$46 Car Rental Palo Alto, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Palo Alto

Renting a car in Palo Alto is a popular choice for tourists looking to explore the area freely and at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Memorial Church, both offering rich cultural experiences. The Baylands Nature Preserve provides a beautiful natural escape nearby. A car also allows for convenient trips to nearby destinations like Sunnyvale, just 8 miles away, where you can discover Historic Murphy Avenue and California's Great America. Additionally, visiting the Stanford neighborhood gives you access to Hoover Tower and the Stanford University Arboretum. Families will appreciate the spaciousness and ease of managing luggage, while business travelers benefit from flexible travel plans. Overall, having a rental car enhances your ability to explore the diverse offerings of Palo Alto and its surroundings, ensuring you get the most out of your trip.

Most popular car rentals in Palo Alto

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for travelers in Palo Alto, accommodating up to 5 people with enough space for 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the area while enjoying the comfort and flexibility of having a spacious vehicle. With a midsize SUV, you can easily manage your luggage and have room for any additional gear you may need during your trip.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is ideal for larger groups or families, accommodating up to 5 travelers with room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a versatile choice for those needing extra space for their belongings. Renting a fullsize car allows for comfort while traveling around Palo Alto, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the journey without feeling cramped.
• Standard SUV: Standard SUVs are another great option for travelers, comfortably seating up to 5 passengers and providing space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is suitable for couples, families, or groups who want a balance of comfort and manageability. The standard SUV offers a good mix of space and flexibility, making it a practical choice for your car rental needs in Palo Alto.

Top rated car suppliers in Palo Alto

• Hertz: With 3 rental locations in and around Palo Alto, Hertz provides travelers with a reliable option for car rentals. Their most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, making it easy to find the right fit for your travel needs. The convenience of multiple locations allows for a smooth pickup and drop-off experience, ideal for exploring the area at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget has 1 rental location situated in Palo Alto, offering an economical choice for those looking to save on their travel expenses. Their popular options include Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles, providing flexibility for your journey. With Budget, you can expect competitive rates that cater to budget-conscious travelers seeking quality vehicles.
• Avis: Also featuring a single rental location in Palo Alto, Avis is another excellent choice for visitors. Known for their dependable service, Avis offers Midsize SUVs and Economy cars as popular selections. This supplier makes it convenient to manage your travel itinerary while ensuring you have a comfortable ride as you explore the attractions nearby.

Where to stay around Palo Alto

• Palo Alto: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Palo Alto is an ideal base for exploring the tech hub of Silicon Valley. With proximity to renowned educational institutions, it offers a blend of culture and innovation. Visitors can explore the Stanford University campus and enjoy diverse dining options. The city is particularly lively in the spring and fall, making it a great time to experience local events and outdoor activities.
• Menlo Park: Located just 2 miles away, Menlo Park is perfect for those seeking a cultural and family-friendly experience. The charming Bedwell Bayfront Park offers scenic views and outdoor activities, while the United States Geological Survey provides educational insights. With its family-oriented atmosphere and numerous restaurants, Menlo Park is a delightful place to stay, especially during the pleasant summer months.
• Mountain View: About 5 miles from Palo Alto, Mountain View is an exciting destination for families and culture enthusiasts. Home to the Computer History Museum, it provides a unique glimpse into the evolution of technology. The vibrant downtown area features a variety of eateries and shops, making it an ideal spot for dining and leisure. Spring and autumn are especially enjoyable times to visit, as the weather is conducive to outdoor exploration.
• Sunnyvale: Situated 8 miles away from Palo Alto, Sunnyvale offers a family and outdoor-themed experience. With attractions like California's Great America amusement park and historic Murphy Avenue, there are plenty of options for fun and adventure. The city’s pleasant climate makes it an attractive destination year-round, but it is particularly popular during the summer when outdoor activities are in full swing.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Palo Alto

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by specifying vehicle type 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 discover the perfect option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so securing your car well ahead of your trip is advisable. By booking in advance, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver 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 fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Be sure to verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
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 option is typically the most economical. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable; just remember to return the car with an empty tank in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Most 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. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning to take long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Palo Alto

The best time to rent a car in and around Palo Alto is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. March also offers a good opportunity, with slightly low prices and slightly low demand. April to May continues this trend, with average prices and low demand. However, June through August see prices rise, with higher demand, making it the most expensive period for rentals. July and August are particularly busy months, often leading to increased rental rates.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Palo Alto

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Palo Alto

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $46.

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