Car Rentals in Berkeley, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Berkeley

Renting a car in Berkeley offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those seeking cultural experiences, family outings, or outdoor adventures. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Berkeley Marina, which is ideal for outdoor and beach experiences. You can also venture to Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island, both located approximately 14 km away from Berkeley, allowing for convenient day trips.

Additionally, having your own vehicle makes it simple to explore nearby destinations like Oakland, known for Jack London Square, or Emeryville, just 4 km from Berkeley, which offers access to Pier 39 and more. The convenience of a rental car is especially helpful for families who may need space for luggage and gear, ensuring everyone stays together while travelling. With numerous sights to see and easy navigation, renting a car in and around Berkeley enhances your travel experience, allowing you to enjoy the region without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car hires in Berkeley

• Midsize: The Midsize car is a popular choice for those travelling in groups or with family, comfortably accommodating up to 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for couples and families seeking a balance of space and manageability while exploring Berkeley and its surroundings. With this vehicle, you can enjoy the freedom to visit various attractions at your own pace, without the hassle of luggage constraints.
• Compact: The Compact car option is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families, providing enough space for up to 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases. This choice allows for easy navigation through Berkeley's streets while ensuring that you have sufficient room for your luggage. Compact cars are a smart option for those wanting to enjoy the flexibility of driving while being economical on fuel and parking space.
• Economy: The Economy car is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. It accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. This option provides an efficient way to explore Berkeley while keeping rental costs low. With an Economy car, you can easily manage your journey and enjoy the convenience of exploring at your leisure without overspending.

Top rated car suppliers in Berkeley

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice for travellers seeking value and flexibility in Berkeley. With 1 rental location in the area, this supplier offers a convenient option for those wanting to explore at their own pace. The most booked vehicles with Budget include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it easy to manage your luggage and enjoy a comfortable ride during your trip.
• Hertz: Hertz is another leading supplier in Berkeley, featuring 1 rental location for easy access. Known for its reliability, Hertz offers a selection of Compact and Midsize cars, ideal for navigating the city and surrounding areas. With this supplier, you can confidently embark on your journey, enjoying the freedom to adjust your itinerary as you discover Berkeley's attractions.
• Avis: Avis stands out with its 1 rental location in Berkeley, providing travellers with a dependable option for car hire. The most popular choices from Avis include Midsize SUVs and Midsize cars, catering to various needs for space and comfort. Renting from Avis allows you to make the most of your trip while navigating effortlessly through the beautiful landscapes of Berkeley and beyond.

Where to stay around Berkeley

• Oakland: A vibrant metropolis, Oakland is a superb base for exploring Berkeley and its surroundings. The area is rich in family-friendly activities, culture, and outdoor experiences. Nearby attractions include the historic college university and the lively Jack London Square, ideal for city holidays. Visitors can also enjoy the Berkeley Marina for outdoor adventures and the Ferry Building for a touch of history. With a variety of restaurants and wineries, Oakland offers diverse dining options to enhance your stay.
• El Cerrito: Located 4 km from Berkeley, El Cerrito is a charming city perfect for family outings and cultural experiences. The area features educational venues, a shopping mall centre, and recreational areas. Explore the local landmarks, including historic college universities and nearby beaches. El Cerrito is home to a selection of restaurants and wineries, making it a delightful spot for food enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to discover Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island, both accessible from this scenic city.
• Bay Area: Situated 5 km away from Berkeley, the Bay Area is renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. This region boasts beautiful beaches and a range of recreational areas, suitable for family adventures. Key points of interest include the iconic Pier 39 and the historic Ferry Building, both offering unique experiences. With a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, the Bay Area is an excellent choice for travellers seeking both leisure and cultural enrichment.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for sunny days, or an economy 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 can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and have a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are generally 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 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals implement a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
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 the unexpected occur during your trip. It’s simple to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Berkeley

The best value period to rent a car in and around Berkeley is January, when both prices and demand are slightly low. February and March, however, can see higher prices, as demand increases and rentals become more expensive. After the busy summer months of June through August, which maintain average pricing and high demand, September shows a slight dip in prices with average demand levels. October and November follow with slightly low prices and steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
February	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	56.5°F (13.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
May	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
July	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
August	66.2°F (19.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average