Car Rentals in Bakersfield, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Bakersfield

Renting a car in and around Bakersfield provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Whether you're travelling with family or seeking outdoor adventures, a rental car makes it easy to manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans. With a vehicle, you can visit key attractions such as the Kern County Fairgrounds and The Park At River Walk, both ideal for family and outdoor experiences, or head to the Kern County Raceway Park for some adrenaline-pumping action.

Additionally, a rental car allows convenient access to nearby destinations like Buttonwillow, where you can check out Buttonwillow Raceway Park, or the neighbourhood of Rosedale, featuring the Kern County Museum and The Park At River Walk. Exploring the Oleander - Sunset area is also effortless, giving you the chance to visit the Bakersfield Museum of Art and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science. With Bakersfield's extensive attractions and beautiful surroundings, having your own transport ensures a more enjoyable and personalised experience during your visit.

Most popular car hires in Bakersfield

• Midsize: This option accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for couples and families. Renting a midsize car in Bakersfield allows for comfortable travel while offering enough space for luggage, ensuring that you can explore the area without feeling cramped.
• Fullsize: A great choice for families and groups, the fullsize car can accommodate 5 travellers and carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This flexibility in luggage capacity makes it perfect for those who need extra room for various travel needs, allowing you to enjoy your journey around Bakersfield without restrictions.
• Compact: The compact car is suitable for 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases, making it an excellent option for solo travellers, couples, or smaller families. Its smaller size is advantageous for navigating city streets and parking in tight spaces while still providing ample room for your essentials as you explore Bakersfield and its surroundings.

Top rated car suppliers in Bakersfield

• Budget: Budget has one rental location in Bakersfield, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for offering excellent value, their most popular vehicles include Economy and Compact options, ideal for navigating the city's streets and nearby attractions with ease. Enjoy the flexibility of managing your itinerary with Budget's reliable service.
• Hertz: With a rental location in Bakersfield, Hertz is a well-regarded supplier offering a range of vehicles to suit your needs. Their most booked options include Economy and Fullsize SUVs, perfect for those looking to explore the region comfortably. Hertz is known for its quality service, ensuring a smooth car hire experience during your travels.
• Avis: Avis operates one rental location in Bakersfield, providing a selection of vehicles tailored to various preferences. Their popular choices include Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, making them a great option for both individual travellers and families. Avis is committed to delivering a seamless car hire experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Where to stay in Bakersfield

• Buttonwillow: Located in the vicinity of Bakersfield, Buttonwillow is ideal for families and business travellers alike. Popular activities include motor racing at the renowned Buttonwillow Raceway Park and Kern County Raceway Park, both suitable for adventure holidays. The area is also home to a shopping centre and features attractions like a theme park and a film studio. Food and drink options include local wineries and restaurants, making it a convenient choice for your stay.
• Oleander - Sunset: This neighbourhood around Bakersfield offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the Kern County Fairgrounds, a great venue for outdoor events, and the Bakersfield Museum of Art, perfect for culture enthusiasts. The area is also near various restaurants catering to diverse tastes. Oleander - Sunset is a lively area that can enhance your travel experience with its accessible attractions.
• Rosedale: Situated close to Bakersfield, Rosedale is a perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Park At River Walk provides a scenic urban park experience, while the Kern County Raceway Park offers exciting motor racing. The neighbourhood is also near the Kern County Museum, showcasing local history and culture. With its recreational areas and attractions, Rosedale is a well-rounded choice for your stay in the region.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Bakersfield

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle 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 ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to achieve lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, 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 available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age criteria prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is typically the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge when picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire 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 hire insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended 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 licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Bakersfield

The best value period to rent a car in and around Bakersfield is January, when both prices and demand are low. Following closely, May offers slightly lower prices, although demand can be high. March and April see slightly higher prices with average demand, making them reasonable choices as well. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, accompanied by average demand. Meanwhile, June and July can also be pricier, but with lower demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	49.5°F (9.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
February	50.5°F (10.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
March	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	61.0°F (16.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly Low
June	77.2°F (25.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	84.0°F (28.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
August	82.2°F (27.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	76.6°F (24.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
October	65.7°F (18.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
December	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average