$69 Car Rental University of California, CA

Reasons to book a car rental around University of California

Renting a car around the University of California, Irvine, is a wise choice for visitors looking to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, you can easily navigate to nearby attractions such as the Orange County Great Park, located 6 miles away, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Just 5 miles from the university, Crystal Cove State Park offers stunning scenery and adventure opportunities, while the Newport Beach Pier, also 6 miles away, is a charming spot to enjoy coastal views. A rental car simplifies travel plans, allowing you to manage luggage effortlessly and make spontaneous stops along the way. For those seeking friendly, family-oriented experiences, destinations like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach—5 miles and 8 miles away, respectively—are easily accessible. You can enjoy beach activities, beautiful parks, and local dining without the hassle of public transportation. Additionally, Costa Mesa, a mere 4 miles from the university, features attractions such as the Orange County Fairgrounds. Embrace the convenience of having your own vehicle to create a memorable trip around the University of California, Irvine.

Most popular car rentals near University of California

• Midsize SUV: The midsize SUV is a popular choice for travelers around the University of California, accommodating up to 5 passengers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for a balance of comfort and versatility. With the ability to manage luggage easily, a midsize SUV allows you to explore the campus and surrounding areas at your own pace while enjoying the freedom of the open road.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car is another frequently booked option, comfortably fitting 5 travelers and offering ample storage for either 3 large suitcases or up to 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families or larger groups planning to visit the University of California. The spacious interior and generous cargo capacity ensure that everyone’s belongings can be accommodated without hassle, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is well-suited for those visiting the University of California, providing seating for 5 travelers and storage for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type strikes a great balance between comfort and practicality, making it a solid choice for couples, families, or groups looking to navigate around the campus and its surroundings. Its manageable size combined with sufficient luggage space offers a convenient solution for your travel needs.

Top rated car suppliers near University of California

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is conveniently located 2 miles away from the University of California, providing a hassle-free option for travelers. With an overall rating of 7.4 out of 10, Alamo is recognized for its friendly service and short wait times. Most travelers book Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs with this supplier, making it a reliable choice for those looking to explore the area comfortably.
• Enterprise: With 5 rental locations, the nearest Enterprise is just 1 mile away from the University of California, offering excellent convenience for car rental needs. Rated 7.2 out of 10, this supplier is known for its friendly service, ensuring a pleasant rental experience. Travelers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, making it an ideal option for those seeking a versatile vehicle during their stay.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty boasts 2 rental locations, with the closest being 2 miles from the University of California. While specific ratings are not mentioned, Thrifty is a popular choice among travelers, particularly for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles. This supplier provides a solid selection of cars, enabling visitors to navigate the attractions around the university with ease.

Where to go near University of California

• Newport Beach: Located 5 miles away from the University of California, Irvine, Newport Beach offers a vibrant city experience for travelers. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor activities, and shopping venues, visitors can enjoy highlights like the Newport Beach Pier and Crystal Cove Beach. The best times to visit are during peak seasons in April and June to July.
• Laguna Beach: Situated 8 miles from the University of California, Irvine, Laguna Beach is a charming coastal city perfect for family and outdoor adventures. With attractions like Treasure Island Beach and Heisler Park, visitors can explore scenic views and enjoy the beach experience. The seasonality shows moderate visitor peaks in April and June to July.
• Costa Mesa: Just 4 miles from the University of California, Irvine, Costa Mesa is an ideal destination for those looking for a mix of family, city, and business experiences. The city features shopping centers and cultural landmarks, including the Orange County Fairgrounds and Huntington Beach Pier. Peak visitor arrivals occur in March to April and July.

10 tips to save on your University of California car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match 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 early, you are more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars tend to be more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise 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 luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before completing your 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 extra fees. This is typically the most cost-effective option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable—just remember to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worth the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something goes wrong 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 rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid 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 around University of California

The best time to rent a car around the University of California is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. Following that, April and May offer slightly low demand and average pricing, making them good options as well. However, from June through August, prices rise to slightly high levels, with July and August seeing the highest demand and costs for rentals. This trend reflects the busiest and most expensive period for car rentals in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
April	61.9°F (16.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	74.1°F (23.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low