Palo Alto Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Palo Alto

Renting a car in Palo Alto offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and tailor your travel plans, making it ideal for families, business travellers, and those interested in cultural experiences. You can easily visit key attractions such as the Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Memorial Church, both located within the city. For nature enthusiasts, the Baylands Nature Preserve provides a beautiful outdoor experience.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture to nearby destinations like Sunnyvale, which is 12 km away, where you can explore Historic Murphy Avenue and California's Great America. The Stanford neighbourhood offers more cultural sites, including Hoover Tower and the Stanford University Arboretum. East Palo Alto, also close by, features attractions like California's Great America and the San Francisco Bay. Overall, having a car enhances your ability to enjoy various experiences in and around Palo Alto without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Palo Alto

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for those visiting Palo Alto, accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing space for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families, offering an efficient and budget-friendly option for exploring the area at your own pace. With its compact size, navigating the streets and parking in busy areas becomes a hassle-free experience.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is an excellent option for families, couples, or small groups, comfortably seating up to 5 travellers while accommodating up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle offers a blend of space and versatility, making it perfect for those who require extra room for luggage and personal belongings. Enjoy the freedom to explore Palo Alto and its surroundings with the added comfort and safety that an SUV provides.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is a fantastic choice for couples, families, or groups, accommodating 5 travellers and 2 medium suitcases. This car type strikes a balance between spaciousness and manoeuvrability, allowing you to comfortably navigate the streets of Palo Alto while having sufficient room for your belongings. Ideal for travellers seeking a comfortable ride with the flexibility to explore the region, the Standard SUV is both practical and enjoyable for your journey.

Top rated car suppliers in Palo Alto

• Hertz: Hertz operates in the area of Palo Alto with one rental location, making it easily accessible for travellers. This supplier is highly regarded for its Midsize and Fullsize car options, which are among the most booked vehicles. Customers appreciate the reliability and quality of Hertz vehicles, ensuring a comfortable driving experience as you explore the attractions around Palo Alto at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget also has a rental location in Palo Alto and is particularly popular for its Standard SUV offerings. Travellers value the spaciousness and versatility of these vehicles, which are perfect for both family trips and solo adventures. With Budget, you can manage your luggage effortlessly while enjoying the freedom to adjust your itinerary as needed.

Where to stay around Palo Alto

• Sunnyvale: Located 12 km from Palo Alto, Sunnyvale is an excellent choice for families and business travellers alike. Visitors can explore attractions such as the historic Murphy Avenue, which offers a charming street suitable for city holidays. For outdoor fun, California's Great America amusement park is perfect for adventure seekers. There are also various food and drink options, including wineries and restaurants. Sunnyvale's vibrant atmosphere makes it a great base for your stay.
• Menlo Park: Just 4 km from Palo Alto, Menlo Park is ideal for those seeking a cultural experience or family-friendly activities. Key attractions include Bedwell Bayfront Park, a lovely urban park perfect for outdoor gatherings, and the United States Geological Survey library, which caters to those interested in culture and education. The area boasts several dining options, including local wineries, making it a convenient and engaging location for your visit.
• Mountain View: Situated 8 km away from Palo Alto, Mountain View offers a delightful mix of family, culture, and entertainment. The Computer History Museum presents a unique cultural experience, while the nearby California's Great America amusement park provides outdoor enjoyment. Additionally, the area features a range of dining options, including wineries and restaurants. Mountain View's welcoming vibe and proximity to key attractions make it a lovely spot for your stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Palo Alto

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search according to vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based 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 improved 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 busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is generally the most advantageous. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies solely accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your journey. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Palo Alto

The best value period to rent a car in and around Palo Alto is April, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. This is a quiet month for rentals, making it ideal for securing a good deal. Following April, July can also offer slightly lower prices with average demand. However, August is the most expensive month, as demand tends to increase while prices rise, making it a busy time for car rentals. September and October continue this trend with prices that are slightly high and steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
March	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	57.4°F (14.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	66.2°F (19.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
July	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly High
September	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
October	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
November	57.7°F (14.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average