$83 Car Rental Lake Tahoe

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lake Tahoe

Renting a car in and around Lake Tahoe provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit must-see attractions like Sand Harbor, located 8 miles away, and Zephyr Cove Beach, just 9 miles from Lake Tahoe. For thrill-seekers, Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park is only 7 miles away, offering an exciting zipline and ropes course experience. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations such as Tahoe City, 6 miles away, which features attractions like the Tahoe City Marina and Stateline Lookout. Tahoma, located 5 miles from Lake Tahoe, boasts Calawee Cove Beach and Emerald Bay State Park, perfect for nature lovers. Renting a car allows for easy management of your luggage and provides the convenience of flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Tahoe.

Most popular car rentals around Lake Tahoe

• Midsize SUV: This car option accommodates 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. It is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the beautiful surroundings of Lake Tahoe. With its spacious interior and comfortable seating, a midsize SUV allows for easy travel around the area while providing ample room for both passengers and luggage.
• Compact SUV: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families, the compact SUV also accommodates 5 travelers, fitting up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is great for navigating the scenic routes around Lake Tahoe while ensuring a comfortable ride. Its size makes it easy to park and maneuver, making your adventure even more enjoyable.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option accommodates 5 travelers and can fit either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it suitable for families or groups. With generous space for both passengers and luggage, this car type is ideal for those who are planning longer excursions around Lake Tahoe. Its versatility allows for a comfortable travel experience while exploring the stunning landscape.

Top rated car suppliers around Lake Tahoe

• Avis: Avis operates one rental location situated 12 miles away from Lake Tahoe, making it a convenient option for travelers. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles, catering well to those who need a bit more space for their adventures around the lake. Avis is known for its reliable service and well-maintained cars, ensuring a pleasant driving experience as you explore the stunning scenery of Lake Tahoe.
• Enterprise: Located 12 miles from Lake Tahoe, Enterprise is a favored choice among travelers for its focus on customer service. With a strong selection of vehicles, including Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, Enterprise provides flexibility for different travel needs. Many customers highlight the friendly staff and smooth rental process, making it an excellent option for both individuals and families looking to enjoy the beauty of the Lake Tahoe area.
• Budget: Budget has a rental location just 12 miles from Lake Tahoe, offering travelers a convenient option to secure their vehicles. Known for competitive pricing, Budget frequently features Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars among its most booked models, appealing to those who want comfort and space. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental procedures and the reliable condition of the vehicles, allowing them to focus on their exploration of the picturesque surroundings.

Where to stay around Lake Tahoe

• Tahoe City: Located 6 miles away from Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City is an ideal spot for adventure seekers. Popular for skiing and outdoor experiences, visitors can explore the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park for ziplining, the Tahoe City Marina for beach activities, and the scenic Stateline Lookout. Additionally, the area offers various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploration.
• Tahoma: Situated 5 miles from Lake Tahoe, Tahoma is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and stunning scenery. With access to ski resorts, visitors can enjoy activities such as skiing and hiking in Emerald Bay State Park. Tahoma is also home to Calawee Cove Beach for relaxation and the historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion for a touch of culture, alongside charming dining options like local coffee shops.
• Kings Beach: Located 9 miles away from Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach is a vibrant area for outdoor adventure and beach lovers. Known for its ski resorts and picturesque beaches, visitors can explore Kings Beach State Recreation Area and Sand Harbor for scenic views and outdoor activities. The area also features the Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, providing ample opportunity for adventure enthusiasts. Dining options in Kings Beach include various restaurants and wineries, enhancing the overall experience.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Lake Tahoe

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting your preferred vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your travel dates. By booking early, 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 are typically less expensive to rent and can be easier to park 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 types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before confirming your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most advantageous. Other policies may allow for full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
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 should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 Lake Tahoe

The best value period to rent a car in and around Lake Tahoe is November, when prices are at their lowest and demand is moderate. October also offers slightly low prices and steady demand, making it a good option as well. April can be appealing too, as it sees moderately low demand and average pricing. However, February tends to be the most expensive month with higher demand, along with January and March, which also experience average pricing and moderate demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	22.3°F (-5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	29.5°F (-1.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
March	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	47.5°F (8.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
May	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	77.0°F (25.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	63.0°F (17.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Lake Tahoe

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Lake Tahoe

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $83.

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.

• 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