$50 Car Rental Palo Alto, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Palo Alto

Renting a car in Palo Alto unlocks a world of flexibility and convenience for your travels. As a hub for tech business travelers, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and outdoor enthusiasts, a rental car allows you to explore the area at your own pace. With easy luggage management and the freedom to create your travel itinerary, you can seamlessly visit key attractions like the historic Stanford University, located right in Palo Alto. For family-oriented activities, the SAP Center at San Jose is a mere 15 miles away, while the intriguing Winchester Mystery House is just 14 miles from your base. Additionally, you can venture to nearby cities such as Santa Clara, 12 miles away, which features California's Great America, or the vibrant Sunnyvale, 8 miles distant, where you can find more experiences related to Stanford University. Mountain View, located only 5 miles from Palo Alto, offers attractions like the Computer History Museum. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences or family outings, a rental car provides the optimal way to enjoy all that the Palo Alto area has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Palo Alto

• Midsize SUV: This car type is highly popular among travelers in Palo Alto, accommodating up to 5 passengers and offering space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and versatility during their journey. With ample room for both passengers and luggage, they provide the perfect balance of space and driving ease, making them a top choice for exploring the area.
• Economy: The economy car is a favored option for those seeking affordability and efficiency. It comfortably fits 5 travelers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a practical choice for solo travelers, couples, or families. This option allows you to navigate Palo Alto and its surroundings with ease, all while enjoying the benefits of a smaller vehicle that’s economical on fuel.
• Fullsize: For those requiring additional space, the fullsize car is a great option, accommodating 5 travelers with room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups who need extra luggage capacity without sacrificing comfort. The fullsize vehicle allows for a smooth ride while providing the flexibility to manage your belongings easily during your travels in and around Palo Alto.

Top rated car suppliers in Palo Alto

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice among travelers in Palo Alto, boasting three rental locations within the area. Known for its reliable service, Hertz offers a great selection of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Economy cars being the most booked options. This flexibility allows you to explore Palo Alto and its surroundings at your own pace, making it an excellent choice for your trip.
• Budget: Budget operates one rental location in Palo Alto, providing travelers with affordable car rental options without compromising on quality. Midsize SUVs and Economy cars are the top choices among Budget customers, ensuring you have the right vehicle for your needs while managing your itinerary with ease. Budget offers great value, making it a smart option for your journey.
• Avis: Avis has one rental location in Palo Alto and is well-regarded for its customer service and diverse vehicle selection. With Midsize SUVs and Compact cars as the most booked options, Avis caters to various travel needs. Their convenient location allows for a smooth rental experience, enabling you to focus on enjoying your visit to Palo Alto and the surrounding areas.

Where to go in and around Palo Alto

• Santa Clara: Located 12 miles away from Palo Alto, Santa Clara is a vibrant city ideal for family and sports enthusiasts. Visitors can explore attractions such as California's Great America, an amusement park perfect for outdoor adventures, and Santa Clara University, which offers a glimpse into modern college life. The Santa Clara Convention Center is also a key destination for business travelers and events.
• Sunnyvale: Just 8 miles from Palo Alto, Sunnyvale is a great option for families and outdoor adventurers. Highlights include California's Great America, which caters to thrill-seekers, and Stanford University, a historic college that adds cultural value to your visit. The local shopping mall centers provide plenty of options for leisurely afternoons.
• Mountain View: A mere 5 miles from Palo Alto, Mountain View is known for its cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Notable sites include Stanford University, which is steeped in history, and the Computer History Museum, offering engaging exhibits. California's Great America is also accessible, ensuring a fun day out for families.

10 tips to save on your Palo Alto car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car to save money, utilizing filters on Expedia will help you identify the best options for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to find lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically less expensive to rent and more convenient to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may incur higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This policy may also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is generally the most economical. Other policies may allow full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be acceptable. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Typically, you will incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the extra cost may be justified for the convenience it offers.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, seek rentals that include unlimited mileage to avoid incurring 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 Palo Alto

The best time to rent a car in and around Palo Alto is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average, making it a quieter time for rentals. March also offers good value with slightly low prices and demand. As spring approaches, April and May maintain average prices with slightly low demand, providing another period of relative ease. However, June through August see a rise in both prices and demand, peaking in July, making it the most expensive time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	57.4°F (14.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	66.2°F (19.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	57.7°F (14.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Palo Alto

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Palo Alto

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $50.

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