$44 Car Rental Foster City, CA

Search and Compare from Car Companies in Foster City

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
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

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

Top Car Deals in Foster City

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

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car rentals in Foster City
View all cars
Lowest prices found within the past 6 hours. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What you need to know for your Foster City car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Foster City

Renting a car in Foster City offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families or those seeking outdoor and city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage as you visit local attractions such as Edgewater Park, which is perfect for family outings and outdoor activities right in Foster City. Additionally, the scenic San Francisco Bay is only 8 miles away, providing a great opportunity for city exploration. For pet lovers, the Foster City Dog Park offers a convenient spot to let your furry friends enjoy some outdoor time. Beyond Foster City, you can venture to nearby neighborhoods like East San Mateo, just 1 mile away, where you can find Lakeshore Park Beach and Shoreview Park. Exploring the vibrant metropolis of San Francisco, with its iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39, is also made simpler with a rental car. Overall, having a vehicle allows you to create flexible travel plans and easily visit multiple destinations, making your trip more enjoyable and convenient.

Most popular car rentals in Foster City

  • Fullsize: The Fullsize car is a great choice for families and groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers along with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides ample space to ensure everyone travels comfortably while having enough room for luggage, making it ideal for those planning longer stays or outings in and around Foster City.
  • Standard: Perfect for couples and families, the Standard car accommodates up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. This option offers a balance of comfort and space, making it suitable for various travel plans. Renting a Standard car allows for a flexible exploration of Foster City, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
  • Midsize: The Midsize car is another excellent option for couples and families, accommodating up to 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases. Similar to the Standard, it combines comfort with practicality, ensuring that you have enough room for passengers and luggage while navigating the attractions of Foster City with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Foster City

  • Budget: Budget features a rental location in the area of Foster City, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Known for its affordability, this supplier is particularly popular for Midsize and Standard vehicles. Renting from Budget allows you to explore Foster City and its surroundings without breaking the bank, giving you the freedom to manage your itinerary effortlessly.
  • Avis: Avis also has a rental location in Foster City, providing another excellent option for car rentals. This supplier is favored for Midsize and Standard SUVs, which are perfect for those looking for extra space and comfort during their travels. With Avis, you can enjoy a reliable vehicle that enhances your travel experience while allowing you to navigate the area's attractions with ease.

Where to stay around Foster City

  • Foster City: This charming area offers a family-friendly environment with beautiful waterfront views. Visitors can enjoy nearby urban parks and sports facilities. Foster City is a great base for exploring the attractions of San Francisco, which is just a short distance away. Enjoy local dining options and easy access to shopping areas, ensuring a convenient stay for all.
  • Redwood City: Located 5 miles from Foster City, Redwood City is ideal for those seeking a blend of outdoor and cultural experiences. With attractions such as the historic Filoli estate and the scenic San Francisco Bay, it provides ample opportunities for exploration. The city is also home to various restaurants and wineries, making it a delightful choice for travelers seeking both culture and cuisine.
  • Palo Alto: Situated 11 miles from Foster City, Palo Alto is renowned for its cultural and business atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Memorial Church, both excellent for art and history enthusiasts. With a variety of shopping centers and dining options, this city caters to families and business travelers alike, making it a versatile destination for your stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Foster City

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize Expedia's filters to identify the best fit for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates 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 obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars 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 types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be offered. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can work as well. Just remember to 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 worthwhile 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 in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid 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 Foster City

The best time to rent a car in and around Foster City is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. This month offers great value, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. March and May also present average prices and demand, providing good options for those looking to rent. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, typically characterized by higher prices and moderately high demand. June through August also see increased demand, making them busier times for rentals.

 

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.9°F (13.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.2°F (16.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighAverage
July64.0°F (17.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August65.1°F (18.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
December52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Foster City

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Foster City

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $44.

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
$44
 
Our second best deal of the day
$48
 
Our third best deal of the day
$63
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cheap car rental companies in Foster City?
You can find cheap car rentals in Foster City from $10 a day with Fox Rental Cars's midsize 2/4 door cars. Thrifty Car Rental offers compact SUVs starting from $11 a day and midsize 2 or 4 door cars also starting from $11 a day. Dollar Rent A Car provides special vehicles starting from $11 a day and midsize 2 or 4 door cars starting from $11 a day. Comparing car rental deals in Foster City on Expedia can help you find a vehicle that fits your budget. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Foster City.
What are the best luxury car companies in Foster City?
For luxury car rental in Foster City, you can find premium options through providers like Alamo Rent A Car and Enterprise. Alamo Rent A Car offers premium crossover vehicles starting from $30 a day and premium elite SUVs starting from $36 a day. Enterprise provides standard convertibles starting from $42 a day and fullsize SUVs starting from $57 a day. These luxury car rentals in Foster City offer enhanced comfort and features for a more upscale travel experience. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Foster City.
Can I rent a car one-way in Foster City?
Yes, you can rent a car one-way in Foster City, which is a convenient option for travelers planning to pick up their vehicle in Foster City and drop it off at a different location. One-way car rental in Foster City starts from around $11 a day. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise offer one-way rental options, providing flexibility for your travel plans. For more options, explore Standard Car Rentals in Foster City.
Can I rent a car round-trip in Foster City?
Yes, Foster City is well suited to round-trip rentals, with round-trip car rental in Foster City starting from $10 a day. Picking up and dropping off your vehicle at the same location generally helps avoid one-way drop-off fees, making it a cost-effective choice for exploring the area and returning to your starting point. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise offer wide round-trip availability. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Foster City.
What are the best car rentals in Foster City?
Car rentals in Foster City offer extensive vehicle variety. The most popular car classes available include:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Compact 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize SUV
Most come with automatic transmission, and both automatic and manual transmissions are available. Families visiting attractions prefer SUVs or minivans for space; couples and solo travelers do fine with economy or compact cars. Choose based on passenger count, luggage needs, and budget. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Foster City.

What are the best car rentals in Foster City for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Foster City for solo travelers are economy and compact classes—small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring at their own pace:
  • Economy 2 or 4 door, starting from $18 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on city streets and simple to slot into small parking spaces
  • Compact 2 or 4 door, starting from $11 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage while staying fuel-efficient
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. If you're planning longer drives, consider sizing up to a compact SUV, starting from $11 a day, for extra highway comfort and space, which also fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Foster City.

What are the best car rentals in Foster City for couples?
The best car rentals in Foster City for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door, starting from $11 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, starting from $11 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for day trips around the region
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a standard convertible, starting from $42 a day, which fits up to 4 people and up to 2 large suitcases, for scenic drives around Foster City. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Foster City.

What are the best car rentals in Foster City for families?
The best car rentals in Foster City for families are the ones with room for everyone and their gear:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $12 a day — seats up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases and a car seat
  • Mini passenger van, starting from $17 a day — seats up to 8 people with room for 6 large suitcases, ideal for larger families with strollers and full luggage
SUVs and minivans have room for the whole family plus car seats, strollers, and luggage, making them the most comfortable fit for trips around Foster City. For even more space, a fullsize SUV, starting from $24 a day, seats up to 6 people with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases. Book ahead for the July-September peak months, as family-sized vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods, and consider adding GPS if you're new to the area. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Foster City.

Are there any car rental companies that provide electric cars in Foster City?
Yes, you can find electric and hybrid car rental options in Foster City. Sixt offers hybrid vehicles starting from $10 a day and electric vehicles starting from $11 a day. Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental also provide hybrid options starting from $10 a day. Enterprise offers electric vehicles starting from $11 a day. These options are widely available on Expedia, allowing you to choose an eco-friendly vehicle for your trip.
What is the best time to book a car in Foster City?
The best time to book a car rental in Foster City for lower prices is typically during February, when rentals can start from as little as $12 a day. July and September tend to be the busiest months, when high demand can lead to higher prices. During major holidays and special events, rates may also fluctuate. Booking 3-4 weeks ahead can help with availability and pricing. Many bookings allow free cancellation 24+ hours before pickup—book early and rebook if rates drop.
What are the best car companies in Foster City?
For great options for car rentals in Foster City, you can choose from reputable suppliers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car, offering vehicles suited to local roads and conditions. Sixt has midsize and standard options that are easy to park and fuel-efficient for city streets. Enterprise offers midsize and compact SUV vehicles with more space and stability for various travel needs. Dollar Rent A Car rounds out the choices with special and midsize vehicles. Consider a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced traction, and a compact class for easy maneuvering and better mileage on longer highway stretches. For more options, explore Premium Car Rentals in Foster City.
What are good day trip destinations from Foster City by rental car?
For memorable day trips from Foster City, a rental car opens up a variety of destinations perfect for families, couples, and business travelers. You can explore:
  • Stanford University in Palo Alto, just 13 miles away, offering beautiful architecture and a vibrant campus atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
  • Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, located 24 miles from Foster City, is a great option for sports enthusiasts or families attending events.
  • Santana Row Shopping Center in San Jose, about 30 miles away, provides a sophisticated experience with upscale shopping and dining, perfect for couples.
  • Silicon Valley, approximately 31 miles from Foster City, is a hub of innovation for those interested in technology and business.
  • Monterey Bay, a scenic drive of 67 miles, offers stunning coastal views and is excellent for a longer day out, especially for families seeking natural beauty.
For shorter drives to Palo Alto, Santa Clara, or San Jose, a compact or midsize car starting from $12 a day provides excellent fuel efficiency and easy parking. If you are heading to Monterey Bay or traveling with family and luggage, a midsize SUV starting from $16 a day or a fullsize car starting from $15 a day offers more comfort and space for a relaxed journey. Always remember to fuel up before longer excursions and check traffic conditions, especially during peak hours, to ensure a smooth trip. For more options, explore Convertible Car Rentals in Foster City.

Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Foster City?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Foster City. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Foster City?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Foster City?
Budget car rental in Foster City can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days from $44. To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Foster City?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Foster City. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Foster City car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Foster City?
To rent a car in Foster City, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Foster City car rental?
If you need to cancel your Foster City car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.
Why should I rent a car in Foster City with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia