$39 Car Rental San Mateo, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Mateo

Renting a car in San Mateo offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for business travelers, family explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts who often have varying needs for luggage and travel plans. With a rental car, you can easily visit key sites such as Stanford University, located 13 miles away, or the San Francisco Bay, just 7 miles from San Mateo. Families can enjoy a trip to the Oakland Arena, which is 15 miles away, ensuring everyone can experience entertainment together without the hassle of public transportation.

The convenience of a rental car also allows you to venture into nearby neighborhoods like Highlands-Baywood Park and Lakeview, making it simple to check out the San Mateo County Event Center and other attractions. Additionally, being situated in the San Francisco area means you have access to iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39. Overall, having a rental car in San Mateo enhances your travel experience, allowing for easy navigation and memorable adventures.

Most popular car rentals in San Mateo

• Compact SUV: This vehicle fits 5 travelers comfortably and can accommodate up to 3 medium suitcases. It's an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or families exploring San Mateo. The compact size makes it easy to navigate through the city while still providing enough space for luggage, making it a popular option for those who appreciate a balance of space and maneuverability.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option can comfortably seat 5 travelers and hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it perfect for families or groups who need extra space for both passengers and their belongings. With its roomy interior, this option is great for anyone looking to travel together while enjoying the flexibility of a larger vehicle.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is a versatile choice for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle offers a good mix of space and comfort, making it ideal for those who want a bit more room without going for a fullsize option. Its design allows for both easy handling in urban areas and enough capacity for luggage, making it a popular pick among travelers in and around San Mateo.

Top rated car suppliers in San Mateo

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car rental supplier in San Mateo, boasting one rental location in the area. Travelers appreciate the flexibility that comes with renting from Enterprise, enabling them to explore attractions at their own pace. The most frequently booked vehicles are Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, which offer comfort and space for managing luggage. With a focus on customer service, Enterprise is a reliable choice for those looking to navigate the region smoothly.

Where to go in San Mateo

• San Mateo: San Mateo serves as a gateway to the vibrant metropolis of San Francisco. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the San Mateo County Event Center, which is suitable for business occasions. The area is known for its year-round appeal, especially for family and outdoor experiences, making it a great base for exploring nearby urban parks and shopping areas.
• Highlands-Baywood Park: Located around San Mateo, Highlands-Baywood Park offers a blend of outdoor and family activities. Key highlights include Stanford University, a historic college perfect for cultural exploration, and the natural beauty of the nearby San Francisco Bay. This neighborhood is ideal for beach lovers and those interested in golfing, particularly during the peak tourist season from July to September.
• Lakeview: Situated 2 miles from San Mateo, Lakeview is known for its family-friendly and business-friendly environment. The area features shopping centers and the San Mateo County Event Center, making it convenient for both leisure and work. Visitors can explore attractions like Stanford University and enjoy the scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, with the best visitor numbers peaking during the summer months.

10 tips to save on your San Mateo car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your reservation well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to lock in lower rates and benefit from greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise, balancing cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can be acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
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 if any unforeseen issues arise during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra 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 San Mateo

The best time to rent a car in and around San Mateo is September, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. This period offers excellent value for travelers. Additionally, November showcases similar pricing with steady demand. In contrast, April is the most expensive month, featuring slightly high prices and lower demand. March and December also have average demand, while July tends to see higher demand and prices. Overall, the spring months can become quite pricey for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
March	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	62.2°F (16.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
July	64.0°F (17.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in San Mateo

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in San Mateo

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $39.

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