Oakland Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Oakland

Renting a car in Oakland offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the diverse attractions at your own pace. As a metropolis, Oakland provides numerous opportunities for sightseeing, making a rental car a popular choice for tourists. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your itinerary. Families will appreciate the convenience of having a car, allowing for easy trips to outdoor locations such as Berkeley Marina, where adventure and beach experiences await. You can also visit cultural sites like the historic Ferry Building, located just 11 km away from Oakland. Additionally, a rental car makes it simple to explore nearby cities such as Berkeley, Hayward, and Emeryville, each offering unique experiences, from the scenic San Francisco Bay to vibrant city squares like Jack London Square. Whether you seek outdoor activities or cultural experiences, having a rental car enhances your visit, allowing you to discover all that Oakland and its surroundings have to offer with ease.

Most popular car rentals in Oakland

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV provides ample space for passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable journey while exploring Oakland and its surrounding areas.
• Compact: Suitable for up to 5 travellers with room for 3 medium suitcases, the compact car is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families. Its smaller size allows for easier navigation through the city and is advantageous for parking in tighter spots, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore Oakland with convenience.
• Standard SUV: This vehicle type accommodates 5 travellers and has space for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a great option for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV combines comfort and practicality, allowing for a pleasant driving experience as you discover Oakland and its vicinity at your leisure.

Top rated car suppliers in Oakland

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers for its convenient location in Oakland and a strong reputation for excellent service. With a focus on family-friendly options, their most booked vehicles include Mini Vans and Fullsize SUVs, providing ample space for luggage and passengers. Customers appreciate the quick pickup process and the cleanliness of their vehicles, ensuring a pleasant rental experience. Alamo stands out for its hassle-free returns, making it a reliable choice for your journey around Oakland.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental is well-regarded for offering a solid selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, which cater to various traveller needs. Their single location in Oakland is easily accessible, allowing for straightforward pick-up and drop-off. Many customers highlight the affordability and value for money associated with Thrifty, making it an excellent option for those looking to explore the area without breaking the bank. Their efficient service ensures a smooth rental experience.
• Dollar Rent A Car: Dollar Rent A Car is another top supplier in Oakland, known for its diverse fleet featuring popular vehicles like Premium SUVs and Fullsize cars. With a focus on providing value, Dollar is appreciated for its competitive pricing and straightforward rental process. Customers often commend the quality and maintenance of the vehicles, which adds to their overall satisfaction. The location in Oakland makes it convenient for tourists to start their adventures in and around the city.

Where to stay in Oakland

• Berkeley: A vibrant city known for its cultural and outdoor experiences, Berkeley is an excellent option for travellers. With attractions like the historic college university and the Berkeley Marina, which is perfect for adventure and beach holidays, there is much to explore. Nearby, you can also visit Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island for unique experiences. The area offers a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a great spot for families and culture enthusiasts alike.
• Hayward: Ideal for families and those looking for a city-themed experience, Hayward boasts attractions such as the Hayward Regional Shoreline Park, a beautiful wetland area, and the San Francisco Bay. The local community features modern and historic colleges, along with various shopping malls. Enjoy the urban charm of Alex Giualini Plaza Park, which is suitable for family and outdoor activities. With diverse dining options nearby, Hayward is a convenient base for exploring the area.
• Emeryville: This family-friendly city offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it a fantastic place to stay. With attractions such as Jack London Square and the historic Ferry Building, visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and theatre nearby. The proximity to Pier 39 adds to Emeryville's appeal, providing further opportunities for exploration. With a variety of restaurants and wineries in the area, it caters well to those seeking a blend of culture and leisure.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Oakland

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 those summer drives, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to help identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel 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 strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers aged under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but it may be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only 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 something unforeseen occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Oakland

The best value period for renting a car in and around Oakland is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is also low. January and October are also good months, as they feature moderate pricing and average demand. From June through August, however, prices tend to rise, particularly in July, which is the most expensive month with high demand. August and September maintain average prices but see higher rental activity, making them busier than earlier months.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
March	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
April	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly High
June	61.9°F (16.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	64.0°F (17.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
September	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	55.8°F (13.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average