$42 Car Rental Sacramento, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Sacramento

Renting a car in and around Sacramento provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like Discovery Park for outdoor family experiences, or the California State Capitol for a taste of local culture. The Old Sacramento Waterfront offers a charming area for family outings and exploration, all of which can be accessed conveniently with your vehicle.

Additionally, having a car makes it simple to venture to nearby cities such as Roseville, where you can enjoy sites like Placer County Fairgrounds or Topgolf. Elk Grove offers attractions like Sacramento Capitol Park and Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, while Rancho Cordova features Nimbus Dam and additional access to the California State Capitol. This flexibility is especially beneficial for families, allowing for easy management of luggage and travel plans. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures or city-themed experiences, a rental car ensures you can make the most of your time in Sacramento and its vicinity.

Most popular car rentals in Sacramento

• Midsize: The midsize car is a popular choice for travelers in Sacramento, accommodating up to 5 passengers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for couples and families looking for a comfortable ride while exploring the city and surrounding areas. With its balance of space and maneuverability, the midsize car makes it easy to navigate through urban settings or venture out to nearby attractions.
• Standard SUV: If you’re traveling with a group or need extra room, the standard SUV is an excellent option. It comfortably fits up to 5 travelers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. Ideal for families or groups, this vehicle offers a higher driving position and versatility, making it well-suited for diverse road conditions in and around Sacramento. Enjoy the additional space for passengers and luggage as you embark on your adventures.
• Compact: The compact car is a favored selection for solo travelers, couples, and small families. Accommodating up to 5 passengers and 3 medium suitcases, it strikes a balance between size and efficiency. This option is perfect for those looking to navigate city streets with ease while still having enough room for personal belongings. Compact cars offer an economical choice for visitors wanting flexibility and convenience during their stay in Sacramento.

Top rated car suppliers in Sacramento

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo has a rental location in the area of Sacramento and is well-regarded for its friendly service, achieving an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Travelers often choose Alamo for their Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the region comfortably and conveniently.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With over 5 rental locations throughout Sacramento, Thrifty Car Rental offers a variety of options to suit your travel needs. Popular vehicles include Midsize and Fullsize cars, making it an appealing choice for families or groups looking for a bit more space while navigating the city and its surroundings.
• Budget: Budget stands out with more than 10 rental locations in the Sacramento area, providing excellent accessibility for renters. Known for offering competitive rates, Budget’s most booked vehicles are Midsize and Standard SUVs, perfect for those who require additional room for passengers and luggage while enjoying the California landscape.

Where to stay in Sacramento

• Roseville: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant shopping scene, Roseville offers travelers a variety of experiences. Key attractions include the Placer County Fairgrounds, ideal for outdoor vacations, and Maidu Regional Park, which is perfect for family outings. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the local stadium. Roseville is also home to numerous dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a great base for exploring the area.
• Downtown Sacramento: This neighborhood is the heart of the city, providing a mix of business and leisure activities. Notable sites include the historic California State Capitol, which is great for culture enthusiasts, and Discovery Park, perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors. Downtown Sacramento features a variety of shopping centers and eateries, including wineries and breweries, ensuring there's something for everyone.
• Rancho Cordova: Rancho Cordova is a family-oriented city with a focus on outdoor activities. Visitors can explore Nimbus Dam for scenic views and enjoy the California State Capitol for cultural insights. Sacramento Capitol Park offers green spaces for relaxation and recreation. The area has a good selection of restaurants and wineries, making it a pleasant choice for travelers seeking a blend of city and outdoor experiences.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
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 in advance, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better vehicle availability, particularly during busy seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and 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 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, look for rental options that offer 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 vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Sacramento

The best value period to rent a car in and around Sacramento is January and February, when prices and demand are both slightly low. March through May sees moderate pricing and demand levels, making it another reasonable option. However, June through August tends to be pricier and busier, especially in July, which is the peak demand month. Following this, October stands out as the most expensive month, while November and December show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Sacramento

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Sacramento

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $42.

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