Sonoma County Car Rentals

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
    Learn about One Key
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers and package your flight, hotel, and car to save

Top destinations to rent a car in Sonoma County

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and a hilly landscape in the background.
CarsCars

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa

What you need to know for your Sonoma County car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Sonoma County

Renting a car in Sonoma County is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the region's diverse attractions at their own pace. With a rental car, you gain the freedom to manage your luggage easily and create flexible travel plans that suit your preferences. Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone who enjoys scenic views, having a vehicle allows you to visit key locations such as Sonoma Plaza, known for its cultural experiences, and the thrilling Sonoma Raceway for motorsport enthusiasts.

Moreover, a car gives you convenient access to popular destinations within Sonoma County. You can drive to Santa Rosa to enjoy the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and the Charles M. Schulz Museum or venture to Bodega Bay to experience Doran Beach and the beautiful Sonoma Coast State Park. For nature lovers, Guerneville offers attractions like Armstrong Redwoods State Park and the Russian River. Overall, a rental car enhances your ability to explore Sonoma County's outdoor adventures, family-friendly experiences, and captivating scenery, making it a practical option for all types of travelers.

Most popular car rentals in Sonoma County

  • Midsize SUV: This vehicle option is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travelers, making it a great choice for families, couples, or small groups. With the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize SUV allows for comfortable travel while providing ample space for luggage—ideal for weekend getaways or longer trips through Sonoma County.
  • Fullsize: Offering room for 5 travelers and the ability to carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the Fullsize car is suited for families or groups needing extra space. This versatile option ensures you can travel comfortably with your companions while having enough room for all your baggage, making it a popular choice among renters.
  • Compact: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families, the Compact car accommodates up to 5 travelers while offering space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option provides a balance between comfort and maneuverability, making it easier to navigate through Sonoma County’s scenic roads and tight parking situations, all while keeping your travel costs manageable.

Where to stay in Sonoma County

  • Santa Rosa: Ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic scenery, Santa Rosa offers a variety of accommodations close to key attractions. Explore the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for family-friendly events or visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum for a cultural experience. The Petrified Forest provides an adventurous outing. Enjoy local food and drink options, including nearby wineries and restaurants. Santa Rosa is a great base for experiencing both nature and city life.
  • Sonoma: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and city-themed experiences, Sonoma presents a delightful stay for travelers. The Sonoma Plaza serves as a cultural hub, while the Sonoma Raceway offers adrenaline-pumping motor racing activities. Enjoy the historic Napa Valley Wine Train for a unique experience. With access to urban parks and local wineries, Sonoma is perfect for those looking to blend outdoor fun with city exploration.
  • Bodega Bay: For scenic outdoor adventures, Bodega Bay is a fantastic choice. With attractions like Doran Beach for beach lovers and the Sonoma Coast State Park for nature enthusiasts, Bodega Bay is all about outdoor experiences. The Bodega Dunes add to the stunning scenery, making it an inviting destination for relaxation and adventure. Enjoy delicious local cuisine and wineries, ensuring a fulfilling stay in this beautiful coastal area.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Sonoma County

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, 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 advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to secure lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, 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 the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
  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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Sonoma County

The best time to rent a car in Sonoma County is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers great value for those looking to explore. March through May also provide average prices and demand, making them solid choices for rentals. However, June through August tend to be the most expensive months, with high demand as many visitors flock to the area. September and October return to average pricing and demand, while November and December show slightly low demand but higher prices.

Find Sonoma County Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Sonoma County car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Sonoma County, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Sonoma County offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Sonoma County car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Sonoma County to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Sonoma County airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Sonoma County rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Sonoma County airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Sonoma County?
You can find cheap car rentals in Sonoma County from $10 a day with Fox Rental Cars's midsize 2/4 door. Car rentals for exploring Sonoma County are picked up at the region's main gateway, San Francisco Intl Ap (SFO). From there it's an easy drive to towns like Sonoma and Santa Rosa. Suppliers such as Dollar Rent A Car, Alamo Rent A Car, and Thrifty Car Rental offer competitive rates. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Sonoma County.
What are the best car rentals in Sonoma County?
Car rentals across Sonoma County offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car, broadly available in the region's main cities — Sonoma, Santa Rosa, and Sea Ranch. The most common car classes include:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Compact 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize SUV
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For solo travelers or couples, a compact or midsize car is often ideal, while families or groups might prefer an SUV or minivan for more space. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Sonoma County.

What are the best car rental companies in Sonoma County?
For car rentals across Sonoma County, well-rated providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities — Sonoma, Santa Rosa, and Sea Ranch. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from San Francisco Intl Ap (SFO) for exploring Sonoma County?
Yes — you can pick up a rental car right at San Francisco Intl Ap (SFO) for exploring Sonoma County. Providers including Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car operate at the airport, with rates from around $12 a day for a midsize car from Sixt. SFO is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Sonoma to Santa Rosa.
Can I rent a car one-way in Sonoma County?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Sonoma County — pick up in one city, such as Sonoma, and drop-off in another, like Santa Rosa, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $11 a day. Providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in Sonoma County?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Sonoma County, including in Sonoma and Santa Rosa. Sixt offers hybrid options from $10 a day and electric options from $11 a day. Dollar Rent A Car also provides hybrid options from $10 a day and electric options from $10 a day. EVs keep fuel costs low, and charging is widely available along major routes. Book a few weeks ahead as demand can be high, and plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Sonoma County?
For luxury car rentals across Sonoma County, Sixt offers fullsize elite 2 or 4 door cars from $16 a day (and fullsize elite SUV from $24 a day), while Enterprise and Alamo Rent A Car add premium categories — high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Sonoma and Santa Rosa. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Sonoma County.
What are the best car rentals in Sonoma County for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Sonoma County, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage — available across the region's cities, from Sonoma to Santa Rosa:
  • Sixt: midsize SUV from $16 a day — seats up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases
  • Enterprise: mini passenger van from $30 a day — seats up to 8 people with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Dollar Rent A Car: standard SUV from $16 a day — seats up to 5 people with room for 4 large suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Sonoma County.

What are the best car rentals in Sonoma County for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Sonoma County for solo travelers are economy and compact classes — small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Sonoma and Santa Rosa:
  • Enterprise: economy 2 or 4 door, from $18 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Sixt: compact 2 or 4 door, from $15 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Sonoma County.

What are the best car rentals in Sonoma County for couples?
The best car rentals in Sonoma County for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Sonoma and Santa Rosa:
  • Sixt: midsize 2 or 4 door, from $12 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Alamo Rent A Car: compact SUV, from $14 a day — fits up to 5 people with room for 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a standard convertible from Enterprise, from $42 a day — fits up to 4 people with room for 2 large suitcases — for scenic drives around Sonoma County. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Sonoma County.

What are the closest airports to Sonoma County for car rental pick-up?
Several airports across Sonoma County offer car rental pick-up, giving you flexible options close to your arrival point:
  • San Francisco Intl Ap (SFO)
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK)
  • Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (STS)
Compare rental rates at each airport on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.

What are the best road trip destinations from Sonoma County by rental car?
From Sonoma County, a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from the region include:
  • Golden 1 Center in Sacramento
  • Jack London Square in Oakland
  • Fox Theater in Oakland
Time your trip around events like Christmas in the Park - Downtown Park Experience, or add activities such as a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. With cities like Santa Rosa also within reach, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Sonoma County.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Sonoma County?
In Sonoma County, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust — take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Sonoma County?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Sonoma County. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Sonoma County?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Sonoma County?
Budget car rental in Sonoma County can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Sonoma County?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Sonoma County. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Sonoma County car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Sonoma County?
To rent a car in Sonoma County, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Sonoma County car rental?
If you need to cancel your Sonoma County car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation