$66 Car Rental Petaluma, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Petaluma

Renting a car in Petaluma is an excellent choice for tourists eager to explore the beautiful wine country and surrounding areas at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and enjoy the flexibility to create your own itinerary. Outdoor enthusiasts, family explorers, and adventure seekers will find that a car allows easy access to numerous attractions. For example, you can visit Sonoma Plaza, located 11 miles away, or the Sonoma TrainTown Railroad, just 10 miles from Petaluma, both ideal for family fun and adventure. If you're looking for outdoor experiences, the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 14 miles away, is another great destination. Additionally, a rental car opens up the opportunity to explore nearby cities like Santa Rosa, 15 miles away, and Novato, 9 miles away, where you can discover more attractions such as the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Muir Woods National Monument. The freedom to drive allows you to experience the stunning scenery and vibrant culture of the region without the constraints of public transportation, making your trip truly memorable.

Most popular car rentals in Petaluma

• Midsize: This popular option accommodates up to 5 travelers with space for 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for couples and families. Midsize cars offer the perfect balance of comfort and maneuverability, allowing you to easily navigate the scenic routes and attractions around Petaluma. With enough room for passengers and luggage, you can enjoy your wine country adventures without feeling cramped.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families and groups, fullsize cars can fit 5 travelers with room for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides the extra space needed for those who may be traveling with more gear or larger families. Enjoy the flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings of Petaluma while ensuring everyone travels in comfort and style.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families, economy cars can comfortably fit up to 5 travelers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is budget-friendly, allowing you to save on rental costs while still enjoying the freedom of exploring Petaluma and its scenic beauty. An economy car provides an efficient way to get around, making it a smart choice for those looking to maximize their travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Petaluma

• Hertz: With a rental location conveniently situated in Petaluma, Hertz is known for its friendly service, making it a top choice for travelers. Customers frequently opt for Midsize and Economy vehicles, providing a comfortable and efficient way to explore the area. Renting from Hertz ensures a smooth experience as you navigate through Petaluma and beyond.
• Enterprise: Another excellent option in Petaluma, Enterprise also boasts a single rental location in the area. Known for their reliability, this supplier is particularly popular for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles. Whether you need extra space for luggage or plan to venture off the beaten path, Enterprise offers the flexibility and quality service that many travelers appreciate.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental is a great choice for those looking to enjoy Petaluma with their Fullsize Pickup and Midsize offerings. Located within the city limits, Thrifty combines value with convenience, ensuring that you can easily manage your travel plans and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Petaluma and its nearby attractions.

Where to go in and around Petaluma

• Santa Rosa: Located 15 miles from Petaluma, Santa Rosa offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty of the river, or enjoy family-friendly events at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. The Charles M. Schulz Museum provides insight into the beloved cartoonist's work, making it a great stop for culture enthusiasts. Peak visitor months are June to July and October, so consider these times for a vibrant atmosphere.
• Sonoma: Just 11 miles from Petaluma, Sonoma is a delightful destination for families and city explorers alike. The charming Sonoma Plaza serves as a cultural hub, while the Sonoma TrainTown Railroad offers an amusement park experience perfect for adventurous families. Known for its outdoor beauty, Sonoma is ideal for visitors year-round, with peak travel periods in June to July and October.
• Novato: Situated 9 miles from Petaluma, Novato invites outdoor enthusiasts and eco-friendly travelers to explore its natural reserves. The Muir Woods National Monument boasts stunning forest landscapes ideal for adventure seekers, while the nearby Point Reyes National Seashore offers breathtaking coastal views. Peak travel months are April, July, and September, making these great times to experience Novato’s outdoor attractions.

10 tips to save on your Petaluma car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost savings, utilize Expedia’s filters to discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable too; just ensure you return the vehicle with an empty tank in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Petaluma

The best value period to rent a car in and around Petaluma is January, when both prices and demand are slightly low. February follows closely, offering similar benefits with average demand. As spring approaches, April sees slightly higher rental prices but lower demand, making it a good shoulder month as well. However, the summer months, particularly June through August, become the most expensive times, marked by high demand and elevated prices.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
May	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	65.8°F (18.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.8°F (17.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Petaluma

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Petaluma into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Petaluma and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Petaluma

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Petaluma. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Petaluma

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $66.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals