$54 Car Rental Oakland, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Oakland

Renting a car in Oakland provides the freedom and flexibility to explore a vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With easy luggage management, it is a convenient option for families and those seeking outdoor or cultural experiences. You can visit key attractions like Jack London Square, a modern hub ideal for city experiences, or the Berkeley Marina, perfect for outdoor adventures and beach activities. Additionally, the historic Ferry Building is located only 7 miles away, offering rich cultural experiences.

A car rental also allows you to conveniently explore nearby cities such as Berkeley, where you can find attractions like Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island, and Hayward, known for its beautiful parks and San Francisco Bay views. Emeryville is another nearby destination featuring Jack London Square and the Ferry Building, enhancing your travel options. Whether you are traveling with family or looking for unique experiences, having a rental car ensures your plans are flexible and tailored to your preferences, making it an ideal choice for your trip in and around Oakland.

Most popular car rentals in Oakland

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers a balance of space and comfort, making it perfect for those who need room for both passengers and luggage while exploring Oakland and its surroundings.
• Compact: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases—ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families. The compact car is a practical choice for navigating Oakland's urban areas, providing easy handling and parking options, all while maintaining efficiency in fuel consumption.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV combines comfort and capability, making it suitable for a variety of travel needs, whether you're planning a day trip or a longer journey around Oakland.

Top rated car suppliers in Oakland

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo has a rental location in Oakland, known for its friendly service and cleanliness. Travelers often appreciate the ease of the rental process here. The most booked vehicles with Alamo are the Midsize SUV and Premium SUV, making it a great choice for those looking for spacious options during their trip.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With 5 convenient rental locations within Oakland, Thrifty Car Rental is a popular choice among travelers. The supplier is recognized for its competitive pricing and a wide selection of vehicles. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars are the most popular rentals, catering to a variety of needs for your exploration of the Oakland area.
• Budget: Budget operates 4 rental locations throughout Oakland, offering great value for those looking to rent a car. Known for its accessible pricing, Budget allows you to easily manage your travel expenses while enjoying the freedom of the road. The Midsize SUV and Standard SUV are the most frequently booked options, providing comfort and space for your journey.

Where to stay in Oakland

• Berkeley: Berkeley is a vibrant city located near Oakland, perfect for travelers seeking a culture-themed, family, or outdoor experience. You can explore the historic university, enjoy the scenic Berkeley Marina, or visit local theaters and shopping centers. The area is also home to popular attractions like Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island. With a variety of nearby dining options, including wineries and restaurants, Berkeley offers a diverse and engaging experience for visitors.
• Hayward: Situated close to Oakland, Hayward is ideal for those looking for family-friendly and outdoor activities. This city features attractions such as the Hayward Regional Shoreline Park, offering beautiful wetland views. The San Francisco Bay and Alex Giualini Plaza Park are also great spots for outdoor enjoyment. Hayward has a selection of dining venues, including wineries and restaurants, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
• Emeryville: Emeryville, located near Oakland, is a fantastic destination for families and culture enthusiasts. The area boasts attractions such as Jack London Square and the Ferry Building, both offering unique experiences. You’ll find a mix of shopping and dining options, including local restaurants and wineries. With its proximity to theaters and educational venues, Emeryville provides a well-rounded experience for visitors exploring the Bay Area.

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

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 adventures, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect 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 vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and specific vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is often the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are also acceptable. Just remember to return the vehicle empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, though the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unanticipated expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It's easy to add insurance when making your booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on long road trips, seek out 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 Oakland

January and February are the best value months to rent a car in Oakland, with lower prices and demand. April also offers slightly low prices, making it a good option for those looking to save. March sees average prices and demand, while June through August are the most expensive months, with high demand and higher rental costs. July is particularly busy, which may drive up prices even further. Meanwhile, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Oakland

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Oakland

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $54.

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