$27 Car Rental Gilroy, CA

These Gilroy insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 26, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Gilroy

Renting a car in Gilroy offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans according to your needs. This is particularly beneficial for families and those seeking outdoor or entertainment-themed experiences. You can visit the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, which is perfect for family fun, or head to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, located 10 miles away, for outdoor activities. For adventure seekers, the Santa Cruz Mountains, 17 miles from Gilroy, provide excellent scenery and opportunities for exploration.

A rental car also allows you to discover nearby destinations like San Martin, just 6 miles away, where you can find Capitola Beach and more attractions. You can explore Old Gilroy, featuring the historic Old Mission San Juan Bautista and other local sites, or visit Morgan Hill, 10 miles away, home to the Morgan Hill Community Park. Having a car ensures you can visit these key attractions and destinations conveniently, making your trip to Gilroy enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals in Gilroy

• Compact: The Compact car is an excellent choice for travelers in Gilroy, accommodating up to 5 people and offering space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families who appreciate the ease of maneuvering through the city and finding parking. Its size and fuel efficiency make it a practical option for exploring Gilroy at your own pace while keeping your travel plans flexible.
• Fullsize Pickup: The Fullsize Pickup is perfect for those seeking adventure and group travel in and around Gilroy. With room for 5 travelers and capacity for up to 3 large suitcases, this vehicle caters well to families or groups who need extra space for luggage and equipment. Its robustness ensures that you can tackle a variety of terrains while enjoying the convenience of ample storage for your journey.

Top rated car suppliers in Gilroy

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a highly favored choice among travelers in Gilroy, thanks to its exceptional customer service and convenient location. With one rental location in the area, it offers a selection of well-maintained vehicles, with Midsize and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. Customers appreciate the flexibility and ease of the rental process, making it a reliable option for those looking to explore the region at their own pace.
• Hertz: Another popular supplier in Gilroy, Hertz provides a solid rental experience with a focus on quality vehicles and customer satisfaction. With one rental location, it features Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars as the most frequently rented options. Travelers often commend Hertz for its efficient service and well-kept vehicles, ensuring a smooth journey as you navigate the attractions around Gilroy.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental stands out in Gilroy for its appealing selection of vehicles and customer-friendly service. Located conveniently within the city, it offers Fullsize Pickup and Midsize SUVs as the top choices among renters. Travelers appreciate the value provided by Thrifty, making it an excellent option for those needing reliable transportation while exploring the scenic areas surrounding Gilroy.

Where to stay around Gilroy

• Aptos: Located 18 miles from Gilroy, Aptos offers a beautiful beach experience with scenic views. Popular attractions include the picturesque Rio Del Mar Beach and Capitola Beach, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. For family fun, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features rides and games, making it ideal for outdoor and adventure seekers. Dining options in Aptos include local restaurants and wineries, providing a delightful culinary experience after a day in the sun.
• Morgan Hill: Just 10 miles away from Gilroy, Morgan Hill is known for its outdoor activities and family-friendly entertainment. The Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a highlight, providing fun for all ages. Nature lovers can explore the Santa Cruz Mountains for breathtaking scenery. Morgan Hill Community Park is perfect for a leisurely day out, while various shopping centers and local restaurants cater to your dining needs, enhancing your stay.
• Watsonville: Situated 12 miles from Gilroy, Watsonville is a great destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and beach experiences. La Selva Beach offers a serene retreat, while the stunning Monterey Bay provides excellent scenery for nature enthusiasts. The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds hosts various events that are great for families. With nearby wineries and eateries, Watsonville is an enjoyable place to relax and immerse yourself in local culture.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Gilroy

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to lock in lower prices and have a wider selection, especially during peak travel 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 cars offer a balanced option in terms of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
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 additional charges. This is typically the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also work—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 justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 in and around Gilroy

The best time to rent a car in and around Gilroy is January, when prices and demand are slightly low, making it a great value period. February follows closely, staying low in demand while offering average prices. March remains favorable with slightly low prices and average demand. However, from June through August, demand and prices tend to increase, peaking in August as the most expensive month for rentals. Following this busy period, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	55.6°F (13.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	59.4°F (15.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	67.8°F (19.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	54.3°F (12.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	48.9°F (9.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Gilroy

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Gilroy

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $27.

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