Watsonville car rentals from $27/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 Watsonville with a pick-up date of 5/16 and drop-off date of 5/23. 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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Watsonville car rental information
| Pick-up location | Watsonville |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Pickup truck, Premium, Premium SUV, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 2 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Hertz, Getaround, Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
Cheap car rentals in Watsonville
| Economy | $27/day |
| Compact | $32/day |
| Intermediate | $34/day |
| Standard | $43/day |
| Minivan | $52/day |
| Full-size SUV | $71/day |
| Premium | $49/day |
| Luxury | $57/day |
| Pickup truck | $45/day |
| Premium SUV | $51/day |
| Compact SUV | $40/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $40/day |
| Supplier choice | $44/day |
| Standard SUV | $47/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Watsonville
- Watsonville, California, is a small city brimming with iconic landmarks and beautiful neighbourhoods, and you are better off adventuring the city and its stunning surrounding areas via Watsonville car rentals. While the city boasts good public transportation, car rentals in Watsonville still win out when it comes to convenience and affordability. You will spend less on driving around the city and nearby towns and cities than the cumulative fares on buses or trains. You can learn more about the city and its people at Agricultural History Project Center & Museum, and explore the Natural Bridges State Beach, Pinto Lake County Park, Sunset State Park, Castro Adobe State Historical Park, and Mt Madona Stables.
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the nearest airport serving Watsonville, about 26 miles from the city center. If you are flying into Watsonville, you will likely land here. Multiple car rental agencies operate on-site desks, including Budget, Hertz, National, Avis, Alamo, and Enterprise. The rental desks are on the first floor of the terminal building near the baggage claim area. Picking your Watsonville car rentals at the airport lets you explore the city immediately after landing.
- Generally, driving in Watsonville is a safe and manageable experience, thanks to the less impatient drivers and well-established and maintained roads. However, driving in the city has its fair share of challenges, needing you to pay attention to details. Although jaywalking is outlawed in the city, it is common still common in the city. Be sure to keep a keen on them, because even if they are on the wrong side of the traffic regulations, you don't want to hit them. Some roads are narrow, especially rural roads. Drive carefully on search roads and overtake only when it is safe and necessary.
- Significant cities in California experience dense traffic, drawing rush hour, and Watsonville is no exception. Despite well-developed roads, Watsonville streets are typically brimming with vehicles during peak travel times, as many locals access their respective working places with private cars. Usually, the city experiences rush hours from 6 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm. Only drive your car rentals in Watsonville during these hours if necessary.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Watsonville for $40 or less
- Book your rental car in Watsonville at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Watsonville are around 17% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Compact rental cars in Watsonville are around 9% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Watsonville
How much does it cost to rent a car in Watsonville?
On average a rental car in Watsonville costs $52 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 Watsonville found in the last 2 weeks is $26.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Watsonville?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($44/day) and Hertz ($49/day).
How much is gas price in Watsonville?
The average gas price in Watsonville is $3.93 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $63, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Watsonville?
Compact (Buick Encore or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Watsonville.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Kyte, Fox, Sixt, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Fox Autorent and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
How can I find car rentals near me in Watsonville?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Watsonville?
A Compact car rental in Watsonville costs $73 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Watsonville?
A Standard car rental in Watsonville costs $81 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Watsonville?
A Full Size car rental in Watsonville costs $85 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Watsonville?
On average a rental car in Watsonville costs $367 per week ($52 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Watsonville?
On average a rental car in Watsonville costs $1,572 per month ($52 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Watsonville?
Most car rental providers in Watsonville offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Watsonville, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Watsonville?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 2 car rental agencies in Watsonville.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Watsonville?
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 Watsonville?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Watsonville so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What car type is recommended for driving in Watsonville?
Watsonville car rentals have a wide range of vehicles, and the roads are well-established, making them versatile for any car type. To this end, your car type depends on your specific needs and destinations. While the vehicle’s safety features and fuel efficiency are not the only factors you want to consider, they play critical roles when choosing your car rentals in Watsonville. For example, if you are driving to off-road locations, look for a well-raised vehicle like an SUV for navigation. Yet, you want to consider the vehicle’s capacity to ensure that it accommodates you and your luggage.
What is the speed limit in Watsonville?
Watsonville has many speed limits, depending on the road you drive. Observing these speed limits is crucial in saving you from getting into trouble with authority. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit in Watsonville is 25 mph in residential areas, 35 mph on the city roads, 55 mph on two-lane highways, 65 mph on multilane, and 70 mph on freeways out of the city. Also, look out for posted speed limits, as speeding is harshly punished in the city.
Where are the best places to park in Watsonville?
Finding a parking lot when driving your car rentals in Watsonville is manageable, with many car parking options, more so in downtown Watsonville. 1620 W Beach Street Parking, Watsonville Parking Lot 14, Civic Plaza Parking Garage, City Parking Lot, and Watsonville Parking Lot 15 are some places worth considering. It costs around $1.50 per hour, but charges vary from location to location. Park your car rentals in Watsonville downtown to stay within the city’s hub.
Watsonville car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
6.9
Okay
30 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.0
4 locations in Watsonville
Locations in Watsonville
1150 Auto Center Cir
+1 831 442 0808
1150 N. Main Street, Suite 1a
+1 831 761 2800
2724 Soquel Ave Ste A
+1 831 464 1900
6900 Automall Pkwy
+1 408 847 4001
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
The Watsonville enterprise office cancelled our rental 2 hours before we were supposed to have picked it up. Their office gave no alternatives, despite the fact that we had the vehicle reserved for 3 weeks ahead of time.Cons:
I had to do the work of tracking down a replacement vehicle at the last minute. Al, who works at the enterprise on Ocean St. in Watsonville, did an amazing job to help us. He stayed past closing time to get us a vehicle in time.8.4 Very good
Feb 2020
Pros:
The staff was friendly and helpful. I booked online at the last minute and when I arrived the employee changed my vehicle to something more appropriate for my needsCons:
I was absolutely floored at the added expense for a one-way rental, pick up and dropping off in different locations.10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
Staff at both locations were very helpful and honest.Cons:
Nothing comes to mind specifically2.0 Poor
Sep 2019
Cons:
Enterprise allowed me to rent the car online. The employees had to call and inform me that they didn’t have any cars. To their credit, they did this right away and I appreciate that. The Enterprise company should not be advertising cars they don’t have.10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2019
Pros:
Great customer service from agent at counter. Very nice rental vehicle. Easy check in and easy return.Cons:
Everything was perfect9.6 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
The drop-off was easy and I got upgraded to a bigger, very modern car.Cons:
When I arrived there,no cars were available, even though I had booked one online (already paid for the insurance).15 minutes later someone dropped off a car and I got it, so it all worked out. But make sure cars are on-hold there when renting them out in the future!Hertz
5.2
Fair
80 reviewsCleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
5.0
4 locations in Watsonville
Locations in Watsonville
132 Center Street
+1 831 423 0315
50 Aviation Way
+1 831 722 2760
6981 Cameron Blvd Suite B
+1 408 847 9179
7000 Soquel Avenue
+1 831 462 0469
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
8.0 Very good
Apr 2021
Pros:
Simple, limited-contact pick up and drop off.Cons:
When I returned the car two days early, the staff at Hertz were unable to do a refund for those extra days. This isn't a criticism of Hertz -- just know that when you book through Kayak, they don't have as much flexibility for extending or shortening a rental. Note that this Hertz location does not do after-hours drop-off. You must return the car before closing time.4.0 Mediocre
Mar 2021
Pros:
The two ladies who checked me in were a delight to deal with. Very professional and personable as they went through all the paperwork and what not.Cons:
My pre-paid 1pm reservation was for a Mid-size Car, and when I got there at 1:30pm they had rented my car and had no Midsize cars left, so I was stuck with an economy car that felt like I was driving a go-kart on steroids or tin can on wheels. That was total BS!! Also, they closed the location close to my house, but it is still listed on their website, Yahoo, Waze, Google, etcetera, so when I drove over there to swap cars, there was a sign on the keys drop box saying to drop off cars across town, at the location where I picked up the car. Again, total BS!! Then when I returned the car they ran my credit card before talking to me at all, and I wanted to use my debit car. When I asked to cancel the charge and put it on my debit card, she said it was too late, she couldn't do that. Third strike of total BS. Even if it costs more and is farther away, I will never again rent a car for Hertz!!2.0 Poor
Sep 2020
Pros:
The location didn’t exist.10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2019
Cons:
Things were great. I did get nervous that my car wasn’t available but the staff there made it go over smoothly. If I had to be knit-picky, I had to wait 15 minutes for my car to get prepped and ready.4.4 Mediocre
May 2019
Pros:
Pick up was quick.Cons:
The drop off was terrible. Was told my drop off location had after hours drop off but it did not. Because of this, I was late for the next plan on my tight schedule.Avis
No score available yet
One location in Watsonville
Locations in Watsonville
630 Ocean Street
+1 831 423 1244
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff were friendly and there was no wait!Cons:
No one walked me to the car or asked if I had questions about it.2.0 Poor
Jun 2020
Pros:
NothingCons:
Shop was closed8.0 Very good
Apr 2017
Pros:
Friendly staff - Easy process10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2016
Pros:
Easy to use and hassle free8.0 Very good
Aug 2016
Pros:
Convenient location. Location was closed so just quickly dropped off the car, didn't interact with anyone so I don't have much to say or judge.7.2 Good
Apr 2016
Pros:
Small but workable.Cons:
The facility was cramped both inside and outside, and from the direction I approached, difficult to see as it was behind a much larger building and sign. I had to back up and maneuver to enter the very small driveway entrance. There was room to park the car once I entered, however. Not sure where to add that I felt the dropoff fee was excessive -- thus the lower rating on value for money.Budget
No score available yet
One location in Watsonville
Locations in Watsonville
630 Ocean Street
+1 831 291 5483
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
May 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2022
Car rental locations in or near Watsonville
When to book a rental car in Watsonville
Airports serving Watsonville
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