San Carlos Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Compare rent a car rates in San Carlos from popular car rental companies

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car supplier logos

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car hire
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save 10% or more on over 1 million car hire
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings

Explore San Carlos with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

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

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
San Carlos, California, USA
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
San Carlos, California, USA
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
San Carlos, California, USA
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
San Carlos, California, USA
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car rentals in San Carlos
View all cars

What you need to know for your San Carlos car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Carlos

Renting a car in San Carlos offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This option is particularly appealing for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for cultural experiences, as it allows for easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Hiller Aviation Museum, which is great for culture-themed outings, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Miramar Beach, both located just 18 km away from San Carlos.

Additionally, the vibrant city of San Francisco is only 18 km away, where you can explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39. Nearby towns such as Redwood City, just 3 km away, and Belmont, only 2 km away, offer their own unique attractions, including Filoli and Twin Pines Art Center. Having a rental car makes it easy to navigate these popular destinations, ensuring that you make the most of your travel experience in and around San Carlos.

Where to stay around San Carlos

  • San Carlos: A charming city that serves as a gateway to San Francisco's attractions, San Carlos is ideal for those seeking a family-friendly atmosphere. The proximity to urban parks offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Not far, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park make for must-visit destinations, showcasing culture and nature. Visitors will also find various dining options nearby, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
  • Redwood City: Located 3 km away from San Carlos, Redwood City is known for its outdoor and cultural experiences. With attractions like the historic Filoli and San Francisco Bay, it's an excellent spot for families and culture enthusiasts. The local theatre scene adds a vibrant touch, while the nearby shopping mall centres provide perfect opportunities for shopping and dining. This neighbourhood is especially pleasant in the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild.
  • Palo Alto: Situated 13 km from San Carlos, Palo Alto is a hub for culture and family activities. The historic Stanford Memorial Church and the Palo Alto Art Center offer rich cultural experiences. Nature lovers will appreciate the Baylands Nature Preserve, perfect for outdoor activities. With plenty of shopping centres and dining options available, Palo Alto caters well to both business and leisure travellers, making it a great neighbourhood to stay in.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around San Carlos

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the ideal option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary significantly depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles 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 the age of 70. Always verify age requirements prior to making a booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid incurring additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: It’s common to incur a surcharge when collecting your rental car from airports, but the convenience may justify the additional cost.
  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 peace of mind should any unexpected issues arise during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.

Information on Car Rentals

Popular Car Rental Types:
Hire a SUV, Economy, Luxury, Full Size
Car Rental Suppliers Available:
Today's Best Car Rental Offer:
Second Best Car Rental Deal:
Third Best Car Rental Deal:
Airport to hotel transportation:
Airport Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in San Carlos?
Daily rental prices were as low as within the past seven days. With rates like this, cruising the streets of San Carlos in your own set of wheels is an affordable way to see the sights.
Can I rent a car from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO)?
Land at San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) and then head for Airport Van Rental or Hertz, both a short distance away. You'll be exploring San Carlos in your rental before you know it.
What happens if I need to cancel my San Carlos car reservation?
We appreciate that flexibility while travelling is important. That's why many prepaid rentals provide a total refund if you notify us a minimum of six hours before the scheduled collection time. It's a good idea to go through your rental agreement though because there are some exceptions. If there's nothing specified there, head over to our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in San Carlos?
If you'll be exploring big cities, you'll want to think small — like an economy-sized car. The most popular rental in San Carlos, they can easily get around congested streets, slip into tight parking spots and deliver terrific mileage. But there's nothing stopping you from going big either! Browse our standard or full-size options if you want some extra space, or take things to the next level with one our premium rides.
Where can I go on a road trip from San Carlos?
After you've covered all the terrific places in San Carlos, there's a lot more to discover in the surrounding region. Collect the keys to a rental car, stow your luggage in the trunk and get out there. Here are some road trips we're confident you'll enjoy:
  • You'll discover Six Flags Hurricane Harbour Concord and many other interesting attractions in Concord. From San Carlos, it's 56 kilometres away.
  • Around 64 kilometres away, Santa Cruz is also a favourite with travellers. Allow time to experience Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk while you're in town. It's one of the reasons people love coming to this thriving city.
  • Make tracks to Glacier Point for a day out in nature. Take a picnic to enjoy or just relax and unwind. From San Carlos, it's approximately 241 kilometres away.
How do I find the best car rental deals in San Carlos with Expedia?
Expedia makes it a cinch to compare rates, offers and rental providers, and to check customer ratings. Bundle your San Carlos car rental with flight or hotel bookings to save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in San Carlos?
Drivers with a valid licence 21 and above can rent a vehicle in San Carlos. While some suppliers may be willing to accommodate drivers younger than 21, contracts will come with additional fees. Find out what ages the young renter fee applies to, and the associated cost, before locking in your ride. Suppliers also restrict the categories of cars available to young drivers. Higher age limits apply for luxury and specialty vehicles.
What do you need to rent a car in San Carlos?
Be prepared to present a valid driver's licence and a credit card at the rental counter. Prior to pickup, check with your selected rental company whether other documentation is needed. For example, you may also need to show proof of insurance.
What is the cheapest car rental in San Carlos?
and were the two lowest daily rates for car rentals in San Carlos within the past seven days. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in San Carlos?
Expedia makes it a snap to score a long-term car rental in San Carlos. Just head to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and compare your choices.
Where can I find a San Carlos car rental if I am younger than 25?
Age policies differ between rental suppliers, so be prepared to do a little homework. Managed to find a San Carlos outlet that does rent to drivers under 25 years of age? Great! Just take note that some companies charge extra fees to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. The fine print of each rental car you're interested in will have all the information you need.
Can I drive in San Carlos with my current driver's license?
If you don't possess a driver's license issued in the U.S, then you might need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before renting a car. If you find that an IDP is required for you to drive in the U.S., know that you'll also have to show your current valid driver's license and your passport or other forms of identification. Lastly, the credit card you used to rent the vehicle must match the name on your license and passport in order to finalize your car rental. Other things you should know about rental cars in the U.S. Are:
  • Age restrictions: You'll need to be 25 or older in most states to be able to rent a car, although in some places the minimum age is 21. We recommend checking local rules and regulations, as well as with the rental car company before you travel to understand all the terms and conditions.
  • Driving limitations: Read the fine print before you get behind the wheel to avoid unnecessary fees. When renting a car in the U.S, you typically can't cross country borders into Canada or Mexico, use car ferries or traverse off-road areas with your home vehicle. Please read the regulations before booking!

Explore a world of travel with Expedia