$12 Car Rental Downey, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downey

Renting a car in Downey provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This convenience is especially beneficial for families or those traveling with multiple pieces of luggage, as it allows for easy management of your belongings. With a rental car, you can visit attractions like the Downey History Center to immerse yourself in local culture or take a short drive to Knott's Berry Farm and L.A. Live, both located 10 miles away, for family-friendly adventures and entertainment experiences.

A car also makes it convenient to explore nearby destinations such as Los Angeles, where you can find popular spots like Universal Studios Hollywood and Santa Monica Beach. Additionally, the cities of Bell Gardens and Vinvale, just 2 miles away, offer more attractions that enhance your travel experience. With your own vehicle, you can create flexible travel plans and enjoy the journey, making your visit to Downey and its neighboring areas truly memorable.

Most popular car rentals in Downey

• Midsize SUV: This is a popular choice for travelers in Downey, accommodating up to 5 people with space for 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs offer a perfect blend of comfort and versatility, making them ideal for families, couples, or small groups. With ample room for passengers and gear, you can easily explore the attractions in and around Downey at your leisure.
• Standard: A standard car is another favored option, also accommodating 5 travelers with room for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly well-suited for couples and families looking for a reliable vehicle to navigate the area. The standard car provides a balance of space and efficiency, allowing you to enjoy your journey without compromising on comfort.
• Economy: If you’re traveling solo or with a partner, the economy car is a great choice. It accommodates up to 5 travelers, with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness while still needing adequate space for luggage. The economy car is an efficient way to explore Downey’s offerings without overspending, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Top rated car suppliers in Downey

• Hertz: With 1 rental location in the area of Downey, Hertz is a popular choice for travelers seeking flexibility. They offer a range of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Fullsize being the most booked options. Renting from Hertz allows you to explore Downey and its surroundings at your own pace, making it an excellent choice for those looking to manage their itinerary easily.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in Downey, Enterprise provides convenience and variety for your car rental needs. The most popular vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, catering to various travel requirements. Their presence in the area ensures that you have easy access to a rental vehicle, enhancing your overall travel experience in and around Downey.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Located in Downey, Thrifty Car Rental offers a solid selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Fullsize cars being the top choices among travelers. Their single location makes it straightforward to pick up your rental and hit the road, ensuring you can enjoy the sights and attractions of Downey without hassle.

Where to stay around Downey

• Downey: As a city nestled within Los Angeles, Downey offers convenient access to family-friendly attractions and entertainment options. Nearby, visitors can explore iconic sites such as Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain, both ideal for family vacations. Downey also boasts various dining options, making it a great base for your trip.
• Buena Park: Located 9 miles away from Downey, Buena Park is a vibrant city known for its family-oriented attractions. Key highlights include Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland® Resort, both providing thrilling experiences for visitors. With shopping centers and a variety of restaurants nearby, Buena Park ensures a fun and enjoyable stay for families.
• La Palma: Just 8 miles from Downey, La Palma is another excellent choice for families seeking entertainment and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as Disneyland® Resort and Disney California Adventure® Park, as well as Knott's Berry Farm. La Palma features ample dining options, making it a delightful location for a family getaway.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the ideal fit for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your travel date. Booking early typically allows you to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are usually more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. Renters over 70 may also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is generally the most advantageous. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
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 anything unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downey

The best time to rent a car in and around Downey is January, as it offers slightly low prices and average demand. February and March also present good opportunities, with prices remaining average and demand slightly low. In contrast, July is the most expensive month, characterized by high demand and slightly high prices. June and August follow closely, also seeing elevated demand and pricing. Following this trend, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
May	66.0°F (18.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	76.5°F (24.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	70.7°F (21.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Downey

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Downey

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $12.

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