$35 Car Rental Sacramento, CA

These Sacramento insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 16, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Sacramento

Renting a car in Sacramento offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like Discovery Park, a great spot for outdoor activities, or the historic California State Capitol for a taste of culture. The Old Sacramento Waterfront provides a charming area for family outings and sightseeing.

Moreover, having a car allows you to explore nearby cities such as Roseville, where you can enjoy the Placer County Fairgrounds and Maidu Regional Park, or Elk Grove, home to Sacramento Capitol Park and Sutter's Fort State Historic Park. Rancho Cordova also features Nimbus Dam and additional attractions. Renting a car simplifies luggage management and supports flexible travel plans, ensuring you can visit multiple destinations without relying on public transport. Sacramento's roads are easy to navigate, making it convenient to experience all that the area has to offer during your trip.

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 Sacramento and is known for its friendly service, making the car rental experience enjoyable for travelers. With an overall rating of 7 out of 10, it is a reliable choice for those seeking comfort and ease. The Midsize SUV and Compact SUV are the most booked options, perfect for travelers looking to explore the area with flexibility and space for luggage.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty stands out with over 5 rental locations in Sacramento, providing ample access for tourists. This supplier is a popular option for those seeking Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, making it an excellent choice for families or groups. Customers appreciate the variety of options available, ensuring that you can find the right vehicle to suit your travel plans.
• Budget: Budget features more than 10 rental locations throughout Sacramento, making it incredibly convenient for travelers. Known for offering competitive rates, Budget specializes in Midsize and Standard SUVs, ideal for those needing extra space. Their extensive network of locations ensures that you can easily pick up and drop off your rental, aligning with your travel itinerary.

Where to stay in Sacramento

• Roseville: Roseville is a vibrant city in the Sacramento area, ideal for families and business travelers alike. It offers a variety of activities, including shopping at its popular shopping mall center and enjoying body treatments at local venues. Key attractions include the Placer County Fairgrounds, perfect for outdoor vacations, and Maidu Regional Park, which is great for family outings. Topgolf provides a fun experience for those looking to enjoy some leisure time. Visitors can also explore nearby wineries and restaurants for great dining options.
• Downtown Sacramento: Downtown Sacramento is a bustling neighborhood that caters to families and business visitors. It features a range of attractions, including the historic California State Capitol, ideal for culture enthusiasts. Discovery Park and Sacramento Capitol Park are urban parks that provide outdoor relaxation and family-friendly activities. With various shopping centers and entertainment facilities, Downtown Sacramento is also a hub for food and drinks, with numerous wineries and breweries nearby, making it a lively place to stay.
• Rancho Cordova: Rancho Cordova is another family-friendly city in the Sacramento region, offering outdoor recreational opportunities. Notable attractions include Nimbus Dam, which provides scenic views and is perfect for those who appreciate nature. The California State Capitol and Sacramento Capitol Park are also within proximity, catering to culture seekers. Rancho Cordova features a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, ensuring guests have plenty of choices to enjoy during their stay.

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 extra space, a convertible for summer joyrides, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, 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 based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your travel date. By booking in advance, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium 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 enforce a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can be convenient too; just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might justify the extra 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 in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a simple process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 Sacramento

The best value time to rent a car in and around Sacramento is January, when both prices and demand are slightly low. February follows closely, with average prices and lower demand making it another good option. March through May typically see steady demand and average prices. However, by June, demand rises along with prices, peaking in July. October marks a notable shift, with slightly high prices and average demand, making it one of the more expensive months for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	74.5°F (23.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	77.5°F (25.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	76.8°F (24.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	74.5°F (23.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low

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 $35.

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