Car Rental California

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Top Car Deals in California

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Chevrolet Spark or similar
  • 4 people
California, England, GBR
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus or similar
  • 4 people
California, England, GBR
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla or similar
  • 5 people
California, England, GBR
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass or similar
  • 5 people
California, England, GBR
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in California?
You get bang for your travel buck in California, with car rental prices within the past seven days starting from as low as per day.
Can I rent a car from Norwich Intl. Airport (NWI)?
Budget and Avis are within easy reach of Norwich Intl. Airport (NWI). After landing, it won't be long before you're hitting the open road.
What happens if I need to cancel my California car reservation?
If you need to move your plans around, almost all prepaid bookings are eligible for a total refund. Cancellations will need to be made a minimum of six hours before the collection time. Have a thorough scan of the policy for any exceptions. Your itinerary will have more details, or you can visit our Customer Service Portal for more information.
Where can I go on a road trip from California?
California has plenty to keep you on the move, but don't restrict yourself to only one place. Grab a set of wheels and hit the road to discover what else awaits in the wider area. We've pulled together these great options:

  • Head to London for an excellent sightseeing adventure. Around 110 miles from California, it's home to numerous great sights such as Big Ben.
  • Situated 90 miles away, Southend-on-Sea is also popular with travelers. Set aside time to check out Southend Pier while you're in town. It's one of the reasons people love this thriving city.
  • Venture into the great outdoors and take in the serenity at Brighton Beach. You'll find it around 150 miles from California.

How do I find the best car rental deals in California with Expedia?
Browse our wide selection of rental cars, check out customer ratings and compare offers from major brands. In just a few clicks, Expedia will help you pick up the best deal on your ride. Got a hotel or flight booking? Add on your California car rental to save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in California?
Rental vehicle rules in California require drivers to be at least 21. Are you a young driver? A few surcharges and restrictions may apply. Many rental companies impose what is known as a young driver surcharge, which is an additional fee to the car rental cost. Restrictions generally apply to the sorts of cars young motorists can rent as well. Age limits may vary between outlets, so check before you book.
What do you need to rent a car in California?
The main requirements are your driver's license and a credit card in the same name. Most car rental companies will offer you insurance, which is optional. But you may be asked to provide proof of other coverage if you choose to opt out. Check your policy terms and conditions to avoid any issues.
What side of the road do you drive on in California?
Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in California. This means that the driver's seat and controls are also on the other side to what you're used to. Leave some extra time to familiarize yourself with your new ride before driving off.
What is the cheapest car rental in California?
The two lowest daily rates on offer in California within the past seven days were and . How's that for a great deal? These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in California?
Yes, and you'll find your ideal ride among our long-term car rental deals. Just enter your trip dates and we'll show you terrific offers from a range of top suppliers.
Where can I find a California car rental if I am younger than 25?
This will depend on the rental companies that are found in California. They often have different age policies. If you've found an outlet that does cater to drivers under 25, be aware that extra costs may apply. Do some research into what those charges could be before booking your rental car.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in California?
For a secure, stress-free vacation, add Expedia's collision damage protection while booking your rental car. This insurance covers your ride against theft, vandalism and collision damage. It also offers customers round-the-clock emergency help in times of need. Opt in to this insurance while finalizing your California ride with Expedia and save time and money at the rental counter.
Can I drive in California with my current driver's license?
If you don't possess a driver's license issued in England, then you might need to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country to be allowed to rent a car. Please also consider that if an IDP is required, it won't be valid on its own. You'll need to show your current driver's license your passport and other forms of documentation as well. Lastly, make sure the credit card you used to book the rental vehicle matches the name on your driver's license and passport. Some additional requirements for international car rentals are:

  • Age restrictions: You'll need to be at least 25 in many countries to rent a car. If you're younger than that, it might still be possible to rent a car but you'll have to pay a Young Driver's Surcharge. Additional restrictions may also apply to the types of vehicles you can rent.
  • Driving limitations: Be sure to read the rules and regulations before driving away. With rental cars, you usually can't cross country borders, drive on ferries or off road with a rental vehicle.

Car Rental Information

 
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Finding the cheapest car rentals in California

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in California

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

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

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 2025

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.