$38 Car Rental Oakland, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Oakland

Renting a car in Oakland provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and business travelers who value convenience. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions such as the Moscone Convention Center, located 7 miles away, perfect for business experiences, or Jack London Square, which offers a vibrant city atmosphere right in Oakland.

For those interested in culture, the historic University of California, Berkeley is also nearby, allowing for enriching experiences without the constraints of public transportation. Additionally, having a rental car opens up opportunities to explore nearby cities such as Berkeley and Hayward, where you can enjoy scenic views of San Francisco Bay and visit local universities. Driving through Downtown Oakland, you can visit the Oakland Convention Center and the numerous attractions that Jack London Square has to offer. Overall, a rental car enhances your travel experience in Oakland, making it easier to enjoy all the diverse offerings of this dynamic metropolis.

Most popular car rentals in Oakland

• Midsize SUV: This car is a popular choice for travelers in Oakland, accommodating up to 5 passengers and offering space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs provide an excellent balance of comfort and versatility, making them ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the region. With ample room for both passengers and luggage, you'll enjoy the freedom to venture out on outdoor adventures or road trips at your own pace.
• Fullsize: Perfect for families or larger groups, the fullsize car option fits 5 travelers comfortably and can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option allows for flexible travel plans, making it easier to manage luggage while providing ample space for everyone. Whether you're heading out for a long weekend or a business trip, a fullsize vehicle ensures a comfortable ride for all.
• Compact: For those traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small family, the compact car is a popular and economical choice. It fits up to 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 medium suitcases, making it a practical option for navigating Oakland and its surroundings. Compact cars are easy to park and maneuver, perfect for city driving while still offering enough space for your essentials.

Top rated car suppliers in Oakland

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is known for its friendly service and quick pickup, making it a popular choice among travelers in Oakland. With one rental location in the area, Alamo provides a reliable option for those looking to explore the city and its surroundings. The Midsize SUV and Premium SUV are the most booked vehicles, which offer ample space and comfort for your journey. Travelers appreciate the cleanliness of the cars and hassle-free returns, making Alamo a solid choice for your car rental needs.
• Fox Rental Cars: Fox Rental Cars operates one rental location in Oakland, offering a convenient option for visitors. Known for its competitive pricing, Fox specializes in Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, which are popular among travelers looking for comfort and space. Customers often highlight the ease of the rental process and the well-maintained condition of the vehicles. With a focus on service and value, Fox Rental Cars is a suitable option for those seeking flexibility during their trip.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With five rental locations throughout Oakland, Thrifty Car Rental provides extensive accessibility for travelers. This supplier is favored for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, ideal for families and groups. Thrifty is commended for its efficient service and well-kept vehicles, ensuring a smooth rental experience. The multiple locations allow for greater convenience in pickup and drop-off, making Thrifty a great choice for navigating the vibrant Oakland area and beyond.

Where to go in and around Oakland

• Berkeley: Located in the vicinity of Oakland, Berkeley offers a blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Popular attractions include the historic University of California, Berkeley, ideal for cultural exploration, and the scenic Berkeley Marina, perfect for outdoor adventures. The area also features shopping centers and theaters, providing a vibrant atmosphere. The best times to visit are from March to April and July, with slightly lower visitor numbers from October to December.
• Hayward: Hayward is known for its family-friendly and outdoor experiences. Key highlights include the stunning San Francisco Bay, which is great for city vacations, and California State University East Bay, a modern educational venue. Additionally, the Oakland Arena offers entertainment options for visitors. Peak visitor numbers are observed in April and June to July, with a decrease from October to December.
• Downtown Oakland: This dynamic neighborhood is perfect for those seeking family, entertainment, and romantic experiences. Downtown Oakland features the lively Jack London Square, a modern square ideal for urban exploration, and the Oakland Convention Center for business travelers. The historic University of California, Berkeley is also nearby, enriching the cultural landscape. Peak travel times are during June to July and September, followed by lower numbers in October to December.

10 tips to save on your Oakland car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, Expedia's filters can help you discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your travel date. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower prices and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and can be easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise 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 be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best option. Others might provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are fine as well, but ensure you return the car with an empty tank in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only 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 anything goes wrong during your trip. It's easy to add rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

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 prices and demand are slightly low, offering excellent value. April is also a quieter month with average prices and lower demand, making it a good option. As summer approaches, June through August see higher prices and demand, with August being particularly expensive. Following that, September and October return to average pricing and demand, while November and December maintain steady demand with average rates.

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	Slightly Low
April	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	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	Slightly High	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	Average	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 $38.

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