$52 Car Rental San Rafael, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Rafael

Renting a car in San Rafael is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, wine country tourists, and families looking to explore the area at their own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans while discovering attractions nearby. Key sites such as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, located 12 miles away, and Pier 39, 13 miles away, are easily accessible. Families will appreciate the spaciousness of a rental car, allowing for comfortable travel with kids and gear. Adventure seekers can venture to Mill Valley, just 5 miles from San Rafael, where Muir Woods National Monument offers breathtaking scenery. Additionally, you can explore the vibrant Fisherman's Wharf and the Marina District, both 13 miles away, featuring popular spots like Lombard Street and Alcatraz Island. The freedom provided by a rental car means you can create your own itinerary, making it simple to visit various attractions without the constraints of public transportation. Enjoy the scenic routes and the flexibility to stop wherever you choose, making your trip to San Rafael truly memorable.

Most popular car rentals in San Rafael

• Economy: This car type fits 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families. The economy option is perfect for exploring San Rafael and surrounding areas without compromising on comfort. Its compact size allows for easy maneuverability through city streets, while also being fuel-efficient—great for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups venturing into the beautiful wine country around San Rafael. This vehicle provides a comfortable ride, ample space for luggage, and a higher vantage point for enjoying the stunning landscapes. It’s a versatile choice for those wanting both comfort and the ability to tackle various terrains.
• Fullsize: This option fits 5 travelers with the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families and groups. The fullsize car offers spacious interiors, ensuring everyone can travel comfortably and have enough room for luggage. Perfect for those who appreciate flexibility and comfort while exploring the captivating scenery and attractions around San Rafael.

Top rated car suppliers in San Rafael

• Avis: Avis operates 1 rental location in San Rafael and boasts an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10. Travelers appreciate the short wait times and friendly service, making it a convenient option for those looking to rent a car. The most booked vehicles with Avis are the Midsize SUV and Economy, providing flexibility and comfort for your adventures in and around the city.
• Enterprise: With 1 rental location in San Rafael, Enterprise is known for delivering service as expected. Customers value the straightforward rental process and the range of vehicle options available. The most popular choices include the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV, making it a great fit for families or those needing extra space for luggage while exploring the area.
• Hertz: Hertz also has 1 rental location in San Rafael and is recognized for its reliable service. Travelers frequently choose Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles, ensuring that you have ample room for your travels. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Hertz provides a solid option for those looking to explore San Rafael and the surrounding attractions with ease.

Where to go in and around San Rafael

• Fisherman's Wharf: Located 13 miles away from San Rafael, Fisherman's Wharf is a vibrant neighborhood known for its shopping areas and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Alcatraz Island. The best time to visit is during peak months from April to June and July, when the area sees more traveler arrivals.
• Mill Valley: Situated 5 miles away from San Rafael, Mill Valley offers stunning outdoor experiences and scenic views. Key highlights include Muir Woods National Monument, perfect for adventurers, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Peak visitation occurs from March to April and July, making it a great time for outdoor activities in this charming city.
• Marina District: Approximately 13 miles from San Rafael, the Marina District is a lively neighborhood ideal for family outings and city exploration. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Palace of Fine Arts and Lombard Street, along with ample shopping opportunities. The best visiting months are from March to April and July, with slightly fewer visitors from October to December.

10 tips to save on your San Rafael car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save on costs, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the perfect fit 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 vehicle well ahead of your travel dates. Booking early often allows you to lock in lower rates and ensures better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more economical to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a nice balance 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 could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions 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 typically the most advantageous. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience can make it worthwhile.
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 provides peace of mind should any unforeseen events arise during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, search for rental options 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 Rafael

The best value period to rent a car in and around San Rafael is March, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. Both April and May also offer reasonable prices and steady demand, making them good shoulder periods for rentals. In contrast, August stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand driving up prices, while July and September also see elevated rates and demand levels. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	54.9°F (12.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	61.2°F (16.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in San Rafael

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in San Rafael

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $52.

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