parking in the streets.

  • What’s the speed limit in South Lake Tahoe?

    It is critical to adhere to South Lake Tahoe's speed limits to ensure safety and stay on the safe side of the law. On Highway 50, motorists must maintain 35mph to 40mph. In summer, the speed limit of the passing lane at Tahoe Ski Resort is 55mph, as the lane heads downhill. If you drive on Highway 89 between the Y intersection of H-50 and Camp Richardson, you must not exceed 35mph. Drivers using Highway 50 (as it approaches Meyers) must quickly lower their speeds to 40mph because it is a downhill drive. Before this section, the limit is above 55mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in South Lake Tahoe?

    The city of South Lake Tahoe manages the Heavenly Village Parking Lot at 1 Bellamy Court. With a ride from South Lake Tahoe car rentals, parking will cost you about $1.25/20min, $3.75/h, and about $25 per day. The facility has an online charging system that bills drivers using their license plates and phone numbers.

  • How can I find car hires near me in South Lake Tahoe?

    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 South Lake Tahoe?

    A Medium car hire in South Lake Tahoe costs R1 235 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Small car hire cost in South Lake Tahoe?

    A Small car hire in South Lake Tahoe costs R1 360 per day, on average.

South Lake Tahoe car rental reviews and directory

 

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7,5

Good

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

7.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

8.5

4 locations in South Lake Tahoe

Locations in South Lake Tahoe

1287 Hwy 395

+1 775 782 7752

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
Sunday

18 Hwy 50

+1 775 339 3458

Monday
Tuesday09:00 - 14:00
Wednesday09:00 - 14:00
Thursday09:00 - 14:00
Friday09:00 - 14:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday

2281 Lake Tahoe Blvd

+1 530 544 8844

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
Sunday

3659 S Carson St

+1 775 883 7788

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
Noah took great care of us.

2,0 Poor

Kiefer, Feb 2024

Standard

KAYAK
All locations of Enterprise in Tahoe were closed all weekend - I was unable to even get a car

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Economy

KAYAK
They did not have any rental car for us, even though we reserved one.

1 out of 2

Hertz

5,9

Fair

One location in South Lake Tahoe

Locations in South Lake Tahoe

1138 Airport Rd Ste 3

+1 775 841 8002

Monday08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday08:00 - 15:00
Thursday08:00 - 15:00
Friday08:00 - 15:00

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

2 locations in South Lake Tahoe

Locations in South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Airport

Opening times not available

Minden-Tahoe Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

No score available yet

One location in South Lake Tahoe

Locations in South Lake Tahoe

50 Highway 50

+1 530 544 5289

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 15:00
Sunday08:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

No score available yet

One location in South Lake Tahoe

Locations in South Lake Tahoe

50 Highway 50

+1 530 544 3439

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 15:00
Sunday08:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in South Lake Tahoe

Locations in South Lake Tahoe

1001 Heavenly Village Way

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

4 travellers who hired a car in South Lake Tahoe gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5,3

Car hire locations in or near South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe car hire information

Pick-up locationSouth Lake Tahoe
Car types
Hire locations3
Airport locations1