$64 Car Rental Bay Area, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bay Area

Renting a car in the Bay Area offers the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, making it a popular choice for tourists. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, allowing you to visit key attractions such as Pier 39, located 7 miles away, and Jack London Square, just 2 miles away. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or scenic experiences, having a car allows you to reach these destinations with ease. You can also venture to nearby cities like San Francisco, 7 miles away, where you can see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, or head to Oakland, only 2 miles away, to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the Ferry Building. Exploring Emeryville, less than 1 mile away, is also convenient with a rental car, giving you access to all these exciting spots. Traveling with family or friends? A rental car makes it simple to accommodate everyone and their belongings, ensuring a more enjoyable experience as you explore the beautiful Bay Area and its attractions.

Most popular car rentals around Bay Area

• Midsize: This car type is a popular choice for travelers in the Bay Area, comfortably accommodating up to 5 passengers along with 3 large suitcases. It is an ideal option for couples and families who need extra space without compromising on maneuverability. Renting a midsize car allows you to explore the scenic beauty of the Bay Area while ensuring that you have enough room for luggage and personal items.
• Compact: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and small families, the compact car option can also fit up to 5 travelers and handle 3 medium suitcases. This choice is ideal for those looking for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle that is easy to park and navigate through the bustling streets of the Bay Area. Its versatility makes it a favored option among travelers seeking convenience and efficiency.
• Economy: The economy car type is a practical selection for budget-conscious travelers. It accommodates up to 5 passengers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo adventurers or couples looking to explore the Bay Area without overspending. With its fuel efficiency and compact size, the economy car allows for easy navigation and is an excellent choice for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness.

Top rated car suppliers around Bay Area

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travelers in the Bay Area, with 2 rental locations conveniently located within 2 miles. Known for offering a range of vehicles, many customers prefer their Midsize SUVs and Compact cars. Hertz stands out for its reliability and ease of use, making it a solid option for those looking to explore the area at their own pace.
• Enterprise: With 5 rental locations within 2 miles of the Bay Area, Enterprise is favored for its wide selection of vehicles, including Midsize and Compact options. Customers appreciate the exceptional service and flexibility provided by the staff, which enhances the overall rental experience. Enterprise's commitment to customer satisfaction makes it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental offers 2 locations within 2 miles of the Bay Area, making it a convenient option for tourists. Their most popular vehicles include Fullsize Pickups and Midsize cars. Known for its competitive pricing and customer-friendly policies, Thrifty presents an appealing choice for those looking to travel comfortably and efficiently in the Bay Area.

Where to stay around Bay Area

• San Francisco: A vibrant metropolis located 7 miles from the Bay Area, San Francisco offers a rich blend of family, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as the historic Golden Gate Bridge and the lively Pier 39. The urban park, Golden Gate Park, is an ideal spot for outdoor activities. With a variety of nearby restaurants and wineries, you'll find plenty of dining options to enhance your stay.
• Oakland: Just 2 miles from the Bay Area, Oakland is a dynamic city perfect for families and culture enthusiasts. Key highlights include Jack London Square, a modern square that captures the essence of city life, and the scenic Berkeley Marina, ideal for outdoor adventures. The city is also home to numerous theaters and arena entertainment facilities, alongside a selection of fine dining and winery options, making it a great place to stay.
• El Cerrito: Located 5 miles from the Bay Area, El Cerrito is a charming city known for its outdoor and family-friendly atmosphere. Attractions such as the historic college university and beautiful beaches offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Notable points of interest include the well-known Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island, which is perfect for those looking to enjoy outdoor excursions. With a variety of restaurants and wineries nearby, you'll have ample choices for dining during your visit.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Bay Area

Best time to rent a car in and around Bay Area

The best time to rent a car in the Bay Area is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is manageable. March through May also offer average prices with steady demand, making them decent options as well. However, prices begin to rise in June and remain high through August, which is the most expensive period of the year due to increased demand during summer travel. Following this peak, September sees slightly high prices while demand decreases.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Bay Area

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Bay Area

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Bay Area. 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 Bay Area

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $64.

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.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

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