$46 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 you the freedom and flexibility to explore this charming city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit popular attractions like Avila Hot Springs, an ideal spot for relaxation and wellness, located within San Luis Obispo. You can also make a short drive to Avila Beach, just 8 miles away, perfect for enjoying beach experiences. For those interested in culture, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, located in the city, provides a glimpse into the area's history. A car rental allows you to easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed, making it a great choice for families or those seeking outdoor adventures. You can explore Downtown San Luis Obispo, which features the historic Mission, or venture to the Old Town Historic District, home to Avila Beach and other key sites. Overall, having a car means you can experience the scenic beauty and cultural richness of San Luis Obispo and its nearby attractions without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car rentals in San Luis Obispo

• Standard SUV: This vehicle accommodates 5 travelers and offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the Standard SUV provides the versatility needed for exploring San Luis Obispo and its surroundings comfortably, while also allowing for easy luggage management.
• Midsize: The Midsize car is perfect for 5 travelers, with the capacity to hold up to 3 large suitcases. This option is well-suited for couples and families who appreciate a bit more space without sacrificing maneuverability. It’s a great choice for those wanting to travel around San Luis Obispo with extra luggage room.
• Compact: The Compact car, accommodating 5 travelers with space for up to 3 medium suitcases, is an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or small families. Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate the city and find parking, while still offering enough room for your travel essentials as you explore San Luis Obispo.

Top rated car suppliers in San Luis Obispo

• Avis: Avis is a popular choice among travelers in San Luis Obispo, boasting 2 rental locations within the area. With an overall rating of 7.8 out of 10, Avis is known for its reliable service. The most booked vehicles from this supplier are Midsize and Standard SUVs, making it an excellent option for those looking for comfort and space during their travels.
• Enterprise: With 3 rental locations in San Luis Obispo, Enterprise is favored for its friendly service and customer-focused approach. This supplier holds an overall rating of 7 out of 10, reflecting its commitment to customer satisfaction. Travelers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Standard cars, ensuring a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.
• Budget: Budget operates 2 rental locations in San Luis Obispo and is recognized for its short wait times, enhancing the rental experience. With an overall rating of 7 out of 10, Budget is a solid choice for those who appreciate efficiency and convenience. The most popular vehicles booked through Budget include Midsize and Fullsize cars, catering to diverse travel requirements.

Where to stay in and around San Luis Obispo

• Avila Beach: Located 8 miles from San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor activities and scenic views. You can enjoy the beautiful beach, visit the family beach, or explore the nearby jetty pier. Avila Beach is also home to popular attractions like Avila Hot Springs for wellness and relaxation. Dining options include various restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for food enthusiasts.
• Downtown San Luis Obispo: This vibrant neighborhood is situated in the heart of San Luis Obispo and offers a rich cultural experience. With attractions like the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the Ah Louis Store, it’s ideal for culture lovers. Visitors can also check out the public market and nearby beaches. Downtown features a selection of wineries and restaurants, adding to its charm.
• Foothill: Another neighborhood around San Luis Obispo, Foothill is known for its cultural and family-friendly atmosphere. Explore local attractions such as Avila Hot Springs and the historic college university. For entertainment, you can find cinemas and theaters nearby. The area is also surrounded by wineries and breweries, offering a delightful experience for those interested in local beverages.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around San Luis Obispo

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car to save money, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your travel dates. By booking early, 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 are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—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 making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the best choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There’s often an additional charge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience might 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 unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 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 and February are typically quiet, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Following this, March and April offer moderate prices with average to slightly high demand. However, September tends to be the most expensive month, with prices and demand increasing during late summer. June through August see high demand, making them less favorable for cost-effective rentals.

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	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	57.7°F (14.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	60.8°F (16.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	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	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	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	Slightly Low

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 $46.

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