$34 Car Rental Oakland, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Oakland

Renting a car in Oakland offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Jack London Square, a vibrant area perfect for city experiences, and the Berkeley Marina, which is ideal for outdoor adventures and beach activities. Additionally, the historic Ferry Building is conveniently located just 7 miles away, allowing for a quick and enjoyable trip. Families will appreciate the ease of managing luggage and planning spontaneous outings, while those seeking cultural experiences can access various destinations without the limitations of public transportation. The nearby cities of Berkeley, Hayward, and Emeryville further enhance your travel options, featuring attractions like Pier 39 and Hayward Regional Shoreline Park. A rental car makes it simple to create a personalized itinerary that caters to outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, and families alike, ensuring a memorable experience in and around Oakland.

Most popular car rentals in Oakland

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers a balance of space and comfort, making it perfect for those who need room for both passengers and luggage while exploring Oakland and its surroundings.
• Compact: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases—ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families. The compact car is a practical choice for navigating Oakland's urban areas, providing easy handling and parking options, all while maintaining efficiency in fuel consumption.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV combines comfort and capability, making it suitable for a variety of travel needs, whether you're planning a day trip or a longer journey around Oakland.

Top rated car suppliers in Oakland

• Alamo Rent A Car: With a rental location in Oakland, Alamo Rent A Car is favored by travelers for its friendly service and clean vehicles. This supplier boasts an overall rating of 7 out of 10, making it a reliable option for your car rental needs. The most popular choices among customers are the Midsize SUV and Premium SUV, providing ample space and comfort for your adventures around the city and beyond.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental offers the convenience of five locations throughout Oakland, making it easy to find a rental spot nearby. Known for its great selection, the most booked vehicles include the Midsize SUV and Fullsize options, which are perfect for families or groups looking to explore. With multiple locations, you can pick up and drop off your vehicle with ease.
• Budget: Budget features four rental locations in Oakland, providing travelers with accessible options for car rentals. This supplier is recognized for its competitive rates, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are the top picks among customers, offering a balance of comfort and affordability for your trip.

Where to stay in Oakland

• Berkeley: Berkeley is a vibrant city known for its culture, family-friendly activities, and outdoor experiences. Travelers can explore the historic college university and relax at the scenic Berkeley Marina, which is perfect for an adventure or beach vacation. Nearby attractions include the famous Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island, both offering unique outdoor experiences. Berkeley also boasts a variety of food and drink options, including local wineries and restaurants, making it a well-rounded destination for visitors.
• Hayward: Hayward offers a blend of family-friendly and city-themed experiences, making it an inviting choice for travelers. Key attractions include the Hayward Regional Shoreline Park, ideal for enjoying the natural wetlands, and the vibrant San Francisco Bay. Alex Giualini Plaza Park provides a lovely urban space for relaxation. With its shopping mall centers and educational venues, Hayward also features diverse dining options, including local wineries and restaurants, providing a satisfying experience for visitors.
• Emeryville: Emeryville is an exciting city that combines family, outdoor, and cultural experiences. Notable attractions include Jack London Square, a modern square perfect for city vacations, and the historic Ferry Building, which is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy nearby Pier 39. With a variety of shopping options and restaurants, including local wineries, Emeryville provides ample opportunities for dining and entertainment, ensuring a delightful stay in the area.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to find the perfect match for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak 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 strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. 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 extra fees. This is usually the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be 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 it might be worth the extra cost for the convenience it offers.
7. Know your payment options: Many 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 something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of additional costs.
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 in and around Oakland

The best time to rent a car in and around Oakland is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers great value for travelers seeking quieter options. April also provides a good opportunity with slightly low prices and average demand. However, June through August tend to be the most expensive months, marked by high demand and elevated prices. As summer peaks, rental costs rise, making it a busier time for car rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	61.9°F (16.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	64.0°F (17.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	55.8°F (13.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Oakland

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Oakland

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $34.

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