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Watsonville car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
Fri 26/4
Fri 3/5

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Watsonville car hire information

Pick-up locationWatsonville
Car types
Hire locations2
Airport locations1

Cheap car hire in Watsonville

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Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
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People carrier
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pick-up truck

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Watsonville

  • Watsonville, California, is a small city brimming with iconic landmarks and beautiful neighbourhoods, and you are better off adventuring the city and its stunning surrounding areas via Watsonville car rentals. While the city boasts good public transportation, car rentals in Watsonville still win out when it comes to convenience and affordability. You will spend less on driving around the city and nearby towns and cities than the cumulative fares on buses or trains. You can learn more about the city and its people at Agricultural History Project Center & Museum, and explore the Natural Bridges State Beach, Pinto Lake County Park, Sunset State Park, Castro Adobe State Historical Park, and Mt Madona Stables.
  • Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the nearest airport serving Watsonville, about 26 miles from the city center. If you are flying into Watsonville, you will likely land here. Multiple car rental agencies operate on-site desks, including Budget, Hertz, National, Avis, Alamo, and Enterprise. The rental desks are on the first floor of the terminal building near the baggage claim area. Picking your Watsonville car rentals at the airport lets you explore the city immediately after landing.
  • Generally, driving in Watsonville is a safe and manageable experience, thanks to the less impatient drivers and well-established and maintained roads. However, driving in the city has its fair share of challenges, needing you to pay attention to details. Although jaywalking is outlawed in the city, it is common still common in the city. Be sure to keep a keen on them, because even if they are on the wrong side of the traffic regulations, you don't want to hit them. Some roads are narrow, especially rural roads. Drive carefully on search roads and overtake only when it is safe and necessary.
  • Significant cities in California experience dense traffic, drawing rush hour, and Watsonville is no exception. Despite well-developed roads, Watsonville streets are typically brimming with vehicles during peak travel times, as many locals access their respective working places with private cars. Usually, the city experiences rush hours from 6 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm. Only drive your car rentals in Watsonville during these hours if necessary.
  • Book your car hire in Watsonville at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Mini car hire in Watsonville are around -20% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Watsonville

  • How much is the price of fuel in Watsonville?

    The average price of fuel in Watsonville 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 Watsonville?

    Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Watsonville.

  • 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 Watsonville?

    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 Watsonville?

    A Mini car hire in Watsonville costs R1 631 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Watsonville?

    An Economy car hire in Watsonville costs R586 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Watsonville?

    A Compact car hire in Watsonville costs R813 per day, on average.

  • What car type is recommended for driving in Watsonville?

    Watsonville car rentals have a wide range of vehicles, and the roads are well-established, making them versatile for any car type. To this end, your car type depends on your specific needs and destinations. While the vehicle’s safety features and fuel efficiency are not the only factors you want to consider, they play critical roles when choosing your car rentals in Watsonville. For example, if you are driving to off-road locations, look for a well-raised vehicle like an SUV for navigation. Yet, you want to consider the vehicle’s capacity to ensure that it accommodates you and your luggage.

  • What is the speed limit in Watsonville?

    Watsonville has many speed limits, depending on the road you drive. Observing these speed limits is crucial in saving you from getting into trouble with authority. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit in Watsonville is 25 mph in residential areas, 35 mph on the city roads, 55 mph on two-lane highways, 65 mph on multilane, and 70 mph on freeways out of the city. Also, look out for posted speed limits, as speeding is harshly punished in the city.

  • Where are the best places to park in Watsonville?

    Finding a parking lot when driving your car rentals in Watsonville is manageable, with many car parking options, more so in downtown Watsonville. 1620 W Beach Street Parking, Watsonville Parking Lot 14, Civic Plaza Parking Garage, City Parking Lot, and Watsonville Parking Lot 15 are some places worth considering. It costs around $1.50 per hour, but charges vary from location to location. Park your car rentals in Watsonville downtown to stay within the city’s hub.

Watsonville car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

6,9

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

7.0

4 locations in Watsonville

Show locations

Locations in Watsonville

1150 Auto Center Cir

+1 831 442 0808

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1150 N. Main Street, Suite 1a

+1 831 761 2800

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2724 Soquel Ave Ste A

+1 831 464 1900

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

6900 Automall Pkwy

+1 408 847 4001

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The Watsonville enterprise office cancelled our rental 2 hours before we were supposed to have picked it up. Their office gave no alternatives, despite the fact that we had the vehicle reserved for 3 weeks ahead of time.

Cons:

I had to do the work of tracking down a replacement vehicle at the last minute. Al, who works at the enterprise on Ocean St. in Watsonville, did an amazing job to help us. He stayed past closing time to get us a vehicle in time.

8,4 Very Good

Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was friendly and helpful. I booked online at the last minute and when I arrived the employee changed my vehicle to something more appropriate for my needs

Cons:

I was absolutely floored at the added expense for a one-way rental, pick up and dropping off in different locations.

10,0 Wonderful

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff at both locations were very helpful and honest.

Cons:

Nothing comes to mind specifically

2,0 Poor

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Enterprise allowed me to rent the car online. The employees had to call and inform me that they didn’t have any cars. To their credit, they did this right away and I appreciate that. The Enterprise company should not be advertising cars they don’t have.

10,0 Wonderful

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Great customer service from agent at counter. Very nice rental vehicle. Easy check in and easy return.

Cons:

Everything was perfect

9,6 Wonderful

Apr 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The drop-off was easy and I got upgraded to a bigger, very modern car.

Cons:

When I arrived there,no cars were available, even though I had booked one online (already paid for the insurance).15 minutes later someone dropped off a car and I got it, so it all worked out. But make sure cars are on-hold there when renting them out in the future!

1 out of 6

Hertz

5,2

Best rated

Cleanliness

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

5.0

4 locations in Watsonville

Show locations

Locations in Watsonville

132 Center Street

+1 831 423 0315

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

50 Aviation Way

+1 831 722 2760

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

6981 Cameron Blvd Suite B

+1 408 847 9179

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

7000 Soquel Avenue

+1 831 462 0469

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Apr 2024

KAYAK
Car rental.com is a scam. Don’t ever use them.

8,0 Very Good

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Simple, limited-contact pick up and drop off.

Cons:

When I returned the car two days early, the staff at Hertz were unable to do a refund for those extra days. This isn't a criticism of Hertz -- just know that when you book through Kayak, they don't have as much flexibility for extending or shortening a rental. Note that this Hertz location does not do after-hours drop-off. You must return the car before closing time.

4,0 Mediocre

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The two ladies who checked me in were a delight to deal with. Very professional and personable as they went through all the paperwork and what not.

Cons:

My pre-paid 1pm reservation was for a Mid-size Car, and when I got there at 1:30pm they had rented my car and had no Midsize cars left, so I was stuck with an economy car that felt like I was driving a go-kart on steroids or tin can on wheels. That was total BS!! Also, they closed the location close to my house, but it is still listed on their website, Yahoo, Waze, Google, etcetera, so when I drove over there to swap cars, there was a sign on the keys drop box saying to drop off cars across town, at the location where I picked up the car. Again, total BS!! Then when I returned the car they ran my credit card before talking to me at all, and I wanted to use my debit car. When I asked to cancel the charge and put it on my debit card, she said it was too late, she couldn't do that. Third strike of total BS. Even if it costs more and is farther away, I will never again rent a car for Hertz!!

2,0 Poor

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The location didn’t exist.

10,0 Wonderful

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Things were great. I did get nervous that my car wasn’t available but the staff there made it go over smoothly. If I had to be knit-picky, I had to wait 15 minutes for my car to get prepped and ready.

4,4 Mediocre

May 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Pick up was quick.

Cons:

The drop off was terrible. Was told my drop off location had after hours drop off but it did not. Because of this, I was late for the next plan on my tight schedule.

1 out of 14

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Watsonville

Show locations

Locations in Watsonville

630 Ocean Street

+1 831 423 1244

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

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff were friendly and there was no wait!

Cons:

No one walked me to the car or asked if I had questions about it.

2,0 Poor

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Shop was closed

8,0 Very Good

Apr 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff - Easy process

10,0 Wonderful

Oct 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy to use and hassle free

8,0 Very Good

Aug 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Convenient location. Location was closed so just quickly dropped off the car, didn't interact with anyone so I don't have much to say or judge.

7,2 Good

Apr 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Small but workable.

Cons:

The facility was cramped both inside and outside, and from the direction I approached, difficult to see as it was behind a much larger building and sign. I had to back up and maneuver to enter the very small driveway entrance. There was room to park the car once I entered, however. Not sure where to add that I felt the dropoff fee was excessive -- thus the lower rating on value for money.

1 out of 3

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Watsonville

Show locations

Locations in Watsonville

630 Ocean Street

+1 831 291 5483

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

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

May 2023

KAYAK
Fast pick up and drop off. The car was brand new and had great gas mileage.

10,0 Wonderful

Jun 2022

KAYAK
Efficient and helpful

1 out of 1

131 travellers who hired a car in Watsonville gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.5

Car hire locations in or near Watsonville

Good to know

Most popular car type

Mini

When to book a car hire in Watsonville

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