Compare car hire deals in Costa Mesa, USA

Why rent a car in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa is a city in California's Orange County. Known as the city of the arts, Costa Mesa also features several parks and gardens. With a Costa Mesa car rental, you can see the city's many attractions, including the sports facilities and picnic areas at TeWinkle Park and Noguchi Garden, a sculpture garden that represents the state of California.

Situated between San Diego and Los Angeles, if you rent a car in Costa Mesa you'll have access to the best of the Californian coast as well as Las Vegas and the bustling city of Tijuana in Mexico, just over the border from San Diego.

How to get to and around Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa's airport is called John Wayne Airport, and it's a 15-minute drive away from the city centre. With a Costa Mesa car rental you can reach Los Angeles in around an hour. While there, a walk up Hollywood Boulevard is a must, and you're certain to see a celebrity or two while you're there. Los Angeles has a bit of everything, with museums, shows, nightlife and stunning city views.

A car hire in Costa Mesa will also allow you to drive down the coast to Legoland California, where you can find rides and attractions for all the family, less than an hour's drive away. Further down the coast you can find La Jolla Cove, a beautiful cove and beach surrounded by cliffs, just over an hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Costa Mesa.

If you prefer to travel inland, you can rent a car in Costa Mesa and drive 45 minutes to Limestone Canyon Regional Park, where you can enjoy a stunning diversity of nature, breathtaking views, and the many hiking trails and walks.

What brands are available?

You can pick up a Costa Mesa car rental at John Wayne Airport from one of the following companies:

Must-sees within an easy drive of Costa Mesa

The state of California features one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the US, and with a Costa Mesa car rental, you can get to San Diego in one hour and 30 minutes via the coastal road before enjoying all this famous city has to offer, including San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure and Balboa Park, where you can find expansive green areas, museums, gardens and San Diego Zoo.

Travelling north, you might like to visit San Francisco, six hours and 45 minutes away. San Francisco is home to the famous Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, as well as numerous other attractions.

If casinos and glitzy shows are your thing, you're sure to enjoy a trip to Las Vegas, which you can get to in four hours when you rent a car in Costa Mesa. In Las Vegas you'll enter a world like no other, with entertainment, gambling, luxurious hotels and replicas of some of the world's most attractive cities.

Tips and tricks for driving in the US

Drive on the right hand side of the road when in the US, and observe the California speed limit of 55mph unless otherwise posted. On highways the limit is 65mph unless there is a sign permitting you to drive at 70mph.

You may overtake on the right in multi-lane freeways when it is safe to do so. You can normally turn right at red traffic lights – you should stop and check there is no other traffic first though, and watch out for exception signs, which can often be hard to spot.

Rental cars in the US usually have automatic transmission, so be sure to specify if you'd prefer to have a manual car. The driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt, and children under eight must be in approved child restraint seats or holders.

Ready to plan your Costa Mesa city break?

To start organising your trip to Costa Mesa and other parts of the US, use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and research the best attractions and activities.

Remember that Expedia car hire comes with no hidden fees. The price you see is the price you pay!