How to find a cheap car hire deal in Oakland
Searching for a cheap rental car in Oakland? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging 178 € a day, we compare the best offers so you can search less, save more, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices in Oakland start from just 33 €.
Thinking of staying longer? Pick up a weekly rental from 226 € and squeeze in a few road trips.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Oakland car hire. Try booking around one week before your departure date.
Get behind the wheel with Europcar, Hertz or Fox - Rent A Car. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Europcar or another supplier offers for your Oakland car hire can differ, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Oakland.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Explore without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with average prices of 78 € a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around 89 €.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly 149 € a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Oakland.
Flying to Oakland? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Oakland, hit the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Oakland Metropolitan Oak Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Oakland
Small: These cheap rental cars in Oakland may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Oakland car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them a great option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Oakland makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Oakland car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Oakland.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer rentals to younger drivers for a surcharge, so always go over the policies before confirming your booking.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat requirements vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Be sure to add the right one to your Oakland car hire reservation.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you haven't driven before in the United States, be aware that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. Along with your credit and debit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Oakland for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time making the most of Days Hotel Oakland Airport-Coliseum. About 10 kilometres from central Oakland, it comes with parking, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle.
Alternatively, take advantage of the accessible parking at Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this option, which also features air conditioning and a laundry.
Explore the full range of hotels in Oakland and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Oakland and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Get things started with big attractions such as Fox Theatre, African American Museum and Library and Oracle Arena.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Oakland
Around 64 kilometres southeast of central Oakland, San Jose belongs on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive.
Popular accommodation options with parking in San Jose include Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport & Silicon Valley and Alura Inn.
Add Stockton to your trip lineup. Grab your cheap car hire in Oakland and drive about 88 kilometres east to explore leading attractions like Downtown Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade and Historic Bob Hope Theatre.
Relax after a day of exploring Stockton at University Plaza Waterfront Hotel or Red Roof Inn Stockton. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Cruise on over to Reno, around 290 kilometres northeast of Oakland. From Truckee River Whitewater Park to Ultimate Rush Speed & Thrill Park, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
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.
