Car Rentals in California, USA

Search and Compare from Car Companies in California

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car supplier logos

Become a member for freeOpens in a new window and get more than just a booking discount. Members also earn points towards their next trip.

Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel, and car to save even more.

Enjoy maximum flexibility with penalty-free cancellation on most car rentals.

Top Rental Car Deals in California

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

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car hire in California
View all cars
Lowest prices found within the past 17 hours. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in California?
Driving around California doesn't have to drain your savings, with daily rental car prices starting at just £40 within the past seven days.
What happens if I need to cancel my California car reservation?
If you need to make changes to your itinerary, almost all rentals qualify for a complete refund. You'll just need to let us know a minimum of six hours prior to the arranged pick-up time. Check your hire agreement for any exceptions. Your booking details will have more details, or jump onto our Customer Service Portal for more information.
What types of cars can I rent in California?
Take the wheel of a full-size car and you'll quickly understand why it's the top choice in California. With seating for up to five people and generous storage space, you'll appreciate all that room while cruising around. These rides also often come with fancy touches like sunroofs and leather seats. But your options don't end there. We also have economy hatchbacks, mid-size sedans, premium SUVs and more.
How do I find the best car hire deals in California with Expedia?
Expedia makes it quick and easy to compare prices, offers and hire providers, and to check customer recommendations. Bundle your California car hire with flight or hotel bookings and you can save even more.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in California?
The youngest age you can hire a car in California is 21. An extra fee for young drivers applies, so check before you book and budget for any additional costs. There may also be restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be rented by young drivers. For example, some providers will only hire out small and medium-sized cars to less-experienced motorists. Rules may differ between companies, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.
What do you need to rent a car in California?
Before you can take the wheel in California, you'll need a driver's license and a credit card. If you decline to take out the hire company's insurance place, you may also have to provide proof of other coverage. Requirements may vary, so read the contract terms and conditions before you choose a hire company.
What is the cheapest car hire in California?
The lowest hire car rate in California within the past seven days was just £40 per day. The next best deal snapped up by happy travellers was £41. 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 hire a car for a month or longer in California?
Whether you're planning to stay in California or journey beyond, you can reserve a long-term rental with Expedia. Enter your trip information and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll find you the best long-term car hire deals.
Where can I find a California hire car if I am younger than 25?
This depends on the hire companies that are found in California. They often have different policies when it comes to minimum ages. If you've found a place that does cater to drivers under 25, keep in mind that additional costs may apply. Do some research into any extra charges before picking up the keys to your vehicle.
Can I drive in California with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license from the United States, you might need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before hiring a car. If you find that an IDP is required, be aware 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 that was used to hire the car must also match the name on your driver's license and passport in order to finalize your car hire. Other things you should know about hired cars in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You'll need to be 25 or older in most states to be able to hire a car, although in some areas, 21 years and older is allowed. We recommend checking local rules and regulations, as well as the hire car website before you go to understand all the regulations that may apply to you.
  • Driving limitations: Don't forget to read the fine print before you leave the lot to avoid unnecessary fees. When hiring a car in the U.S, you typically can't cross country borders into Canada or Mexico, use car ferries or go off-roading with your hire vehicle. Please read all the rules and regulations before you book!

Why should I rent a California car with Expedia?
You'll get the best deal on your wheels with Expedia. Economy or full-size, you'll find your dream ride from one of the multiple suppliers in California. Our special offers, member prices and rewards programmes will help you get the most out of your travel budget. And if you'd like to save more, bundle your bookings into a holiday package. Add a hotel or flights to your rental vehicle reservation and unlock awesome discounts! Plus, when you sign up for our One Key™ loyalty programme, you can earn OneKeyCash™* and redeem it on eligible hotels, car rentals, activities and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
£40
Our second best deal of the day:
£41
Our third best deal of the day:
£42
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation