Catalina Island Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

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Explore Catalina Island with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
Catalina Island, California, USA
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
Catalina Island, California, USA
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
Catalina Island, California, USA
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
Catalina Island, California, USA
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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What you need to know for your Catalina Island car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Catalina Island

Renting a car on Catalina Island offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, making it an excellent choice for sightseeing and travel. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Descanso Beach and Moonstone Beach, both located approximately 5 km to 9 km away, perfect for beach-related experiences. You can also drive to Avalon, which is 9 km from Catalina Island, where you can explore the Catalina Island Museum and the Catalina Casino.

This convenience extends to family travellers, as a rental car allows for easy luggage management and comfortable travel for all members. If you wish to venture further, Two Harbors is 10 km away, featuring additional attractions like Wells Beach. For those planning day trips, San Pedro, located 43 km away, provides cultural sites such as the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. Overall, having a rental car enhances your ability to discover the diverse experiences Catalina Island has to offer, from beautiful beaches to vibrant cities, ensuring a memorable trip.

Where to stay around Catalina Island

  • Avalon: Located 9 km from Catalina Island, Avalon is an ideal spot for those seeking a culture-themed, family-friendly outdoor experience. The city offers attractions such as the Catalina Island Museum, perfect for archaeology and anthropology enthusiasts, and the beautiful Descanso Beach for relaxation. Additionally, the historic Catalina Casino adds to the city's cultural charm. Avalon is also home to various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a convenient base for exploring the island.
  • Two Harbors: Situated 10 km away from Catalina Island, Two Harbors is perfect for families and outdoor lovers. The area boasts stunning beaches, including Wells Beach and Descanso Beach, which are great for beach holidays. Visitors can delve into local history at the Catalina Island Museum, enriching their experience with both outdoor activities and cultural insights. Dining options are plentiful, with various restaurants and wineries available, ensuring a delightful stay.
  • Rancho Palos Verdes: Located 42 km from Catalina Island, Rancho Palos Verdes offers a blend of family-friendly and outdoor activities in a city-themed environment. The area is home to beautiful beaches and popular sites such as Wayfarers Chapel and Point Vicente Lighthouse, which are perfect for culture seekers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park & Ecological Reserve. The town's diverse dining options, including restaurants and wineries, make it a great location for those looking to explore beyond the island.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Catalina Island

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or a compact car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary depending on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to benefit from lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a nice balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in this instance.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You’ll often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but it might be worthwhile for the added convenience.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides additional peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.

Information on Car Rentals

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a holiday rental car per day on Catalina Island?
The lowest daily rate for a holiday rental vehicle on Catalina Island within the past seven days was . With the freedom of having your own ride, you can make your way to whichever sights you like.
What happens if I need to cancel my Catalina Island car reservation?
Our Customer Service Portal has information about this. In almost all cases, total refunds are available if a prepaid booking is cancelled a minimum of six hours before picking up the car. Be sure to scan the car rental agreement to double-check if there are any exemptions.
What types of cars can I rent on Catalina Island?
Mini cars, mid-size rides, premium SUVs ... Grab the keys to almost any kind of vehicle you like! Economy is the leading holiday rental car category on Catalina Island. Zippy, with great mileage and easy to handle, these rides make touring around enjoyable. Maybe the best thing? They're affordable. That means you'll have more cash to splash on other things, like discovering as much of this wonderful island as possible.
What are the top things to do on Catalina Island?
There are so many things to see and do on and around Catalina Island. And when you pick up the keys to your rental car, you can discover them all at your convenience. Add these fantastic places to your itinerary:
  • Dust off your clubs and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of golf at Catalina Island Golf Course.
  • Nothing gives us an insight into days gone by quite like old buildings. Learn a thing or two about the area's rich history at Catalina Casino.
  • Ready to awaken your inner archaeologist? Study unearthed objects and learn all about long-gone civilizations at Catalina Island Museum.
How do I find the best car rental deals on Catalina Island with Expedia?
Check out customer ratings and reviews, choose your car type and compare prices from top suppliers. Expedia makes it easy to nab the best deal on your holiday rental wheels. Combine your Catalina Island car rental with flight or hotel bookings and drive off with even greater savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car on Catalina Island?
If you're at least 21 years of age, you can rent a car on Catalina Island. Longing for a luxury set of wheels to cruise the ocean roads in style? You'll need to check if the holiday rental outlet has higher age limits or surcharges for these kinds of vehicles. Also take note that most providers charge a young renter's fee.
What do you need to rent a car on Catalina Island?
The top requirements are a current driver's license and credit card. Both need to be in the driver's name. If you decide not to go with the outlet's insurance policy, you'll likely need an alternative proof of coverage. You should find all the details and information you need in your insurance agreement.
What is the cheapest car rental on Catalina Island?
You'll be happy to know that you can book a holiday rental car on Catalina Island for as little as a day. That's based on prices found within the past seven days. If you're wondering, was the second lowest daily rate.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer on Catalina Island?
Yes, you can rent a vehicle for a month or more. Just enter your travel dates and pickup and drop-off locations, and we'll track down the best long-term car rental deals around. Don't rush through Catalina Island — discover paradise at your own pace!
Where can I find a Catalina Island car rental if I am younger than 25?
You'll have to research the age policy of the Catalina Island holiday rental supplier you're considering. Car rental companies often apply a young renter surcharge to people between the ages of 21 and 24  so make sure you know how much this cost will be. No one enjoys being hit with unwelcome surprises at the holiday rental desk, so always read through the fine print before confirming your booking.

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