Salem car rentals from $22/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Salem with a pick-up date of 5/8 and drop-off date of 5/15. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Salem

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Economy$22/day
Compact$24/day
Intermediate$24/day
Standard$32/day
Full-size$30/day
Minivan$36/day
Full-size SUV$42/day
Pickup truck$36/day
Intermediate SUV$30/day
Standard SUV$32/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Salem

  • Whether you are visiting Salem, the capital of Oregon, for business or leisure, renting a car is the best way to explore wherever and whenever. Fortunately, finding cheap car rentals in Salem and booking your best ride is easy, even for international travelers. Take advantage of the convenience of having a rental by touring the Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 8 miles from Salem via OR-22. If you are a hiking enthusiast, explore further to the incredible Pup Creek Falls, situated approximately 52 miles from Salem. The OR-211 N and OR-224 E roads will get you there in about 1h 6min. If you have some time on your hands, you might take a longer trip to Mt Baldy and enjoy a day’s hiking experience.
  • Study Salem driving laws before you get behind the wheel and start your trip. For instance, you must never use your phone while driving Salem car rentals unless it is in hands-free mode. That said, ensure you enter your accurate destination on your GPS gadget before starting your car, especially if you are touring Salem for the first time. This way, new drivers can map their routes, avoid getting lost, and abide by the road rules and restrictions. Also, always ensure you fasten your safety belts while on the road.
  • If you are arriving in Salem through Salem Station, you can easily find car rentals near the train station. Some of them include Avis, Budget, and Enterprise-rent-a-car, which are a short distance from the train station. Some rentals have several drop-off locations including along front and Mission streets. This makes it possible for you to rent a car in one location and drop it off at another location when leaving Salem. However, remember that some cheap car rentals in Salem might charge you extra “one-way” charges. This depends on the reservation date, pick-up and drop-off locations, car category, etc.
  • Salem offers numerous attractions for leisure and business travelers, which you can quickly attend using Salem car rental options. The Oregon State Fair is an annual event occurring every August to September, allowing you to navigate your rented vehicle within Salem to the Oregon State Fairgrounds on 17th Street. You can also drive about 13.7 miles from the city to the Oregon Garden along Silverton Road and unwind in the stunning botanical garden, particularly convenient and entertaining when you have family and kids.
  • Salem Municipal Airport, also called McNary Field, is stationed around 2 miles from Downtown Salem. The airport has a Budget Car Rental with numerous vehicle types outside the terminal, enabling you to select your itinerary's preferred choice. You can walk up to their counter across the lobby from the baggage claim and take a short walk to the car lot for selection. There are also non-airport car rentals in Salem, such as Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, requiring some planning before arrival to ensure you can reach their offices within the city conveniently or to have your car delivered to the airport.
  • Salem has a busy road network, including Interstate 5, Oregon Route 22, and Oregon Route 99, which connects to Center Street and Marion Street. You can conveniently get around within or outside the city, making it ideal when having businesses or trips in neighboring regions. Salem has seen an increase in pedestrian accidents due to many people crossing against the pedestrian signal or at undesired locations. Notably, many drivers tend to over speed without yielding to pedestrians, so be watchful of at all times to guard against jaywalkers and other road users.
  • Most Salem residents begin their morning commute to work around 5am to 11am, with the peak congestion at about 8am. The evening rush hour generally starts early in the afternoon at approximately 2:30pm and gets especially packed on I-5 from the Wilsonville area due to commuters between Salem and Portland. You can avoid the stop-and-go traffic by attending to your tasks in the morning hours and have a flexible schedule in the afternoons to accommodate any delays.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Salem for $39 or less
  • Book your rental car in Salem at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Salem are around 26% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Salem

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Salem?

    The interstate and intercity highways offer convenient transportation to other roads and streets within the city, making the road network compatible with different vehicles. This development allows you to choose your favorite model according to your needs, such as taking a van when traveling with other people such as family or friends. You can also pick a smaller-sized option for smooth maneuverability, including in busy parking spaces within Salem.

  • What’s the speed limit in Salem?

    The speed limit along the major highways is about 55mph. On roads within school zones, the restriction is approximately 20mph. Ensure to observe the speed limits imposed because the city has cameras monitoring traffic behavior, such as on Silverton Road and Fisher Road.

  • Where are the best places to park in Salem?

    You can use the Marion Parkade that offers free daily usage for downtown customers and includes indoor and outdoor spaces for paid monthly parking for different residents and travelers. Liberty Square Parkade on Ferry Street and Chemeketa Parkade on Commercial Street also provide all-day parking customers to downtown businesses. You may choose to use the Capitol Mall Parking Structure parking space with proximity to the Court Street and Capitol Street bus station, enabling you to tour the city via transit.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Salem?

    On average a rental car in Salem costs $51 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Salem found in the last 2 weeks is $30.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Salem?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($24/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($28/day).

  • How much is gas price in Salem?

    The average gas price in Salem is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Salem?

    Intermediate (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Salem.

  • Which car rental companies are at Portland airport (PDX)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Portland airport include Thrifty, Sixt, Hertz, Dollar, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Avis, Payless and National.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Portland airport (PDX)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Portland airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, Hertz, Dollar, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Avis, Payless, and National.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Salem?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Salem?

    An Intermediate car rental in Salem costs $58 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car rental cost in Salem?

    A Mini car rental in Salem costs $87 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Salem?

    A Full Size car rental in Salem costs $160 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Salem?

    In Salem, cars are most frequently rented at Hertz 477 Lancaster Drive Ne (3 miles from city center).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Salem?

    On average a rental car in Salem costs $355 per week ($51 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Salem?

    On average a rental car in Salem costs $1,522 per month ($51 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Salem?

    Most car rental providers in Salem offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Salem, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Salem?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 5 car rental agencies in Salem.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Salem?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Salem?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Salem so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • What is the Salem car rental cancellation policy?

    Most car rentals in Salem allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before your reservation date. However, if you cancel your car rental reservation within one calendar day of your reservation date, you might have to pay about a 50% cancellation fee.

  • Can you turn right at a red light in Salem?

    Yes. It is legal to turn right at a red light in Salem and the rest of Massachusetts. However, you must check to ensure that there is no “no turn or red” warning at the intersection. Also, you must first stop at the red light before taking the right turn.

Salem car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.2

Very good

34 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

8.3

6 locations in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

1980 Front St Ne

+1 503 316 0755

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

220 S Pacific Hwy

+1 503 370 2562

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2385 Mission St Se

+1 503 364 1911

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2670 Ne Highway 99w

+1 503 472 4010

Monday14:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Tuesday14:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Wednesday14:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Thursday14:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Friday14:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

281 Lancaster Dr Ne

+1 971 240 4516

Monday14:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:0014:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:0014:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:0014:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:0014:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

520 Sw Ellsworth St

+1 541 928 0000

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

It was great all...nice car, nice people, great price, all great

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

all of the above

Cons:

Infinity G50 is a cheap car. I would have preferred a Jetta. But was in good working condition

8.0 Very good

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The pickup was extremely easy once it was my turn, did a quick walk around swiped my card and I was off. The young guy that got me going was very quick and polite.

Cons:

When the TV commercials say we'll pick you up that's true if you are already within walking distance anyway!!! The office is located on the edge of town, I live 13 miles away down a 55 mph state hwy, they wouldn't come pick me up because I was outside the 10 mile radius. The thing that really upset me is any place say 5-7 miles away in town would have taken as long or longer with lights and traffic!!!

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The young Lady that helped us was very friendly, A customer Service all star!

Cons:

Everything went very well from pickup to drop off.

7.2 Good

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The process of reserving the car and the car itself was easy.

Cons:

There was an issue when I dropped off the car in Helena. I will say that the empolyee, Gwen, who helped me from Albany was VERY helpful. She resolved the issue. I feel that the employee in Helena was also very kind and was just trying to do his job. The situation did cause me some stress, though.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Emily was outstanding... She was kind and professional. She listened to my situation and offered me a solution that would work. I was very pleased with my rental.

1 out of 8

Hertz

7.7

Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

7.7

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

477 Lancaster Drive Ne

+1 503 566 6644

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes Extremely

Cons:

Na

6.0 Okay

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

It was not clean and it didn’t have water to clean the from window the key need a new battery so we buyed

8.8 Very good

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The Hertz Salem office staff were super friendly. Very nice people even though they were very busy at the time of pick up.

Cons:

To save time, the car could have been fueled ahead of my scheduled pick up time, and the windshield washer fluid could have been filled. I had to add a half gallon of washer fluid for my trip.

7.2 Good

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Double check the gas in the vehicles. To what is on the computer and what they put on the stickers. This can avoid many issues and unsatisfied customers. Have designated parking spaced that say drop off. Or let you know where to park when your returning the vehicle.

4.8 Mediocre

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was great. No complaints.

Cons:

I thought we were getting a small SUV or crossover. We were given a Toyota Corolla. I believe this 2019 car had a hole in its muffler. It sounded funny while accelerating.

2.0 Poor

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

I waited for over an hour for Hertz to tell me they couldn't even rent me the truck I pre-ordered because it had been in recall. Hertz did not tell me before hand or arrange a different truck. I had to get a ride to a different rental company.

1 out of 8

Avis

8.0

Very good

10 reviews

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

7.0

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

2990 25th Street Southeast

+1 503 362 4394

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

9.6 Wonderful

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Upon picking up the rental, the lady was extremely polite and helpful. As well as the drop off.

Cons:

Cleaning windows is a chore, but the rear window on the inside was just a smearing of dirt.

6.4 Okay

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

I wish the car was clean and ready for the next customer however that wasn’t the case, but the clerk adjust the fee, that was okay!

7.6 Good

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Cheaper to rent for a day then using Uber 2 times

Cons:

Weird smell in car. Need better signage at the airport

7.2 Good

Sep 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Great vehicle upgrade

Cons:

Tried to give me a compact vehicle when I rented a full size, then told me It was their only car left and also tried to tell me that it WAS a full size vehicle. Manager immediately changed it when I told him what had happened.

4.4 Mediocre

Aug 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

The ride overall was smooth and had a good amount of storage for what I needed.

Cons:

I had placed a Minivan rental for the day and was told that there would be one available only to go in and be given a Kia Sorento. When I asked the agent about the difference, he was both non-empathetic and unapologetic in giving me the replacement type of vehicle. He also did not to do anything to help me with an accommodation or to figure out how to compensate me for the issue. Further, the SUV he gave me had a near flat tire on it. When I brought it back in and told him about it, he attempted to shove my problem onto another employee and then let out a loud, audible sigh as if inconvenienced. He came back after making me wait for 10 minutes, handed me the keys and really did not even say anything in the way of an apology for the time it took to remedy the problem. I do not hold these issues against him personally but he had very poor customer service. Finally, the car had developed a very sour, funky smell that became a bit overpowering in the afternoon. I brought it to the airport agent's attention when I dropped it off and she noticed it as well.

1 out of 2

Budget

7.6

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

7.6

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

2990 25th Street Southeast

+1 503 362 0041

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy pick up, easy drop off.

Cons:

Nothing

2.0 Poor

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

I had a reservation I booked online And got a confirmation. Upon arriving and talking with the agent there he let me know that he had no vehicle at the time available for the reservation, I asked for any other vehicles if he had available for replacement, he said he was totally out of vehicles and that he had two reservations that he did not have any cars for. On my way out a lady was entering as she was the other reservation. She came out and got in her rental and drive off. Agent there obviously lied, performed discrimination and so unprofessional. This is a multiple time same agent had done something like this. Other time he had out a rental that was very dirty. Crumbs on chairs and sticky door handles, open drinks and face masks on the floor. WOULD NOT RENT FROM THERE ANYMORE UNTIL THEY REMOVE THIS AGENT!!!

Cons:

DO YOUR JOB OR DON’T BE THERE. CUSTOMERS ARE YOUR FIRST PRIORITIES.

5.6 Fair

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The vehicle was clean.

Cons:

The customer service from the BUDGET AGENT was poor, to say the least. Very rude people over the phone that make rude comments thinking we can’t hear it. Same thing during drop off at their location, I was planning to pay with my debit card my rental, and the agent says well you should’ve told me

9.6 Wonderful

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Comfortable and unlimited miles, great for the family.

Cons:

Everything was great, a little pricey, but great.

8.0 Very good

Sep 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Returning the car was simple and quick.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Reasonable one way price.

1 out of 5

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

McNary Field

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

104 travelers who rented a car in Salem gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7

Car rental locations in or near Salem

Good to know

Most popular agency

Hertz

Most popular car type

Intermediate

Average price

$51/day

Good deal

$39/day

When to book a rental car in Salem

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches