Orange County Car Hire

Reasons to book a car hire in Orange County

Renting a car in Orange County allows you the freedom to explore this vibrant area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Disneyland® Resort and Knott's Berry Farm, both located in Anaheim, which are ideal for family and entertainment experiences. Additionally, the scenic Huntington Beach Pier offers an opportunity to relax by the ocean. A car hire also provides the convenience of managing your luggage and adapting your travel plans as needed.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, the picturesque cities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach are easily accessible, featuring beautiful spots like Crystal Cove Beach and Treasure Island Beach. With a car, you can effortlessly navigate between these destinations, making it suitable for families or groups wanting to explore the diverse offerings of Orange County. Overall, renting a car enhances your ability to enjoy the area's attractions and scenic landscapes without the constraints of public transport, ensuring a comfortable and flexible travel experience.

Most popular car hires in Orange County

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle type accommodates 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV provides a comfortable ride and ample room for luggage, allowing you to enjoy your journey through Orange County with ease.
• Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV can comfortably seat 5 travellers and has room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option strikes a balance between space and manoeuvrability, making it an excellent choice for exploring the attractions of Orange County while ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
• Fullsize: The fullsize vehicle is designed to accommodate 5 travellers with the flexibility to carry either up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a great option for families or groups needing extra luggage room. The fullsize car provides both comfort and practicality, ensuring you can make the most of your time in Orange County.

Where to stay in Orange County

• Anaheim: Known for its family and entertainment-themed experiences, Anaheim is home to iconic attractions such as Disneyland® Resort, Knott's Berry Farm, and Disney California Adventure® Park. The area features numerous shopping centres and malls, as well as local arts centres to explore. Culinary options abound, with restaurants and wineries nearby, making it a great base for families seeking a fun-filled holiday.
• Newport Beach: A fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families, Newport Beach offers beautiful beaches and piers, including Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier. For those who enjoy shopping, there are several shopping centres and golf venues in the vicinity. Crystal Cove Beach is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday, with plenty of restaurants and wineries to enhance your stay.
• Laguna Beach: Renowned for its stunning beaches and outdoor activities, Laguna Beach is perfect for families looking to enjoy the sun and surf. Key attractions include Treasure Island Beach and Thousand Steps Beach, both ideal for beach holidays. Heisler Park provides a lovely urban park experience, and the area features various shopping centres and dining options, making it a delightful place to stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Orange County

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect fit 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 in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to hire and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a sensible 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 types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide you with peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Orange County

The best value period to rent a car in Orange County is November, when prices are lower and demand is minimal. September also offers slightly low prices, even though demand remains high. Other mid-range months include March and June, both of which have average prices and demand. Conversely, February tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and low demand, making it less favourable for rentals. April sees a rise in both prices and demand, while August is the peak month for car hires.