Cheap car hire in Irvine, United States

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Irvine car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Irvine pick-up location

There are 6 car hire locations in Irvine. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Irvine

Hiring a car in Irvine: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyThrifty
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily price75 €
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Irvine

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Irvine car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Irvine

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Irvine and hit the road for around 75 € a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • Reserve your ride in November and accelerate your savings. It's the cheapest time of year to rent a car in Irvine, with average daily rates of 29 €.

  • To score a cheap rental car in Irvine, try to book ahead. Prices generally rise as your travel dates approach, and waiting too long might mean missing out.

  • Grab your wheels from Hertz, Avis or Budget. These are some of the most trusted brands offering car hire deals in Irvine.

  • Whether you book with Hertz or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Irvine car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.

  • Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Irvine.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Irvine with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.

Compare car hire types in Irvine

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Irvine may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Irvine car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Irvine that can handle the big jobs. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Irvine car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Irvine.

Good to know

  • You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just be prepared for extra fees or rules. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.

  • Add a car seat to your Irvine car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest option.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Irvine

  • Lock in an amazing car hire deal in Irvine and then get ready to explore the city's best attractions, such as Wild Rivers and The Village at Irvine Spectrum Centre. Driving may not necessarily be the best way to reach them, but you'll want to check out these highlights before you take off.

  • Feel right at home in Irvine by staying at Hotel Zessa Orange County Airport, a DoubleTree by Hilton or Sonesta Irvine John Wayne Airport.

  • Keep travelling to Los Angeles. Around 56 kilometres north-west of central Irvine, you'll find must-see sights like Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Bowl.

  • Reliable accommodation options in Los Angeles include The Biltmore Los Angeles and Freehand Los Angeles.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Irvine and travel around 32 kilometres west to Long Beach. Featuring SkyThrills! - Fly a Real Fighter Aircraft & Become A Fighter Pilot For A Day! Long Beach, CA and Queen Mary, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.

  • Relax after a big day out in Long Beach at Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Or swap the wheel for a well-earned rest at Hyatt Regency Long Beach.

  • Extend your journey and road-trip it to Chula Vista, around 137 kilometres south-east of Irvine. First, visit San Diego Aquatica, then follow it up with Chula Vista Bayfront Park.

  • Close your eyes and rest in Chula Vista at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Rambler Motel has a cosy bed lined up for you too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Irvine will set you back around 75 € per day or 192 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Irvine is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Irvine are currently Avis and Hertz.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Irvine is currently November.
On average, around 192 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Irvine is 192 €.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Irvine, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Irvine that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Irvine.
Most places – Irvine included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 36 € per day. The average price per day is around 71 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Thrifty, Green Motion and Icar Lifestyle offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Thrifty as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Irvine.