$13 Car Rental Redwood City, CA

These Redwood City insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 26, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Redwood City

Renting a car in Redwood City offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and nearby attractions at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in cultural experiences. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your needs.

You can visit key attractions like Filoli, a historic building perfect for cultural experiences, located within Redwood City. For city experiences, head to San Francisco Bay, just 13 miles away. Sports fans can enjoy events at The Foundry, also in Redwood City. Additionally, nearby destinations such as San Carlos, just 2 miles away, feature the Hiller Aviation Museum, San Francisco Bay, and Miramar Beach. The neighborhoods of Woodside and Redwood Shores offer attractions like California's Great America and more scenic views of the San Francisco Bay. Having a rental car makes it convenient to explore these popular spots without relying on public transportation, ensuring you get the most out of your trip to this beautiful region of California.

Most popular car rentals in Redwood City

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for travelers seeking comfort and space. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. With a midsize SUV, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring Redwood City and its surroundings while having ample room for your luggage and any gear you may need for your adventures.
• Compact: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the compact car option accommodates up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This car type offers a balance of efficiency and comfort, allowing you to navigate Redwood City with ease. Its smaller size makes it particularly maneuverable, which is a bonus for city driving and parking.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV can accommodate 5 travelers and holds up to 2 medium suitcases. It provides a comfortable ride with a bit more space than a compact car, allowing you to travel easily while still having room for your belongings. The standard SUV is a suitable option for those looking for a versatile vehicle for their journey in and around Redwood City.

Top rated car suppliers in Redwood City

• Hertz: With a rental location conveniently situated in Redwood City, Hertz is a popular choice for travelers seeking reliable transportation. Known for their excellent selection of vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, perfect for exploring the scenic beauty of the area. Enjoy the flexibility of managing your itinerary at your own pace while benefiting from Hertz's commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Enterprise: Another top supplier in Redwood City, Enterprise offers a rental location that makes accessing your vehicle easy and efficient. Travelers often opt for Midsize and Compact SUVs, providing a comfortable ride for both short trips and longer adventures. Enterprise is dedicated to ensuring a smooth rental experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time in the region.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Located in Redwood City, Thrifty Car Rental is recognized for providing great value on a variety of vehicles. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize Pickups are among the most popular choices, catering to a range of needs from family outings to hauling equipment. Thrifty emphasizes customer service, making it a favored option for those looking to explore the area with ease.

Where to stay around Redwood City

• Palo Alto: Located 6 miles from Redwood City, Palo Alto offers a rich cultural experience with attractions such as the Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Memorial Church. It's ideal for family and business-themed stays, featuring educational institutions and shopping venues. Enjoy local dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a well-rounded destination for travelers.
• San Carlos: Just 2 miles away, San Carlos is perfect for outdoor and family-themed experiences. Visitors can explore the Hiller Aviation Museum and relax at Miramar Beach. The area is known for its charming shopping centers and delightful restaurants, alongside a variety of winery options, creating an inviting atmosphere for travelers seeking both culture and recreation.
• Menlo Park: Located 4 miles from Redwood City, Menlo Park is a vibrant destination for culture-themed, family, and business travelers. Key attractions include Bedwell Bayfront Park and the United States Geological Survey. The city also offers shopping centers and numerous dining options, including local wineries, ensuring a fulfilling stay for all visitors.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search according to the type of vehicle and specific features you need. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for warm-weather drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best options for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often leads to lower prices and a wider selection of vehicles, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a great compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—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 making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can work as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but this could be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if unforeseen issues arise during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Redwood City

The best value period to rent a car in and around Redwood City is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February also offers a quieter experience with slightly low demand and average prices. March continues this trend with slightly low prices and average demand. However, June through August sees higher pricing and demand, making it the most expensive time to rent. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	64.4°F (18.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Redwood City

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Redwood City

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $13.

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