How to find a cheap car hire deal in Berkeley
Pick up a cheap rental car in Berkeley for an average of $102 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the major providers, so you can quickly compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices in Berkeley start from just $39.
Planning an extended stay and want to go further than the usual stops? $268 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To land the best price on a Berkeley car hire, book in advance. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates get closer, and you might be left with fewer choices.
Rent your wheels from Hertz, Enterprise or Budget. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Whether you go with Hertz or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Berkeley car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $106 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $101, [this provider](this provider) comes in next.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $101 a day with this supplier.
After a car that works for most trips? The Compact rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Berkeley.
Compare car hire types in Berkeley
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Berkeley puts you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are excellent for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Berkeley car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Berkeley that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Berkeley car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Berkeley.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a higher fee, so always check the policies before securing your ride.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you should add a child car seat to your Berkeley car rental booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United States, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you think you'll be drinking, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. As well as your bank cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Berkeley for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 10 kilometres from central Berkeley and also comes with express check-in and station shuttle services.
Aiden by Best Western Berkeley is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, plus a fitness centre and a restaurant. Check in here and you'll be roughly 0.80 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Berkeley and pick the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Berkeley and your hotel. From Berkeley Repertory Theatre to Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) and Berkeley Municipal Rose Garden, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Berkeley
Shift gears and make tracks to San Jose. Around 72 kilometres southeast of central Berkeley, it's home to must-sees like Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive.
Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport & Silicon Valley and Alura Inn are popular accommodation options with parking in San Jose.
Add San Francisco to your travel plans. Pick up your cheap car hire in Berkeley and drive around 16 kilometres southwest to discover top spots such as Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square.
BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco are comfortable places to stay in San Francisco if you're planning to stick around. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Reno is a top road trip destination that's around 290 kilometres northeast of Berkeley. Plan to make a few pit stops at Truckee River Whitewater Park and Ultimate Rush Speed & Thrill Park.
Next up: catching some z's. Circus Circus Reno, A Caesars Destination and Eldorado Reno – A Caesars Rewards Destination have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Reno.
