$12 Car Rental Downey, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downey

Renting a car in Downey offers travelers the ultimate freedom to explore at their own pace. Whether you're a family traveler, a business professional, or someone looking for a weekend getaway, having a rental car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. You can conveniently visit key attractions like Knott's Berry Farm, located 10 miles away, perfect for outdoor adventures, or the Los Angeles Convention Center, also 10 miles away, ideal for business experiences. For those interested in city life, the University of Southern California is another nearby destination, just 10 miles from Downey. With a rental car, you can also venture to popular areas such as Los Angeles, which features renowned spots like Universal Studios Hollywood and Santa Monica Beach. Explore La Palma, a city 8 miles away known for Disneyland® Resort, or Buena Park, located 9 miles from Downey, where you can find more family-friendly attractions. The convenience of a rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and enjoy all that the region has to offer without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Downey

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle option is highly favored by travelers in Downey, accommodating 5 individuals along with up to 3 large suitcases. It strikes a perfect balance for families, couples, or small groups looking to enjoy the freedom of exploring nearby attractions. The spacious interior provides comfort for both short trips and longer drives, making it an excellent choice for those who value space and versatility.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is another popular choice among visitors, fitting 5 travelers and allowing for up to 3 large or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for families or larger groups who require extra room for luggage. With its generous space and comfort, the fullsize car is perfect for weekend getaways and city explorations around Downey.
• Economy: For those traveling solo, as couples, or with small families, the economy option is a smart choice. It accommodates 5 travelers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it practical for lighter packing needs. This option is particularly appealing to budget-conscious travelers who wish to navigate the city and surrounding areas with ease and efficiency.

Top rated car suppliers in Downey

• Hertz: Hertz has 1 rental location in Downey, making it a convenient option for travelers. Known for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles, Hertz offers flexibility for those looking to explore the area. Customers appreciate the reliability of the cars and the ease of the rental process, making it a favored choice for many visitors.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in Downey, Enterprise stands out for its customer service and vehicle selection. Travelers frequently opt for Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, catering well to families and groups. The helpful staff and smooth rental experience contribute to its popularity, ensuring a hassle-free car rental experience in the area.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental operates 1 location in Downey and is recognized for its competitive offerings. Most travelers choose Midsize SUVs and Compact cars from Thrifty, which provide a great balance between space and fuel efficiency. The straightforward rental process and clean, well-maintained vehicles make it a solid option for those looking to explore Downey and beyond.

Where to go in Downey

• Downey: Positioned in the heart of Los Angeles, Downey offers easy access to a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore the local cultural scene or enjoy the nearby city experiences. With Los Angeles' peak travel months occurring from July to August and October, plan your stay accordingly to enjoy family-friendly activities, theaters, and entertainment venues.
• La Palma: Located 8 miles from Downey, La Palma is an excellent destination for family-friendly fun and outdoor experiences. The city features attractions such as Disneyland® Resort, a theme park perfect for entertainment and family vacations. The best times to visit La Palma are April, July, and September, when visitor numbers tend to peak, providing a lively atmosphere for tourists.
• Buena Park: Just 9 miles from Downey, Buena Park is another appealing location for family and outdoor experiences. Key attractions include the renowned Disneyland® Resort and Knott's Berry Farm, both suitable for adventurous family vacations. Expect peak visitation in April and during the summer months of June and July, making it an exciting time to explore the local amusement parks and shopping centers.

10 tips to save on your Downey car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a favorable balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Certain rentals may implement a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can be acceptable as well; just ensure the car is returned empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might 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 protect you from unexpected costs and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when you book with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning 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 essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downey

The best value period to rent a car in and around Downey is April, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. March also offers low demand, making it a good shoulder month despite slightly higher prices. Following this, May sees average pricing with low demand, providing another reasonable option. However, December stands out as the most expensive month, with typical demand levels and higher rental rates. The summer months of June and July also experience high demand, contributing to increased rental costs.

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	Average	Average
March	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
April	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
May	66.0°F (18.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
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	Slightly High	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	Average	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