South Lake Tahoe car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in South Lake Tahoe

Here is why travellers choose KAYAK

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 South Lake Tahoe

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates
Choose your dates
Economy car
Economy
Compact car
Compact
Intermediate car
Intermediate
Standard car
Standard
Full-size car
Full-size
Luxury car
Luxury
People carrier car
People carrier
Passenger van car
Passenger van
Commercial car
Commercial
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck

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).
  • Book your car hire in South Lake Tahoe at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact hire cars in South Lake Tahoe are around 21% 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 much is the price of fuel in South Lake Tahoe?

    The average price of fuel in South Lake Tahoe is R61,31 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R736 and R981, depending on the car size.

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

    Compact (Ford Focus or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in South Lake Tahoe.

  • 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 Compact car hire cost in South Lake Tahoe?

    A Compact car hire in South Lake Tahoe costs R1 466 per day, on average.

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

    A Standard car hire in South Lake Tahoe costs R1 854 per day, on average.

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

    A Full Size car hire in South Lake Tahoe costs R2 349 per day, on average.

South Lake Tahoe 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.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8,4

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

9.0

2 locations in South Lake Tahoe

Show locations

Locations in South Lake Tahoe

18 Hwy 50

+1 775 339 3458

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday09:00 - 14:00
Wednesday09:00 - 14:00
Thursday09:00 - 14:00
Friday09:00 - 14:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2281 Lake Tahoe Blvd

+1 530 544 8844

Monday09:00 - 14:00
Tuesday09:00 - 14:00
Wednesday09:00 - 14:00
Thursday09:00 - 14:00
Friday09:00 - 14:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

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.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

When I got to the South Lake Tahoe rental location they had a small car for me. Monday morning and lots of cars to go out. I asked for different, larger car and they were very happy to find me and my wife another vehicle. It was cleaned and ready to go in a matter of 15 minutes and we were very happy.

Cons:

They did great and we recommend Enterprise to all our friends.

10,0 Wonderful

Stephen, Mar 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Helpful convenient

1 out of 2

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

2 locations in South Lake Tahoe

Show locations

Locations in South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Airport

Opening times not available

Minden-Tahoe Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

No score available yet

3 locations in South Lake Tahoe

Show locations

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

18 Highway 50

+1 775 586 0041

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

1901 Airport Road

+1 530 542 1452

Monday08:30 - 13:30
Tuesday08:30 - 13:30
Wednesday08:30 - 13:30
Thursday08:30 - 13:30
Friday08:30 - 13:30
Saturday08:30 - 13:30
Sunday08:00 - 15:00

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

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2021

KAYAK
I have rented many cars in many states, and your employee, was the nicest and friendliest car rental employee I have ever met. Most act they are doing you a favor renting you a car. And do not care how long you wait. And she did everything herself. Checked you in and brought up the car and checked your car back in. I have not rented cars from certain companies, when I return to the same area, because of poor service. I would rent here again, based on this employee. She was great to work with.

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

2083 travellers who hired a car in South Lake Tahoe gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.6

Car hire locations in or near South Lake Tahoe

Good to know

Most popular car type

Compact

When to book a car hire in South Lake Tahoe

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

South Lake Tahoe car hire information

Pick-up locationSouth Lake Tahoe
Car types
Hire locations4
Airport locations2

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