Car Rental California

Search and Compare from Car Companies in California

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
    Learn about One Key
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers and package your flight, hotel, and car to save

Top Car Deals in California

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

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
California, Santander, COL
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
California, Santander, COL
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
California, Santander, COL
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
California, Santander, COL
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car rentals in California
View all cars

What you need to know for your California car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around California

Renting a car in California, Santander, Colombia, gives you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like Paramo de Santurban, located just 8 miles away, where you can enjoy adventure and stunning scenery. If you're traveling with family, San Pio Park, 19 miles from California, offers a great urban space for outdoor experiences. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the Bucaramanga Modern Art Museum, also 19 miles away, showcasing rich artistic heritage. A car rental makes it convenient to explore nearby cities such as Vetas, only 5 miles away, where you can discover Los Tanques Park and the House of the Royal Treasury. You can also visit Charta and Matanza, both 7 miles from California, featuring various parks and natural attractions. With easy luggage management and flexible travel plans, a rental car enhances your experience, allowing you to create your itinerary and enjoy the beautiful sights around California without the constraints of public transportation.

Where to stay around California

  • Vetas: Located 5 miles from California, Vetas is a charming city that attracts travelers seeking adventure and outdoor experiences. Nature enthusiasts can explore the breathtaking scenery at Paramo de Santurban, a mountain ideal for outdoor vacations. Additionally, Los Tanques Park offers a family-friendly urban park setting, while the historic House of the Royal Treasury provides a glimpse into local culture, making Vetas a diverse destination for visitors.
  • Matanza: Situated 7 miles from California, Matanza is known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. The Paramo de Santurban is also accessible from here, perfect for those looking for adventure and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Panachi, a national state park, or relax at Las Palmas Park, an urban park suitable for families and city experiences. Matanza presents a balance of adventure and leisure for all travelers.
  • Charta: Charta, located 7 miles from California, is another fantastic option for outdoor enthusiasts. With the Paramo de Santurban nearby, it offers ample opportunities for adventure and breathtaking scenery. San Pio Park and Las Palmas Park are urban parks that cater to families and provide a relaxing atmosphere. Charta is an excellent choice for those looking to combine outdoor experiences with city conveniences.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around California

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the ideal match 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 in advance of your trip. By booking early, you can often lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and more convenient to park in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most economical choice. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just remember to return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively 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 plan to take long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in California

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in California

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

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

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.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available
Our best deal of the day
Our second best deal of the day
Our third best deal of the day
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in California?
Fun road trip adventures await in California, with daily car rental rates starting from a budget-friendly . That's based on prices found within the past seven days.
What happens if I need to cancel my California car reservation?
Our Customer Service Portal contains all the specifics about cancellations. In most cases, complete refunds are provided if a prepaid rental is canceled a minimum of six hours ahead of the arranged pickup time. Be sure to read the rental policy to double-check if there are any exceptions.
Where can I go on a road trip from California?
There are many exciting adventures to be had in California, but venture farther afield and you'll find even more magic. Pick up a set of wheels and you can discover the surrounding region at your leisure. Add these awesome destinations to your list:
  • You'll find Ecopetrol Refinery and loads of other intriguing attractions in Barrancabermeja. From California, it's about 65 miles away.
  • Around 50 miles away, San José de Cúcuta is also a favorite with wanderers. Make sure you take in Ventura Plaza Commercial Center while you're here. It's one of the reasons people love coming to this city.
  • Get into the outdoors and take in the serenity at Monserrate. It's approximately 200 miles from California.
How do I find the best car rental deals in California with Expedia?
Whatever sort of wheels you want, Expedia will help you track down the best deal. Compare the offers from leading rental providers and select the option that's perfect for you. Love to drive away with even bigger savings? Bundle your California car rental with flight or hotel bookings.
What do you need to rent a car in California?
Any rental company you select will ask for these two things — your driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you want to opt out of the provider's insurance plan, proof of your own coverage will also likely be needed. Read your policy thoroughly so you know what to bring with you to the rental counter.
What is the cheapest car rental in California?
According to prices found within the past seven days, the lowest daily rate for a rental vehicle in California was . The second lowest was per day. 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 rent a car for a month or longer in California?
Yes, and you can find your perfect set of wheels on our long-term car rental deals page. Simply enter your trip details and we'll show you incredible options from various top providers.
Where can I find a California car rental if I am younger than 25?
This depends on the rental car companies that operate 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 years of age, take note that extra costs may apply. Conduct some research into what those charges could be before booking your rental.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in California?
A comprehensive insurance plan is a great choice for your upcoming California vacation. That's why we suggest adding collision protection while reserving your rental car with Expedia. This insures your vehicle against theft, vandalism and accident damage. Some destinations may require you to have a minimum level of liability insurance. This may already be included in your rental price or your own auto insurance, so check what you're covered for and whether you need it.
Can I drive in California with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license issued in Colombia, then you'll likely need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country to be allowed to rent a car. You should also note that if you do need an IDP, it won't be valid on its own. You'll be asked to show your current driver's license your passport and other forms of documentation as well. Lastly, it's important that the credit card used to book the rental vehicle matches the name on your license and passport. Some other things to note to rent a car internationally are:
  • Age restrictions: You need to be 25 or over in most countries to rent a car. If you're younger, it may still be possible to rent a car but you'll have to pay a Young Driver's Surcharge. Additional restrictions may also apply to what kinds of cars you can rent.
  • Driving limitations: Be sure to read the rules and regulations before getting behind the wheel. You typically can't cross country borders, drive on ferries or on certain types of rugged terrain with a rental vehicle.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia