$25 Car Rental Downtown Costa Mesa, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Costa Mesa

Renting a car in Downtown Costa Mesa offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travels. Whether you’re a beachgoer, shopping enthusiast, or foodie explorer, having a vehicle allows you to explore attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. For families and business travelers, the convenience of a car enhances the overall experience. You can visit key attractions such as the Huntington Beach Pier, located 5 miles away, or explore the beautiful University of California, Irvine, also just 5 miles from Downtown. If you seek adventure, Crystal Cove State Park, 8 miles away, provides stunning outdoor experiences. Beyond the immediate area, popular destinations like Newport Beach, only 2 miles away, offer additional sights, including the Newport Beach Pier and Crystal Cove Beach. If you wish to venture a bit further, the Anaheim Resort is 10 miles away, featuring attractions like Disneyland® Resort. With a rental car, you can effortlessly navigate these locations and enjoy all that Downtown Costa Mesa and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals around Downtown Costa Mesa

• Midsize SUV: This option fits 5 travelers comfortably and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers a perfect balance of space and maneuverability, allowing you to enjoy the freedom to explore attractions around Downtown Costa Mesa while having enough room for luggage and beach gear.
• Fullsize: Designed for families and groups, this car fits 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. The fullsize car option provides ample space for everyone and their belongings, enhancing your travel experience as you navigate around Downtown Costa Mesa. It’s a great choice if you value comfort and need extra room for your adventures.
• Standard SUV: This option is perfect for couples, families, or groups, fitting 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The standard SUV is a versatile choice that combines comfort and practicality, allowing you to easily manage luggage while enjoying the flexibility to explore Downtown Costa Mesa and its surroundings at your own pace.

Top rated car suppliers around Downtown Costa Mesa

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travelers for its friendly service and short wait times. Located 4 miles away from Downtown Costa Mesa, Alamo boasts an overall rating of 7.4 out of 10. Customers often highlight the cleanliness of their vehicles and the hassle-free return process. The most booked options with Alamo include Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, making it a reliable choice for those looking for comfort and convenience during their trip.
• Budget: With two rental locations, the nearest Budget outlet is conveniently situated just 0.4 miles from Downtown Costa Mesa. Budget is known for offering competitive rates and is a favorite for those seeking Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs. The accessibility of its locations allows travelers to quickly pick up a vehicle and embark on their adventures in and around Costa Mesa.
• Hertz: Hertz has three rental locations, with the closest being 2 miles away from Downtown Costa Mesa. This supplier is favored for its selection of vehicles, especially Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars. With a strong reputation for quality service, Hertz is an excellent option for travelers who value variety and reliability in their car rental experience.

Where to go around Downtown Costa Mesa

• Newport Beach: Located 2 miles from Downtown Costa Mesa, Newport Beach offers a fantastic blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy the sun at Crystal Cove Beach or take a stroll along the Newport Beach Pier. The nearby University of California, Irvine adds a vibrant city atmosphere, while shopping centers and golf venues cater to diverse interests. The best times to visit are during peak months of April and June to July.
• Anaheim Resort: Situated 10 miles from Downtown Costa Mesa, Anaheim Resort is a popular destination for families, entertainment seekers, and culture enthusiasts. Home to the iconic Disneyland® Resort, this area is perfect for those looking for fun and adventure. Additionally, the Anaheim Convention Center serves as an event hub, making it suitable for business travelers as well. Peak visitation occurs in April, July, and September.
• Huntington Beach: Just 5 miles away from Downtown Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach is known for its vibrant outdoor and entertainment scene. The Huntington Beach Pier offers stunning ocean views, while Main Street is bustling with shops and eateries. Visitors can also explore nearby amusement parks, making it a great spot for family outings. The peak visiting months are April and June to July, making it an ideal time for beach activities.

10 tips to save on your Downtown Costa Mesa car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia 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 wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive 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 surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best choice. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worth it for the added convenience.
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 simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 Downtown Costa Mesa

The best value time to rent a car in and around Downtown Costa Mesa is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. April and May also offer decent options, as demand remains slightly low while prices hold steady. In contrast, July sees the highest prices and demand, making it the most expensive month for rentals. June through August follow closely behind, with slightly high prices and busy demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
April	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	66.9°F (19.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	68.9°F (20.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average