$48 Car Rental San Mateo, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Mateo

Renting a car in San Mateo provides the freedom and flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit local highlights such as Coyote Point Park and Bay Meadows Park, both ideal for family and outdoor experiences. Additionally, the vibrant city of San Francisco is only 7 miles away, where you can experience iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39. A rental car is particularly convenient for families, allowing ample space for luggage and gear while keeping everyone together during your travels.

Beyond San Mateo, you can explore nearby Burlingame, just 2 miles away, which features attractions like Topgolf Burlingame and beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. East San Mateo offers lovely parks such as Lakeshore Park Beach and Shoreview Park. Having a rental car means you can create flexible travel plans and easily manage your itinerary, whether you’re seeking outdoor activities, family-friendly experiences, or business-related travel. Overall, renting a car in and around San Mateo enhances your visit by providing easy access to a variety of attractions and destinations.

Most popular car rentals in San Mateo

• Standard Pickup: This car type is a top choice for travelers in San Mateo, accommodating up to 5 people and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. It's particularly suited for adventure travelers, families, or small groups looking to explore the area comfortably. With ample space for both passengers and luggage, a Standard Pickup gives you the freedom to embark on your journey without feeling cramped.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the Economy car option is another favorite among renters in San Mateo. With a capacity for up to 5 passengers and space for 2 medium suitcases, it strikes a balance between efficiency and comfort. This car type is ideal for those who wish to navigate the area flexibly while keeping rental costs low.
• Midsize: The Midsize car option is designed to accommodate up to 5 travelers, offering room for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for couples or families who need slightly more space without going for a larger vehicle. The Midsize car provides a comfortable ride, making it easy to enjoy the scenic views and attractions around San Mateo.

Top rated car suppliers in San Mateo

• Enterprise: With a rental location in San Mateo, Enterprise is a top choice for travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. Known for its customer satisfaction, this supplier offers a diverse range of vehicles, including the popular Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore the area at your own pace, making it easy to manage your luggage and adjust your itinerary as needed.

Where to stay in and around San Mateo

• San Mateo: Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, San Mateo offers a mix of urban experiences and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore local parks, enjoy shopping at nearby centers, and indulge in various dining options. It's a great base for families looking to visit attractions like the Golden Gate Park or the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, both within a reasonable distance.
• Highlands-Baywood Park: This charming neighborhood around San Mateo is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. With proximity to beautiful beaches and the San Francisco Bay, visitors can enjoy scenic views and recreational activities. Also, nearby golf courses and shopping options make it a convenient choice for travelers seeking a relaxing yet engaging stay.
• Half Moon Bay: Located approximately 9 miles from San Mateo, Half Moon Bay is renowned for its stunning beaches and picturesque scenery. Ideal for outdoor lovers, this coastal city features attractions such as Miramar Beach and Pillar Point Harbor, where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. With excellent dining options and wineries nearby, it's an excellent destination for a scenic getaway.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around San Mateo

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for warm weather, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to locate the ideal vehicle 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 trip. By booking early, you'll likely benefit from lower prices and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically 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 some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always review the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for transactions.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 San Mateo

The best value time to rent a car in and around San Mateo is September, when prices are at their lowest and demand is moderate. July can also be a good option, with slightly lower prices despite moderately high demand. April is typically the most expensive month, characterized by high prices and lower demand. March and June also see elevated pricing, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
March	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
June	62.2°F (16.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	64.0°F (17.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
August	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in San Mateo

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in San Mateo

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $48.

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 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