$40 Car Rental San Luis Obispo, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Luis Obispo

Renting a car in San Luis Obispo offers the ultimate freedom to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace. For wine lovers, adventurers, and those seeking outdoor or cultural experiences, a rental vehicle provides easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. You can visit key attractions such as California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, which is known for its rich cultural experiences. If relaxation is on your agenda, Avila Hot Springs is a short drive away, offering wellness and outdoor experiences. Additionally, Avila Beach, located 8 miles from the city, is perfect for enjoying beach activities.

A car rental also makes it convenient to explore popular destinations like Downtown San Luis Obispo, where you can find Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and Bubblegum Alley. The nearby city of Edna features attractions like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach. The Old Town Historic District also awaits your exploration, showcasing the local charm and history. With a rental car, you can easily navigate these attractions, ensuring that your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Most popular car rentals in San Luis Obispo

• Standard SUV: This option comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. It is perfect for couples, families, or groups looking to explore the diverse attractions in and around San Luis Obispo. The Standard SUV provides ample space for passengers and luggage, making it an excellent choice for those who want the freedom to venture out to wineries or scenic coastal routes.
• Midsize: With a capacity for 5 travelers and room for up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize car is a great option for couples and families alike. This vehicle strikes a good balance between comfort and practicality, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of San Luis Obispo while having enough space for their belongings. It offers flexibility for spontaneous adventures and scenic drives.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is versatile, accommodating 5 travelers with the capacity to carry either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for families or groups who need extra space for luggage. Renting a Fullsize car in San Luis Obispo allows you to travel comfortably while experiencing the stunning scenery and cultural attractions in the area. Its spacious interior ensures that everyone can enjoy the journey together.

Top rated car suppliers in San Luis Obispo

• Avis: Avis has 2 rental locations all in the San Luis Obispo area and is known for its friendly service and short wait times. Customers appreciate the efficient pickup process and the overall experience. The most booked vehicles with Avis include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, making it a great choice for travelers seeking both comfort and space during their adventures.
• Enterprise: With 3 rental locations in San Luis Obispo, Enterprise stands out for its friendly service and customer satisfaction. Travelers often highlight the helpful staff and the smooth rental experience. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are the most popular choices among customers, providing a reliable option for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings at their leisure.
• Budget: Budget operates 2 rental locations in the San Luis Obispo area and is recognized for its affordability and convenience. The supplier offers a selection of Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, making it suitable for various travel needs. Customers appreciate the ease of the rental process and the competitive pricing, ensuring a great value for those on a budget.

Where to go in and around San Luis Obispo

• Downtown San Luis Obispo: This vibrant neighborhood is a hub for culture, outdoor activities, and family experiences. Visitors can explore attractions such as California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Don't miss the quirky Bubblegum Alley, perfect for a fun photo opportunity. The area offers a variety of markets and educational venues, making it an engaging destination year-round, with peak visitor numbers from June to August.
• Edna: Known for its romantic and entertainment offerings, Edna is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Key attractions include the scenic Pismo Beach Pier and the relaxing Avila Hot Springs, which provide wellness opportunities. Pismo State Beach is also nearby, perfect for beach lovers. Edna sees consistent visitor numbers throughout the year, with a slight increase during the summer months from June to August, making it a great spot for a getaway.
• Old Town Historic District: This culturally rich neighborhood offers a blend of history and family-friendly activities. Key points of interest include California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Explore Bubblegum Alley for a unique urban experience. The area features various educational opportunities and public markets, attracting visitors year-round, particularly from June to August.

10 tips to save on your San Luis Obispo car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental price and are easier to navigate and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to 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 fees. This is usually the best option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this situation.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may 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 unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected arises during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 San Luis Obispo

The best value period to rent a car in and around San Luis Obispo is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January also offers low prices with minimal demand, making it a quiet option for rentals. Following this, March has slightly low rates but average demand, maintaining decent affordability. However, July is the most expensive month, with high prices and average demand, while June through August remain busy and pricier for rentals, making it a peak time for travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.7°F (11.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	57.7°F (14.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	60.8°F (16.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	68.7°F (20.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
November	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in San Luis Obispo

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in San Luis Obispo

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $40.

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