$52 Car Rental Lafayette, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lafayette

Renting a car in Lafayette is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the area at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and have the flexibility to create your own travel plans. Lafayette serves as a great starting point for various outdoor, family, and city-themed experiences. Key attractions, such as Jack London Square and Berkeley Marina, are a quick 11 miles away, offering modern city experiences and outdoor adventures. You can also visit the historic Ferry Building, located 16 miles from Lafayette, to immerse yourself in local culture. Additionally, nearby destinations like Walnut Creek, just 3 miles away, feature attractions such as the Lesher Center for the Arts and beautiful gardens. A rental car allows you to explore the charming neighborhood of Saranap, only 2 miles away, where you can find both Jack London Square and the Berkeley Marina. Whether you're traveling with family or seeking a city-themed adventure, having a car provides the convenience and freedom to make the most of your time in and around Lafayette.

Most popular car rentals in Lafayette

• Standard SUV: This car option accommodates 5 travelers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. It is ideal for couples, families, and groups looking to explore Lafayette and its surroundings with comfort and ease. The spacious interior provides plenty of room for passengers and luggage, making it a popular choice for those seeking flexibility in their travel plans.
• Luxury: Perfect for business travelers, couples, or small groups, this car option also accommodates 5 travelers but offers the capacity for up to 4 large suitcases. The luxury vehicle ensures a high-end travel experience, combining comfort with style. Whether you need to impress clients or enjoy a special trip, this option enhances your journey in and around Lafayette.
• Midsize SUV: This versatile car accommodates 5 travelers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the midsize SUV provides a good balance of space and maneuverability. Its robust design makes it suitable for various road conditions, allowing you to explore Lafayette comfortably while managing your luggage with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Lafayette

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car rental supplier in Lafayette, boasting one rental location in the area. Travelers appreciate the flexibility offered by their vehicles, allowing for easy exploration of local attractions. The most frequently booked cars are Midsize and Compact, catering to a variety of needs. Customers have praised the staff for their helpfulness and the overall quality of service, making Enterprise a reliable choice for your car rental needs.

Where to stay in and around Lafayette

• Walnut Creek: Located 3 miles away from Lafayette, Walnut Creek is an ideal destination for family and outdoor experiences. This city features popular attractions like the Lesher Center for the Arts, perfect for culture lovers, and the Ruth Bancroft Garden, a delightful desert garden suitable for families. Additionally, the Gardens at Heather Farm offers a romantic setting amidst nature. Visitors can enjoy nearby food options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a convenient stay for those looking to explore both the city and nature.
• Oakland: Just 10 miles from Lafayette, Oakland is a vibrant metropolis that offers a diverse array of experiences. Visitors will find attractions like Jack London Square for a modern city vibe, the Berkeley Marina for outdoor adventures, and the historic Ferry Building for a cultural experience. The city is also home to various educational venues and entertainment facilities, ensuring a well-rounded visit. With numerous dining options including wineries and restaurants, Oakland makes for an exciting stay close to Lafayette.
• Stanley: Surrounding Lafayette, Stanley is a neighborhood that caters to outdoor enthusiasts and families. It features recreational areas and hiking trails for adventure seekers. Local highlights include access to lakes and visitor centers. The nearby attractions such as Jack London Square and Berkeley Marina offer additional opportunities for exploration. With food options including wineries, Stanley presents a charming and accessible base for those looking to enjoy nature and nearby urban experiences.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying the vehicle type and desired 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 the filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your travel needs.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel 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 fees, and certain vehicle types—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 your reservation.
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 is often the best choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work; just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There’s often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airport locations, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra 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 Lafayette

The best time to rent a car in and around Lafayette is September, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. This month offers excellent value, making it ideal for travelers. Additionally, January and February can be good options, as they feature slightly low prices and demand. However, June through August see a rise in prices and demand, especially in June, which tends to be the most expensive month for rentals. July also experiences higher demand, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
March	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	56.8°F (13.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	65.7°F (18.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Lafayette

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Lafayette

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $52.

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