$10 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, provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families and travelers with luggage, as a rental car allows for easy management of your belongings while you embark on your adventures. Within a short drive, you can visit key attractions such as the Orange County Great Park, located 6 miles away, or enjoy the natural beauty of Crystal Cove State Park, just 5 miles from the university. Additionally, the Orange County Fair and Events Center is a mere 4 miles away, offering various family-friendly experiences.

Having a car also makes it convenient to explore nearby cities like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, which are 5 miles and 8 miles away respectively. Both destinations feature beautiful beaches and parks for outdoor activities. Being situated in Irvine, you can easily access local highlights like Tanaka Farms and the Bren Events Center. Overall, a rental car enhances your travel experience, giving you the flexibility to discover the attractions surrounding the University of California with ease.

Most popular car rentals near University of California

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for travelers around University of California. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travelers, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. With the ability to hold up to 3 large suitcases, this vehicle offers enough space for your luggage while providing the versatility needed for exploring the area at your own pace.
• Standard SUV: Opting for a Standard SUV is ideal for those visiting University of California. This vehicle can accommodate 5 travelers and has room for up to 2 medium suitcases. It is particularly well-suited for couples, families, and groups looking for a comfortable ride with ample space for luggage. The Standard SUV allows you to navigate the region with ease, making it a favored option among renters.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is another highly booked option near University of California. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers impressive capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families and groups who need extra room for luggage. The Fullsize provides a spacious and comfortable driving experience, allowing you to focus on exploring the attractions in the area without worrying about space constraints.

Top rated car suppliers near University of California

• Enterprise: Enterprise has 5 rental locations, with the nearest one located only 1 mile away from the University of California. This supplier boasts an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10, making it a popular choice among travelers. Known for its friendly service, short wait times, and clean vehicles, Enterprise is particularly favored for its Midsize and Premium SUVs, which are the most booked options. With the flexibility it offers, renting from Enterprise can enhance your travel experience around the university.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car has 1 rental location situated 2 miles from the University of California. With a customer rating of 7.2 out of 10, Alamo is recognized for its friendly service and efficient processes, ensuring a quick pickup experience. The most popular vehicles among travelers are Midsize and Premium SUVs, which cater to a range of needs for those exploring the area. Alamo provides a reliable option for visitors who appreciate convenience and quality service.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental operates 2 locations, with the nearest being 2 miles away from the University of California. While specific ratings are not mentioned, Thrifty is known for its selection of vehicles, including Midsize and Fullsize cars, which are popular choices among renters. Travelers appreciate the variety Thrifty offers, making it a suitable option for those seeking flexibility during their journey around the university and surrounding attractions.

Where to stay near University of California

• Newport Beach: Located 5 miles away from the University of California, Irvine, Newport Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, along with Crystal Cove Beach for a relaxing beach day. The area features numerous shopping centers and dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a great choice for a comfortable stay.
• Laguna Beach: Situated 8 miles from the University of California, Irvine, Laguna Beach is perfect for those seeking a family-friendly beach experience. Key highlights include Treasure Island Beach and Thousand Steps Beach, both suitable for beach vacations. The scenic Heisler Park offers opportunities for outdoor activities, while local shops and eateries provide delicious dining choices, ensuring a pleasant stay in this coastal city.
• Irvine: As the home of the University of California, Irvine, this city is just minutes away from campus. Ideal for families and business travelers alike, Irvine features attractions such as the Orange County Great Park and the Bren Events Center. The city boasts various shopping centers and diverse dining options, including wineries. A stay in Irvine allows easy access to both educational and recreational activities.

10 tips to save on your car rental around University of California

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer adventures, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the perfect match for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance typically leads to lower rates and better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are generally less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size options 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 categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. 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 on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is typically the most favorable. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports usually incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
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 unnecessary expenses and provides 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 plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car around University of California

The best time to rent a car near the University of California is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February can also be a good option, with prices remaining slightly low and demand lower still. March and April see average prices and demand, making them decent choices as well. However, August is typically the most expensive month, with high demand. July and August are especially busy, often leading to higher rental costs.

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	Slightly Low	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	Average	Average
May	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
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	Slightly Low	Slightly High
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	Average	Average